This summer’s Electric Zoo promises to be bigger and better than ever. With the announcement of an additional main stage at the 2013 edition of the summer festival, Made Event has just released a map of the festival grounds showing how the festival grounds in Randall’s Island Park will be shifted around and expanded to accommodate the second main stage. The new Main Stage East area will provide festival goers another opportunity to see headlining acts and will add a considerable amount of overall area to the festival.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend with some of your favorite artists! The fifth edition of the festival will feature a combination of well known international DJs including Avicii, Above & Beyond, Tiesto, and Armin Van Buuren as well as underground artists such as Cassy, John Digweed, Adam Beyer, and Green Velvet on its five stages.

Listen to Green Velvet on Pulse Radio

From Barcelona, Spain, Sishi Rosch, label owner and Director of Digital Delight & Sultry Vibes is about to board the plane and head on over to the shores of South Africa. Starting on August 28th where he will kick it all off, Durban’s Tokio Nightclub will be the first to host Sishi with eagerly awaiting partygoers ready to groove to the early hours of the morning. A days rest until the 30th August where Sishi will be meeting the Pulse team in Cape Town for the first of The Warehouse Movement Party’s set to fill a thousand square meter warehouse. The 30th of August, still in Cape Town, Sishi will be playing at a smaller scale, but still nothing less of a massive party at Jade Lounge. Moving on to Jozi for the final stretch of the tour in Jozi to play at the well-known Sunday Funk party. 

Pulse Radio caught up with Sishi for a quick chat in-between his busy schedule at the moment with the move and touring and running not one, but two labels. This is what he had to say:  

You’ve recently been added to Jackmode's roster and on introduction you’ve done an exclusive mix for them. Take us through that, track choice etc, what was your thinking behind it? 

The mix is pretty straight forward. I took some tracks that I am currently feeling at the moment, along with some of my own personal productions. It starts out a bit deep, and then evolves into a more housier sound, just like how I like to do my DJ sets. The idea behind a mix, is that it needs tell a story, you need to get lost in it. I chose some cutz that are working well on the dancefloor. 

I believe you’re making a move across the Atlantic over to Miami. What’s the reason for this? Is it personal or is it a career move? 

Yes I am. I think it's a little bit of both actually. I lived in Barcelona for 7 years and it was amazing, but its definitely time to relocate. New starts are very much needed in whatever career you pursue. Makes you really think about where you stand, and where you want to go. I have been going to Miami since I was a very young boy, and definitely left a mark on me, and what not better time to do it then right now. I think Miami will bring lots of good things for my career and my personal life with my loved ones.

Okay, so your South African tour is just about to kick off. Durban, Cape Town and Jozi. We’ll most certainly be at The Warehouse Movement Part 1 in Cape Town, really excited for that quite sure that’s going to be a corker. Is this your first time out? And what can we expect from you? 

Yes its my first time in South Africa, I am super excited to go see such a beautiful country. As for what you can expect from me, I have a lot of new productions that I have been working on the last 6 months, so I am very excited to go play for all you guys, deaf looking forward to seeing all you guys there!

You’ve got a genuine love for hip hop/gangster rap particularly from the 90’s era – how does this influence your sound now? 

Absolutely. I mean I listen to old hip-hop pretty much 90% of the time I am listening to music. It is incredible how good old-school hip-hop beats were back in the days, they don't make music like that anymore. I get loads of inspiration from that genre of music.

Label Owner & Director of Digital Delight & Sultry Vibes – You must be extremely busy, how do you juggle your DJing career with the roles you play for the label, Digital Delight & Sultry Vibes? 

I am a bit busy to say the least. I try managing both labels as properly as I can, luckily I have help from my label partner Diego. I guess when you love something so much, it really doesn't seem like its "work", but more like doing something you really like to do. When I am on the road doing gigs, I try to focus just on that, and then once I get back home, I start doing all the necessary day to day label stuff. I have to say though, running a record label in this day in age is a lot of work, let alone two labels.

Will you have any time for playing tourist while you’re down here, or is it a quick in and out trip? 

It is a quick tour, but I definitely want to do the tourist thing for a bit. I have heard nothing but amazing things about South Africa, so I am really excited to try the food and see the sights.....

Okay so sightseeing and food aside - have a listen to one of the reasons South Africa is looking forward to Sishi coming down. 

Here is a mixtape (For Download) that he has just put out under Jackmode after just recently being added to their roster.  

Tracklisting: 

1. Tone Of Arc - Love Kissed (Luca C & Brigante Mouse With No House Mix)

2. Lee Webster - Ok Hole (Original Mix)

3. Jay London & Mastro - Masterplan (Original Mix)

4. Sex Sells - This Hoes Be Fuckin (Original Mix)

5. Andre Salmon, Chris C. Ft. Question Mark - Galaxy Puff (Original Mix)

6. Climbers, Silky, Barber - Frozen (Jaymo & Andy George Rmx)

7. Hanfry Martinez & Javier Carballo - Vamos Mi Niño (Original Mix)

8 . Higher Concept - Stay Crazy Love Ft Willis Haltom (Corey Baker Remix)

9. Luke Larell & Majesty - They Want You (Sishi Rosch Makes You Want It More Re-Rub)

10. Hendriks - Body Jackin (Original Mix)

11. Sishi Rosch - Ghetto Booty Bunny (Original Mix)

12. Jesse Perez Interracial - Booty Calls (Original Mix)

13. Filthy Rich - Climax (Original Mix)

Ultra Music Festival has just announced a new payment plan option aimed at increasing ticket sales for the 2014 edition of the festival. People were outraged when General Admission tickets for the sixteenth Ultra were priced at an all time high of $399.95 plus a $90.50 service fee, bringing the total cost to almost $500. In response to the outcry from fans over the unexpected high ticket prices, Ultra has assured fans that next year’s festival will be a “new experience” on “a new level.”

In an effort to change fans’ perceptions of the high prices and make tickets more affordable, Ultra is offering a payment plan that spreads the total cost of the tickets into five payments of $98.85 to be paid over time. All you have to do is reserve a ticket and put down the first installment of $98.85 as a deposit. A limited amount of tickets with the payment plan are available starting today on a first-come, first-served basis.

Listen to Pulse Radio 

The crowd at NYC's Central Park Summerstage event were treated to something quite special on Tuesday evening. Not only were they treated to a blistering performance from hotter than hell UK duo Disclosure and vocal collaborators Jessie Ware and Sam Smith, but also one from another top duo, TNGHT, aka Lunice and Hudson Mohawke. The latter pair's gig was particularly special, as they were joined on stage by none other than hip-hop royalty Mobb Deep for a special surprise rendition of their track 'Shook Ones Part II.' Check it out below.

Listen to TNGHT on Pulse Radio

Music On resident and Dissonant label boss, Marc Antona, is a man of contrasts. And while most of us have conflicting thoughts and desires, few of us can turn those innermost feelings into something more, something that connects you to others - the same way as Antona’s music has done to so many fans over the years. And quite a few years it’s been; with releases on Moon Harbour and Adam Beyer’s TrueSoul, a collaboration with tINI and gigs at some of the world’s finest clubs. We caught up for a quick chat before tomorrow night’s Music On gig, where if you’re lucky enough to be on the island, you can catch Antona warming things up for Carola in the cavernous terrace alongside Monika Kruse and Stacey Pullen in the main room. Just another night in paradise...

What’s it been like to be a resident at Music On these last two years? Joining Music On has been such a great move. I joined early on to what quickly turned into one of the most successful underground parties on the island. But most of all, it’s really cool being part of such an incredible team, everyone has a true passion for music and huge respect for each other.

How did you first meet Marco and get booked to play Music On in the beginning? We didn't really know each other well before. Marco got in touch with me just because he liked my music a lot, which just goes to show how much Music On is truly ‘All About the Music’! At the end of last season, we got together and found out that we shared not only musical, but also personal respect.

For many experienced clubbers, the terrace at Amnesia is considered to be one of the best dance floors in the world. What’s it like to play there? The Amnesia terrace is really deserving of its incredible reputation. It's a favourite for both DJs and clubbers. There is so much energy there, a feeling of touching paradise on earth! Playing on Amnesia terrace for the best night is always such a massive honour and challenge all at the same time.

Any big releases coming out on your label, Dissonant, in the near future? At Dissonant, we prefer to have fewer releases, taking time to choose carefully what will be our next record. The only criteria is the music, which its part sexiness, groove and creativity, and never artist name or sales expectation. We have really stunning releases in preparation for the second half of the year, especially a forthcoming album from my good friends Re-UP. They came to my studio for three weeks last month to finish it, and I must say that I really love the result!

What’s been the most amazing experience you’ve had playing at Music On so far? I’ve had so many "most amazing experience" with Music On so far. Opening party this year was really a big moment for the music and me! Also, the after party we had this year at La Plage was also a great musical trip.

Listen to Marc Antona on Pulse Radio.

To celebrate its 5th Anniversary edition this November, boutique Victorian festival Strawberry Fields is throwing two special launch parties.

The first party will be taking place at Melbourne's Brown Alley with special guests Stimming and Kenny Larkin on Friday September 20th, while Sydney will be treated to French sensation Bambounou at Goodgod Small Club on Saturday October 12th courtesy of local promoters Charades. So who is Bambanou? For one, he's a member of Modeselektor's seminal 50 Weapons stable, but to get a better idea check the below Slices video. 

Bambanou will be joined by some of Sydney's best DJ talent including Astral DJs, Kato and more. Tickets can be purchased here on Pulse via the buy button. There are also special industry priced tickets available to Strawberry Fields festival 2013 - for more info head to the bottom of the Sydney launch party event page here.

Listen to Astral DJs on Pulse Radio

For those who fell into a downward spiral of misery when Simon Cowell's plans for a DJ X-Factor went down the drain late last year, this news might give you some form of respite (that is of course if the Stafford Brothers' show has been failing to fill the void). Introducing Australia's newest reality television show based on the dance music scene...wait for it...The Promoter. Yes, you read that correctly. Some fledgling TV exec has pitched some torrid piece of shit to his bosses, promising them that "this EDM thing is where the money is at," and they've given them a dump truck of money to dispose with.

The Melbourne based show will be an 8 part series that will feature, as the website puts it, "the next generation of promoter superstars given weekly tasks any seasoned promoter would need to achieve in order to succeed in the cut throat industry of nightclubs." Can you stand more? OK: "The Promoter focuses on fame, fashion, music and people from all walks of life get a chance to mingle within in the inner sanctum of club-land’s social elite as they out-do each other to throw one hell of a party!"

Over eight no doubt painful weeks contestants will be eliminated based on a criteria of innovative marketing, ability to attract patrons, quality of patrons, presentation, social skills and people management. The grand prize? $30,000, or return flights to Miami, Vegas and Ibiza to party, learn and present for The Promoter at select nightclubs.

Think we're being too harsh on a show we haven't even copped a glimpse of yet? Take a look at this promo video and tell us we're wrong!

The Promoter is accepting applications now and no previous experience as a promoter is necessary (surprise, surprise). Enter now so the nation can laugh, ridicule and then forget all about you as soon as the show has finished. Because let's face facts here, this is all about television and not the industry.

Listen to something real on Pulse Radio

New Zealand's favourite music festival Rhythm And Vines has dropped its lineup for 2013 with a stellar cast of live acts and DJ talent set to take over the the beautiful Waiohika Estate in Gisborne this New Years Eve period. Aussie pop duo Empire Of The Sun will headline the event this year, joined by international talent in the form of Flux Pavilion, Julio Bashmore, Dusky, Soul Clap and more. Naturally there will also be a selection of homegrown NZ artists on the bill, with dnb stars Shapeshifter and local lads Tahuna Breaks already leading the charge.

The Rhythm and Vines festival is always of particular interest to Aussie punters as it's a sure fire sign of who will be heading over this way for the summer party season. Check out the full lineup below.

Rhythm And Vines 2013 Line Up:
Empire Of The Sun
Flux Pavilion
Hospitality (stage)
Julio Bashmore
Hermitude
Chet Faker
Dusky
Rustie
Soul Clap
Rustie
The Phoenix Foundation
David Dallas
@Peace
P-Money
Concord Dawn
Tahuna Breaks

Tickets are on sale now here.
 
Listen to Pulse Radio

Good girl gone bad, pop pixie to all out bruiser Miley Cyrus has shocked many people this year with grills, twerking, hip hop and molly. And after promising her fans that if she reached 13 million followers on Twitter she'd reveal the name of her forthcoming LP. she's come correct and dropped one of the worst LP titles ever.

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And boy, what a title it is. Miley posted the below tweet yesterday, dropping the news that everyone had been so desperate to hear:

"If you don't know why my record is called BANGERZ you'll know as soon as you hear it. Nothin but #BANGERZ"

Yep, that's right - Ms Cyrus is going whole-hog and bringing a fistful of EDM bangers(z) to her next LP. This comes as her popularity grows, thanks in part to her eye opening video and track We Can't Stop featuring Mile WiLL Made. Familiarise yourself with the jaw dropping, twerked out video above.

“People have this misconception of me that I’m just one of these kids on TV and that now I go off and party and I’m just this ratchet white girl,” she said top UK fashion & lifestyle magazine Notion. “I work really, really hard, I’m just in a different environment. I’m young and living and in LA which is everyone’s dream, you know.”

Via Fact

Listen to plenty of BANGERZ on Pulse Radio.

Hailing from a small town near Tuscany, Italian techno jock Federico Grazzini splits his time between Florence and Ibiza these days, where he’s a resident for the cutting edge, forward thinking outdoor party The Zoo Project here in Ibiza, as well as the Saturday Night Project, Tenax and Fiesta Privada. Though not confined to Ibiza and Italy, the Tenax artist’s skills behind the decks have seen him trot the globe in recent years, playing some the hottest clubs around, including Womb, Watergate, T Bar, Space Ibiza, and of course, Sankeys Ibiza, where he plays the always incredible Carnival Cities, where you can catch him on August 17.  Federico prefers long DJ sets, melting house and techno with deep funk fusions, seeming to draw inspiration from many points. check out the recoirds that shaped him as an artist today, underneath.

So in order to get a better understanding of just where Federico is coming from next time he melts our brains come hour four of his masterly crafted musical journeys, we asked Federico Grazzini what five records he feels have come define him over the years.

Hamilton Bohannon- Let's Start The Dance‬

Groove, groove, groove. More then 30 years after the release a lot of artists still take sample from that funky beat. There must be a reason. There is no drum machine, no computer, no software that can reproduce the human feeling, the magical rhythm that makes body shake, and it's not all about the drums. It's like a single huge instrument called band that moves and live like anything else in this world, where vocals, guitars and all the rest are perfectly melded. ‬

 ‬

KC Flight - Let's Get Jazzy

It's difficult to describe in words what for me is unique in his genres; this record has been always in my bag since the day I bought it. The unbelievable detail of this great song is the interlocking between kick and bass, it could be enough for rock any dance floor. And if you add the hip flavour vocals...wow!

Laurent Garnier - The Man With The Red Face

A trip from jazz to techno, where I realized how important the arrangement is on a track, the most rapid 9 minutes of my life, this tune could last for hours without boring me. It's unbelievable how sounds apparently so different are mixed, and how they create that timeless atmosphere. When I heard it live from him and his band, it was like a journey, where there was no limit on experimentation, with classical instruments creating new armories, jazzy hi hats turn into hypnotic grooves and more and more and more.

Metro Area – Miura

I can't believe how something apparently so simple could be so emotional. Every single element is maniacally well-done, bass line and claps could make me dance all night, synth choirs lead me into a different dimension. I still remember when I bought the double vinyl album, which is all good too, at that time that sound, that was quite far from what I was playing, literally kidnaped me.

Planet Funk - Who Said

Alchemy. Rock, techno, pop, funk, house, and something fresh make this tune memorable for me. It makes me want to jump and scream, is it good for an open-air festival and for a flat black small club. When I had the chance to work with Planet Funk in studio, 10 years later, I realized how the human energy is important when you write music, and how sometimes music could be just "in the air" around you.

Catch Federico at Carnival Cities on August 17, alongside Sneak, Cajmere, Finnebassen, South London Ordnance, Federico Grazzini, Lele Sacchi, BONES, Rebels, Troupe, Jiggy. Grab your tickets here!

Listen to Federico Grazzini on Pulse Radio.

‪Hamilton Bohannon- Let's Start The Dance‬

‪Groove, groove, groove. More then 30 years after the release a lot of artists still take sample from that funky beat, there must be a reason. There is no drum machine, no computer, no software that can reproduce the human feeling, the magical rhythm that makes body shake, and it's not all about the drums. It's like a single huge instrument called band that moves and live like anything else in this world, where vocals, guitars and all the rest are pefectly melted.‬

KC Flightt - Let's Get Jazzy

It's difficult to describe on words what for me is unique on his genres, this records is been always on my bag since the day i bought it. The unbelievable detail of this great song is the "interlocking" between kick and bass, it could be enough for rock any dancefloor, and if you add the hip flavour vocals... wow!

Laurent Garnier - The Man With The Red Face

A trip from jazz to techno, where i realised how important the arrangement is on a track, the most rapid 9 minutes of my life, this tune could last for hours without boring me. It's unbelievable how sounds apparently so different are mixed, and how they create that timeless atmosphere. When i heard it live from him and his band, it was like a journey, where there was no limit on experimentation, with classical instruments creating new armonies, jazzy hi hats turns into hypnotic groove and more and more and more.

Metro Area - Miura

I can't believe how something apparently so simple could be so emotional. Every single element is maniacally well done, bassline and claps could make me dance all night, synth choirs lead me into a different dimension. I still remember when i bought the double vinyl album, which is all good too, at that time that sound, that was quite far from what i was playing, literally kidnap me.

Planet Funk - Who Said

Alchemy. Rock, techno, pop, funk, house, and something fresh makes this tune memorable for me. It makes me want to jump and scream, is it good for an open air festival and for a flat black small club. When i had the chance to work with Planet Funk in studio, 10 years later, i realized how the human energy is important when you write music, and how sometimes music could be just "in the air" around you.

Listen to Sankeys Ibiza on Pulse Radio.

In June they revealed the full international line-up for this year’s Vodacom in the City which includes acts Skunk Anansie, The Hives, alt-J and Boys Noize. Naturally partygoers who are set to go to the event are over the moon. The question that’s still in the air though, is which South African talent will be chosen to smash the Newton’s Mary Fitzgerald Square on the 4th of October?

This year, Vodacom is leaving this one with you to decide, who do you think should be the South African talent to play alongside this monumentally edgy line-up? 

To add to this, Vodacom is also running a VIP fan experience that will get five Vodacom fans and their partners an all-inclusive VIP trip to Jozi’s Vodacom in the City on the 4th October AND, a trip to Rocking the Daisies in Cape Town on the 5th of October!! The Vodacom VIP winners will be flying to RTD with the winning South African band.

 Entry details: 

Bands

Check out www.vodacom.co.za/vitc2013 and submit your entry by 13h00 on 11 August. The judges will shortlist five bands and if you’re one of them, the fans will decide who’ll get to open Vodacom In the City 2013.  

Vodacom VIP Fan experience:

Purchase a Vodacom prepaid data bundle from as little as R12 for 30Mb before 6 September and stand a chance to VIP Tickets to Vodacom In The City and VIP tickets to Rocking the Daisies, including flights, accommodation, transfers, meals and drinks. To top it off, you’ll fly to Rocking the Daisies with the winning SA band.  Details and T&C’s are on www.vodacom.co.za/vitc2013.

Tickets for Vodacom In The City: 

Webtickets: http://webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=404861524 

Event Information:

Event Info: www.inthecityjhb.co.za

Email: media@inthecityjhb.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheCityJHB

Twitter: @InTheCityJHB

Vodacom In the City is a Seed Experience:

Like us on Facebook: /SeedExperiences

Follow us on Twitter: @SeedExperiences

Watch us on YouTube: /user/weareseed1

Website: www.weareseed.co.za

Thursday lunchtime means one thing - another exclusive radio venture here on Pulse. Right on time, Dicky Trisco and his Disco Deviance label are back for another hour of disco grooves and house beats  (on the first Thursday of the month) featuring special guests J Kriv & The Disco Machine.

"Kriv & The Disco Machine are a brand new 100% original disco project put together by New York based Dj and producer Jason Kriveloff from Deep&Disco. They have just released their first 6 track digital EP on File Under Disco after a series of hotly received remixes by The Idjut Boys, Duff Disco, Dicky Trisco & Faze Action" says an excitable Dicky of today's guests.

"The band features live instrumentation by the man himself plus a host of other guest musicians plus vocals by Adeline Michele, Karie Bruce, Angelica Allen and Lou Teti. Original disco music with the very highest production standards is the name of the game. JKriv is also a highly talented DJ as well. And as always - enjoy the music!

Stay tuned to Disco Deviance, every 1st Thursday of the month.

Listen to Disco Deviance on Pulse Radio

In just over four weeks time, unique event Unknown Croatia kicks off between 10th - 14th September. The secluded event - spearheaded by Hideout festival, WHP and field Day and held on Novi - have announced boat parties helmed by the likes of Bugged Out, Kompakt and more.

The festival's unique setting and unrivaled line up (including Richie Hawtin, Disclosure, The Horrors, Jessie Ware, Django Django, TEED, SBTRKT and many man more) have kept festival goers hungry for more all year as this 'mature' celebration of art music and good times edges nearer. Check out the teaser video revealing the stunning location of their debut year.

Now, boat parties in the form of Bugged Out! ( with Julio Bashmore and Paul Woolford), Kompakt celebrating 20 years with Michael Mayer and DJ Koze, Erol alkan's Phantasy label (featuring the man himself, Justin Robertson and Daniel Avery) have been revealed. Spencer and Jackmaster take control on the Tweakaholic boat and Jamie xx, Four Tet and Floating Points head out into to water with Wax:On. Damn, that's a serious selection of rocking maritime madness to choose from - best hurry and grab tickets for the boat parties from here.

The resort includes camping facilities amidst an enchanted forest and forest lodges that overlook the beautiful Adriatic Sea. For tickets and more information, see underneath. 

Unknown Festival

Tue 10th - Saturday 14th September
Rovinj Croatia

Tickets

Listen to Unknown Festival on Pulse Radio.

In March and April this year tens of thousands of colour-crazy revellers covered Cape Town and Johannesburg in a kaleidoscope of green, orange, pink, yellow and blue at the original WE ARE ONE Colour Festivals.  

When it launched, WE ARE ONE was the first Electronic Dance Music (EDM) event based on a colour powder festival concept to launch in South Africa. As the first festival of its kind in the country, WE ARE ONE attracted sell-out crowds in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It also set in motion a “colour festival phenomenon” that has seen several ‘copycat’ versions of the original WE ARE ONE colour festival crop up in cities around the country as promoters jump on the colour powder bandwagon after seeing the success WE ARE ONE generated.  

The public has taken notice of this as questions are asked online and in social media about why there are so many different colour festivals that seem so similar. As the company responsible for putting on WE ARE ONE, award-winning Seed Experiences wants to set the record straight.  

“We don't claim to be the first colour festival ever and the concept of a non-religious colour festival is no longer new and many are held around the world. But to be sure WE ARE ONE is South Africa's First Colour Festival of its kind and, as Seed Experiences, we remain committed to throwing successful colour festivals that are about music and people having a great time in the spirit of togetherness,” says Brian Little, Managing Director of Seed Experiences. 

Despite other versions of the first WE ARE ONE Colour Festival popping up, Seed Experiences is confident that both existing fans and new colour-party revellers will support the country’s first EDM colour festival. “Like all of Seed Experiences events WE ARE ONE set the standards in South Africa. People who attend WE ARE ONE know they are part of the first festival in the country and they know they can expect a world-class event, the best line-up, and an overall amazing experience. This is clear from our sell-out events in March and April,” adds Brian.  

Seed Experiences will be announcing the new venues and dates for the summer WE ARE ONE Colour Festivals very soon. The official announcements will be made on the Facebook pages and to media in the coming days.  

If it doesn’t say WE ARE ONE, it’s not South Africa’s First Colour Festival music and party event!

Mark Pritchard - aka Harmonic 313 and one half of Africa Hitech - has made a track off new EP 'Lock Off available to stream, titled '1234'.

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The prolific artist - now living in Australia - has made the new EP available to listen to and is the second in a trilogy that precedes a new full length album on Warp (the home for the majority of his output).

Exploring the frenetic, choppy and high energy tempos of juke, combined with the amens and stabs of early jungle-era breaks, '1234' also features mic dutie from UK emcee's The Ragga Twins, adding a layer of authenticity and roughly cut aesthetics to this hard-as-nails bomb.

The ‘Lock Off’ EP is released on 2nd September through Warp Records. Stay tuned for more details on the forthcoming album.

Tracklisting:
01. 1234 feat Ragga Twins
02. Ghetto Blast
03. Lock Off
04. Soundboy Fuck Off
05. 1234 (Instrumental) [digital only]

Listen to Mark Pricthard on Pulse Radio.

"Funky fresh!" is what most accurately describes the sound of rising duo, Thee Cool Cats. While they do not limit themselves stylistically, it is their use of hip hop vocals combined with an edgy beat that reminds us a bit of Chicago House in its golden day. Recently discovered for their absolutely banging tunes, Gerry Gonza and Tony Edit have already been released on Nurvous, Get Physical, and CUFF. The future holds a lot in store for these in demand producers, as they now embark on their DJing career as well. The two of them have put together a groovy mix that is flavored with hip hop samples coupled with the riveting bassline that they're known for. Be sure to have yourself a listen while Thee Cool Cats talk about their beginnings, give a few production tips, and tell us their favorite moments so far.

First things first, what's the explanation behind the extra 'e' in your name? Tony: Well, I had been thinking of names for a new project for a while, and I was always fascinated when people in the old movies from the 70’s or 80’s would say about a person, “Oh yeah that guy Jon, he is guy is a cool cat,” like a cool person or friend. So I thought of a duo called 'The Cool Cats' as a couple of cool dudes. The extra “E” came about for stylistic reasons and it’s always been cool when people emphasize the “THEEEEE” to make it singular and make sure you know what they are talking. It makes the name stand out a bit more. BOOM!

Gerry: what Tony said.

You mention in your bio that the two of you love hip hop, what are some of your favorite artists? Gerry: Right now I really like anything coming from Curren$y. When I hear his music it is always flowing with light bells, synths and whistles. He comes on, says what he's feeling at the time, simple and never forced. I really like that about him. In regards to the old school, I am really into any 90’s Miami freestyle hip hop and breaks that is my ish right there.

Tony: Well, I am a huge Jay Z fan, he always seems to hit the spot. The new album is really doing it for me, the [tracks] 'Tom Ford' and 'FUTW' are on constant repeat on my iPod. I'm also a fan of Kanye West. His new stuff is really aggressive and is moving in a different direction, which is always good. I'm a big fan of the old school west coast stuff especially anything produced by Dr. Dre. All Snoop, Eazy, got really into the southern rap for a good minute, T.I. Lil Jon, Juvenile, anything and everything old school CASHMONEY. Manny Fresh puts it down on the beats, no joke. Nowadays I'm really into Childish Gambino, some Oddfuture stuff, Kid Cudi every now and then, I can't even begin to list all my favorite artists in hip hop, it’s way too hard. 

The two of you have been working together for over a year now? What do you find is the most important in a musical partnership? Gerry: That would have to be our communication and mindset, we are really alike in so many ways, it’s crazy. The other day, we were just figuring out the next step in Thee Cool Cats' sound and when we were brainstorming we already had the same vision.

Tony:  Exactly, the best part of our partnership has to be our communication; Gerry and I are in constant communication about everything, not just music. But when it comes to music, I like to joke around and call Gerry my musical soul mate because he seems to be able to read my mind, finishing each other’s sentences and what not. That has really kept us on a good path this year, which has been incredible, we feel so blessed to have people like our sound, it’s amazing.

What has been the most gratifying moment so far in your careers? Tony: Well, that’s a good question. Up to now, I would have to say this whole year working with Gerry and this project. We have been extremely blessed to receive such an amazing response to our music, getting to release our music on labels such as Nurvous and Get Physical (which is a dream come true for us) and have our tracks chart so well on Beatport showing us that people enjoy our sound. Having people contact us on Soundcloud and Facebook to let us know they like our tracks and they got a reaction, that is super awesome. Also, getting to tour Europe with my old electro duo was cool too, but getting such a good response to our music is really gratifying. We feel so honored to have our music being played by so many artists that we admire especially legends like Sander Kleinenberg and Kenny Dope. Plus support from the artists that influenced our sound such as Amine Edge & DANCE and Kolombo, crazy!  We recently had our first official Thee Cool Cats show in San Diego and having people sing our track Hand on the Pump back to us, was super cool that is a moment I will never forget. I mean our careers are barely starting, so I hope we have many more moments to discuss later, we are truly fortunate to have some really good people helping us and guiding us especially our boy Andrew over at Nurvous. One thing I do know is that we will never stop working hard to make sure that our moments never stop coming.

Gerry: For me it’s the everyday moments, having people tell us they like our tracks. I mean it’s so crazy to us that we have been so fortunate to have so many awesome people backing us up and guiding us. It motivates us so much to keep creating and pushing the music as much as we can.

You only use your laptops and plugins for production.  What programs do you use and what's you're most recent favorite plugin?Gerry: Ableton is our DAW [Digital Audio Workstation]. We just recently bought [Ableton] 9 and it's fantastic. Trillian we recently bought as well and it is huge and very versatile too, not too complicated to work with all.

Tony: Exactly, we like to keep our set up as simple as possible and try to make music that way too, using the least amount of vsts and plugins to get the right sound, I am a big fan of Sub-Boom and Sylenth myself, Trillian is big though, I like to use Cool Edit to chop up and do pitch work on vocals, an old trick I learned during my electro days with my boy Louie Fresco.

Do you have personal recommendations for other starting producers out there? Gerry: Don't settle. Timing is everything so if the opportunity you want hasn’t come, it’s probably not the right time yet, so just keep working and don't get discouraged. You will get some doubts once in a while, but if you love what you do, just open the DAW and let it your stuff out.

Tony: Exactly Gerry,  I can’t really add much to that, like he said be patient and never stop working, try to do something for your music, everyday show it to someone, work on new sounds, drums anything, just make sure you do something every day. Also try to not put stuff out that is not finished especially on Soundcloud and such, that just makes you look unprofessional.

"Hand on the Pump" coming out on CUFF is quite a dance floor shaker.  What's the story behind the track and how it got signed? Gerry: Well, we were greatly influenced on HOTP by Amine Edge & DANCE’s Goodie – Goodies and just wanted to make something that had that same vibe, so we opened up a bass sound we liked and played with it a bit then the bassline came and from then we just went with it. 

Tony: We actually started out Thee Cool Cats by getting together in our friends Diego and Danny’s studio in Calexico, California, for like 6 months making music every weekend. We didn’t want to DJ or show it to anyone until we felt we had something special. We got 12 or 15 tracks ready and started sending out demos right after this, we had made like 4 or 5 GHouse tracks and like Gerry said, HOTP came out of us both really liking Amine and Dance’s track. So we decided to make a pack with these five tracks and send them to Amine’s demo email, never really heard anything back until one of our friends was traveling in London and happened to be at a party where Amine and Dance used HOTP as their intro track and then it all took off from there. I got in touch with Amine via Facebook to thank him for the support and he asked us if we had a label for it yet, which we didn’t. He then told me the idea he had for the new label CUFF and we really bought into it and are really proud to be a part of it and have Amine helping us out along the way.

You've been working on a lot of productions, have you started touring yet? Tony: Yeah, it’s been kind of hectic but we love it, since our music is what will give us the opportunity to even tour, we wanted to make sure our music was out there and people like it before we go out there and hit the streets, but I think the time has come, expect some news very soon about an upcoming tour in Europe and another one in Brazil this winter BOOM…our agent’s info is on our Soundcloud and Facebook if anyone is interested shameless plug.

One of you lives in Arizona, and the other in California, do you guys foresee moving together to the same city in the future? Tony: We do live in different cities, but as we said earlier communication has been the strongest part of our partnership. We Skype all the time and stay in constant contact so it really hasn’t been that big of an issue. We actually spend most of our time in Mexicali B.C. Mexico and Calexico, California. We get together here at least once a week, if not every two weeks and finish everything up together.  But it is definitely in our plans to be living in the same city soon.

Gerry: Yes, it’s definitely in the plans to be in the same city, we are just waiting for the right time to do it, don't think we’ll be home too much in the coming months anyways, oops.

Is there a label that would be your dream to be released on? Gerry: Get Physical was a big dream of ours and when it happened we really couldn't believe it, but a label that would be insane to be released on would be TURBO. The roster speaks for itself and well, the name speaks for itself really haha.

Tony: TURBO would be awesome since we are huge fans of Tiga, and yes we are still kind of in shock about releasing GET PHYSICAL and plan to keep working with them. We plan to keep working with the fam over at NURVOUS as well, and most definitely can’t wait for our CUFF tracks to come out, but some labels we would really like to work with would DYNAMIC, NOIR, 2DI4Y, Crosstown Rebels and Hot Creations. We feel our style is diverse to fit in anywhere really, so we are just gonna keep hustling until our dreams come true.

If you could change one thing about the Mexican or American electronic music scene to improve it, what would that be? Gerry: I wouldn't change anything really. In America progressive and electro is huge, which I think is good because there’s seems to be more budget for those huge scale productions. With deep and indie shows it’s a bit more intimate most times,  which seems to work well in Mexico, where there a lot of venues that cater to this type of crowd.

Tony: I personally agree with Gerry, not much to change. I do wish people would categorize all electronic dance music into the EDM acronym, which in the U.S. has become a huge mainstream monster. It really throws people off when you tell them you make dance music and you tell them it’s funky, mellower and they are like huh? You mean EDM. I just think people should be open to all kinds of music and enjoy them. This has slowly started to happen in Mexico, people seem to let the flow of the music come to them instead of trying to force it, so it has caused the scene to grow. I personally really like where the Mexican scene is going, you can tell there is a lot of talent and hopefully we can all help each other and work together to make sure we give Mexico a good name in the scene.

Finally tell us more about the exclusive mix you’ve produced for us… We really hope you guys like the mix we did for y’al asl it has a bunch of our new tunes that you will be hearing no doubt in the future. Thanks for taking the time to get to know us & helping us get our sound out there! Keep it Real …

Listen to Thee Cool Cats on Pulse Radio

Revolutionary clubbing brand and live stream entertainment site Boiler Room have announced their plan to host 3 Villa Sessions in Ibiza across the 13th, 14th and 15th August.

It seems like a distant memory when BR held their not so regular nights at abandoned spaces around Hackney in East London. These days, they're appearing everywhere, with regular editions of the weekly series gaining momentum in Berlin and L.A.

For their Ibiza sessions they're taking it slightly back towards their roots, with 3 events taking place at an undisclosed villa location somewhere on the island. Thursday 13th sees Jamie Jones & friends bring Paradise; Wednesday 14th August belongs to Richie Hawtin & friends plus a special ENTER.pool party whilst the king of the island, Carl Cox, brings his friends to the all seeing eye of the camera on Thursday 15th August.

You can also reacquaint yourselves with Richie's infamous Christmas broadcast, live from his home in 2011 in the Youtube player above.

Tune into Boilerroom.tv to watch all Villa Takeovers live. Times are below.

Tuesday 13 August
Jamie Jones & friends present Paradise
7pm - 11pm

Wednesday 14 August
Richie Hawtin & friends:
ENTER.pool party
4pm- 8pm

Thursday 15 August
Carl Cox & friends
4pm - 8pm

Listen to Richie Hawtin on Pulse Radio

A team of six including Vision Quest’s Seth Troxler and Ryan Crosson, Ben Pound of Futureline, and Jo Vilder of Secret Productions have collaborated to create a cool new pop-up bar in London, which opened up today, August 8th. The riverside location at London’s E9 Container Yard was kept secret until opening day.

The BBQ and cocktail joint is described by its founders as “a riverside hideaway, a wooden-decked sun-trap boasting exquisite smoked meats, sublime salads, knock-out frozen cocktails, independent guest ales and mighty fine desserts” and has received positive reviews from the lucky ones who have already had a taste. The official launch isn’t until next week but head over in the meantime to see what all the buzz is about.

Listen to Seth Troxler on Pulse Radio

When I received a copy of Balance Presents Guy J CD in the mail, my heart started beating with excitement. The first Balance Presents with Jozif had quickly become my favorite, its track selection so well curated and emotional, I was enthralled. Israeli DJ/producer Guy J was the perfect follow up, since I have always loved his captivating work that easily brings you to a trancelike state. I knew before I even listened to it, that I was holding in my hands the perfect mix.

The anatomy of the compilation is thought through well, from an excellently timed buildup in the beginning to the gradual dissolution of sound at the end. The first track, Guy J's remix of DJ Yellow & Flowers and Sea Creatures "No One Get Left Behind" is an absolutely stunning opener, with vocals that are reminiscent of Radiohead, but I would dare say are even better. I've hardly begun, and already I feel like I am transported to my own reverie. The bassline builds steadily, but it doesn't drop until Guy's edit with Radio Slave a cappella of APM001's "Migrants," which adds that heavier and darker twist to the mix. The warped a cappella adds texture and that extra dimension of the surreal. Beautiful melodies are weaved throughout the mix, until I was hit with a wave of nostalgia as the Guy J remix of Way Out West's "Killa" came on, a track I had always turned to in my childhood reveling in its progression and melodic notes. Perfection, in my mind, was just attained. Guy J had taken me back to some of my favorite memories. I could ask no more of this mix.

The compilation was released this week on Tuesday, August 6th. We sat down with the man behind the magic, Guy J himself, to see what went into this beautiful mix.

There is, of course, an ocean of music to choose from when asked to create a compilation.  When Balance approached you to do "Balance Presents…," what was the story you wanted to tell and how did you go about deciding on each track? What I had in mind with "Balance" is a compilation that gives the DJ freedom to do what he wants. Straight away I thought it would involve a lot of work in the studio;  I didn't want it to be original music of mine, but music I will make inspired by great producers. I asked a few producers and producers' friends to remix one of their tracks and began to build the whole CD around those first tracks I had.

You mentioned in an interview with Balance that in order to make this mix perfect, you wanted to ' create, write and produce it.'  That is a rather interesting approach for a mix, where you could have opted to simply leave tracks as is.  Besides making it your own, did you do it because you felt some of these tracks needed an updated feel to be relevant today? Two tracks on the album are remixes of classics, Echomen and the WOW track, but the rest are new tracks and some unreleased tracks. I believe the next compilation I'll do will be a traditional mix of music by other producers, but because it was for Balance and the first compilation of mine, I wanted to make it more personal and challenging.

I was delighted to hear Way Out West's "Killa," which is also one of my childhood favorites.  What is another oldie but goodie track that you would like to bring back into rotation, perhaps with an interpretation of your own? Would love to do "CM - Dream Universe," one of best tracks ever.

Progressive house is a mislabeled genre in today's music scene, often confused for a 'big room' and more aggressive sound that is propagating.  Do you feel that affects you when releasing your music? It does, my music and also other producers' great music is not being exposed at all because it's losing focus by these "big room" tracks. I believe it also led to progressive house tracks, but real progressive house tracks, to go to other genres as well, so it's a bit of a mess now.

Your style of music contains strains of very emotional melodies, almost trance-like and absolutely dreamy. Tell us, what is one of your favorite dreams that you find yourself coming back to? I find myself entering the club, waiting for the moment to start and pressing play. Every time and again, it's a dream, every time it's different, I love it.

What are some of your sources of inspiration or muses when producing?  What drives your imagination? The places I go and those moments before I head to a new place. Nightlife is very inspiring, the music in the club can change everything on the night. Every place in the world is different and I come back with something new. Before I leave, I want to create something new to bring with me. My personal life influences at me a lot - there are ups and downs and I take it out through music.

My Israeli friend would tell me he would go to amazing beachside raves as a kid. Besides attending the Love Parade at the age of 14 in Tel Aviv, what other chances did you have at experiencing the music as a kid? On the radio in Israel, I heard some of the best records ever on a radio show every Thursday that played music that was the most influential like James Holden, Mara, WOW, Bedrock and more. To hear this music on the radio, in Love Parade and in clubs, it opened my mind for another channel of how music can be done.

Would you say the Israeli electronic music scene cultivated itself on the same timeline as the European one? Definitely, even better than some places in Europe. Electronic music used to be everywhere, now it's gone more into small clubs and the underground scene, but still it's there.

You're in the growing ranks of Israeli producers such as Guy Gerber, Infected Mushroom, Shlomi Aber, and Gel Abril that are making waves internationally as well.  On your journey to where you are today, is there anything you wish you had done differently? Not at all, I'm the happiest man to be where I am. I wouldn't risk doing it differently and not knowing where it would take me.

You currently have your own label, Lost & Found. What is perhaps the most challenging aspect of setting one up?  Is there anyone you'd like to highlight on it, that we should be keeping an eye on? The most challenging part is to find good original music. I'm lucky to be surrounded by good producers that I know personally, but the label is doing very well now and there is a lot of great music coming on it! Watch out for some great music from Navar, Eelke Kleijn, Juan Deminicis and more.

Tracklisting:

1. DJ Yellow & Flowers and Sea Creatures – No One Get Left Behind (Guy J Remix)
2. Roger Martinez & Secret Cinema – Menthol Raga (Guy J remix)
3. Henry Saiz featuring Fab Morvan – Santa Fe (Guy J Remix)
4. APM 001 – Migrants (Radio Slave Accapella) (Guy J Edit)
5. Juan Deminicis – Once upon a time (Guy J remix)
6. Navar – Phases Of Grief (Guy J remix)
7. Pavel Petrov – Fever (Pezzner mix)/DJ T Ft. Cari Golden – City Life (Accapella) (Guy J Edit)
8. Lanoiraude – Waitin’ (Charles Webster mix) (Guy J Edit)
9. Dactilar – Day one (Guy J remix)
10. Echomen – Perpetual (Guy J remix)
11. Guy Mantzur – I’m your country (Guy J remix)
12. WOW – Killa (Guy J Remix)
13. Robert Babicz – Duba (Guy J Remix)

Click here to purchase Balance Presents Guy J on Beatport

Listen to Guy J on Pulse Radio