Miss Raquel's Month In Review!

   Miss Raquel's February in Review

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Robyn - Sound Academy, Toronto

Robyn's show at Toronto's Sound Academy was long past due, as her last scheduled gig was cancelled because of illness. She had a great stage presence talking to the audience. She belted out different medleys and arrangements of Body Talk remixes, and performed an acappella "Show Me Love" (1996) at the end.

I will say the crowd was really pushy, even more so than at raves or special events with international DJs. I found there were people trying to force their way deeper toward to the stage when there is no space whatsoever for them to get through.

Robyn is a bona fide dance artist, as she proved with this well-attended show.

Luv This City: Deko-ze and Jelo - Footwork Bar & Afterhours, Toronto

Aside from me being turned down by four cabs at the end of the night because I wasn't going in their direction, and me screaming on my cell to my boyfriend to listen to me as he spoke to other people on his end, the night was awesome!

There was also Jonathan Rosa (formerly Jon Jon) and Evan G on the bill. If you've been reading this column for a while now than you know I just love me a good Deko-ze and Jelo show. I mean there is no other duo who knows how to wreck a room like these two tomcats.

The place was rammed by 12:30 am, which I was thankful for because it proved the good job us hosts did in promoting the event, but that's how we roll.

This was one hair-flying (Jelo), bouncing (Deko-ze) event, which is always sure to please. It was an intense crazy techno rollercoaster ride. As Jelo would say it was "Awesomesauce!"

Houseaddict Presents: Jimpster - Footwork Bar & Afterhours, Toronto

I know what you may be thinking: here we go with another Footwork event, but what can I say? This venue pumps out events and talent like no other venue in Canada, seriously.

Jimpster was a slow start but by around 1:30 am it picked up. And what I love about Jimpster is his humble attitude - and of course deep beats, which he brought in full force along with irGO, Mike Gleeson and Dirty Dale.


Poppycock! On GayGuideToronto.com

I've interviewed many DJs and producers but interviewing Mr. Oakenfold was surreal. Watch my interview with Paul Oakenfold here.

UPCOMING EVENT:  Friday March 11

MARIO OCHOA / EVAN G / BASSLINE JACK
Hosted by: Miss Raquel

Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King Street West, Toronto / 19+ / Dress code in full effect

GUESTLIST: $15 on Scenester's VIP guestlist text 416.839.8522 OR email guestlist@scenestermagazine.com

See you on the dancefloor!

Miss Raquel

bpm:tv's Guide to the Best New Music

New This Week

World Series Miami
UK record label and “lifestyle brand” Hed Kandi celebrates the 2011 Winter Music Conference in Miami with a two-disc tribute to one of the world’s great dance music capitals. Features tracks from Chris Lake & Marco Lys, Stefano Noferini , Copyright, Funkagenda Vs Sultan, Max Vangelli, Tristan Garner, The Shapeshifters, Disfunktion, DJ Chus & David Penn, and many more.

Anjunadeep:03
Above & Beyond’s progressive trance and house label Anjunadeep releases its latest collection, mixed by James Grant and Jaytech. Features tracks and remixes from Underworld, Spooky, Michael Cassette, Solarity, Dinka, PROFF and Maor Levi.

Derrick Carter, Fabric 56
Chicago house pioneer Derrick Carter craft the latest installment in Fabric Records’ celebrated mix series. Features tracks from Roger Sanchez, Green Velvet, Almost September, Nick Garcia, Cajmere and many more.

Etienne Ozborne, White Is Pure 10
Quebec house DJ Etienne Ozborne’s newest mix CD on the Playground label includes tracks from Todd Terry, Erick Morillo, Hardwell and Louie Vega.

Jessie J, Who You Are
UK sensation Jessie J penned songs for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus (does “Party in the U.S.A.” ring a bell?) before scoring a couple of chart-topping singles of her own. Now, she follows up the success of “Do It Like A Dude” and “Price Tag” with the release of her debut album.

In Trance We Trust 017
The latest volume in Black Hole Recordings’ In Trance We Trust series is a 14-track compilation mixed by Russian DJ and producer Bobina (a.k.a. Dmitry Almazov). Features tracks from Cosmic Gate, Jason van Wyk, Hodel & Sunstate and Nkoder.

Lupe Fiasco, Lasers
Album number three from the acclaimed Chicago rapper features collaborations with John Legend and Trey Songz, and production by the likes of Jerry Wonder and The Neptunes.

OMD, History of Modern
Brit electropop pioneers OMD return with their first new album in 14 years, a dance-oriented disc that recalls their early Eighties heyday.


Coming the Week of March 14

Wolf + Lamb Vs. Soul Clap, DJ KiCKS
NYC duo Wolf + Lamb and Boston’s Soul Clap team up to mix the latest edition of !K7’s DJ KiCKS series. Features tracks by Deniz Kurtel, Eli Gold, H-Foundation and DJ Harvey.

Tarun Nayar, 22 Degrees of Beatitude
Vancouver-based DJ and producer Tarun Nayar continues his distinctive fusion of Asian music and electronica on this new solo effort, which he describes as his "most personal work to date."

MC Mario Mixdown 2011
The indefatigable MC Mario is at it again, with yet another mix CD featuring the likes of Taio Cruz, Afrojack, Rihanna, Ke$ha, The Black Eyed Peas and many more.

Omar Santana & Evan Gamble Lewis, Dub Step Dubterranean
Techno veteran Omar Santana and rising star Evan Gamble Lewis team up to explore dubstep’s brooding sound on this new release.

Masomenos, Balloons
Stylish French microhouse duo (and boutique proprietors) Masomenos -- DJ Joan Costes and producer Adrien de Maublanc – return with their third full-length album.

Deniz Kurtel, Music Watching Over Me
Turkish techno producer and experimental artist Deniz Kurtel -- best known until now for her installations at events like the Burning Man Festival -- releases her debut album on the Crosstown Rebels label. Expect "some electro/house and some breakbeat elements."

DJ Afro, Free
After a number of remix CDs, DJ Afro -- otherwise known as Jose Luis Pardo, lead guitarist for Grammy-winning Venezuelan disco/funk/acid jazz band Los Amigos Invisibles -- issues his first album of all original work.

VIVA Club Rotation: Vol 48
From Germany’s Embassy of Music comes this compilation of massive club tracks featuring the likes of Eric Prydz, Swedish House Mafia, Duck Sauce, Martin Solveig & Dragonette and Robyn.

Emanuele Errante, Time Elapsing Handheld
Italian ambient composer Emanuele Errante releases his latest collection of chill-out sounds on Berlin’s Karaoke Kalk.

Paper Tiger, Made Like Us
Producer Paper Tiger of the Minneapolis-based underground hip-hop collective Doomtree gets a Canadian release for his solo debut, which features Dessa and Lookbook’s Maggie Morrison.

Orsten, Cutworks
Eccentric French-Finnish cut-and-paste artist Orsten melds hip-hop, Seventies cinema and classic piano on his sampladelic debut long-player.

Nervous Nitelife Presents Patrick M
A pillar of Miami’s party scene, Buenos Aires-born DJ Patrick M delivers a debut collection featuring tracks from the likes of Israel Sunshine, Jean Claude Ades and Chus & Ceballos.


Coming the Week of March 21

Ke$ha, I Am The Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance: The Remix Album
Everybody’s favourite party girl keeps the product coming with this collection, which rounds up remixes from the likes of Dave Aude and Fred Falke. With guest appearances by Andre 3000 and 3OH13.

Binary Park, Worlds Collide
Binary Park -- a collaborative effort by Torben Schmidt, head honcho of Germany’s Infacted label, and British colleagues Huw Jones and Alfred Gregl -- releases its debut album, described as "an intriguing blend of different electronic styles from darkstep to industrial and from electro to deep, noisy, ambient Glitchy, intelligent electropop."

Wildcookie, Cookie Dough
Swedish DJ Freddie Cruger (a.k.a. Red Astaire) and vocalist Anthony Mills as Wildcookie on this debut long-player, an easy-on-the-ears blend of soul, hip-hop, R&B and breaks.

Armin Van Buuren, A State of Trance 2011
The world’s number one DJ sums up … well, the state of trance with this latest edition in his ongoing series of definitive two-disc trance music mixes. Listen for tracks by The Blizzard & Omnia, Rex Mundi, Aly & Fila, Beat Service and many more.

Nostalgia 77, Sleepwalking Society
The latest effort from producer, remixer and DJ Nostalgia 77 (a.k.a. Benedic Lamdin) is a tough-to-categorize blend of afrobeat, jazz, funk, electronic and hip-hop influences.

Guti, Patio de Juegos
Argentina’s Guti issues his first release on the tech house label Desolat.

Remady, No Superstar: The Album
Swiss DJ producer Remady (a.k.a. Marc Wurgler), follows up the crossover UK success of his electro anthem "No Superstar" with this debut long-player.

Rick Wilhite, Analog Aquarium
Detroit house veteran Rick Wilhite assembles his first-ever collection of new productions, featuring contributions from longtime collaborators like Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman, Osunlade and vocalist Billy Love.


Coming the Week of March 28

Britney Spears, Femme Fatale
It's Britney, bitch. Her new album hits the streets. Try to ignore it. Just try.

ADMX-71, Luminous Vapors
Berlin-based techno producer (and head honcho of the Sonic Groove label) re-releases the debut album from his experimental side project ADMX-71, a "chill out companion" to his work as Traversable Wormhole.

Seekae, +Dome
Australian electronic trio Seekae release their second full-length album on Rice Is Nice.

Katy B, On a Mission
Singer-songwriter Katy B, a crossover sensation from London’s UK Garage and dubstep scenes, makes her much-anticipated debut.

Yelle, Safari Disco Club
French electropoppers Yelle finally -- finally! -- deliver the long-awaited follow-up to their irresistible 2007 debut Pop Up.

The Beat Generation 10th Anniversary Collection
BBE celebrates 10 years of its acclaimed Beat Generation mix CD series with this anniversary release mixed by DJ Spinna and Mr. Thing.

Gareth Emery, Northern Lights Re-Lit
DJ Mag top 10 finisher Gareth Emery follows up his triumphant debut album with this remix collection featuring 12 new reinterpretations.

Ladytron, Best of 00-10
Brit electropoppers Ladytron look back at their first decade in a two-disc compilation that includes such hits as "Black Cat," "Playgirl" and "Destroy Everything You Touch."

Hard Dance Awards 2011
Ministry of Sound assembles three discs of "banging mayhem," with the able services of DJs Kutski, Andy Whitby & Klubfiller and Ed Real.

Wagon Christ, Toomorrow
Brit DJ and producer Luke Vibert’s Wagon Christ project returns with a new album on Ninja Tune, featuring his trademark brand of "danceable, psychedelic, groovy beats and eclectic samples."

Underground Miami
New from Ministry of Sound, this massive three-disc compilation celebrates Miami’s annual Winter Music Conference, with tracks from Laidback Luke, Afrojack, Eric Prydz, Moguai, Laurent Garnier, Matty G, and many more.

Bibio, Mind Bokeh
British electronic experimenter Bibio (a.k.a. Stephen Wilkinson) continues to draw influences from Aphex Twin, Autechre and Boards of Canada on his latest Warp Records release.

Pearson Sound, Fabriclive 56
North London bass music impresario David Kennedy (a.k.a. Pearson Sound, a.k.a. Ramadanman) oversees the latest in Fabric London’s series of essential live mixes.

The Human League, Credo
Don’t you want them, baby? Still robotic after all these years, Brit synthpop pioneers The Human League return with their first new album in nearly a decade.

New Photos!

Check out some amazing new publicity shots of bpm:tv's on-air stars!

Jorie Brown, host of Back @ Ya!

Miss Raquel, host of electronica

Jeff Rustia, host of Club Fashion

Andre Williamson, What's Poppin' & bpm:tv Presents

Scott Fox, Hot 20 Dance Chart

Hot 20 Dance Chart for the Week of Feb 14

Happy Valentine's Day from bpm:tv

Spend it with someone you love.





German techno meets Canadiana

From a Vancouver Sun feature on Montreal-based indie-folk artist Rae Spoon, who has incorporated a number of electro influences - among them Kraftwerk, The Knife and Crystal Castles - on his new album Love Is A Hunter. It's the result, he says, of an extended stay in Germany.

"I was explaining to one of my friends over there what folk music was ... and, very seriously, he told me that folk music in Germany was techno. It really changed my perspective ... People my age in Germany will more likely try their hand at DJing than learn how to play guitar ... I was interested to see how I could bring the skills required in folk music and the idea of songwriting and then add electronic music elements and bring them together."

Read the whole thing.

Spotlight on Dragonette

Canadian electro-poppers Dragonette are profiled in a brand new episode of bpm Spotlight, airing tonight at 8:30 pm ET. We sort of love the fact that sultry singer Martina Sorbara is the daughter of Ontario MPP Greg Sorbara. And that she knits.

Dragonette's collaboration with Parisian house DJ Martin Solveig, "Hello," is currently hotter than ... well, something very hot indeed.

Stay tuned for new episodes of bpm Spotlight airing next week: go behind the scenes at Toronto's recent Peace Dot Love Festival, starring OutKast's Big Boi (Feb. 15), and meet Washington, DC trio Thunderball (Feb. 17).

Coming March 8 - bpm:tv Dance 2011

A brand new bpm:tv compilation will hit online and old-fashioned bricks-and-mortar retail stores on March 8. bpm:tv Dance 2011, mixed by DJ Marky D, features floor-filling tracks from the likes of Afrojack, Deadmau5, Tiesto, Usher, Ke$ha and more. Stay tuned for more details.

Hot 20 Dance Chart for the Week of Feb 7

Catch a Free Preview of bpm:tv on EastLink in February

Canadian electropop acts Dragonette (top) and Chromeo are profiled in February on bpm Spotlight.

Here's some good news for EastLink subscribers. bpm:tv will be available in free preview until March 1. Flip over to EastLink channel 177 to see what's on. To subscribe, call 1-888-345-1111 or visit http://www.eastlink.ca/

Here's a taste of what's on the menu for February:

Meet two of Canada's hottest electropop acts on bpm SPOTLIGHT: Montreal's Chromeo (Tuesday Feb. 8 at 8:30 pm ET) and Toronto's Dragonette (Thursday Feb. 10 at 8:30 pm ET).

Catch spellbinding concert performances by some of the world's biggest acts every week on LONDON LIVE. Coming up: UK girl-poppers Sugababes (Feb. 7, 9, 14 & 16 at 10 pm ET) and British acid jazzmeister Jamiroquai (Feb. 21 & 23 at 10 pm ET).

Experience the world's best DJs working at the top of their game on LIVE SESSIONS. Coming up: Sander Van Doorn (Monday Feb. 7 at 8:30 pm ET), Robbie Rivera (Monday Feb. 14 at 8:30 pm ET) and Ferry Corsten (Monday Feb. 21 at 8:30 pm ET).

Don't forget to catch bpm:tv's all-request hour BACK @ YA! with host Jorie Brown every night at 7 pm ET -- and tune in for the HOT 20 DANCE CHART Mondays through Saturdays at 9 pm ET/PT.



Miss Raquel's Month in Review!

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Chus & Ceballos



DBR Recordings Launch - Our House, Toronto
During a beautiful snowy night in January the launch of DBR Recordings took place at a cozy venue on Ossington Avenue in Toronto called Our House. DBR is the sister label to PBR Recordings headed by "The Voice of The Underground" MC Flipside and label manager Chris Vench.

You'll be able to catch all the action on an upcoming episode on the Scenester Channel where I had the honour of interviewing the likes of Robb G, Hatiras, MC Flipside, Chris Vench, Jeff Mason and Nick Cenik.

DBR Recordings will bring a deeper, tech-influenced flavour to dancefloors, DJs and punters alike. With a finely crafted vision, Flipside and Chris Vench visualize a tech-influenced sound inspired by the jacking and bumpy roots of house music. Already armed with an impressive array of releases, DBR is ready to make an entrance into the electronic world.

bpm Festival - Various Venues, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

This year's bpm Festival held 10 events with a line-up consisting of the best of exponents of electronica music from around the world.

It's estimated approximately 25,000 were in attendance at more than 50 parties which took place during the day and evening. Some of the names heard and danced to were Richie Hawtin, Damian Lazarus, Marco Carola, Loco Dice, Steve Angello, and more.

This is one of the many EMD events you should attend; at this one you can wear a bathing suit every day.

Chus & Ceballos - This Is London, Toronto
Chus & Ceballos (C & C) was held at Toronto's This is London (TIL) presented by Adnan Media who has been a promoter within in the scene long enough to know what makes a good event.

The music was awesome, but the common dancefloor confession was it lacked the magic C & C usually cascades onto their masses. The reason is simple: although TIL is a great venue it wasn't the right fit for C & C; they require a larger, spaced-out venue.

We had bottle service which cost a whopping $1000 -- yes, you read that right. And there was no barrier to our booth, or any booth for that matter. I've had bottle service at many clubs and I have to say this one was the worst because my crew constantly had to watch to see if anyone was sneaking into our area trying to steal a drink! One a good note our hostess was the best; attentive, right there to fill up mix, water, ice and bottles.

TIL is the type of venue to splurge and get bottle service especially for such an event as C & C.

I worked out so much dancing and going up the long flights of stairs to the washroom its no wonder girls sit and chill within the lovely white lounge area in the washroom. There was a hair straightener available to use for only $2 for two minutes!

I will say C & C are a must see. I simply love them and go whenever they come.

UPCOMING EVENT
Houseaddict presents: Jimpster
Saturday February 28 at Footwork Bar & Afterhours, Toronto
4-hour extended set!
Alongside Dirty Dale, Arsenault and irGO

Poppycock
Read my Poppycock blog on GayGuideToronto.com were I rant and rave all about the club scene and industry as a whole.

SEE YOU ON THE DANCEFLOOR!

-Miss Raquel

Keep in touch with Miss Raquel on Facebook and Twitter.

bpm:tv's Guide to the Best New Music

New This Week

Daniel Desnoyers, Winter Session 11
Montreal DJ and radio personality Daniel Desnoyers (a.k.a. Dan D-Noy) presents the latest in his million-selling series of house compilations.

DJ Marky, FABRICLIVE 55
Brazilian drum & bass veteran DJ Marky demonstrates his eclecticism and unpredictability with this new mix for the renowned fabriclive series.

Above & Beyond, 10 Years of Anjunabeats
British trance trio Above & Beyond - ranked fifth on DJ Mag's 2010 top 100 DJs list - celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Anjunabeats label with this double-CD mix.

Michael Cassette, Temporarity
Finnish progressive house outfit Michael Cassette showcase their Eighties-influenced sound on this new release, which features breakthrough singles such as "Zeppelin" and "Shadow's Movement" as well as new tracks.

Generation Bass Presents: Transnational Dubstep
This debut compilation from DJ UMB - co-creator of the influential Generation Bass blog - showcases a groundbreaking blend of dubstep and global roots, incorporating everything from cumbia to Balkan music.

Demdike Stare, Tryptych
This three-CD set from brooding Manchester-based ambient duo Demdike Stare (a.k.a. Miles Whittaker and Sean Canty) compiles their recent vinyl-only releases and adds impressive new tracks.

Pop Ambient 2011
The Cologne-based Kompakt label delivers the latest in its well-regarded series of Pop Ambient compilations, featuring contributions from Mikkel Metal, Thomas Fehlmann and ANBB, as well as label co-founders Jurgen Paape and Wolfgang Voigt.

Maceo Plex, Life Index
Currently based in Valencia, Spain, American-born techno/house producer Eric Estornel (who also works under the name Maetrik) issues his first release on the Crosstown Rebels label.



Coming The Week of Feb. 7

Cut Copy, Zonoscope
Aussie electropoppers Cut Copy return with their much-anticipated third album, which made news when it leaked online in January. The Melbourne outfit will hit Montreal and Toronto in April, on the North American leg of their upcoming tour.

Johan Agebjoern, Mountain Lake
Swedish producer Johan Agebjoern, best known for his work with disco princess Sally Shapiro, releases this collection of somber, sci-fi-inspired ambient tracks. Shapiro lends vocals on the opener, an ambient version of “Spacer Woman From Mars."

Seefeel
This self-titled release from Seefeel is the pioneering British electro-ambient outfit's first new album in 15 years.

Hed Kandi: Twisted Disco 2011
The latest mix CD from British lifestyle brand Hed Kandi is a "twisted journeyj into the darker side of house," featuring beats by Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Tiesto, Diplo and Magnetic Man.

The Art of the 12"
This double-disc set compiles extended remixes from the groundbreaking ZTT label - many previously available only on vinyl. Highlight include reworks of classic tracks by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, 808 State and Art of Noise.

Riddimentary: Diplo Selects Greensleeves
Ever-prolific DJ and producer Diplo - best known to some as one-half of Major Lazer - has assembled this mix of classics from the legendary UK reggae and dancehall imprint Greensleeves, featuring tracks by Joe Gibbs, Eek-A-Mouse, Prince Jammy and Gregory Isaacs, among others.

Covenant, Modern Ruin
Sweden's electropop/EBM veterans Covenant finally unveil their long-delayed seventh studio album.

Marco Carola, Play It Loud!
Naples-born DJ and producer Marco Carola, a longtime fixture on Italy's minimal and techno scene, fires up his first full-length release in eight years.



Coming The Week of Feb. 14

James Blake
The self-titled debut album from British dubstep sensation James Blake features his crossover single, a cover of Feist's "Limit To Your Love."

Let the Children Techno
Parisian imprint Ed Banger Records issues a collection of previously unreleased tracks by the likes of Flying Lotus, Siriusmo, Duke Dumont and Skream, mixed by DJ Mehdi and Busy P.

Joel Mull, Sensory
Veteran Swedish DJ and producer Joel Mull, known for his hard-driving, futuristic techno sound, is back with his first album in nearly four years.

Markus Schulz, Prague 11
German DJ Markus Schulz – currently ranked number 8 on the DJ Mag Top 100 – devotes the latest installment in his acclaimed City Compilation series to the Czech capital’s thriving trance and progressive scene.

Duffstep, Getting to Sirius
Pegged as an artist to watch on Britain’s dubstep scene, newcomer Duffstep (a.k.a. Jeremy Duffy) drops his debut long-player on UK label Join the Dots.

Robert Miles, TH1RT3EN
Still best known for his 1995 dream house hit “Children,” Italian ambient electronica master Robert Miles returns with a new album on his own S:alt Records label.

Mark Farina, Mushroom Jazz 7
Chicago DJ Mark Farina drops the latest installment in his long-running series of downtempo, house, hip-hop and acid jazz compilations.

port-royal, The Golden Age of Consumerism
Italian electronica outfit port-royal assemble a double disc compilation of rarities, remixes and orphaned tracks from the first 10 years of their career.

Mr. Sam, Opus Quarto
French DJ Mr. Sam (a.k.a. Samuel Paquet) presents the fourth in his series of trance compilations for Black Hole Recordings.

Sexy Sushi, Cyril / Marre Marre Marre
Flamboyant French electroclash duo Sexy Sushi (a.k.a. Rebeka Warrior and Mitch Silver) unleash a pair of re-issues upon an unsuspecting North America. Chaos ensues.

Best of Electro Vol. 1
Canadian dance music mogul and Deadmau5 collaborator Melleefresh selected and mixed this collection of electro tunes – featuring contributions from Illikon, SpekrFreks, Martin Villeneuve and Deadmau5 – for her Play Records imprint.

SubtractiveLAD, Kindred
Vancouver-based ambient artist SubtractiveLAD (a.k.a. Stephen Hummel) ventures ever deeper into experimental territory on this newest release, drawing on influences that range from Krautrock to industrial.

Tim Hecker, Ravedeath 1972

Canadian ambient experimenter Tim Hecker – recently tapped to remix German techno artist Ellen Allien -- recorded his latest album in the course of a single day at a church in Iceland, using a pipe organ as the primary sound source.

Coming The Week of Feb. 21

The Bloody Beetroots, Best of ... Remixes
Italian electro-punk duo The Bloody Beetroots (a.k.a. Bob Rifo and DJ Tommy Tea) make their bid for party album of the year with this collection of killer remixes for the likes of The Chemical Brothers, MSTRKRFT, Vitalic and Robyn.

20 F@#&ing Years - We Ain't Dead Yet
Detroit techno pioneer Carl Craig's venerable Planet E label marks its 20th anniversary with a digital compilation featuring classic cuts from the likes of Quadrant, Urban Tribe, Innerzone Orchestra and Future/Past.

Rye Rye, Go! Pop! Bang!
Baltimore rapper and M.I.A. protege Rye Rye (a.k.a. Ryeisha Berrain) puts together her eagerly awaited debut, with some help from Diplo and The Neptunes.

Hercules and Love Affair, Blue Songs
The much anticipated second album from New York DJ Andy Butler's disco project Hercules and Love Affair, recorded with Patrick Pulsinger in Vienna, draws its inspiration from vintage house of the late 80s and early 90s.

Malachai, Return to the Ugly Side
Trip hop? Electronica? Ambient psychedelia? On their sophomore album, enigmatic Bristol duo Malachai (a.k.a. Scott and Gee) remain as unclassifiable as ever.

Discodeine
French duo Discodeine (a.k.a. Pilooski and Pentile) celebrate their love of "weird club music" on this debut album, which draws on influences ranging from Chicago house to krautdisco.

Cosmic Gate, Back 2 The Future
German trance duo Cosmic Gate (a.k.a. Nic Chagall and DJ Bossi) -- ranked at 24th on the DJ Mag top 100 -- present a double-disc compilation of remixed tracks covering the first years of their music partnership.