Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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!
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!
 |
| Chus & Ceballos |
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.
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 (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.
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
bpm:tv's Guide to the Best New Music
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."
SeefeelThis 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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