Few artists have as distinct a sound as The Bloody Beetroots. Their stage name, pluralized, may cause confusion. Although the live shows sport more than one member, the production side of things is undertaken solely by Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo. After emerging onto the scene in 2007, he has managed to vault The Bloody Beetroots to the height of EDM in a mere 3 years. Gathering influences from Electro, Indie, Punk, Acid and a multitude of other sources, Bob has been able to create a unique style which escapes categorization. Characterized by an overwhelming energy, a thirst for audible exhaustion and a sonic representation of chaos, his tunes have been accepted across the world as soundtracks to numerous lavish parties, as shown in the music video for his song “Cornelius.”

The pair included in the video is comprised of Sir Bob, along with his partner in crime, DJ Tommy Tea. The live shows are unlike any other. Electronic music duos usually imply two people behind the decks, with one DJing and the other pumping up the crowd. The Bloody Beetroots’ are similar to Pendulum’s: they incorporate real instruments and vocals, which ties a closer bond to the audience. With Bob’s unorthodox style in the studio, his partnership with Tommy onstage and the sinister Venom masks they both wear, it wasn't long before the rest of the world took notice. Steve Aoki, owner of Dim Mak Records, welcomed Sir Bob to his prestigious label in 2008 with the release of Rombo EP. Being such a diverse production, Beatport was unable to qualify the songs and simply put it in the Indie/Nu Disco category, the spot where all of the indefinable tracks are put. In fact, nearly all of his releases are qualified as such, thus strengthening their uniqueness. Then came Warp.

The success of the track alone would probably have been enough to launch The Bloody Beetroots into stardom. The song was a monster hit the instant it was heard, garnishing support from DJs across the globe. Featuring a newly acquired friend, none other than Steve Aoki, the song was accepted by an unimaginable number of fans ranging through all popular genres. It is a perfect choice to do exactly what Bob’s intends his sets to do: connect with his audience through an artistic experiment with chaos. Still today, nearly 3 years after its release, crowds go insane at the sound of it. The tune blends Electro trends with those of Punk, creating a hardcore and digitized atmosphere. Like his previous work, Warp adds to the distance Bob tries to put between himself and mainstream trends.

In an attempt to demystify The Bloody Beetroots’ persona, The Hawt reached out to Sir Bob, who was kind enough to provide a short interview:

“What are some of your earliest inspirations? 

- Punk 77, Classical Music, Old School Electro

What sets you apart from other Electro House producers? (Was trying to figure out the genre. Took a shot.)

- Schizophrenia

We’ve come up with 2 theories: either you’ve got a Spiderman fetish or you’re terribly ugly. Why the masks?

- I have a postmodern conception of the commedia dell'arte

What are some of your favourite producers and what makes their releases so great?

- Rick Rubin – it’s his touch

To which track would you attribute your breakthrough onto the EDM scene?

- The Whip “Muzzle No.1” Bloody Beetroots Rmx

Which song(s) has gotten you the best crowd reaction so far in 2011?

- No songs, I bet on the strength of chaos

You've traveled a fair amount. In which part of the world are the hottest girls?

- Iceland

We know you love coming to Montreal. How would you describe our city’s nightlife?

- Alcoholic

New tracks, remixes, world tours, collaborations; what can we expect from The Bloody Beetroots in 2011?

- Chaos theory becomes reality

What do you think about music blogs? In your opinion, are they helping or hurting artists? Do you follow any blogs? Will you read The Hawt?

- I can't generalize. They help and they don’t; freedom of information often becomes misinformation. Everyone should be able to discern. Yes, I read The Hawt.”

Evidently, Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo is a man of very few words. Although not all of Bob’s interviews are as short and sweet, they are straight to the point and this exchange still tells lots about him. Behind the well thought out speech and the onstage binge drinking is a man who is very comfortable with his inability to be read.

During the most recent tours, the usual name was dropped for Death Crew 77, a group consisting of Bob, Tommy and a drummer named  Edward Grinch. With the added dimension of rhythmic prowess, it’s safe to say that The Bloody Beetroots offer one of the most complete live EDM experiences.

Apart from trying to realize chaos theory, Sir Bob started 2011 with the release of a compilation containing his most popular remixes. This one is also under Beatport’s Indie/Nu Disco spell and carries the very simplistic name: “Best of…Remixes.” Feel free to sample the tracks through the link below.

The Bloody Beetroots – Best Of…Remixes                                Released on Beatport on January 15th

Beatport

Have a great week and stay tuned to The Hawt for the Super8 & Tab interview which should be up anytime soon.

Photos courtesy of Nacho Alvarez Nabscab

In regards to Beatport, a wise man once asked: “Is this an EDM website or a Deadmau5 blog?” This question came with obvious reason; the horde of albums and EPs released by mau5trap had monopolized the top downloads list for a substantial amount of time. Ironically, this so-called wise man is none other than Mark Knight, who’s own Toolroom Records is currently at the helm of another dominating performance. Fuelled by its latest compilation album, Toolroom Records Miami 2011, the label occupies 9 of the top 10 spots. The release comes in anticipation of this year’s Ultra Music Festival and features new music from the likes of Michael Woods & Mark Knight, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand and Thomas Gold, to name a few. Check it out here.

In addition to his tune with Michael Woods, Knight has been hard at work in the studio, including a track of his own on the compilation and producing another collaboration with Tiësto. The star-studded partnership has unveiled the official video, as well as the magnificent tune that accompanies it. Knight’s signature drums, Tiësto’s bassline and vocals by Dino go well with the soft synths and rugged melody. The track seems to be on the progressive side, yet still offers a strong beat which gives it obvious nightclub appeal. Both Techno and House influences combine to offer this marvel. The video is interesting, as the beginning closely resembles Justice’s “Stress.”

Tiësto & Mark Knight ft. Dino – Beautiful World (Original Mix) Released on Beatport on March 21st

There is a limited number of EDM fans who can assertively say that they enjoy all of its subgenres. Artists often attempt to mix these styles and create something different, but again, only a small number can successfully do this. One of these select few is Funkagenda, a Techno/House artist, who has released songs on big labels such as Toolroom Records and Funk Farm. One of the tracks from his most recent release rounds up Beatport’s top 10 and is a perfect example of crossover between musical subgenres. The track dubbed “Budgie” is half Techno, half House and although Beatport qualifies it as Tech House, it should not be confused with the latter. A close listen confirms either an amazing concoction of the two, or some wildly innovative Tech House. This songs sports an intricate set of beats, a wealth of sound bite layers and a dark, yet enchanting melody that completes the plethora of styles that is “Budgie.”

Funkagenda – Budgie (Original Club Mix) Beatport

In other Funkagenda news, the Englishman is giving away one of his tracks, free of charge. As a “thank you” to all his Facebook followers for finally hitting the 50 000 ‘likes’ milestone, he has posted a high quality download link for a new tune of his called “Shinjuku.” The distant and imposing bass coupled with the recurring hints of cymbals gives this song an impressive background layout. In addition, the isolation given to the seamlessly quaint electro sound gives the tune a sizeable amount of character. The infectious riffs in this one will surely have many holding the repeat button. Follow this link and select the tracks tab on his Facebook page to download “Shinjuku.”

Funkagenda – Shinjuku (Original Club Mix)

In staying with the subject of free high quality tracks, Spinnin’ Records, home to Wall Recordings (Afrojack), Doorn Records (Sander van Doorn), Tone Diary (Markus Schossow), Streamlined (Leon Bolier) and other popular sub-labels, is giving away some of their classic tracks in exchange for a ‘like’ on Facebook. This is not a one-time deal, as the classics are updated bi-weekly. Follow this link, ‘like’ the page, choose the “Tracks to Like” tab and check back every 2 weeks for new offerings.

This post’s last track is from Sied van Riel. The Dutchman has been spending ample amounts of time cooped-up in his home studio with the sole purpose of finishing up his artist album. “Telephone Junkies,” the upcoming single from said album, is a progressive track that holds influences new to Sied. In comparison to his previous releases, this tune is much softer, deeper and if not for strong big room undertones, could probably be put in a category with tunes from Anjunadeep. It is a calming and soothing track which displays the artists’ limitless musical versatility. It is a song heavy on melody which is sure to please the pickiest of Trance lovers.

Sied van Riel – Telephone Junkies (Original Mix) Released on Beatport on March 15th

Have a great week and be sure to stay tuned to The Hawt for an exclusive interview with Super8 & Tab!

Pardon my tardiness, but our take of Gareth’s Emery 3-hour set at Circus in Montreal has finally arrived.

Because of the exclusive interview we conducted with Finnish superstars Super8 & Tab, we showed up late to the party. Late enough to piss off Ellis, to miss the first 10 minutes of the show and to miss Ashley Wallbridge’s remix of “Arrival.” It seemed like word of Gareth’s mixing prowess had spread like wildfire as the main room was jam-packed with lots more party-goers than his last trip to our fair city. Since the contrast in temperature between the club and the frigid Montreal outdoors was literally like summer and winter, large parts of the crowd had abandoned their clothes. I regret having worn a long-sleeved shirt. In essence, the night was a microcosm of the past 7 or 8 episodes of the Gareth Emery Podcast. Nearly all of the songs the crowd was graced with had previously appeared on his weekly 1-hour installment of new fresh tracks. These tunes included Gareth’s classics, many future releases on Garuda, recent monster hits from the likes of Sander van Doorn, Ummet Ozcan, Wippenberg, Mat Zo and lots from the long awaited Northern Lights Re-Lit album. As soon as I had gotten a Red Bull into my system and made my way to the head of the mass of Montrealers, the acoustical energy sent me into a trance and time passed by so quickly that I almost missed the half-naked girls dancing on the table tops lining the DJ booth. My brain told my legs: “Fuck it, it’s Gareth.” So they went numb and followed the beat until the break of dawn.

Here’s a tracklist, in no particular order, courtesy of Garuda Nation’s Samson:

Gareth Emery - Sanctuary (Paul Thomas & Myke Smith Remix)
Gareth Emery - Full Tilt (Beltek Remix)
Gareth Emery feat. Jerome Isma-ae - Stars (Hardwell Remix)
Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji - Pressure
Gareth Emery - Citadel (Super8 & Tab Remix)
Gareth Emery ft. Roxanne Emery - Too Dark Tonight (John O'Callaghan Remix)
Gareth Emery ft. Mark Frisch - Into The Light (Lange Remix)
Gareth Emery ft. Brute Force - Arrival (Ashley Wallbridge Remix)
Gareth Emery ft. Activa - All Is Now (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix)
Wippenberg – Phoenix (Original Mix)
Yves-V vs. Fred Baker - Start Again
Tritonal ft. Cristina Soto - Lifted (Mat Zo Remix)
Craig Connelly - Absolute Electric
Sander van Doorn ft. Carol Lee - Love Is Darkness
Nadia Ali - Rapture (Gareth Emery Remix)
Solid Globe - North Pole (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix)
Gareth Emery ft. Lucy Saunders - Fight The Sunrise (Daniel Kandi Remix)
Above & Beyond pres. Oceanlab - Lonely Girl (Gareth Emery Remix)
Lange, Andy Moor, Komytea & Tiesto - Lethal Stadium Four (Gareth Emery Re-Edit)
Above & Beyond & Gareth Emery pres. Oceanlab - On A Good Day (Metropolis)
Gareth Emery vs. Markus Schulz ft. Jennifer Rene - Not The Same Citadel (Armin van Buuren Mashup)
Super8 & Tab - Helektra
Gareth Emery vs. Delerium - This Is Silence (Myon & Shane 54 Mashup)
Pendulum Vs. Rank 1 Vs. Nic Chagall Vs. Wippenberg - The 100 Islands (Triarchy Edit)
Dustin Zahn vs. Mark Simz - Forbidden Stranger (Gareth Emery Edit)
GTR - Mistral
Tiësto vs. Diplo – C’mon
Tritonal & Sibicky – Suzu (Original Mix)
Gareth Emery - Global (Jordan Suckley Remix)
Mark Eteson - Blackboard (Jon O'Bir Remix)
MEM - Invictus (Original Mix)
Gareth Emery vs. Motorcycle - As The Exposure Comes (Gareth Emery Mashup)
Lange pres. LNG - Brandalism (Lange Mix)
Ummet Ozcan – Indigo (Original Mix)

One of the night’s best highlights came when Gareth proceeded to put on a Habs jersey. His name was written on the back and the captain sign was replaced by a subtle D-J.

Here are a few of our favorites from the night:

Ummet Ozcan - Indigo (Original Mix)

Beatport

Tritonal ft. Cristina Soto – Lifted (Mat Zo Remix)

iTunes – Beatport

Tritonal & Sibicky – Suzu (Original Mix)

Sander van Doorn ft. Carol Lee – Love is Darkness

iTunes – Beatport

Gareth is a special DJ. I’m guessing it gets incredibly annoying to replay the same songs over and over and over again, yet he somehow manages to keep a smile on his face and dance along with the rest of his followers. I’ve been to a decent amount of shows and I realize that nearly all DJs do the same, but our beloved Englishman adds a little extra. Although I hate to sound cheesy, it’s as if he connects with the music, thus plugging himself into the CDJs, making sure that every carefully selected song gets its due praise. The guy is such a good producer that the number of hits that he is “required” to play (i.e.: “On A Good Day (Metropolis)”) outweighs his set time. Therefore, his of DJing equipment and his knowledge of every rise, fall, drop and build-up of each track that he mixes combine to offer an orgiastic feast for the senses. His productions are aptly qualified as Trance, because that is the exact state you are in when you listen to his tunes. Finally, the adoration he delivers onto the crowd makes his sets such an enjoyable and memorable experience for all. I think I speak for all when I say: “I LOVE YOU GARETH!”

The Super8 & Tab interview is nearly completed and will be posted sometime in the close future. Our technical advisor is hard at work trying to finish the editing process as quickly as possible. Keep posted and have a great week.