Let's be honest, there is nothing seemingly refreshing in the new wave of music. Maybe I am out of my mind due to sleep depravity, but I believe that my itunes selections always revert back to the previous year when everything was new and wonderful. Have there been any amazing EP's that have released this year, not to mention albums? Sure, magazines such as Pitchfork still have their archives full and the list keeps on coming, but is the quality still there? Obviously, this is not to say that the scene is not satisfyingly pleasant, yet I find an inherent lack. Nevertheless, I am ambivalent. On one side, why does the arrval of a new year need to coincide with a drastic movement in the industry? Why fix what is not broken and what has stood the test of the previous year? On the other side, I see a lack of new creativity. However so, the show must go on, and new music will still be causing ear tears, no matter how original/unoriginal the content. (Insert tree)
Earl Sweatshirt has released a new song by the name of "Whoa", which is of course self-explanatory following the viewing of the video. Ever since his visit to Samoa for rehabilitation purposes, it seems as though every one of his releases are viewed as his return into the hip-hop scene. In fact, prior to his absence, Earl was quite a prominent part of new-school rap due to his affiliation with the OFWGKTA crew as well as the sheer excellence of his lyricism, not to mention his young age. Being a teaser for his full-length upcoming album entitled "Doris", we can expect quite a lot from the quirky young lad. Additionally, Tyler the Creator came out with his second LP, entitled 'Wolf'. Although I am not much of an Odd Future follower, I must say I enjoyed listening to his album, and it is a great improvement over his previous LP, 'Goblin'; the numbers seems to agree, as his first week of sales are predicted to at least double those of his prior work (95 000 copies to 46 000).
On another note entirely, Mount Kimbie released a song which will be featured in their upcoming album, entitled 'Cold Spring Fault Less Youth'. With a relatively military tonality at the very beginning of the song, emphasized through the use of a trumpet and dampened snare rolls, the long synth pulls begin their crawl into our cerebral only to evolve with coupled bass thuds. In my opinion, the vocal samples, while they are present, are seemingly too defined for the genre, and fill too many gaps, leaving me with a sentiment of musical overcrowding.
A noteworthy EP that has struck my ears this past week comes from a producer named Atu. In all honesty, I have not heard anything about this person, which means either I am ignorant as fuck, or that he is 'the new kid on the block'. Do not doubt me readers, your ears are safe in my hands. Entitled 'Pictures on Silence', this collection of tunes brings together many genres such as hip-hop, r&b, soul and chillstep in order to pave his own way in the vast universe of music. Here's a little teaser for you audiophiles.
The new Romare EP has finally been released, and it is quite something. The 4 track collection goes by the name of 'Love Songs:Part One', and this only leads us to believe that there will be more parts to the denunciation of his love for afrocentrism, amongst many other things.
Would you guys like an in-depth review of the new Bonobo album? Well you won't get it, because I am too tired, and I did not enjoy it enough, to be frank. Although it started off promising, with the first 5 tracks providing me with an enjoyable bus ride home, the rest of the LP seems to lack any form of percussive rhythm, which seemed to bother me; although this might not be tangible, I felt a lack of soul, as though he fell out of the audible world he sought to create. In brief, it was 'Emkay'. I normally only give a thorough review of music I absolutely adore, which is absolutely nothing. Call me lazy, I call it having extremely honed taste (in other words, lazy).
The video of the week comes to you from Slava. If you enjoy virtual realities with hot european women, then you are in luck.
Like most of you know, I'm currently in Europe and I won't be able to attend this year's Bal en Blanc. I've checked the prices for plane tickets, but all of them were over my poor little student budget of, well, not much. This doesn't mean I didn't check the lineup and let me tell you, you guys going to BeB this year are going to have fun! Whether you prefer house music or trance, Playground Productions has made sure you’re going to enjoy your night.
Be sure to come back to the blog in the days following Bal en Blanc for some extensive coverage from the event. Until then, Happy Easter and have a great Bal en Blanc!
Experience and subgenre and two aspects that are subject to extreme variety in this year’s main room. From the age difference between, Stef Agostino and Dubfire to the genre difference between Calvin Harris and Nicole Moudaber, this year’s mainstage has a wide array of styles covered.
20.00 – 22.00 Stef Agostino
Styles: House, Progressive, Electro House, Progressive House
One track he’ll most definitely play: Stef Agostino – Galaxcity (Original Mix)
Fun Fact: Sultan insists on cutting Ned’s hair. He later uses the clippings to elongate his dreads.
Booking Grade: B+
Their set at BeB 17 still in our minds, the dynamic duo from Montreal is back for another of what is sure to be a memorable performance. Great job by Playground, slating Sultan & Ned Shepard’s true progressive house sound between a housier opener and the king of commercial house.
01.00 – 03.00 David Guetta
Styles: Pop, Electro, Progressive House
One track he’ll most definitely play: David Guetta – Play Hard ft. Ne-Yo & Akon (Albert Neve Remix)
Fun Fact: Now that the dust has settled from the incessant “Harlem Shake” videos, Guetta has begun to use the song in his sets…
Booking Grade: A+
Back off haters. Say what you will about David Guetta (trust me, I agree), the man is the most recognizable name in dance music, maybe even today’s music in general. Bal en Blanc consistently being the largest dance music event Canada has had to offer for the past 18 years, it seems fitting he should be in attendance.
03.00 – 04.30 Calvin Harris
Styles: Synthpop, Electro, Progressive House
One track he’ll most definitely play: Calvin Harris & Example vs Sandro Silva & Quintino – We’ll Be Coming Epic
Fun Fact: He once hooked up with Ke$ha. I think that’s hilarious, Scottish stereotypes and all.
Booking Grade: A
Not that it’s necessarily a good nothing, but Harris’ level of success is slowly creeping up on Guetta’s. His radio-friendly tracks have enamored people the world over, while he still keeps a toe in the underground pool through his eclectic sets and his label, Fly Eye Records. Again, admirable time slotting by Playground as the Scotsman seems to be a solid buffer between his predecessor and the techier part of the night.
04.30 – 06.30 Peter Rauhofer
Styles: Progressive House
One track he’ll most definitely play: Swedish House Mafia – Don’t You Worry Child (Rauhofer Big Room Anthem Mix)
Fun Fact: Back he was known as Club 69, he released an album entitled “Let me Be Your Underwear.” He also runs a label called Star 69.
Booking Grade: B-
I really don’t know much about Peter Rauhofer, but having taken a listen to the tracks on his SoundCloud page, I can safely assume that he’s one of those DJs who frustrates mainstream EDM lovers with slight variations of popular anthems. He teases with vocals from the original, builds-up, builds-up some more, than drops some horrible brostep-electro-pop rework. I hope you prove me wrong Peter!
06.30 – 08.45 Nicole Moudaber
Styles: Techno, House, Tech House
One track she’ll most definitely play: Nicole Moudaber & Victor Calderone – The Journey Begins (Original Mix)
Fun Fact: Same as Sultan and Ned Shepard, but with Carl Cox.
Booking Grade: A
Not being much of a techno fan, I don’t know much about Nicole Moudaber either, but I get the distinct feeling that I’ll be crucified should I write anything even remotely passive aggressive with regards to her. So instead, I’m just going to remind everyone that her rapid ascension into the upper echelon of her genre is supremely impressive, her recent set at Stereo is one of the most beloved in recent memory and Montreal has accepted her as it’s Queen of techno. More than enough validation for me.
08.45 – 09.15 SHADED
Styles: Techno, Minimal
One track he’ll most definitely play: Shaded – Love Bug (Original Mix)
Fun Fact: He continues to advance his career as Shaded, despite the enormous popularity of his alter-ego, Richie Hawtin.
Booking Grade: A+
More techno, more cluelessness from moi. Here’s what I know: his real name is Skyler Taugher, he’s a good surfer, he’s an exciting member of Dubfire’s Sci-Tec and Playground was smart in placing an artist who favors minimal between sultry, tough techno and the aforementioned Dubfire.
09.15 – 12.00 Dubfire
Styles: Techno, House, Tech House, Minimal
One track he’ll most definitely play: Dubfire – Octvs (Original Mix)
Fun Fact: Dubfire was once denied access to a “trendy” club in South Beach where Deep Dish was supposed to perform. He was not on the list, thus coining the term “Dubfired.”
Having performed at Bal en Blanc in the past as a member of Deep Dish, Dubfire should feel right at home. Slotted in the last performance of the show, the crowd at his stage should be comprised mainly of extremely knowledgeable diehards, which I’m pretty sure would sit well with any artist. Great find for the last of Bal en Blanc.
Before we part ways, make sure you brush up on the following tracks as they’re certain to get multiple plays come Sunday.
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