Happy Hump Day: Electric Zoo is in 2 Days?!

What the fuck? Did the past year really just go by as quickly as it feels? At this time last year I was gearing up for 1.) My first Electric Zoo Festival 2.) my first electronic music festival 3.) my first music festival - ever. I was giddy like a little girl and I had no idea what to expect. I barely knew any of the DJs spinning and simply allowed my friends to show me the ropes.

Now it's all changed. EDM is in the forefront of my life and I have a LOT of EDM shows under my belt, including (but not limited to): Ultra Music Festival, Identity Festival, Rusko & Boys Noize, Skrillex, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Laidback Luke, Wolfgang Gartner, Pretty Lights, A-Trak, and the list goes on.

I am insanely pumped to see a lot of DJs I haven't caught live (Diplo - I got distracted last year), Alesso, Joris Voorn, Bart B More, Porter Robinson, Calvin Harris, Michael Woods, Hardwell, Jack Beats, and more.

Today I am in a weird mood so I'm going to bring you some weird songs. This will likely be my last big post before the festival begins Friday so hopefully I'll be alive next week to tell you about it. Enjoy the tunes and hit me up if you'll be at the Zoo!


Green Velvet Shake & Pop

Froidz Finnally (Mord Fustang Remix)

DJ Aero & Tommy Lee Static (Original Mix)

Berou & Canblaster Kapongo Dance (Congorock Remix)

Jack Beats Get Down

Happy Violence Day!

Today was a hugely anticipated day for fans of Dada Life and for fans of EDM in general. Dada Life have officially released their latest single, titled "Happy Violence."

On my first couple of listens, it has that classic Dada Life sound we've come to expect over the past year that has seen them, for lack of better words, blow the fuck up. The bass line is always the most distinctive, recognizable part because they know how to get a deep heavy sound by using their Sausage Fattener plug-in (that I always reference). The leads (the melody) are a little iffy for me so far, just because they're weird-sounding. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing because that's the best way to set yourself apart in a hugely saturated EDM world. The chorus-y part reminds me of an old Nintendo game, something like the Legend of Zelda.

Regardless, the newest Dada Life track is here and you can bet your ass you will be hearing it during live DJ sets and as part of mixes/podcasts. The anticipation is only building for their next album release, which is rumored to come out Spring 2012. Let me know what you think of "Happy Violence" by commenting here!


Dada Life Happy Violence (Original Mix)

Fuck Yeah Friday!: Kaskade Mashup, R3HAB & Afrojack, An Oldie But Goodie

Kaskade Live @ Identity Festival, Mansfield, MA 8.20.2011

Well, it's already Friday again. These weeks go by faster than ever. Not only is everyone talking about Summer being over (yeah I'm friends with some pretty depressing people), but how about the fact that Electric Zoo is only a week away?! It's hard to believe it's been a year since the EZoo 2010, which was one of the best weekends of my life. This year it's due to be only more insane. Sandwiched between Identity last weekend and EZoo next weekend is R3HAB performing at the Ocean Club in Quincy, MA this weekend. The dudes at Mass EDMC hooked us up with some backstage passes and here's to hoping the impending hurricane doesn't change those plans.

This week I bring you some random goodies, both old and new. I start off with a track Kaskade has been playing at these ID Festival shows, which is a mash-up of Marco V vs. Kaskade vs. Tiesto, Hardwell, & EDX. It's got a great drop and some uplifting vocals and takes everything good from these 3 songs.

Kaskade vs. Tiesto, Hardwell, EDX & Marco V. Angel On My Shoulder Reaver 76 (Kaskade Mash Up)

Next up is R3HAB's collaboration with Afrojack called Prutataaa. This has been a song heavy in DJ sets, probably because of the vocals at the end. R3HAB is on Afrojack's Wall Recordings and is definitely an up-and-coming star in the world of EDM.

Afrojack & R3HAB Prutataaa (Original Mix)

The next two tracks are oldies but goodies. The first is a track by the awesome Australian duo Vandalism, who have done remixes of Claude Von Stroke's "The Whistler" and Dennis Ferrer's "Hey Hey". I discovered this song on the compilation Clubbers Guide to 2009 when I was in Australia and it remained one of my favorite songs, because I was new to the whole EDM scene at that point. It's got a nice Latin vibe and some Justin Timberlake-esque lyrics to go with it.

Vandalism Hablando

Finally I had to throw in the Madeon remix of Pendulum's "The Island". Yes, this is another oldie but goodie and I guarantee either you've never heard it or you never give it the attention it deserves. It's a lot more funky than the original and uses the same lyrics. Madeon continues to impress me, as the young prodigy he is.

Pendulum The Island (Madeon Remix)

Enjoy your weekends and tell the rain gods to stay away for Sunday's R3HAB show.

The Party Rock Anthem: Remixes

What’s the hottest song out there right now? It’s easily the “Party Rock Anthem” by the goofballs in LMFAO. When I first heard this track I didn’t think much of it – I simply thought it was just another house/electro-house song. I quickly realized how popular it was when I was riding the train through Boston and a couple ten-year-olds were singing it. Then I realized it was on the radio all the time and almost everyone I knew was in love with it. While I don’t mind the song (it’s certainly not the worst top-40 song I’ve heard in recent years), there are definitely some hot remixes of it out there. I bring you this post today to shine some light on a few of them.

First up is by far my favorite by groove master Russ Chimes. Chimes removes the lyrics and keeps the general sounds of the chorus in there, but gives it a 100% Russ Chimes makeover (read: funky as hell).

LMFAO Party Rock Anthem (Russ Chimes Dub)

Next up is veteran Benny Benassi's club mix. Benassi keeps it extremely Housey (real deep House, actually) as he is known to do, and the lyrics remain in tact. It has that Benassi sound that he is recognized for and this one will absolutely keep dance floors moving.

LMFAO Party Rock Anthem (Benny Benassi Club Mix)

Kim Fai is just another young European making his name known with original productions and remixes. He has gained recognition from great House names such as Steve Angello, Mark Knight, and Pete Tong. He has also collaborated with AN21 and Max Vangeli. And this version of "Party Rock Anthem" is for sure a banger.

LMFAO Party Rock Anthem (Kim Fai Remix)

Lastly I bring you some Dubstep. Because what's the fun in bringing you four House tracks? Arion has remixed not only Party Rock Anthem, but also Dr. Dre's "I Need a Doctor" and Skylar Grey's "I'm Coming Home." He hails from Ontario, Canada and is looking to start his first tour - hoping he makes it to Boston!

LMFAO Party Rock Anthem (Arion Dubstep Remix)

Monday Throwback: Jay-Z - So Ghetto

DJ Premier & Jay-Z

Identity Festival exceeded expectations this past weekend and I am in recovery mode. Make sure to check out My Music Is Better Than Yours for a full write up/review and make sure to "like" us on Facebook if you haven't already.

Today's Monday Throwback comes to you from 1999's Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter by Jay-Z. It was produced by one of the best hip hop producers & DJs in the game: DJ Premier (formerly of Gang Starr).

The chorus goes as follows, with scratching by DJ Premier in quotes:
I'm so gangsta prissy chicks don't wanna fuck with me
"Iceberg, Slim baby ride rims"
I'm so gutter, ghetto girls fall in love with me
"You know him well.." "..by the name of Jigga"
I'm so gangsta prissy chicks don't wanna fuck with me
"You can love me or hate me.." "..Jay-Z"
I'm so gutter, ghetto girls fall in love with me
"Roc-a-Fella lock the whole block down"

Seeing as this came out over 12 years ago, Jay-Z has softened his lyrics a bit since then and I don't think you'll be hearing him say how gangster/ghetto he is these days. Although he has a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...


Jay-Z So Ghetto

Fuck Yeah Friday!: Identity Festival Essentials

Steve Aoki's massive new stage set up created exclusively for ID Festival

What else can I say that I haven't already said either here or on My Music Is Better Than Yours (MMIBTY)? Identity Festival hits the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA tomorrow and I am pumped. I honestly can't believe how many people I know going to this event, whether it's the UVM crew, the Natick High Crew, or anyone else in between. It's sure to be an awesome day full of dirty beats and because of my affiliation with MMIBTY you will find me in the VIP section with press credentials. Make sure to check MMIBTY for our write ups and stories.

With that I bring you five essential Identity Festival tracks, which I wouldn't be surprised if you heard tomorrow. Be sure to check out my two ID Fest previews here and here. The second post spotlights DJ Shadow, who will be doing the closing set on the Dim Mak stage tomorrow -- I highly recommend checking him out. Make sure to hit me up any time tomorrow if you're there!


Rusko + Reso Lick The Lizard

Kaskade & Tiesto Only You (feat. Haley)

Nero Guilt

Afrojack & Steve Aoki No Beef (Vocal Mix) ft. Alyssa Palmer

DJ Shadow Organ Donor

Happy Hump Day: Cazzette and Dillon Francis and ID Fest in 3 Days!

 

Identity Festival is finally just three days away and I couldn't be more excited. My last festival was Ultra and that was way back in March so you can imagine that my anticipation is through the roof (and it's killing me). Not only am I looking forward to some of the dirtiest beats produced by some of the best DJs in the world, I am also looking forward to enjoying them ALL DAY outside on one of the last summer weekends of 2011. Of course, this comes as a teaser for the massive Electric Zoo which is just over two weeks away. Both will be fun and both will leave my ears ringing the next day. As for Identity, I've never known so many people going to one show/festival and that truly excites me - hit me up if you'll be there.

My Top 5 Acts to See @ ID:

1.) DJ Shadow - a pioneer in the DJing game. You will be blown away

2.) Avicii - he's just too good and too hot to be missed right now

3.) Rusko & Nero - some dirty dubstepping Brits

4.) Steve Aoki - he's a headliner of this festival & his new stage set up looks unreal. Sure to be a sweat party

5.) Booka Shade - leaders in the minimal movement, have yet to see them and love their tunes

Today I bring you a couple tracks to get you excited for the weekend. The first is a song that's been stuck in my head since I first heard it and it's by one of my new favorite producers in Dillon Francis. "Beautician 2.0" is a chilled out Moombahton version of his original dubsteppy "Beautician" and it's been on repeat all week.

The next song is a remix by Cazette of the massively popular "Seek Bromance" by Avicii, who goes under his Tim Berg identity. Cazette is quickly growing his fan base and for good reason. You can see him perform with Avicii in New Jersey next month.

Dillon Francis - Beautician 2.0

Tim Berg - Seek Bromance (Cazzette meets Ash Vocal Mix)

Monday Throwback: Brother Ali - The Travelers + a Song Stuck in my Head

The Album Art for 2009's Us

There's something about this track that really puts me in a nice groove considering it's a rainy Monday morning here in Boston. Thanks again to Pandora I found this gem hanging out as part of one of my hip hop stations (I can't remember if it was Mos Def or Digable Planets) that I regularly cycle through. The beat is the first thing that stood out to me, as usual. And it's one instrument in particular that does it for me amid the hip hop drums: the Marimba. I could be wrong in my identifying of the instrument - it may very well be another mallet instrument similar to the Marimba but that's what I'm going with. Being a long-time drummer and percussionist things like this always stand out to me.

Ali's flow is sick as usual, coming from a rap-battle background and being an incredible story teller. Some of the lyrics that stick out to me are:

Everything that the passenger do
The driver experience too
So if humanity is one
Then we all get burned when it's hell that we're traveling through

This brings the word Karma to mind but it's definitely open to interpretation. The album Us was released in 2009 and was produced entirely by Ants of Atmosphere. Brother Ali has been a practicing Muslim for 13 years and hails from Minnesota. He's a white dude and pretty ugly so you're welcome for not featuring his mug on this blog entry.

Brother Ali - The Travelers

*See Lyrics after the JUMP*

BONUS:
Here's a song that isn't quite new but it has been stuck in my head for quite some time. It comes from the trance trio Above & Beyond featuring Gareth Emery and has deep hitting bass with some nice uplifting vocals. This is by no means a "new" song as it was released in 2010 after receiving a makeover from the previous 2009 version.

Above & Beyond and Gareth Emery Present Oceanlab - On a Good Day (Metropolis)

Fuck Yeah Friday!: It's a Knife Party!

Man it feels good to be back for a Fuck Yeah Friday post. And this week I bring you pure filth - I hope you're ready to have your face melted completely off. Knife Party is a new club project of Rob Swire (featured on Deadmau5's Ghosts N' Stuff) and Gareth McGrillen of the Australian dance band Pendulum. While I haven't really gotten into Pendulum, they have a huge following world wide. Knife Party is more up my alley, with crazy drops and electro-house roots that go very hard. They've been working with Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex (see the awesome Moombahton collabo below), and putting together disgustingly awesome beats. If the following tracks don't get your parties started this weekend then I will have failed you. Crank it up and let me know what you think!

Swedish House Mafia - Save the World (Knife Party remix)

Knife Party & Skrillex - Zoology (preview)

Nero - Crush on You (Knife Party Remix)

Knife Party - 25 Minute Studio Mix by GBallz
Knife Party - 25 Minute Studio Mix from Ibiza (track listing after the JUMP)*Click the down arrow below "Info" to download the mix*

BONUS - An older Flux Pavilion song to groove to:

Flux Pavilion - Night Goes On

Happy Hump Day: New Tiesto

I'm back from the homeland and excited to bring you new music straight from the top of my dome piece. Israelis love dubstep but today I am not bringing you any. I am first bringing you Tiesto's new track called "Work Hard, Play Hard" which  goes real hard and seems to be a nice change from Tiesto's old cheesy trance. This dude's music is evolving with the times and it even sounds like he's using Dada Life's Sausage Fattener plug in. Nice beat and good vocals. As Brian said on it's anyone's guess when Tiesto finds the time to put something like this together. He tours the world constantly, has a weekly podcast, and collaborates with various other artists on tracks. And yet, this tune is as good as any out there.

I had the pleasure of seeing Lazy Rich kill it last night at the Middle East in Cambridge. He brought so much wobbly electro-house to the basement of the venue and I wish he played longer than an hour. Find a bonus track by him below.


Tiesto - Work Hard, Play Hard

Fuck Yeah Friday! : Kaskade Livin'

Cam Harris checking in for the last time on the G- Spot as Mr. Gballz returns this weekend and I take off for retreat to lovely Cape Cod for the week. Nevertheless, this Fuck Yeah Friday is all about Ryan Raddon. Better known as his stage name, Kaskade, this guy has been destroying the charts this year putting in immense time at the studio and having it be reflected in his countless shows. He has been on tour for the better part of this entire year and makes a stop at the Comast Center August 20 for the highly anticipated Identity Festival which he is headlining along side the likes of Avicii and Steve Aoki. I had the opportunity to see only a quick glance of his set at Ultra Music Festival, therefore, I am highly excited for Identity and seeing him in full effect. To kick off your Friday into what I hope is a great weekend, I have posted one of my favorite songs that I cant seem to avoid when bumping the tunes in my car. Also, posted a few of his other mixes which are sure to get you upbeat and ready for whatever the weekend may brings. It's been a pleasure, and happy Fuck Yeah Friday!

Call Your Girlfriend - Kaskade Remix


Stars Align Tomorrow - Kaskade Mashup


Invisible - Kaskade Remix

Happy Hump Day: In Honor Of Mr. PowerStroke Being In The 617 Tonight

Cam Harris checking in for my last couple of posts here before G-Ballz himself makes his epic return back to the US from the Motherland. In wishing him a safe trip back in a couple of days, this post is a tribute to him and one of our favorite minimal artists, Mr. Powerstroke, or better known as Claude Vonstroke. Claude has given the city of Boston the great opportunity to see him live tonight over at Phoenix Landing in Cambridge. For those of you looking for a way to spice up your Wednesday night, I highly recommend trying to get over there and catching a once in a lifetime show. I had a chance to pop my Vonstroke cherry at Ultra Music Festival earlier this year and to say the least wow. He played in a tent full of jungle gyms and dusty people to bring his small crowd his intense music which I was informed was categorized as "jungle house". Nevertheless, he kills it. So this week I decided to dedicate some tracks to show you what I mean. So take a listen and if anything check out his artist page on facebook. Happy Hump Day to all and hope this picks up the pace for those of you with a slow work week. Enjoy!

The Whistler - Vandalism Vocal Mix



Wut - (Claude Vonstroke Remix)


Figure I would leave you with one Bonus track to keep the week rolling. Wolfgang Gartner has been on his grind this year and continues to do show after show after show to show his fans how much he loves playing for them. For this one, I leave you with what he calls his BRAND NEW track, even though he has been playing this on tour for quite a while now. Either way, the guy is a true producer and DJ, Enjoy


Menage A Trois - Wolfgang Gartner (Original Mix)

Monday Throwback: Kansas City's Finest, Tech N9ne

Cam Harris here returning folks for your Monday beat. Keeping pace with the usual Monday Throwback vibe of a classic hip hop song, I decided to introduce my long time favorite rapper and Strange Music CEO, Tech N9ne. 

For those of you who do not know about Tech N9ne, you are certainly in for a treat. Tech, also known by his real name, Aaron Yates, has remained as the #1 Independent rapper in the country. Now one may ask, who could care less about an Independent? Fortunately for Tech, his insanely rapid rapping skills along with his story-like telling approach has gained him respect from almost every major artist in the industry. I personally had the opportunity to see Tech live last a few weeks ago at the Worcester Palladium and in a nutshell, his raw talent matched with his undying appreciation for his fans made the energy level feel like it was pulsing every beat of the way. His newest album which dropped earlier this month entitled, "All 6's and 7's" has quickly impacted the charts with collaborations with some of the top artists in the business including the likes of Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, B.O.B, and E-40 just to name a few.

I highly recommend browsing the tracklist for his newest album and taking a listen; I promise you will not regret it. However, to ease you into your work week I have decided to feature the track that made Tech famous, and many college kids alcoholics. Without further or due, I give you Caribou Lou.

Tech N9ne - Caribou Lou