Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Elliphant- "Down On Life" Song of the Day (4/30/14)

Swedish artist Elliphant blends harmonic vocals with electronic beats to develop her unique sound.
Sit back and tell your friends...



















Method Man & Redman w/8Ball & MJG @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom - 4/20/14 - (Review)

Review By: Kenny Emmer
It was a big weekend for Denver and the rest of CO, as hordes of tourists and artists alike flocked to the colorful state to partake in the now legal marijuana festivities. Countless shows took place all across the state in celebration including 2 performances by Wu Tang Clan's own Method Man joined by Def Jam alumni and musical partner in crime Redman. With local rap artist LilyFangz and 90s rap duo 8 Ball & MJG opening up the afternoon with throwback beats and clever lyricism. It sure felt like an old school underground hip-hop show, and there's no better venue to perpetuate this vibe than Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom. As expected, the ballroom was filled with haze as people lit up in celebration of the holidaze. The sold out show was packed full of good vibes and good music. Method Man & Redman were ready in full force to put on both a terrific performance and a party for the attendees. Meth & Red performed classics such as "How High" "Da Rockwilder" and "Y.O.U" as well as many others. In addition Method made sure to drop certain Wu Tang classics from Raekwon's "Ice Cream" to "Method Man" and the late ODB's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". The duo were supported by 2 unbelievably talented DJ's, who put on their own spin-off which had the crowd on their toes. It was an awesome experience to witness such an awesome show on such a memorable day.  Colorado was definitely the place to be for 4/20. And it was one I won't forget.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Bonobo - "Cirrus" - Song of the Day [4-29-14]



This is not only a great song but an incredible visual experience. Bonobo makes great mellow electronic music, go check out more on the official youtube channel or on soundcloud here



Collie Buddz Exclusive Colorado Performance w/Live Band & The ReMINDers w/Liberation & Courier @ Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO - 4/18/14 (Review)

Review By: Troy Manley
Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom, located within the old Casino Caberet building on Welton Street in heart of downtown Denver, was home to a SOLD OUT performance by Collie Buddz backed by a live band - the only show he played in Colorado with the talented band. Also on the plate for the night were The ReMINDers, Liberation, and Courier.

SToK - a main sponsor for the event - had a table set up near the entrance where they were offering concert-goers some free gear. THESE specifically - I got myself a whole set. Fuck yeah :). Courier was already on the mic by the time we got into the main room. This Denver local has a deep rooted love for hip-hop and was quoted as saying: "I have learned so much from hip-hop and really look forward to everything it has to offer me. I get lost in it." Throughout what I caught of his performance it was obvious he was displaying his heart and soul while putting it all out there. I can only see good things coming in this dude's future.

Courier On Stage
Liberation opened their set by asking the crowd if they like reggae music, naturally the crowd responded enthusiastically. I tried searching for this band online but I had some difficulty locating them, so I can't really tell you much about their background. However, their show had it awesome points and its not so awesome points. For some of the songs they had a member of the band rapping. Although not bad, he definitely wasn't anything spectacular. Fast forward a couple tracks with him rapping. The lineup has shifted a bit. Rapper is back on bass and the guy playing bass previously is on an electric guitar lined up with a microphone. This is when their show got good. The guitarist had an awesome voice and the group sported a couple backup vocals - none of which were rapper man - that took it home. Their drummer and keyboardist were no jokes either. My only complaint was their bassist, the rapper, seemed to be unable to assume a role alongside the other musicians in the group while not rapping. He constantly trotted around stage around the guitarist/lead singer, who was stationary in the middle, coming to the forefront asserting himself for the crowds attention. Not too sure what the deal was there, but either way, when he wasn't rapping, this group killed it the reggae game. I would love to see these guys get at it again.
Liberation 
Up next for the night were The ReMINDers. Here's a short bio piece from their Facebook page: "The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative force that’s hard to beat. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in both his lyrics and cool demeanor. This is beautifully complimented by Aja Black's confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings. The two have an undeniable magical chemistry as they share more than lyrical abilities and stages; the couple shares a partnership in both music and life as Samir and Aja have been married for almost a decade." These two kill it on stage. Aja's voice is spine-chilling and Big Samir's delivery plays off and emphasizes her skills even more. Having never heard of this group before I was definitely impressed and am looking forward to exploring more of their music - while I encourage you to do the same.

The biggest surprise for the night was a local group call Eldren. They were performing on Cervantes' Other-Side, a smaller stage located in the same building as the main stage that is accessed through a small door in the back of the venue. Self described as "a psychadelic dream rock super pop soundgasm that will grip your eyes and ears and leave you trembling with a sense of wonder and want." Let me say, that is pretty accurate. These guys were awesome! They were all dressed up in similarly odd attire, 1 female & 6 males - 3 of which sported hair past their shoulders. I missed some of The ReMINDers' set due to being entranced by these mystical beings on stage at Cervantes' Other-Side. Can't wait to make it out to Denver again to check these guys out for an entire show.
Taken From Eldren's Official Facebook Page


"Born Colin Harper in New Orleans, LA to a mother of Bermudian heritage with roots on the island dating back to the 1700s, his father passed away while Collie Buddz was at the tender age of four. At that time, his mother moved the family back home to Bermuda. It wasn't long before Buddz discovered more than his Bermudian heritage. Introduced to Reggae music by his older brother, Matthew, affectionately just known as "Smokey," by the tenderfoot age of 12, Colin Harper quickly learned his way around a music studio. It soon became apparent to everyone within earshot of the boy that his voice was unique in a way that lingers long after you've heard him." Just a snippet of the biography afforded to fans on Collie Buddz's Facebook page, it offers a small bit of insight for the listener. His live performance was spectacular, his voice sounded better than it does on his studio recordings - which is rare for his genre. You name it, he played it - all the hits. To make it even better, he had a live band supporting him. The guitarist was incredibly talented, and the drummer really held everything together. There was also an additional female vocalist on stage to provide some support for Collie Buddz throughout the show. For some odd reason it felt like he had said good-bye to the crowd and left the stage multiple times at the end of his show before exiting with no return. Didn't really understand what that was all about, but all-in-all it was an awesome performance by an extremely talented vocalist.  

Cervantes' did it again and lined up an incredible show like always. Should never expect anything less.

Collie Buddz

Monday, April 28, 2014

George Watsky Live @ Knocksteady - Song of the Day - (4/28/14)

Lyrical genius, George Watsky, stopped by infamous YouTube channel, Knocksteady Live, for an exclsuive performance. Solid way to start your monday.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Timothy Howe and Zach Dyer - "Hearts on Fire" Song of the Day [4/27/14]

Tim and his good friend Zach Dyer join forces for an epic cover of "Hearts on Fire" by Ed Sheeran. If you live in the Twin Cities area be sure to keep an eye out for this budding musician. Check his Facebook for events here.





















Friday, April 25, 2014

Tipper & Android Jones Live @ Infrasound 2013 - Song of the Day - (4/25/14)


British producer, David Tipper, is known for playing live performances that consist of mainly his own unreleased tracks. He's also known for his out of this world visuals. Yup, this video about says it all. 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Griz just dropped a new track... "Throwback"

Literally only minutes old, this new track from Griz is hot off the presses.  Let us know what you think.


A Big Gigantic Documentary - Song (Movie) of the Day - [04/23/2014]

A cool short documentary on the Big G Family.  Why we love them, and why we should love each-other.

A little peak inside the minds of the #ABGF

Helena @ Rev Ultra Lounge - Minneapolis, MN 4/25/14 - (Preview)


This enate prodigy redefines magnetism in music! UK born, Australian bred and now Los Angeles based, HELENA dominates with her sound as one of EDM’s most prominent DJs and electronic producers.
Showcasing her depth with electro, progressive and house beats she stands her ground with finesse. Booked on Ultra Music Festival’s main stage in 2013 while musically annihilating studios around the world, the anticipation is high with young signings to Sony Music, Mutants, Big & Dirty and Basik Rkrds.
Forthcoming releases with John Dahlback, Basto and Nilson on ‘Whattup!’ shouts her sound on high demand. Signed in the USA with SPIN Artist Agency, her first tour ravaged Lavo New York & Las Vegas, Mansion Miami, Playhouse LA and San Diego’s Voyeur. Backing it up this standout reigned in the love setting ablaze her own shows at Marquee Nightclub and Marquee Dayclub Las Vegas, together with Benny Benassi and Avicii, Pacha and Marquee New York, and guns blazing throughout Mexico, Chicago and Seattle. No stranger to adrenaline on a grand scale, this boss of electronica captivates arenas at Australia’s largest music festivals like Stereosonic, while recently announcing her national spot on the Future Music Festival tour in 2014.
Seducing dance floors worldwide, HELENA amplifies the battlefield, extending her tour reputation across every continent with her musical fusions. Taking the reigns, it is no doubt the sublime musical selection that lies within this untamed vanguard’s sets originate from a perfectly organic talent within. From a young age her classical skills on the cello and piano amplified into more when teamed with an electronic barrage.
Out on Australia’s grand-scale club brand Onelove HELENA’s debut single ‘Girl From The Sky’ has contributed to the musical asset HELENA is, sitting pretty at #1 on the Australian Club charts for four weeks. Her remix of Jono Fernandez & Pauls Paris feat. Amba Sheperd ‘Let It Out’ also smashed the chart’s top ten while climbing high on Beatport. Her single ‘Detox’ with Disfunktion on Onelove was dropped, roping in support from Tiesto and Nicky Romero. Being Pioneer Pro DJ’s leading ambassador, it goes without saying, the globe’s hottest acts have never been more than an earshot away of lady luck. Out on Sony’s Basik Rkrds in late 2013 sees Legend, while Breathe on John Dahlback’s Mutants is on the next drop.
Tackling electronic dance floors head on, this musical empress will be of sheer importance to speakers near you.
Plus special guest:
Dani Young - https://www.facebook.com/daniyoungmusic

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The Underachievers @ Cervantes' Other Side (4-13-14) [Review]


Review By: Justin D'Amico


Monday night was a good one for underground hip-hop in Denver at Cervantes' Other Side. The night included Denzel Curry, Dillon Cooper, Azizi Gibson, Prawphit, and The Underachievers headlined. This was a part of the ongoing "Eyes of the World Tour" traveling all over the country.


The openers were extra hype for this stop on the tour. For a Monday night you couldn't find a more lively crew the hang out with. There was a lot going on with so many artists preforming, limiting sets to about 30-40 minutes. The people were highly responsive to the requests of the MCs all night. Every time they asked for hands up the whole room followed along.


The Underachievers is a New York based duo of lyricists that go by the stage names AK and Issa Gold. They represent a psychedelic hip hop style and throw mad shout outs to the "Beast-Coast". The Underachievers took the stage a little bit after eleven and went until closing time. The set started with an impromptu smoke session as fans passed their blunts and joints to AK and Issa Gold. It got to a point where The Underachievers had to pass on the smoking in order to keep it real and finish the set proper.






Be sure to check out The Underachievers and their current Eyes on the World Tour when they come to your city. If your thing is underground hip hop, these two have some sick flows to bob your head to. For the people in the Denver area, stay on the up and up with Cervantes' Other Side and the Masterpiece Ballroom for more underground hip-hop concerts. 





Zeds Dead - "Rude Boy" Song of the Day [4/23/14]

"Rude Boy" awesome song, awesome group!! Turn it up and enjoy....

















Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Com Truise - "Chemical Legs" - Song of the Day [4-22-14]



Chill out with some Com Truise today. His music is perfect for melting away into a musical dream world. A common theme for Com Truise songs is an incredible 80's synthesizer melody. His library is full of excellent music with an old school feel, and who doesn't love a good throw back to simpler times. Go get more smooth beats on Com Truise's soundcloud page here.



Seven Lions @ First Ave - Minneapolis, MN 4/25/14 (Preview)


"Seven Lions is quickly taking the dance world hostage with his deep, soulful, hybridized creations – at times elegant, at others pulverizing – all distinctly his own. Seven Lions’ Polarize EP, one of the most promising releases of the last year in the EDM world, just dropped in April and has already garnered praise for its melding of main room bombast with a very sensitive, human touch.

For Seven Lions (neé Jeff Montalvo) ‘fast’ is an understatement for how his work has spread virally amongst fans of trance, dubstep, and everything in between. The 25 year old California native has been the center of attention as of late but has maintained a humility throughout. The artist released an unofficial remix of Florence and the Machine’s “Cosmic Love” in March and has been a runaway YouTube hit as Florence’s vocals align perfectly with the producer’s yearning, sinewy compositions. Following the release of the Polarize EP (which charted in the top 5 overall charts on BeatPort), several of his productions are at any given time on the BeatPort dubstep Top 30.

His international following has grown exponentially over the past few months -everything from getting airplay on BBC’s Radio1 to headlining seminal clubs in the States and elsewhere, but this is no overnight success story. It started early on in his life when, at age 7, his father brought home the family’s first computer: a Macintosh and keyboard. After playing in metal and punk bands throughout middle school and high school, Montalvo segued into production in his late teens. “For me, it was the most accessible thing, to start picking up something like drums as opposed to something like electronic music. My transition out of playing with a band was because I got tired of waiting for my band all the time — I wanted to just start making music so I started composing electronic music by myself,” Montalvo explains.

After a friend gave Montalvo the program Fruity Loops, he began experimenting with industrial drum beats and toying with genre cross-pollinations. Montalvo attended his first rave in 2007 and was immediately inspired to produce trance. However, he slowly found that broken beat came more naturally to the drummer-at-heart. “It’s more like playing a real instrument, as opposed to doing the four-on-the-floor disco beat. It’s more natural for me,” he says. Not long after, his remix of Above & Beyond feat. Zoe Johnston’s “You Got To Go” served as his breakout hit and introduction to the EDM world. “I won the official remix competition, which is how I got involved with [Above & Beyond]. I don’t know if they were expecting the track to do as well as it did. But it definitely got their attention, and now they’re wanting to work with me more.” 

That the remix “did well” is an understatement — typical of the soft-spoken Montalvo. The meteoric track sat at #2 on Beatport’s Dubstep chart for over 6 weeks, second only to Skrillex’s remix of “Levels”, with hundreds of thousands of listens on YouTube. From metal band member, to solo industrial producer, to a trance-dub trailblazer — he’s already achieved quite a diverse oeuvre, but his work seems to be only beginning. An innovative, fresh-thinking producer, Seven Lions is one of the more beautiful but dance-centered artists you’re likely to discover for a while."




Monday, April 21, 2014

Chris Robinson - "Sugaree" - Song of the Day [04/21/2014]


Chris Robinson and girlfriend Allison Bridges will be having a child in early 2010.

For many of the readers of this site, Chris Robinson and his bands are probably not all that familiar.  He is one of the most talented singer/songwriter/guitarists of our generation.  Dolling our bluesy rock tunes that simply rock.  This particular performance was from the El Rey theater in LA back in 2003.  Soak up this jam and tell me the man can't rock out with the best of them...

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Kill Paris - "The Walk"



Here's a brand new catchy beat from the master of nu-funk music, Kill Paris. "The Walk" has a perfect bassline and synth combo for an excellent nu-funk flavor. Kill Paris always comes up with smooth melodies and this is another example of why he is one of the best. "The Walk" will be part of a new EP called Foreplay set to release through OWSLA on April 29th.

Daft Punk's Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (Dillon Francis Remix) - Song of the Day [4/17/14]



Known in part for killer remixes of iconic EDM tracks, Dillon Francis takes on Daft Punk's mega hit "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger".  Thought the remixing isn't overdone, it definitely brings a different vibe to the track.  A definite trap feel and a solid down-tempo back beat make it notably Francis.

Summer Set Music & Camping Festival Phase 1 Lineup Announced!

Summer Set Music & Camping Festival has announced the 1st phase of its lineup featuring the likes of Bassnectar, Wu-Tang, Chromeo, and many more. Can't wait to see what else is to come.

[PREMIERE & EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD] Gloominoti - "Money On My Mind" EP


Gloominoti is an up and coming duo out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Zach Geier & Kory Parisien are long-time friends with the dream of spreading their music to all the corners of the world. Humble & persistent, this EP marks the first release of original music by these two down-to-earth dudes. Putting their own unique, South Dakota flavor on a genre that has taken the US by storm, this EP is sure to get some recognition from fans of trap. Check it out, share it with your friends, and let the boys know what you think! Liking their facebook page might be a good place to start :)
 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Collie Buddz To Play Exclusive Colorado Performance w/Live Band 4/18/14 at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO


Reggae Movement  & Party Guru Presents 
EXCLUSIVE Colorado Performance w/ Live Band
w/ The ReMINDers, Liberation & Courier

Friday April 18th 2014
Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom
 Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm 

$22 Advance / $25 Day of Show


Collie Buddz
Collie Buddz, from the isle of Bermuda, has done something not impossible but something once seemingly very implausible. He’s become the most buzz-worthy current Reggae artist over the past few years. In the summer, 2007, Collie Buddz’ Columbia Records self-titled debut album stormed the charts entering the Billboard Reggae Chart at first position. The Reggae singjay became an international star when this album went on to debut across the world on every chart from Japan to Germany. With much of the production coming from Collie himself, he delivered a solid effort with contributions from Supa Dups, Shea Taylor, Bang Out, Screwface, Bobby Konders, and Crown N Kah-So-Real.Released just a day before US Independence Day, Collie’s album could be heard blasting out of car windows from Brooklyn to Kingston all summer long. Critically speaking, Collie’s debut was a monster, his first single, an undeniable summer anthem titled, “Come Around”. Source Magazine proclaimed, “This 24 year old shotta has got an anthem spreading across the seas.” Hip Hop Weekly said, “Collie Buddz is one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter.” The industry excitement about this new voice in music manifested in many ways namely by inspiring Collie’s musical peers to either create their own remixes of “Come Around,” or join Collie on the official remix of the single. Busta Rhymes, G-Unit, Shaggy, and Cypress Hill, all contributed to the anthem.Incorporating influences from Hip-Hop to Soca, Collie’s music nevertheless has a rock-solid foundation in Reggae - and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration - that is a rarity even in Jamaica. But, to say he’s connected to the Caribbean community would be an understatement. Collie Buddz, born Colin Harper, has become the Caribbean culture’s resident ambassador.Touring extensively, Collie’s passport stamps are a relative reflection of the worldwide love for Reggae and Caribbean culture. From Madison Square Garden to Dubai, Collie Buddz is the definition of an international recording artist. “It was crazy performing in the Middle East. Who would have guessed how big reggae music is there? They knew all my songs,” a jubilant Buddz explains. He has toured throughout Germany, France, England, Japan, North and South America and the Caribbean.His unique blend of Hip-Hop, Soca and Dancehall underlined with his ever-present passion for the modern Roots Reggae sound has attracted tastemaker supporters all over the world. Reggae pioneer David Rodigan [London] and New York Reggae stalwarts, Massive B are just some of his most ardent supporters. Now on the verge of Collie’s sophomore album release, the anticipation is palpable.In spite of a heavy touring schedule since 2007, Collie is prepared to release a sophomore album that promises an even greater insight into the multi-talented, singer/producer. “We don’t have a title for the new album just yet but whatever we call it, the album will be mad,” Collie excitedly explains. With production by Supa Dups, Massive B, and Seani B among other contributors, Collie’s fans can anticipate Collie’s unique twist on popular music.After ending his affiliation with Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment, Inc in 2008, he found fewer restrictions on the indy scene and has since founded his own independent record label, Harper Digital alongside his brother [Smokey] and DJ [Genie] while working with his longtime management group, Mojiza Management.Humble as always, Collie simply says, “I’m just excited to be putting out another album. I love to make music and the satisfaction is in having other people from all over the world enjoy it. I live out of a suitcase and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

www.party-guru.com 
www.city2snow.com

2637 Welton St.  Denver
www.cervantesmasterpiece.com


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Virtual Riot - "Evil Gameboy" - Song of the Day [4-15-14]




Valentin Brunn aka Virtual Riot is a young producer from Germany with an amazing ear for electronic music. Virtual Riot is one of my favorite dubstep artists right now. "Evil Gameboy" dabbles into some of the Nintendo sounds I'm always a sucker for and a lot more. Virtual Riot is one of a few incredible artists representing Section Z Records. Go check out more Virtual Riot music, it's electrifying and highly addictive. You can access his soundcloud page here.



Monday, April 14, 2014

[PREMIERE] Dmitry Distant - "Life Drift" - Song of the Day - (4/14/14)


Berlin-based producer, Dmitry Distant, is dropping his newest single, "Life Drift," tomorrow on Beatport, and all other stores the 29th. Killerrrec is excited about this release on their label and so are we bcause we've got the exclusive first play for all you beautiful people! Check it out and if you like it, pick it up when it hits the stores. Go "like" his page now so you can keep up on all his newest music when it's available: HERE.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Limp Bizkit - "Hot Dog" Song of the Day [4-13-14]

Limp Bizkit front man Fred Durst knows how to offend people, and this song is one of the best. Turn it up and make sure no kids are around.





















Saturday, April 12, 2014

What So Not - "Touched" - Song of the Day [4/12/2014]


Today's Song of the Day is a tune that takes a very interesting spin on Trap music. An original from electronic duo What So Not, Touched starts off with spacey filtered vocals layered over a rainy background with a very emotive synth progression. As the beat builds with intensity, the tune takes a surprising twist when the classic 808 snare fills the silence between the melody and the upcoming drop. Although the drop is classic trap, heavy with 808 percussion; the melody is very psychedelic and unpredictable. Touched is definitely a must-listen for any fan of Trap or Hip-Hop.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Stealers Wheel - "Stuck In The Middle With You" - Song of the Day - (4/11/14)


"Stuck in the Middle With You" or, as originally titled, "Stuck in the Middle", is a song by Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty and performed by their band Stealers Wheel.

Stuck in the Middle With You was released on Stealers Wheel's 1972 self-titled debut album Stealers Wheel. The single sold over one million copies, eventually peaking in 1973 at #6 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and #8 in the UK Singles Chart.

Snowball Music Festival - Denver, CO - April 4-6, 2014 - (Review)

Review By: Kenny Emmer 
Snowball Music Festival migrated from the frigid mountain towns of Vail and Winter Park to the "Mile High City" allowing for more access  to services for attendees; such as better housing and hotel options, and public transportation. Not to mention a plethora of after parties throughout the city. The sudden change in environment had many people skeptical about the success of the festival and where it may be headed. But don't worry folks, all is well.
Day 1 has concluded and here is my verdict. Snowball kicked off with indie electro/rock band Jimkata opening at the main stage, trap/electronic artist HeRobust in the Groove Tent, and local electro-pop duo RoseQuartz at the Ballroom Stage, among many others. Upon arrival I made my way to the Sierra Nevada booth to witness something amazing, 12oz brews for a dollar - every hour they went up a dollar until the 4th hour, and we're only 4 bucks the rest of the night. As someone who constantly attends festivals and concerts, buying a beer for anywhere less than 6 dollars is miraculous and certainly puts a smile on your face. I'm sure I speak for everyone at the festival when I say I am eternally grateful for Sierra Nevada's sponsorship at Snowball. I then made my way to the main stage to check out The Floozies, an electronic funk duo who's worked with and remixed the likes of Lettuce and Griz. That guitarist can shred and use that vocoder like a pro. Their set reminded me a lot of retro pop duo Chromeo. The Floozies were nothing short of groovy, funky, and a lot of fun to see.
We then made our way to GTA. These guys have made quite a stir in the electronic music scene, and have lit up festivals across the globe. Working with the likes of Diplo, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Wolfpack, and A-Trak, these guys have created a sound molding elements of trap, hard-style, house, and electro to cause mayhem on the dance floor, ensuring one wild and crazy set at the Groove Tent. After that we made our way back to the main stage to see Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt rip Snowball a new one with his crude, dark, but somewhat genius lyrical content, accompanied by the usual menacing Odd Future style beats. Being the only hiphop artists on night 1's bill, Earl did his best to entertain what he called a crowd of ravers. And it was an epic change of pace. Earl played all his most loved tracks, including "Whoa," "Hive," and "Earl" - the crowd had plenty of love for him.

We made a quick detour to MiMosa at the Groove Tent who had attracted a massive crowd. As the night progressed the number of attendees almost seemed to have tripled. Mimosa had the crowd bouncing to his heavy trill music, playing other artist's music as well. We could only be there for a short time before heading right back to the main stage to see Knife Party close out the night. Although Rob Swire was missing in action, Gareth McGrillen still put on a banging set. Compared to previous Knife Party performances I've experienced, this one seemed just a little bit more festival-oriented, meaning he played a lot of modern house tracks you'd expect to hear at a festival environment, like Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, etc, dropping original Knife Party tracks only occasionally. However when he did mix in real heavy hitting Knife Party tracks, the crowd would erupt. So although i wouldn't say this was on par with an actual Knife Party show, he still provided a fun and energetic set for Snowball this year.
Day 1 of Snowball 2014 so far was a fun experience with surprisingly cheap booze, good people and weather. The lineup on Day 1 was significantly smaller than Day 2 or 3's, with only a few big name artists. The attendance didn't seem to be anywhere near full capacity until the very last set of the night and even then, not entirely full. However with 2 days left and many more amazing acts to come, that is sure to change.

Day 2 of Snowball started off nicely, with Australian future classic member Wave Racer kicking things off in the Groove Tent. I've noticed such a strong evolution in electronic music over the year and artists like Wave Racer embody that pretty well - bouncing beats with elements of trap, juke, jersey club, and deep house accompanied by bright synths and beautifully harmonic melodies. Wave Racer dropped primarily tracks within his realm of sound from artists like Flume, What So Not, Cashmere Cat, Ryan Hemsworth, DJEMBA DJEMBA, and more. Despite being one of the earlier sets of the day in at around 4 o'clock, Wave Racer managed to attract quite the crowd at the Groove Tent - which insistently demanded an encore. Unfortunately it's protocol not to do encores at festivals, but Wave Racer was very grateful for the love.

After Wave Racer we took a break to walk around the festival to see some of the sights. In addition to the many art and merch booths available around the site, Vapor X had a tent selling premium vapor hookah/tobacco pens while also doing giveaways and providing a booth to take group photo's. Another major sponsor, Tinder, had a booth providing contests and free giveaways for attendees. Free water stations could be found throughout and Kind Bars were handing out free granola bars. There were plenty of food truck options from heady taco's to gourmet burgers, bbq, and pizza, as well as several coffee trucks. Sierra Nevada also had a large tent to themselves for quick and easy access to reasonably cheap alcohol. I caught some of STRFKR's set at the main stage, who had people in random costumes dancing on stage for them. I'm pretty sure I saw an astronaut, a panda, and an alien. The crowd raged to STRFKR's indie-electro rock, who was soon followed by Rhymesayer's own Brother Ali to entertain the crowd with his brilliant rhymes and poetic story-telling.
We then checked out some of Chrome Sparks at the Ballroom Stage. Although Chrome Sparks is the brain child of Jeremy Malvin, he was accompanied by 2 other band members, and had a very unique setup of synthesizers and electronic drums, providing for a very original sound. Chrome Sparks were both ethereal and heavy, weaving back and forth through heavy beats and minimalistic tones while Malvin echoed vocals out to the crowd. It was a very different and epic performance. The biggest letdown of the night occurred when we made our way to the Groove Tent to discover that beatmaker and one half of TNGHT aka Lunice could not make it to the festival due to plane complications. I'm sure tons of people were disappointed, but Lunice made sure to apologize over twitter and hint at the possibility booking another show in CO soon. After that unfortunate discovery we did a 180 and made our way back to the Ballroom Stage to check out Trippy Turtle. Now this was probably my favorite set of the night if not the whole weekend. This Norwegian jersey club producer and good friend of Cashmere Cat takes both popular modern and classic R&B tracks and turns them into bright, bouncy, and hyped up club music. Trippy adorned himself with a turtle hoodie, took the booth, and threw down an energetic set that had the crowd constantly in motion. Playing remixes of Chris Brown, August Alsina, R Kelly, Justin Timberlake, T Pain, Drake, Miguel, Chance the Rapper, and many others. As well as tracks from Cashmere Cat, DJ Hoodboi, Wave Racer, and other fellow producers. And just like with Wave Racer, the crowd desperately wanted an encore. Luckily both Wave Racer and Trippy Turtle were doing an after party at the 1up Bar in Denver, but we'd get to that later.
After Trippy's set we made our way to the main stage, and it was packed. Pretty Lights took the stage to perform a 2 and a half hour set alongside Break Science drummer Adam Deitch and DMC World turntablist champion Chris Karns. As expected, Derek Vincent-Smith spoiled his home-based Pretty Lights Music family with classics like Finally Moving, More Important than Michael Jordan, and At Last I Am Free, all tweaked to perfection by Deitch's flawless drumming and Karn's precise mixing and scratching. The light show was beaming, and with the Denver City lights glowing in the background and the Bronco's stadium standing tall beyond the main stage, this was a true and rare Pretty Lights experience and one nobody else in the world may get to witness. And the crowd knew it. Day 2 of Snowball ended on a high note, and had me just aching for more. With one day left to go it was time to get some much needed rest.
That was after the Wave Wacer and Trippy Turtle after-party of course, who performed back-to-back, sharing each other's music and samples, and absolutely tearing the roof off of 1up.

The third and final day of Snowball had arrived. At this point I had spent way more money than I had planned. It turns out when the beer is abnormally cheap it causes you to splurge, putting quite the dent in my wallet. Either way it was worth it. And I wasn't completely ready for Snowball to be over. Day 3 began with one half of What So Not performing at the Groove Tent.
Although Flume was not in attendance, Emoh Instead put on an incredible performance. What So Not has been supported by the likes of Skrillex, Diplo, Action Bronson, RL Grime, and many others. They're sometimes referred to as the saviors of electronic music due to their energetic and heavy hitting, yet completely different and original sound. They blend elements of hiphop, trap, and a sound I can't quite put a label on just because it's something nobody's really ever heard before. It seems like a lot of that is starting to be born, especially out of Australia, and it makes me very excited and optimistic for the future of electronic music. What So Not destroyed the Groove Tent, followed by more destruction as mashup artist KapSlap took the stage to drop modern hit after hit blended together to create a very energetic performance. And RL Grime's alterego Clockwork soon followed. I made my way over to the main stage to see the very talented Wild Belle perform.
Wild Belle are primarily siblings Elliot and Natalie Bergman, accompanied by a full band for live shows. Natalie has a very unique voice that is slightly raspy, bluesy in nature but beautifully light at the same time. Elliot is a multi-instrumentalist and can play the baritone sax like a jazz king. Together they create an incredible blues-reggae indie-rock fusion frenzy of catchy lyrics and melodies. During Wild Belle's set I managed to check out the VIP area, complete with their own bar, bathrooms, heated lamps, and elevated viewing area. I took this chance to witness hiphop legend Busta Rhymes from a VIP point-of-view. Busta was very respectful and grateful for his fans in Denver, and his frontman expressed the rarity of seeing a Busta Rhymes performance in this day and age.
Busta performed classics like Break Ya Neck, Dangerous, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, as well as modern hits like Look At Me Now and Thank You. The crowd was excited as ever as a very positive and comedic Busta hyped up Snowball for a rare performance. And as I mention "rare performance" I realize nothing will be as rare as what came next. The Pretty Lights Music Party took place at the Groove Tent. And As I made my way to my group standing front row for this set, my jaw began to drop. PLM members Elliot Lipp, Supervision, Paul Basic, Michael Menert, and the man himself Derek Vincent-Smith shared the stage mixing simultaneously to a completely enthralled crowd. Each artist would take turns dropping new and exclusive music, while Derek and Menert would occasionally MC, hyping up the crowd more than they could handle. It was truly a sight to behold.
The lights and lasers were in full force and the Groove Tent was nearly at full capacity. It's safe to say this was a performance that may only come once in a lifetime. And as the PLM party came to a conclusion, the crowd began to hustle over to the main stage to see GriZ's epic conclusion to Snowball. And it was nothing short of epic. Griz was accompanied by several horn players and a guitarist and top notch visuals and lighting. His set was much shorter in comparison to Pretty Lights the previous night, but was satisfying all the same, if not more chaotic and wild due to his much more grimey and hard hitting sound. Griz provided a funky and wild performance, thus concluding the 3 day festivities. However those who managed to snag a Griz after-party ticket before it sold out would continue on through the night.
It was a long and tiring weekend. And despite several artist no-shows, late sets, and lack of attendance in the earlier phases of the days, Snowball turned out to be a fun, memorable experience with many rare performances. I would definitely do it all over again if I could. Although there are many skeptics about the future of Snowball and where it may be headed, I hope it continues on through the years as I will always have full support for the festival after experiencing the amazing weekend it provided for me. And I hope you can show them your support too.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Let it Go - Armin van Buuren remix - Song of the Day [4/10/14]



In what is sure to be an incredibly unique album, Disney has teamed up with some of the worlds best producers to release an album of remixed tracks from their iconic movies.  As a teaser we get the Academy Award winning "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen as remixed by Armin van Buuren...  Fun for little princesses of all ages...


[PREMIERE] Dmitry Distant - "Life Drift" (Molecule Remix)


Berlin based label, Killerrrec, has got their next release, “Life Drift,” by Moscow based producer, Dmitry Distant, ready to go. The single is set to hit Beatport with a deluxe remix by Molecule April 14th, and all other stores the 29th

We’ve got the exclusive first play for you folks in the US of A. Molecule transformed this track into a badass, hard-hitting acidic electro house that shouldn’t be hard for many electronic fans to enjoy. We'll be premiering the original next week so check back then!



Atmosphere- "Kanye West" Song of the Day 4-9-14

Atmosphere new single of his upcoming album "Southsiders"
Enjoy...





















Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The Moody Blues - "Your Wildest Dreams" - Song of the Day [4-8-14]





https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdslT2kwdRTkYwxg8LdsXftlqh3yg6mNfKJ943cilD75u46AF8YZTJEKT8iW08vJqX7DuvTUdaCK3RUMTGrqGnYoK4dTfB3ggc-o_zVokJ177hzt6VXAMP_AOiH_Y3Z0DpBecphKZLkpC2/s1600/The+Moody+Blues+moodies4.jpgToday's song of the day is a throw back to the 80's. The Moody Blues are one of the founding bands for my childhood, being the child of a hippie. The Moody Blues bridged the gap between 70's disco and 80's wierdo. Enjoy "Your Wildest Dreams" by The Moody Blues.

Monday, April 7, 2014

The Doors - "Waiting for the Sun" - Song of the Day - (4/7/14)


Jim Morrison, Robby Kreiger, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore comprise one of the most popular bands of all time, "The Doors." Long a favorite of ours, this track title seems fitting as many of us northerners are consistently waiting for spring to arrive and with it, more sun. 

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I See Stars - "Violent Bounce" Song of the Day [4/6/14]

With the speed and ferocity of metal and a little distorted bass, you can't really go wrong. Turn it UP!!














Saturday, April 5, 2014

Excision, Datsik & Mr Hudson - "Jaguar" - Song of the Day [4/5/2014]


While Kode9, Skream, and Benga may have been the core founders of Dubstep, Excision and Datsik were of the few artists who brought it to the frontline of electronic dance music. With heavy synthetic percussion and low frequency basslines, Dubstep by nature is a very dark genre. The final track on Excision's X-Rated LP, Jaguar starts off with every instrument fading in. The synth and guitar riffs level and rest perfectly over the heavy bassline while Mr Hudson's spacey, reverbed vocals float lightly over everything else. An extremely emotional tune, Jaguar represents a style of Dubstep we don't hear often. Instead of being very dark and grimey, it is clean, slow, and uplifting. The bass, although less fuzzy and more crisp, is still very heavy and low-frequency. Jaguar is a must-hear for any Dubstep enthusiast.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Morcheeba - "To Be" - Song of the Day - (4/4/14)


British group, Morcheeba, has been delivering hits since 1995 - releasing 8 studio albums since their formation. This is one of my favorite selections off their 2013 album, Head Up High. Get your Friday started off on the right foot.