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Videos | Armin van Buuren Joined on Stage by Dutch King and Queen; Everything Makes Sense Again
Posted by Spice on May 1, 2013
Here is a video of Armin van Buuren being joined on stage by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, who made an impromptu pit stop at this apparent rave while probably en route to a ball and/or palace.
This video is perfect. Several things:
1) There are currently multiple comments on YouTube alleging that Armin is, in fact, the real King in the North King of the Netherlands and the other guy’s an impostor. Interesting theory.
2) I’m assuming that this is the Dutch equivalent of the Obamas getting on stage with Skrillex at Ultra. Awesome; also excellent visual.
3) In that vein, I’d really like to live in a country where Armin van Buuren is backed by a symphony orchestra and kings and queens come out to wave to the adoring populace as the dulcet sounds of trance and violins fill the air. Armin van Buuren: Dutch National Treasure.
4) The Queen is kind of a babe, no?
5) Coolest royal family ever. Sorry England — until Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles are photographed waving glow sticks at Ministry of Sound, I don’t want to hear about it.
BREAKING: I’ve just been informed that this is a video of King Willem-Alexander’s inauguration, where Armin was specifically asked to perform. However, what King Willem-Alexander isn’t telling you is that the whole inauguration thing was actually a ploy; he really just wanted to see Armin drop his Dead London edit of “Stresstest.”
Electro, Trance | Ferry Corsten – Black Light // F*ck The Bull$h1t [Preview]
Posted by Spice on May 1, 2013
2013 has been good to Mr. Corsten. Since January, he’s celebrated the 300th episode of Corsten’s Countdown and the 100th release on Flashover Recordings, has played a series of absolutely massive gigs (including Madison Square Garden), and of course launched the New World Punx with good buddy Markus Schulz. He even got a wild new ‘do — a nod to the New World Punk lifestyle, perhaps? Somehow, in the midst of all of this, he has managed to find time to hit the studio; “Black Light,” which dropped yesterday and will be immediately recognizable to anyone who’s seen Ferry live this year, is merely the first in a string of giant upcoming releases.
Simply put, “Black Light” is a banger. In the grand tradition of much of today’s trance, it borrows heavily from electro house — but to great effect. The hook is dark and ominous, the bassline packs a serious punch, and the fact that it all goes down at 132 bpm gives the track an added urgency. I’m also loving how the pitch on the leads drops off — very reminiscent of “Mammoth,” which has been a mainstay in Ferry’s recent live sets. If you’re loving “Black Light,” look for “F*ck The Bull$h1t” to hit Beatport on May 17th — it features a stirring, eerie, almost yearning hook and a drop that’s totally unexpected and built to get you in the zone. F*ck the bull$h1t indeed.
Beatport: Ferry Corsten – Black Light
Preview: Ferry Corsten – F*ck The Bull$h1t
Moombahton, Techno | Alesia – Otho & Andrea // Tune In Crew – Tous dehors
Posted by Spice on April 30, 2013
I’m not sure why I’m lumping these tracks together. They’re really only similar in that that they are cool, free, and happen to have been written by French producers. But given that we’re now only a few weeks away from Random Access Memories, it seems sort of appropriate to cast a spotlight on some of France’s brightest up-and-comers. So, without further adieu…
First up, two new tracks from Alesia, whom you may recall recently made waves with the
now-omnipresent “Bird Machine.” Be advised: “Andrea” and “Otho” are not trap — both are dark, industrial techno carefully calibrated to get inside your head. Fellow Parisian Gesaffelstein would undoubtedly approve. If this is your poison, hop on the free DLs…and if not, do me a favor and give it a chance. Relative newcomers though they may be, Alesia are definitely a duo to keep your eyes on.
Next (and finally) we have a really interesting track that’s currently putting a gigantic smile on my face. I’m not sure what it is about “Tous dehors” — the languorous moombah bassline, the steel drum (and all the dancehall flavor it imparts), the French samples…but something about this gels fantastically when it probably shouldn’t. Super chouette!
Dubstep | Alvin Risk & Designer Drugs – Empty Hearted
Posted by Spice on April 18, 2013
Big, big track from Alvin Risk and Designer Drugs. Crisp, dark vocals (presumably from Alvin himself — we know he loves to sing), a killer hook and cool, plinky synths all make this a must-add to your spring rotation. I’m basically just loving this track’s vibe (and, of course, those trademark Alvin “pew pews” after the drop) and hope that we see more like it from this formidable production combo.
Trance | Estiva & Jeera Lert – Come Home
Posted by Spice on April 10, 2013
Estiva is rapidly proving himself to be a dominant force in the world of melodic trance, and this latest addition to his collection is nothing short of a masterpiece. “Come Home” flirts with a dubsteppy bassline before delivering a breathless and euphoric break that’s positively radiant. And those vocals? How about those vocals? I know, I know, I’m drooling all over this song — but give it a listen and I’m sure you’ll understand. Look for this one to turn up in more places now that it’s seen an official release.
Beatport: Estiva & Jeera Lert – Come Home
Events | Markus Schulz Kicks Off the North American SCREAM Tour with Support from KhoMha and The M Machine
Posted by Spice on April 10, 2013
Hot off of his monster New World Punx set at Madison Square Garden at the end of March, Markus Schulz takes to the road this evening to kick off his massive (and first ever) U.S. bus tour. With coast-to-coast stops in a number of major cities, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch Markus, KhoMha, and The M Machine over the next month. What can you expect? Markus’s distinctive brand of dark, relentless trance, some hard and techy goodness from Coldharbour protege KhoMha, and the fascinating and high-energy cocktail of house, electro and dubstep that The M Machine are rapidly becoming known for. All told, this is a diverse lineup comprised of artists notorious for pushing the envelope musically. Well, and in other ways, too; to quote Markus, “Am I going to be getting behind the wheel of the Markus Schulz tour bus at some point? Damn straight.” Hope you’ve got a CDL tucked away somewhere, Unicorn Slayer.
For tickets and a full list of dates, go to www.markusschulz.com.
Contests, Events | Win Tickets to See Armin van Buuren in New York City on May 2
Posted by Spice on April 9, 2013
Calling all Armin van Buuren fans: the undisputed King of Trance will be back in the city that never sleeps on May 2nd to promote his upcoming album, and you could join him at a live taping of The Wendy Williams Show. Check out the scoop from his management team and sign up for tickets! This is an awesome opportunity to be on the sidelines as Armin talks trance, “Intense,” and his plans for the coming year — definitely a memorable experience by any stretch of the imagination.
World’s “#1 DJ” according to DJ MAGAZINE’s “Top 100 DJs” poll, Armin van Buuren is going to be on The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday May 2, 2013! We would like to give you the opportunity to be in the audience for this special interview in support of his new album, Intense from Armada Music.
For those of you interested in attending the show, please click the following link: Wendy Williams Show – Get Tickets.
PLEASE be sure to mention “Armin van Buuren” in the comments box!
So there you have it. Happy ticket hunting, Trance Fam.