Events | The Worst Lineup Conflicts At Electric Zoo – And How To Handle Them
Posted by Middy on August 22, 2013
Waiting for festival schedules to drop is always a funny thing. On the one hand, you’re antsy for set times because you want to start planning your weekend. On the other, you know that when the announcement comes it will invariably serve to confirm all your worst fears about lineup conflicts — terrible, unspeakable conflicts which will surely force you to choose between two or more of your favorite artists. Such conflicts have been known to divide friend groups, start arguments, and lead to tears. Okay, we’re being dramatic, but you know you totally feel us. Electric Zoo is no different, so check out what we think are some of the most glaring and painful conflicts of the weekend — and our advice for dealing with them — after the jump.
(Note: one thing we do know is that those who enter Sunday School Grove probably won’t be racing out to hit the mainstage at many junctures during the weekend, so there aren’t too many conflicts to contend with there. Not bad, eh?)
Events | Five Things We Can’t Wait For At Electric Zoo 2013
Posted by Spice on August 8, 2013
Summer is flying by, which is bittersweet on one hand but totally amazing on the other. Why? Because it means that we’re getting closer and closer to Electric Zoo’s blowout fifth year. If you’re not up on your EZoo life, check out our official recap video from last year and see what you missed. Yeah — it was pretty killer. Fortunately, this year is already shaping up to be bigger and better than ever for many reasons, not least of which are:
1) Two mainstages (count ’em, TWO) and an expanded festival site on Randall’s Island. More on that later.
2) A new 18 and up policy. Sorry, youths (#YOUTHS) of the world — I’m too old for your shenanigans and look forward to mingling with an older and wiser crowd. *Wheezes; testily gestures for you to GET OFF MY LAWN.*
3) A totally killer lineup — which is par for the course by EZoo’s standards. There’s lots to be excited about here, but we’ve come up with five things that we’re especially stoked for. Check ’em out after the jump.
Albums | Dog Blood Leaks Middle Finger Pt. 2 EP In Advance of Release
Posted by Spice on August 7, 2013
Leaky sneaky ????
— Ð?? ????Ð (@dogblood) August 7, 2013
Anyone dismayed by the news about Dog Blood’s upcoming EP getting delayed until August 20th should head immediately to the duo’s Soundcloud page, where Middle Finger Pt. 2 can now be streamed in full (well, almost in full; there’s a Trapmasters remix of the titular track that doesn’t appear to be up yet). Most of this should sound familiar — between festival sets and Skrillex’s recent BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, it’s likely that you’ve heard “Middle Finger Pt. 2,” “Chella Ride” and “Shred Sled (Kill ‘Em With The Beat)” before. Also of note: a typically great M Machine remix of “Middle Finger Pt. 2” that gets positively savage. Check it out below, and support the great work that Skrillex and Boys Noize are doing by purchasing the EP when it drops officially on the 20th.
Events | Electric Zoo Phase 3 Lineup Announcement
Posted by Middy on June 4, 2013
Made Event’s Electric Zoo has announced the third phase of its lineup, filling in the blanks on stages outside of the two mainstages. There have been a few additions to the mainstages, like Deniz Koyu, Henrix and Vicetone, two guys we are really proud to see make to the MainStage. This round fills in the rest of the label and style specific tents like the Sunday School Groove tent, where you will find your dance music snobs and underground aficionados posted up all three days, the Riverside Tent, hosting Dim Mak, Dog Blood vs OWLSA & Fools Gold with names like Olver, RL Grime, Jacques Lu Cont, Alvin Risk, Congorock, & Yolande be Cool all in support.
One stage that is very interesting is the Hilltop Stage because of the eclectic nature of the artists each day. At first it seems like there is no rhyme or reason for the choices there, but depending on set times, it could be one of the best stages because of the transitions from uplifting trance in John O’Callaghan to a guy like Torro Torro and then to Bauuer, all within three time slots. It is a little disappointing to not see a trance stage, but with guys like Orjan Nilsen, Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Khoma and Aly & Fila on the MainStage, trance will be just fine. Also many trance stages at US festivals have devolved into electro / big room sets with a smattering of trance sprinkled in, so it is not surprising to see one not there. There are still tickets on sale, with single day passes now being made available, and there are still a few artists to come, so be on the lookout for that. Grab your tickets here. Check the full lineup after the jump.
Dubstep, Electro-House, Preview | Skrillex – Puppy
Posted by Mach on February 18, 2013
Well it seems that Skrillex may have an album coming this Summer. It is about time he started to make releases from his massive vault of tracks. The video is a commercial for G-Star Denim, which features the first known single that may or may not be a part of the album. “The Art of RAW,” (clearly a play on words of the book, “The Art of War”), is described by Skrillex as a blend of Electro-House, Dubstep, and fidget. An interesting blend for sure, I am happy that I actually enjoy this clip. The “Bangarang EP” was boring in my opinion, it baffles me that Skrillex managed to pull a Grammy from the title single. A creatively wild track such as this only leaves me wondering if an album would be all that we have been hoping for over the past 2 years. At this point it’s hard to say, and just as Skrillex has stated LPs in the past, this Summer could end up another disappointment. I’m sure there is just a lot of confusion between his upcoming Dog Blood releases and his new project with Diplo and A-Trak.
Edit: Well, it turns out that the track is not called “The Art of Raw” but is in fact named “Puppy”.
Techno | Dog Blood – Middle Finger EP
Posted by Spice on August 15, 2012
The first product of the Skrillex/Boys Noize collaboration has dropped on Boysnoize Records, and I will begin by saying that I’m feeling the hell out of these tracks. Props to Skrillex for changing it up and consistently doing exactly what he wants (questionable movie soundtrack deals and trailers for Ben Stiller movies notwithstanding) — this definitely represents a new (though not wholly surprising) direction for the 24 year-old that in some ways seems like a logical follow-up to his recent pair of Birdy Nam Nam remixes. These are dark, taut tracks that combine the hypnotic elements of Boys Noize’s forte, acid house, with the energy, playfulness, and deceptive simplicity we’ve come to associate with Skrillex. If you’ve ever had any doubts about Sonny Moore’s production chops, take these for a spin — you may be surprised. And if you’re a fan of Boys Noize and live life in the underground, this EP will be right up your alley.
Beatport (if you’re in the US): Dog Blood – Middle Finger EP
Electro, Preview | Dog Blood – Next Order (Teaser Video)
Posted by Spice on August 8, 2012
Well, well, well.
Now this is some interesting news.
According to a number of sources, Sonny Moore and Alex Ridha — better known as Skrillex and Boys Noize — are joining forces in a mysterious side project dedicated to creating “300% break-acid-tech-noise.” The more I think about this particular pairing, the more it makes total sense; both possess a dark, grimy and hard-hitting aesthetic and both maintain an uncompromising commitment to their respective musical visions. Check out the above teaser vid if you aren’t fully convinced that these two will make a totally awesome team, and keep your eyes peeled for more details — both Skrillex and Boys Noize have been taking to Facebook and Twitter to gin up interest. The duo’s debut EP is set to drop on Boysnoize Records and OWSLA on August 13th.