FYI | Your Favorite DJs Before They Made It Big
Posted by Middy on August 1, 2013
You have seen posts before by other blogs with pictures of DJs when they were little kids or even teenagers. That is cute and all, but here we want to show you when they were looking like goons, in that phase of their professional life they would probably rather forget, when they were young and reckless and not always ready for the camera. Some of them do look like they were born for the camera (see Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong & Carl Cox), but others: oh boy, let’s have some fun on this special Throwback Thursday. Before you move on, please bask in how goonish Tiesto, Armin and Ferry look in that picture. Armin had his law degree at that point. Imagine being represented in court by him; unreal.
Exclusive, Featured, Interviews | Moska Talks Beginnings, His Future and Dishes Advice to Other New Producers
Posted by Middy on July 26, 2013
Colombian producer Moska is a name being heavily supported by some of the biggest brands in the industry. At just 19 years old, his talents are nothing to ignore. Having already released tracks on Musical Freedom, Mad Decent and Mixmash, receiving heavy support from each of the label bosses, Tiesto, Diplo and Laidback Luke, and played or been scheduled to play at some of the biggest venues worldwide, Moska has his sights at the top of the dance music echelon. His genre-blending sound allows him to cross over to so many different styles, having already collabed with Tiesto on their remix of “Century”.
He plans to move to Miami by the end of the year to move his base of operations to one of the meccas of dance music today. One issue that has held him back is visa problems, specifically the O-2 visa that holds back his ability to work in the US. The O-2 is designed for people in the entertainment industry, notably individuals new or unrecognized in the industry as per the US government. Because of this, he has to be working alongside Laidback Luke, his current sponsor and any other work would be considered a violation of his visa. So shows, studio time and any professional work has to go through Luke, which can really hinder his growth as an artist here, especially when promotors want to book him. However all of this should be resolved with by the end of the year with many fees paid, lawyers hired, letters sent to the government by Tiesto, Laidback Luke & others, and pages, upon pages of documents sent, he should be fine to go on Laidback Luke’s Fall bus tour in October.
We had the chance to talk to him about his bright future, how he got into electronic music, working with Tiesto and some advice he gave for young producers, like himself.
Progressive House | Alexander Technique & Disco Killah Feat. Luca Masinsky – Skyscraper (Laidback Luke Remix)
Posted by Middy on July 20, 2013
Calling on his “Ones To Watch” label pool, Laidback Luke has decided to remix the release from Alexander Techinque & Disco Killah. Having already stated that he would silence the haters (not sure who would hate on Luke), he has moved from his tougher tracks like “Pogo” and “Dynamo” to more melodic stuff for the second half of the year. The superbly talented Dutchman he gives us a remix fit for the biggest rooms, with soaring melodies, while still keeping it grounded in his signature sound, calling on his hallmark key play and bass line. The big room scene can become a bit generic at times, but if Laidback Luke is putting his talents back into the ring, expect some things to be shaken up as he always brings a new perspective.
Beatport: Alexander Technique & Disco Killah Feat. Luca Masinsky – Skyscraper (Laidback Luke Remix)
Preview, Progressive House | Calvin Harris ft. Ayah Marar – Thinking About You (Michael Brun Remix) [Preview]
Posted by Middy on July 11, 2013
Michael Brun has been on fire with his remixes. From his “Your Heart” remix to his “Burn Forever” remix, he makes them count with each one. This one for Calvin Harris’s latest single “Thinking About You” from his record breaking album “18 Months” is no different. He calls upon his signature rolling synth chords and a soaring melody to accompany Ayah Marar vocals. Look for the release August 5th alongside a package that includes Laidback Luke and EDX.
Videos | My Son The DJ: Laidback Luke
Posted by Middy on June 10, 2013
The fearless and seemingly indefatigable Laidback Luke has done a documentary on his life, not just from a professional standpoint, but really looking at him from his parents standpoint, as a son (as the title says) and then his outside activites not related to DJing.
The 26 minute documentary covers a lot of his life, including his relationship with his parents, his kids and his wife, but there are a few interesting things to really look for. One, his exploits as a Kung Fu fighter are pretty badass and you see him train with his master, which is pretty awesome. You also hear him talk about his family in the Philippines, who are very poor, living at or below the poverty line, while he is making a lot of money. He tries to explain that inner struggle where you see the night and day contract in life styles and he wants to help them get out of their situation, but it is not that simple. He also sheds light on his time when he drank on tour and how he had to stop after one fateful night, a very interesting story and something that seems to more common than you might think with DJs.
Progressive House | Laidback Luke & Hardwell – Dynamo
Posted by Middy on April 23, 2013
This collaboration came a bit out of left field. Laidback Luke and Hardwell on one track should produce magic, especially at this stage of their careers. Coming off his massive Ultra set, Hardwell brings it back the classic Hardwell sound that catapulted him to fame in 2011 with tracks like “Cobra”, “Encoded” and “The World”. Laidback Luke has also been pretty quiet lately only with the release of “Pogo” bringing him production success recently, as his Dutch sound is imprinted on this track. It may just be me, but with these two talents, this song seems a bit rushed and something is missing to make it great. It is a very good song, but it seems like it could have been better. Also, the virtual DJ air horn is just a bit much.
Beatport: Laidback Luke & Hardwell – Dynamo
Progressive House | Henrix – Rock This Dream EP
Posted by Middy on April 9, 2013
Henrix has been nearly unstoppable lately proving himself as a name to watch in 2013, with his Size Records release “Hit It” with fellow Miami producers Digital Lab and GTA still tearing up sets across the globe and leaving its mark as one of the biggest tracks of the year thus far. The EP sandwiches 2 Henrix’s signature driving tracks around another big room room collab with Swedish wunderkid Jakob Liedholm.
“Rock This Dream” has been sitting near the top of the DMC Buzzchart for quite some time now as Laidback Luke reaps the benefits of signing this track that was deemed “not EDM enough” by some labels. The opening vocals from Roland Clark set the tone for a powerful, hard hitting percussive drop that even Laidback Luke is dreaming about. The second collab between Henrix & Jakob Liedholm “Losing My Mind“, takes Jakob Liedholms seemingly inexhaustible ability to create uplifting melodies and pairs it with Henrix’s melodic tendencies, all accentuated by Giuseppe Viola‘s outstanding vocal. “Viral” may get the least buzz on the EP at the end of the day, but do not sleep on this driving track that uses a cheeky sample of “Kashmir” from Led Zeppelin.
Beatport: Henrix – Rock This Dream EP