Latest music news from the world's best djs, producers and EDM.
Interview with DJ, entertainer, performer Leah Culver immediately following her dynamic set at the Imagine Music Festival main stage. Joining us was her drummer/manager Jon Wilkes and a surprise guest!
GRAMMY award-winning DJ/producer David Guetta delivers the final tracklist for his long awaited new seventh studio album titled ‘7’ – see enclosed below – which arrives officially on September 14th via What A Music LTD/Parlophone/Big Beat/Atlantic and is available for pre-order today via LINK!
The forthcoming double-album showcases the chart-topping artist’s master skill of crossing over dance tracks with different genres, featuring some of the recent monster hits including “2U” with Justin Bieber, “Flames” with Sia, “Like I Do” with Martin Garrix and Brooks and “Don’t Leave Me Alone” with Anne-Marie. Guetta is known for his collaborations with pop and hip-hop superstars to which this album does justice. Collaborators on the album are Anne-Marie, Bebe Rexha, Black Coffee, G-Eazy, J.Balvin,Jason Derulo, Jess Glynne, Justin Bieber, Lil Uzi Vert, Madison Beer, Martin Garrix, Nicki Minaj, Sia, Stefflon Don, Steve Aoki and Willy William amongst lots of new talent.
Two new album tracks will see the day of light of day tomorrow, August 24th, when “Goodbye” with Jason Derulo feat. Nicki Minaj & Willy William and “Drive” with Black Coffee will be released.
Imagine Music Festival has announced it will partner with Surreal, a fundraising platform that works with festivals and musicians to offer fans once-in-a-lifetime experiences with proceeds benefitting local charities for the September 21st through 23rd festival. Imagine and Surreal have created two exclusive artist-based experiences which fans can enter with one winner chosen for each. Each winner will receive a VIP ticket to Imagine Music Festival for themselves and a friend, roundtrip airfare courtesy of Orbitz, onsite VIP Glamping by Unity Travel, as well as the artist experience they entered. Net proceeds from the campaign will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
The artist-based experiences are to include: a meet and greet with Armin Van Buuren; a side stage performance viewing with Kaskade; golf cart escort ride with Alesso; a side stage performance viewing with RL Grime and signed merch pack; hanging with Getter backstage; trailer hangout with The Glitch Mob; trailer hangout with 12th Planet; eat and greet with Bear Grillz and a signed merch pack from GRiZ. Running from August 7th through to September 5th, fans can enter by submitting a mail-in entry or through several different donation tiers.* Each package is valued at over $2,100 and donations start at $5 for any individual experience. Additionally, a fan can also donate $25.00 for 5 entries into each experience or $75.00 for 20 entries into each experience. Fans can visit www.givesurreal.com for full details and to enter.
Featuring four main stages, Imagine’s immersive aquatic fairytale will permeate the grounds of Atlanta Motor Speedway - from the infield to deep into the early morning in the camping areas. The 2018 performer lineup includes: Headliners: Armin Van Buuren; Bassnectar; Kaskade; Alesso; Galantis; RL Grime, Zeds Dead and special guests: Adventure Club; Getter; The Glitch Mob. Oceania Stage: 12th Planet; Bear Grillz: Leah Culver; Liquid Stranger; Riot Ten; Zaxx; Eddie Gold; Kevin Flum; Midnite Panda; Ra; and Sunday Service. Amazonia Stage: GRiZ; ZHU; Cashmere Cat; Jai Wolf; Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ set); Ekali; Eoto; Lotus; Levitation Jones; Protohype; Yheti B2B Toadface and Ployd. Disco Inferno Stage: Green Velvet; Oliver Heldens; Boogie3 T; Squnto; Chocolate Puma; EDX; Joker; Koan Sound; Latmun; special guest: Noisia; Shlump; Tiga; Walker & Royce; and Wax Motif. Aeria Stage: Paul Oakenfold; Gabriel Dresden; DJ Dara; IVY Lab; DJ SS and over 70 local and regional acts.
Tickets to Imagine are available now starting at $219 for a 3-day pass and $285 for a 3-day pass with camping.
VIP passes with express entry into festival, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $360 for a 3-day pass and $479 with a 3-day pass with camping. Several lodging packages are available, including GA Camping, VIP Camping, RV Camping, Unity Travel Qube village and Hotels. Payment plans are available for a downpayment as low as $66.55, where fans can elect for four low monthly installments. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information.
*A payment, purchase, or donation is not necessary for entry, nor will it improve your chances of winning. For details on how to enter without making a donation, see the official sweepstakes rules.
Henry Fong and Lady Bee pull out all the stops on their Dim Mak collab “POM POM” featuring Richie Loop. A punchy beat, bubblin' basslines and Loop's vocal skats provide the backbone to this jackin' bass house production.
It’s not every day that the laid-back fishing town of Jupiter, Florida produces a world class dance music act. In just a few short years, Fong transitioned from humble college student to internationally renowned talent, spreading his island influenced sounds around the world. He’s crafted official remixes for Calvin Harris, Rihanna, Zedd and Skrillex, all while delivering high energy originals such as “Wine Dem,” “Badam,” and “Vibrate.” Two of the singles he released through Dim Mak, “Drop it Down Low” and “Pop It Off,” grabbed the attention of Steve Aoki himself, who later remixed both of these tracks. Coming off a massive performance at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival 2018, the charismatic artist is now gearing up to perform at EDC Orlando this November. Although Fong is frequently booked to play at some of the largest venues and festivals in the world, he maintains his humility and down-to-earth persona.
Lady Bee’s ability to fuse Hip-Hop, Trap, Bass and Moombah has granted her universal respect and global success through her releases on Spinnin’, Mad Decent, Mixmash and Dim Mak. Her songs have been praised with numerous accolades, such as “Wheels In Motion,” which earned a spot in Diplo’s “Best of 2016” mix on his BBC Radio 1Xtra show, and “Bucka,” which topped the Beatport Hip-Hop chart. Last year she released her trap heavy EP Hype Them Hoes, further cementing her legacy as a leading figure in the global dance music scene.
Stream & Buy: ffm.to/pompom
Platinum-selling artist, DJ, and producer Dillon Francis has shared a new music video for “Ven” (feat. Arcángel & Quimico Ultra Mega), the first single off his forthcoming Spanish language studio album. Francis premiered the clip last night during the Los40 Dance Music Awards in Mexico City, where he also performed. Directed by Michael Garcia, the clip was shot in Washington Heights, NYC and stars Francis alongside vocalists Arcángel & Quimico Ultra Mega.
Arcángel is one of the most respected artists in Latin music, a pioneer of the reggaeton movement. The Puerto Rican rapper/producer/songwriter began his career as a member of the duo Arcángel y De la Ghetto before embarking on a solo career with his debut album El Fenómeno. His latest full length Los Favoritos was released in 2015, debuting inside the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Quimico Ultra Mega is rapper/trap vocalist from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His latest album Deluxe was released in 2017.
Francis’ forthcoming album was executive produced by Toy Selectah and recorded in New York City, Miami, Dominican Republic, and Mexico City. Harkening back to his 2011 breakout Westside! EP, the album sees him revisit his early Latin influences and moombahton roots. The album is due for release later this year via Francis’ own IDGAFOS record label.
IDGAFOS originated from Francis' 2011 song of the same name, which at the time, reflected the culmination of his signature musical productions. The term has since evolved into a rallying cry for all things Dillon Francis -- his clothing line, epic live show, and now an outlet with which to release his new music. In his own words, IDGAFOS is "to be spirited and happy... to never give a f*ck or sh*t about anything but remaining positive."
This year, Francis will perform at numerous international music festivals and resume his residency at the Wynn Las Vegas for the third consecutive year. A complete list of upcoming live dates and ticket information can be found HERE.
Relentless Beats is pleased to announce the return of its partnership with Surreal, a fundraising platform that works with festivals and musicians to offer fans once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with proceeds benefitting a charity of its choice. Bringing even more excitement to Phoenix Lights, a two-day music festival taking place at a brand-new, custom-built, permanent venue- The Park at Wild Horse Pass on April 7 and 8, 2018, Relentless Beats and Surreal have created three exclusive artist-based experiences which fans can enter with one winner chosen for each. Each winner will receive a VIP ticket to Phoenix Lights for themselves and a friend, roundtrip airfare, 2-night stay at the Phoenix Renaissance, as well as the artist experience they entered. Net proceeds from the campaign will benefit Childhelp, a national nonprofit organization which exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children.
Utilizing the lineup from Phoenix Lights the artist-based experiences are to include: a meet and greet with Martin Garrix and on-stage access during his set; the ultimate Escape Room experience with GTA; and a carnival ride with Chris Lake. Running from March 6th through to March 23rd, fans can enter by submitting a mail-in entry or through several different donation tiers.* The various tiers include: one entry for $5.00, 6 entries for $20.00 or 25 entries for $50.00 into any individual experience. Additionally, a fan can also donate $10.00 and receive one entry into each of the three experiences.
Relentless Beats is presenting its biggest lineup to date, including: Diplo; Gucci Mane (AZ Festival Debut); Martin Garrix (AZ Festival Debut); Travis Scott; Autograf; Bad Decisions; Beats Antique (DJ set); Chris Lake; Goldfish; Gramatik; Joyride; Kasbo; Kuuro; Melvv; Minnesota; Morgan Page; Oshi; Seven Lions; Zomboy; Arius; ATLiens; Bear Grillz; Boombox Cartel; Brownies & Lemonade; Gerry Gonza; GTA; Krane; Metro Boomin; Midnight Tyrannosaurus; Ray Volpe; Soulection, featuring: Esta & The Whooligan; Um.. and Wuki. A final burst of artists has recently been announced, including: Hijakk (First Encounters DJ Comp. Winner); Kandy; Ubur; Fisher; Wax Motif and Justin Martin. Fans can visit www.givesurreal.com for full details and to enter.
General Admission passes are on sale for $159, before fees for a single 2-day pass. VIP passes will be available at two levels: Standard VIP, including everything that a GA tickets provides, plus express VIP entrance, a commemorative lanyard, access to VIP lounge, access to VIP viewing deck, premium restrooms and passed desserts in the VIP areas. Gold VIP includes everything that the Standard VIP pass includes, plus: complimentary drinks, side stage viewing at the main stage and access to artists.
As winter begins to release its icy grip on the East Coast, Noorlind and Weekend Rendition have reworked one of the year’s biggest vocals into a melodic future house smash with a bouncy bass line and a concise, quick-hitting arrangement that already has us dreaming about Miami Music Week pool parties.
“When I first heard the original, I instantly knew I wanted to put my own spin on it”, says Noorlind.
“I re-pitched the vocal, wrote new chords, and got in the studio with Weekend Rendition the next day to flesh out the rest – we wrapped the project from start to finish in a little under four days.
Our aim was to create something unique, feel-good and accessible, while true to the vibe of the original, and that would fit just as well in our DJ sets as on someone’s morning Spotify playlist. We’re really happy with how the track came out, and it’s been getting great reception on the dance floor!”
There are so many ways on how producers and DJs collaborate. In this case Weekend Rendition and Noorlind came together to work on a sick remix of Mike Williams "You and I." What's the story behind how this remix came together?
Noorlind: I’m always on the hunt for strong vocals that I can remix and somehow make my own. I was a big fan of the original track and was playing it in my sets when I came across the vocal stems, pitched them down a few semitones, and felt inspired to start remixing the track. I had a session with Michael (Weekend Rendition) scheduled the following day – he liked the direction it was going, and we decided to collaborate on the remix and finished the whole thing that week.
Working with another person can be really useful to maintain focus and help streamline the production process, and I think Michael and I really complement each other’s skill sets – it’s always fun working with him!
What's it like playing with some of the biggest names in the dance music world, especially at some of the hottest clubs in the world? What is one experience that you personally will never forget?
Noorlind: It’s really a rush like none other. I never thought I would be playing shows with my favorite artists at venues I used to attend as a concert-goer just a few years ago… it’s still surreal every time I play. While I’ve been DJing for nearly eight years I’m always trying to pick up new things and improve as a performer, so it’s really cool to be able to play with and learn from artists at the top of their game – it pushes me to push the bar even higher.
I’ve had some really memorable experiences, but a recent favorite was being asked to DJ Paris Hilton’s birthday party last week at her loft in Manhattan – she’s super nice, and I had a blast! It was kind of strange getting to know the personal side of such a public persona… I was so used to seeing her on TV and in magazines that it was funny to walk into her loft and see her running around fluffing pillows and putting out snacks just like anyone else hosting a birthday party.
You studied law at the University of Miami. That is no small thing. How did you manage studying at one of the toughest Law schools in the USA and play and perform as a producer and dj?
Weekend Rendition: Believe it or not, music was essential to having the stamina and focus to do well in law school. Any type of graduate program is a mental drain. You need something outside of school to balance you out. For me it was music. Music gave me an escape for an hour or two every day. Playing on the weekends gave me something to look forward to every week - it kept my mind sharp and my body feeling healthy. I don’t think I would have been able to get through school if I didn’t have music and DJ'ing keeping me level.
As you know Fashionado is a Fashion news blog. From a style perspective, what’s trending in your own personal world of Fashion? What brands are you sporting on the decks? And what’s going to be your style of preference now that Festival Season is about to kick off down in Miami for Miami Music Week?
Noorlind: DJing is all about self-expression, and I believe that what an artist chooses to wear on and off-stage is just as important as the tracks they play.
I’m all about re-interpreting classic menswear pieces in a contemporary way. My go-to outfit when I perform consists of black patent YSL high-tops (pre-Slimane era), black IRO jeans, and a fitted T-shirt – and now that spring is approaching, I like throwing on a cool graphic jacket to break up the color scheme and add some “pop” on stage (I have one from Golden Goose that I love). If I’m feeling fancy, I might go with a black turtleneck and a Luciano Barbera blazer – it all depends!
For me, MMW style is about merging form and function – I need to be able to move and stay cool during the day, but then seamlessly transition to dinner and a nightclub without having to run back to the hotel in-between. White jeans are a warm-weather Miami classic and pair nicely with pastels, or black shoes and a bomber jacket for an edgier going-out look.
What’s next? Are you both going to be working any more collaborations or B2B sets for the summer? Or are you each going to be going on your ways producing music for us to enjoy. What does 2018 have in store for Weekend Rendition and Noorlind?
Weekend Rendition: 2018 is going to be a big year for both of us. We obviously have our own independent careers, but we enjoy working together and the results have been really good. So yes, there are more collaborations coming down the pipeline. Just this week, we put the final touches on an original that we are both really happy with. We’ll be pushing that record during Miami Music Week and I’m sure you’ll be seeing the release sometime in early spring.
Noorlind: What he said! I have a really busy year lined up - I’m doing my first European show in Stockholm in two weeks, and have some cool stuff lined up for the summer that I can’t talk about yet... I think this year will be a big one for music in general, and I’m excited to see what kind of boundaries I can push over the coming months.
Mike Regina (Weekend Rendition) began his music career eight years ago as a student at University of Miami Law, where he balanced his DJ schedule with 70—hour workweeks. Since relocating to New York City and trading in his law office for a recording studio, Weekend Rendition has made waves in the dance community as a producer and remixer. In 2017, he landed his first Beatport Progressive Top 10 track with “Bass Player”, which received full support from several major artists including Fedde Le Grand, and his next single “Your Love” peaked at #17. With a diverse quiver of upcoming releases in his arsenal for 2018 including a few official remixes, we are ready for the Weekend indeed!
Brooklyn-bred DJ/producer Nick Noorlind Rouner (Noorlind) has been rocking the biggest clubs on the East Coat since before he could legally drink. A classically-trained jazz bassist with a degree in international economics and Arabic, Noorlind got his first taste of electronic dance music in high school and instantly knew that he had found his passion. With seven years of experience behind the decks, the 25-year old has already amassed an impressive resume; landing residencies at Marquee & Lavo New York and making appearances at EDC, Life In Color, Echostage, and Wall Miami to name a few. Noorlind regularly performs with some of the biggest names in the business including Galantis, Afrojack, Nervo, & Jauz and is the personal go-to for The Chainsmokers, who tapped him to perform at their debut album release and post-tour after parties this past summer. Now, after spending a year honing his chops at LA’s distinguished production school Icon Collective, Noorlind is taking his dance floor expertise to the studio with a diverse catalogue of productions that will make 2018 his biggest year yet!
Fashionado is a fashion & lifestyle brand where readers indulge in a myriad of trending topics from the world of fashion, design, art and culinary. Via the FashionadoTV digital platform, Fashionado founder, E. Vincent Martinez, hosts interviews with celebrities, fashion designers, artists and industry professionals.
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