Category Archives: Blog

Artist Interview: Bayside High

I was first introduced to the boys of Bayside High while out in Scottsdale AZ for a show CaliParis did at Wild Knight.  This 26 year old dou had already caught my ear during their opening set for CaliParis just based on their song selection.  I’ve heard A LOT of opening sets, and I have to say A LOT of them sound the same.  Bayside High played some tech house tracks that I thought only my friends and I would know.  They also controlled the crowd perfect setting it up almost surgical like as the passed the decks off.  After meeting them and talking I was hooked on the personalities of Bayside High, and what they represented in Scottsdale.  Here is an interview I just did with them as they are featured on Electronica Ent.’s monthly podcast EAROTICA.

Full Name?

Bayside High (Juany Bravo & Karles Barkley)

Age?

26 (Both)

Music history/back ground (what got you into music? What inspired you to start producing?)

We grew up listening to house even when we were kids (Daft Punk, Tiesto, PVD).  We got into producing about a year after we started DJing, we started making mashups and progressed into remixes and originals.

Do you Dj? Where?

Yes, we DJ all around Scottsdale and have been played in SoCal.

What clubs or festivals have you been to, and where?

EDC Las Vegas, Beyond Wonderland, Soundwave Arizona, Together As One, OMFGNYE San Diego, Avalon Hollywood, Privilege Ibiza, Space Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Opium Barcelona, Queen Paris, Voyeur San Diego

What’s your favorite festival/event that you have been to and why?

OMFGNYE San Diego, EDC Las Vegas and Toolroom Knights at Space Ibiza featuring Mark Knight, Fedde LeGrande and Michael Woods.

Who are the producers you look up to, as you get more into producing yourself?

UMEK, Mark Knight, Chuckie, Will Sparks, Laidback Luke, Joel Fletcher, Stefano Noferini and many more. Too many to name!

What is your most popular track? Can you tell us about the support you received from other producers on it?

Remix of Kurd Maverick – Hell Yeah!  We made this track with our friend Mastamonk. Got love from some blogs and many DJs here in Scottsdale.

Do you have any shows coming up soon?

We currently hold a residency at EPIQ Nightclub here in Scottsdale

If you could play any where in the world for any festival or event where would you go?

Tomorrowland

What can we expect from you in the next year that you’re trying to accomplish producing wise?

Currently working on a remix for “First Class Records” artists KeyNoise and D’Aaron Anthony. Also working on an EP of originals and hoping to get that released through a record label.

Posted on: March 8th, 2013 @ 6:48PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Artist Interview: Erol Montez

First discovered Erol Montez by accident during one of my late night soundcloud browsing sessions.  What caught my attention was this gent being featured on Ferry Corsten and Hardwell’s podcast, but I had never heard of him.  After doing a little research and contacting him directly I quickly found what I call an uncut diamond of EDM.  Naturally I asked him to send us a mix, and had him featured on Electronica Ent.’s podcast EAROTICA.  Also did a quick interview with him, and here’s what he had to say.

Full Name?

My full name is Erol Kemikkiran.

Age?

20 years old

Music history/back ground (what got you into music? What inspired you to start producing?)

My first experience with EDM music was about 3 years ago. I was in a club at my home town and DJ Chuckie was playing there. It was the first time I saw him play and I really liked his sound. Next day I downloaded some tracks of him and from that moment I started experimenting in several music programs because I wanted to create that kind of tracks to.

Do you Dj? Where?

At the moment I DJ four times a year in a club called “Rodenburg”. Popular dj’s like Dj Chuckie and Quintino played there. Two years ago I did many dj gigs but I wanted to focus on my producing and school so I will pick up the djing soon after I perfected my overall sound and finished my school.

What clubs or festivals have you been to, and where?

I’ve almost been into every popular club in Holland. Haven’t been to any big festivals yet but want to check Mystery land this year!

What’s your favorite festival/event that you have been to and why?

Energy the network in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht was definitely one of my favorite events that I’ve been to because all my favorite dj’s are playing there.

Who are the producers you look up to as you get more into producing yourself?

I really look up to Laidback Luke and Hardwell because they both rock in making awesome tracks and they interact with the fans.

What is your most popular track? Can you tell us about the support you received from other producers on it?

Bacon Moo is my most popular track at the moment. The support from bedroom dj’s to big dj’s is more than I expected. The track has support from Ferry Corsten, Steve Aoki and Gareth Emery to name a few.

Do you have any shows coming up soon?

At the moment only the 4 times a year in club “Rodenburg”

If you could play any where in the world for any festival or event where would you go?

From what I’ve seen on youtube definitely Ultra music festival.

What can we expect from you in the next year that you’re trying to accomplish producing wise?

In this year I am going to make many tracks bootlegs,mashups and originals. I already have some cool stuff ready to be released so there will be many new releases from me to this year. Follow me on twitter or like my facebook page to stay up to date!

Posted on: January 30th, 2013 @ 12:13PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Ready for 2013??

Just wanted to take a quick moment of your time to share with you a realization i’ve had these past few days before NYE.  Before we jump into the party, and get lost in the NYE activities.  Take a step back and set some good goals for the up coming year, and make some realistic and unrealistic.  Dream BIG knowing that nothing in our world would exist if it wasn’t a dream first!  Speaking from personal experiences this past year i’m glad I set goals, and obtained all of them one at a time.  Nothing is more satisfying then reflecting on all the hard work, and adversity you work through to get to the finish line.

Also be grateful for the people, and blessing you already have in your life.  Nothing should ever be taken granted, and will always be missed when they’re gone.  Remember those people that aren’t here with us after this years past diasaters.  Call loved ones even if you’re mad, and resolve any old pointless animosity.  Go into the new year with a new mind set that everything you want in your life is possible, and picture yourself getting it and how you will get it.  From everyone at DTown Productions HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE 2013!!!

Posted on: December 29th, 2012 @ 6:29PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off

2013 Grammy Nominations Are Announced

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.  The Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 81 categories at the 2013 Grammy Awards TV last night, with three categories solely dedicated to the best in dance music over the past year.

After sweeping three out of the five categories in 54th Annual Grammy Awards, 2013 looks to be the same story for Skrillex as he takes three nominations again. Being closely followed by Calvin Harris and Axwell.

Even with all the excitement of having EDM artist being nominated I can’t help but wonder who, or how these tracks are selected.  Most of the song titles listed I have never heard of, and not quite sure these are the best representation of dance music.  With Sweden, North America, Australia, and UK dominating 16 out of 17 nominations throughout dance music I would expect a better selection among all the main stream songs picked.  I’m sure a lot would agree that these awards don’t focus on what matters the most to fans/listeners, and thats the energy and feeling some productions can create with a track.  It might come one day when EDM music has its own award show, and can recognize and honor it’s artist properly.  Until then here are your Grammy nominations, and their respective categories.

 

Best Dance Recording (no. 9)

Avicii – Levels
Calvin Harris ft. Ne-Yo – Let’s Go
Skrillex ft. Sirah – Bangarang
Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child
Al Walser – I Can’t Live Without You

Best Dance/Electronica Album (no. 10)

Steve Aoki – Wonderland
The Chemical Brothers – Don’t Think
Deadmau5 – > Album Title Goes Here <
Kaskade – Fire & Ice
Skrillex – Bangarang

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical (no. 67)

Diplo

Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical (no. 68)

Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl ft. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Remix)
Moby – Lie Down In Darkness (Photek Remix)
M83 – Midnight City (Eric Prydz Private Remix)
Nero – Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix)
Deadmau5 ft. Chris James – The Veldt (Tommy Trash Remix)

Best Short Form Music Video (no. 80)

Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris – We Found Love

For a full list of nominees click here

Posted on: December 8th, 2012 @ 4:21PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off

Residents of Slaughterhouse

This one is for all those that know real hip-hop.  This was first aired on the 2011 BET Awards, but it just came up on my playlist swinging.  You have the speed of YelaWolf, Joe Budden sabotages the throne, Crooked I grills while spitting fire, Joell Ortiz gets on through affirmative action, Royce Da 5’9 hollers at Rihanna, and Eminem does what he does best MURDERS!  Started searching for more of Slaughterhouse 5, and of course found some freestyles where they just put english language straight to bed.

Put this in your headphones and tell me this doesn’t get your head bobbin. Also if you liked this one check out ‘All On Me’ by Slaughterhouse another heater from them!

Posted on: November 25th, 2012 @ 4:54PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , Comments Off

New Track: Hey Yo! – Oscar Wylde Original

A little while back we did a post on the Origins of Trap, and shortly after a gentleman that goes by the name Oscar Wylde was dropped in our laps.  From the start this guys energy was high on and off the decks, like a kid with a romain candle running around shooting balls of fire in the form of music into the crowd.  After seeing him live I knew this was only the surface of what is turning out to be a depth of musical talent.

With recent releases of his remix of Bingo Players ‘Rattle’ and Skrillex ‘Make It Bun Dem’ it was only expected that ‘Hey Yo!’ was going to be a truly original sound.  Oscar’s unique taste in EDM music, and his extensive experience as a drummer (previous occupation) can clearly be heard in ‘Hey Yo!’.  The best description I can give is taking Skrillex, Bauuer, and T.I. and mashing them into one person in this track.  So to all of our Trap lovers out there enjoy this one it is a weapon in any dj’s arsenal.

Posted on: November 16th, 2012 @ 3:21PM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , , Comments Off

Don’t be the stuffing.

By: Chelsea Lytle

I happen to absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving. Friends, family, food, and drinks. What in the world can make you happier during the fall season?! I tend to over eat so much on Thanksgiving that you practically have to wheel barrow me from room to room…

So with that being said, eat the stuffing, but don’t be the stuffing. I’ve got a few pointers to help you through this holiday if you don’t wish to pack on an excessive amount of pounds or in my case, become immobile.

1) Start your morning out with a workout, even if it’s a long walk. Catch up with family, get the heart pumpin. Simple.

2) DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST. Breakfast is the most important meal of your day. Eat something healthy such as raw oatmeal, a protein shake, or an all fruit smoothie. This gets your metabolism up and running and prepares you for the rest of your day. Seriously, don’t skip it.

3) You can’t always control what ingredients are in your food because other family members may make them or buy them, etc., but you can control your portion sizes. I’m not saying skip the mashed potatoes because those are OBVIOUSLY the best, but opt to have a larger portion of steamed veggies than your starches.

4) Make your own cranberry sauce. Yes, the canned type is good, but it is FILLED with high fructose corn syrup which is practically the juice of satan. Okay, not quite, but it’s absolutely horrible for you and no one should ever consume anything with this ingredient in it. There are plenty of recipes online to make your own homemade cranberry sauce. Just google it. It’s simple and everyone will love it!

5) Try a vegetarian stuffing with whole-grain bread, onions, herbs, apples, celery, etc.

6) DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Water is your best friend. Drink plenty. It will help your body digest the food and will also make you feel more full during your meal which could help prevent you from getting thirds. I mean common, don’t lie to yourself, we all know you’re going to get a second helping…

7) Appetizers – eat unsalted nuts or an apple. They are both healthy and help curve your appetite. Try to stay away from the breads and what not, you’ll have plenty of carbs during the main course.

8 ) Cut down on the gravy! Gravy tends to be very high in sodium, which is not the best for you. It’s great on just about every food on Thanksgiving, but just make sure you don’t splurge on it.

9) Desserts. Well, there is absolutely no stopping anyone from eating pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or whatever family recipe you may have. Just give your body some time after dinner to start to digest your food, and like I said drink water. THEN you can go for the dessert, but in small portions!

10) Yes, turkey does have a natural sedative which is an amino acid called tryptophan, but before you pass out on the couch, go for a walk with your family or take the dog. Get your body moving a little bit before you bail out and have the worst stomach ache of your life later.

Cheers to a great Thanksgiving next week! Everyone deserves a little time off with the family! :)

www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/thanksgiving_collection_1

Posted on: November 14th, 2012 @ 11:28PM      Blog      Comments Off

Preview: Franky Rizardo & Roul & Doors – Elements (Hardwell & Dannic Remix)

When was the last song you heard and instantly knew it was gonna be played at ever festival this coming year?  I suppose we should expect nothing less from top dog record producer gone top 100 dj mag #6 Mr. Hardwell.  Resuming his remixing along side up and coming native Dannic these two take the wheel Franky Rizardo and Roul and Doors’ ‘Elements‘ for Revealed Records.

This track feels like a roller coast from the start.  With Hardwell’s traditional synths, and powerful builds it leads into turn that you wouldn’t expect from this dou; based on early remixes from them.  Never the less it makes for a very static sound that is sure to get you up and up and dancing in it’s sound.  This track will be out on Beatport November 12th so mark your calendars, and enjoy this till then.

Posted on: November 2nd, 2012 @ 11:57AM      Blog      Tagged , , , , , , , Comments Off

11/6/2012 – The Big Day

By: Chelsea Lytle

Things to remember during this upcoming presidential election:
1) Educate yourself
2) Don’t listen to what OTHER people say
3) Think for YOURSELF
4) And for goodness sake… REGISTER.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkrwUU_YApE
Posted on: October 30th, 2012 @ 10:36PM      Blog      Comments Off

Ellie Goulding – New IT Girl

By: Chelsea Lytle

Elena Jane Goulding.
“Ellie” Goulding.
English singer/songwriter.
New phenomenon.

Many people who are “into the scene,” so to speak, may have heard her voice in songs such as “Fall Into the Sky,” by Zedd or “Summit,” by Skrillex, but what everyone should hear is her new album “Halycon.” Her voice is anything but ordinary and many people have taken notice of that in England, and now her voice is spreading worldwide.

Singers who write their own songs – pure talent, real, and powerful. Her album “Halycon,” reflects on her past relationships, fears, doubts, accomplishments, and life lessons. Just listen…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14_9uJFVnU0

Figure 8

Posted on: October 18th, 2012 @ 10:08PM      Blog      Comments Off