BEATPORT, an SFX Entertainment Inc. company and the principal online destination for electronic music culture, today announced it is an exclusive partner with Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment for the release of the extended DJ version of Fedde Le Grand’s remix of Michael Jackson’s “Love Never Felt So Good.” The exclusive remix by the Dutch house legend Le Grand is available to Beatport users today, May 19 here: http://www.beatport.com/release/love-never-felt-so-good/1306386.
“Love Never Felt So Good” is the lead single from Michael Jackson’s posthumously released album XSCAPE (out now). For the track that made its debut May 10 on BBC Radio 1’s “Dance Anthems with Danny Howard” show, Beatport is the first outlet to receive an exclusive remix from the album from the late King of Pop.
“Being asked to remix this single has been the most honorable and at the same time scary and exciting thing that’s ever happened to me,” says Fedde Le Grand. “For me the most amazing thing would be if via this remix I can contribute – if only a little bit – in bridging the gap between the 1980’s and 2014. There is so much really good music from the past that would still have its relevance today and Michael just simply is the King of all stuff that was ever out there.”
“Beatport is committed to constantly surprising our customers with new exclusives unavailable anywhere else. We are honored to be given the opportunity to deliver this new track from a true music legend to our loyal users,” adds Clark Warner Executive Creative Director, Beatport, “…and look forward to DJs breaking it to their millions of fans on the dancefloor and beyond.”
About BEATPORT
Beatport, an SFX Entertainment Inc., company, is the world’s leading online provider of music, tools and resources customized for the unique needs and demands of DJs. Available in more than 230 countries, our flagship digital music service features high-definition dance tracks—from the latest exclusives to deep catalogue cuts—by the world’s top and emerging artists. As a result, our sales charts serve as the industry barometer for what tracks are currently jumping in the clubs before crossing over into the mainstream. The Beatport platform also offers tools to help DJs manage their careers, promote their productions and performances, and connect with the largest community of qualified fans on the planet. Founded in 2004, Beatport is based in Denver, CO, with offices in Los Angeles, Berlin and Tokyo. In March 2013, Beatport became part of the SFX network of companies focused on Electronic Music Culture.
Close to 20 years ago on the morning of a subdued April 5 that was embossed in its usual grey sky, in a place where the rich and famous were tucked away in a mighty elite and gilt-edged area of Lake Washington, a single gun shot was fired, and just like that a promising life, a promising future came to an end. No one heard the gun shot, perhaps it was due to the way it was fired; it concealed the sound and managed to hide the secret of the unfortunate day. No one knew what happened that day on April 5 and if anyone felt strange, if for one second a current passed the bloodstream, it was immediately dismissed as the usual electric jolt we tend to experience some time in life. Three days later, the body was found by an electrician named Gary Smith; poor old Gary, didn’t even knew who that was until he had to make a phone call to confirm his suspicion. One minute later, the world was in the loop; yes, Nirvana’s blonde-haired, blue-eyed, lead singer and principal song writer was dead, at the age of 27 and at the height of his short-lived career. The news headlines absorbed everything there was to be absorbed and couldn’t be anymore direct in publishing the words on their front pages;
‘KURT COBAIN was found dead at his Seattle, Lake Washington mansion, from a self-inflicted gun shot 3 days after his apparent suicide’
That was 20 years ago, so much has changed since then, his daughter is all grown up, his rock-star wife is still around, doing what she does best – forever finding a way to be in the limelight and Kurt, dear old Kurt’s stories has travelled two decades into the new millennium; still void of transparency, sometimes feeling as if that this case right here, which sometime is being concluded as murder, a cover-up, a conspiracy theory, a staged murder-suicide and more, has yet to find its closure. Despite the fact that it has been 20 years since the private investigator publicly stated that it was a murder, we are still here, waiting, some of us still seeking, because for some of us, it was just too flimsy, it lacked sufficient proof contradicted by evidence that merely made any sense, and if we were stupid enough to ask; the question would have been, did the Heroin killed him first or the gun shot? Of course, even a stupid person would say that’s stupid – Kurt Cobain shot himself after administering a lethal dose of heroin that was enough to bring down a horse, maybe a cow too or even a unicorn? Why not? A unicorn by all means is just the creation of an absurd mental imagination so is the fact that a guy as weak and sick as Cobain, could digest that much of heroin and still pick up a short gun that was just too long for his own good, somehow elastically managed to not pull, but push the trigger and bang, there you go, not a perfect death after all. But who cares, it’s better too burn out than fade away.
Clearly suffering from an unrefined illness, Kurt Cobain’s struggles in life, his potentially disparaging material reverberating where it should ignite. By contrast, the rock engineer, suggested a future void of self perseverance, no matter how much headlines he was lurching out, how many sold-out concerts he was playing at and no matter how much money his name was making – in truth, he was uncomfortable with the fame, more so with the preposterous and amplified title – he was no Messiah, not by any decree, it was just an unfortunate turn of events that he managed to sting deep into the senses when the track ‘Smells Like Teen Spirits’ hit the speakers and took the stand – the right track at the wrong time.
Nirvana was a bitter sweet tale and percussion of a band driven by great forces reminiscing fondly on the sublime. Breathing new life into punk-rock sound that reached its peak in the late 80s and early 90s, Nirvana’s clean cut tones, intimate lyrics and devil may care attitude placed some glorious simplicity back into music. They saved what was left out of it, they saved rock at a time when pop was reigning high on the charts, there’s no easy way to celebrate the victory of terminating the King himself to take over his position on the charts; Nirvana was at one point of time; the saviour of rock, the flagship band, the pride of Seattle, and its frontman, Kurt Cobain became the spokesman of a generation without his own approval. Generation X, it was just a matter of time before X became Y and Y became Z, the only difference was that, Kurt Cobain, did not bother waiting for the transition to happen. He left with a huge question mark that still reigns high on the map, why would he kill himself when things were fine? When the world saw the dotting father he was.. we do feel stupid and contagious thinking about it.
Last week, the Seattle Police Department finally shared “new evidence” found at Kurt Cobain’s murder scene that was destroyed months after his death, and for those who were still with hopes that this would eventually shed some new light into the investigation, which by all means was concluded long ago can now go back to blogging about how the SPD will not allow sloppy police work to tarnish their reputation. It was suicide – not a murder and that’s it. So there has not been any new leads, no reopening of any case and what’s final is final, even now, after new photos coincidentally emerged just as we are a week away from celebrating his unfortunate demise.
The Associated Press describes the pictures below –
“One was an image showing a box containing a spoon and what appear to be needles on the floor next to a cigarette and sunglasses. The other showed the paraphernalia box closed, next to cash and a wallet that appears to show Cobain’s identification.”
The newly released images were taken at Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s apartment in Los Angeles. In 1992 shortly after their holy matrimony, which was also at the time when Kurt Cobain’s career was at all time high, the newly-wed moved to an apartment in Los Angeles’ Fairfax district. It was during this time when Kurt Cobain became more intimate with his art rather than his beloved guitar. It is said that he continued painting for months using acrylics and oils, to a point where at times he started mixing his blood, cigarette ashes, semen and fecal matter (body waste) into his art. The Cobain’s apparently moved out when they came home from a tour to find that the bathtub had a major leak that had flooded most of the apartment. Some claims has been made that it was the same bathroom in which, Kurt wrote the song ‘Heart Shaped Box.’ Below are the pictures that were released recently;
And a few pictures of the man himself at the apartment in which these two romantic idealists managed to spend their time smiling at the beauty of destruction.
Kurt Cobain’s 20th will also see Nirvana’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this coming April 10.
You can also check out the photo of the apartment at:
..and hey, have you seen an avid heroin user with arms this clean? Contradictory to what his biographer wrote in his book, his arms looks pretty clean for an avid, all-day, all-night user, so where were the unicorns again? Oh yeah…even the unicorns are high these days…
Bud Light’s new ‘Cool Twist’ aluminum bottle took centre stage on Super Bowl Sunday with the debut of its self-titled TV advert, ‘Cool Twist’. While the ad marked the first time viewers saw the Cool Twist bottle, it also served as the world premiere of ‘Ten Feet Tall’, the forthcoming new single featuring Wrabel, from Grammy Award®-winning producer Afrojack.
During and after the airing of ‘Cool Twist’, up to 500,000 fans who use Shazam were able to access a download of ‘Ten Feet Tall’ courtesy of Bud Light ahead of its US release today, Monday 3rd February. An exclusive lyric video has also gone live on Vevo today to accompany the single.
“Afrojack has an uncanny ability to re-imagine the status quo, and that skill made him the ideal partner to help debut our new Bud Light Cool Twist reclosable bottle,” said Rob McCarthy, vice president at Bud Light. “Viewers who see – and hear – our spot will immediately know the Cool Twist bottle represents something new and unique for the industry.”
“The Super Bowl is one the biggest events of the year and its awesome my new single will be premiered here alongside Bud Light, I’m super pumped!” said Afrojack, who is set release his inaugural album in May via Island Records/PM:AM Recordings.
“Afrojack has proven time and time again that there is no limit to his musical reach,” said David Massey, president of Island Records. “There is no greater platform than the Super Bowl and we are excited to partner with Bud Light to launch Afrojack’s ground-breaking single ‘Ten Feet Tall,’ featuring Islands’ newest signing, Wrabel.”
About Bud Light
Introduced in 1982, Bud Light is a premium light lager with a superior drinkability that has made it the best-selling and most popular beer in the United States. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. The light-bodied beer features a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma, delicate malt sweetness and a crisp finish that delivers the ultimate refreshment.
About Afrojack
Grammy Award® winning DJ and producer, Afrojack, is one of most notable and iconic names in electronic dance music (EDM) today. At only 26 years old, he has made a large imprint on the music industry and is a key player in the worldwide explosion and popularity of EDM. In 2013, Forbes magazine crowned him as number 7 on the ‘World’s Highest Paid DJs’ list and this year, The Hollywood Reporter called him ‘a global icon’ set ‘to conquer the world.’ With a 3-year residency at The Wynn under his belt, 2014 will see Afrojack start a new chapter at Las Vegas hot spot and premier club, Hakkasan. This year will also see Afrojack return to Miami as headliner at Ultra Music Festival and give dedicated fans a first taste of his highly anticipated debut album set for release on Island Records this coming May.
Following the unprecedented success of the trio of critically artist EPs, namely ‘100% No Modern Talking’, ‘Rage Valley’, and most recently, ‘Haunted House‘; which included the seminal hits, ‘Internet Friends’, ‘Bonfire’ and the summer anthem ‘LRAD’, now the time has come for Knife Party to unveil ‘Resistance’, the first single to be taken from their hugely anticipated debut album, ‘Abandon Ship’.
Electro House at its hardest, ‘Resistance’ is awash with that raw energy that has grown to define Knife Party’s releases but retains a fresh sense of purpose and direction. Precision- engineered for the clubs, it’s this energy combined with a series of fine-tuned instrumentals breakdowns and raucous, euphoric synth lines, that is sure to prove a major hit with both DJs and fans alike. ‘Resistance’ really is the ideal track to welcome Knife Party back into the fold and lays solid foundation for their inaugural LP later this year.
Now available exclusively at http://www.knifeparty.com following its debut play on Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1, ‘Resistance’ follows an extended, album-focused, studio hiatus that has seen the duo cultivate some of the most dynamic, innovative and outright exciting music of their career.
As performers, Knife Party’s rise to festival headliner status has been nothing short of meteoric, shortly after headlining their very own sold out show at the London Brixton Academy, the duo headlined Australia’s renowned Future Music Festival in March where they wowed fans with their spectacular and ground breaking 3D ‘Haunted House’ visual show before this summer achieving a career highlight when they were asked to close the main stage at Tomorrowland’s epic 10th anniversary
Bringing the sounds of Ibiza 2014 to Big & Dirty Records, Starkillers is the chosen DJ in the mix for the Ibiza 2014 compilation for the label, to be released on the 30th May. The compilation will feature two exclusive tracks from Starkillers himself, Reefa and Bang Ya Head as well as 7 exclusive bonus tracks.
Not for the faint-hearted, Starkillers has put together a soundtrack featuring some of the biggest and baddest sounds you’ll hear this summer, including tracks from Jochen Miller, Dmitry KO, Bass Kleph and Stefan Darbuck. Starkillers has created a mix that is sure to kick off your summer and be the number one go-to Ibiza compilation.
Exclusively mixed into the compilation, to be released on the 30th May is Starkiller’s new track ‘Reefa’, working electro synths into huge build ups and melodic Balearic break downs, accompanied by compulsory hand claps, Starkillers well and truly encapsulates the dance heavy Ibiza vibe. To top it off, Ibiza 2014 has added seven exclusive bonus tracks to the compilation including tracks from some of electronic music’s rising artists, see the full track list below.
Watch out for the compilation to set the summer off, with Reefa as a stand out track on the mix and a warm up to big releases in the pipeline! With dates lined up across the globe, catch Starkillers at one of his live dates from the US, Australia and Indonesia.
Full Tracklist
1. BASS KLEPH – DISCO SUCKS
2. BOBBY ROCK & TENASHER – B.O.P
3. MARCO V – BACK TO THE JUNGLE
4. STEFAN DARBRUCK – ACID PHASE
5. HARRYS & FLY – THREAT (Big & Dirty Ibiza 2014 Exclusive)
6. RAVENKIS – VENDETTA
7. STARKILLERS – BANG YA HEAD (Big & Dirty Ibiza 2014 Exclusive)
8. STARKILLERS – REEFA (Big & Dirty Ibiza 2014 Exclusive)
9. MICKMAG & JUSTBOB – QUANTUM
10. PATRICK LA FUNK & DBN – QUICK QUACK
11. JOCHEN MILLER & DMITRI KO – WE BACK
12. TONY ROMERA – DRAKARTA
Exclusive Bonus Tracks
1. KEN ROLL & BORIS WAY – SPEAKERS
2. DIRTY RUSH & GREGOR ES FT. WRETHOV – CHILDREN OF THE SUN
3. HOLL & RUSH & RICHIE LEE – TAKE A BITE
4. MANTRASTIC – PENTAGRID
5. ARTISTIC RAW & BILLY THE KID – MAKE U GO
6. INGEK – DREAMERS
7. RUBY & TONY – UNDERBEA
After spending 2013 locked away in the studio, Gareth Emery is back with new album – Drive, the remarkable follow up to his 2010 LP ‘Northern Lights’ – out now on Garuda.
With two tracks already released from the album – the beautiful and ethereal ‘U’ featuring Bo Bruce, and the full bodied club banger, ‘Lights and Thunder’ with Krewella – the album is available to listen to in full.
Featuring additional collaboration from Christina Novelli and Ben Gold amongst others, the inspiring story behind ‘Drive’ is derived from Emery’s 3000 mile adventure across the Oklahoma/ Texas border on Old Route 66.
Exemplified by his deep and purposeful musicality, adept songwriting and ability to convey emotion through sound, Emery has created a unique blend of trance, house and electro that is explored fully on ‘Drive’.
Tying in with his ground-breaking podcast series, highly-regarded label Garuda, scores of releases and notable performances at some of the world’s biggest clubs and festivals. ‘Drive’ serves as a wonderful insight into the creative mind of one electronic music’s most exciting acts.
As part of the album celebration, Emery has also announced an exclusive UK Album Launch Party, set to take place on Saturday, 10th May 2014 at The Albert Hall, Manchester. Billed as the first ever electronic music show to grace the historic Albert Hall venue. This will be a show not to be missed.
World-renowned dance music icon Tiësto announced today that he will release his brand new artist album, “A Town Called Paradise,” on June 16th. Set to feature the incredible “Red Lights,” a track that charted at #6 on the Official UK Singles chart as his first ever UK Top 10 and has gone on to sell over half a million copies globally, alongside anthemic new single “Wasted (feat. Matthew Koma)” and a further 12 exclusive new tracks on the standard and 4 bonus tracks on the deluxe, it’s an incredible album that opens up the next chapter in this legendary artists career.
A number of stand-out collaborations also take center stage, with the likes of Hardwell, Sultan & Ned Shepard, Firebeatz, MOTi and Dzeko & Torres all featuring, as well as a number of extraordinary guest appearances from esteemed vocalists Icona Pop, Matthew Koma, Ladyhawke, Zac Barnett from American Authors and Krewella.
Recently debuted during his headline set at Ultra Music Festival, “Wasted” slides from a sunny acoustic guitar into the DJ’s instantly recognizable production. Over a kinetic beat, Koma carries an unshakable hook of, “I like us better when we’re wasted”. Right out of the gate, it’s already a strong contender for “song of the summer” with its shimmering, unforgettable chorus and buoyant bounce perfect for days on the beach or by the pool and nights in the club.
“Wasted” is the second single from Tiësto’s forthcoming fifth full-length album and first for Virgin EMI. It follows up the hit “Red Lights”, which racked up over 12 million YouTube/VEVO views and 32million streams and counting.
“A Town Called Paradise” tracklisting:
1. Tiësto – Red Lights
2. Tiësto – Footprints feat. Cruickshank
3. Tiësto – Light Years Away feat. DBX
4. Tiësto – A Town Called Paradise feat. Zac Barnett from American Authors
5. Tiësto & Hardwell – Written In Reverse feat. Matthew Koma
6. Tiësto – Echoes feat. Andreas Moe
7. Tiësto & Firebeatz – Last Train feat. Ladyhawke
8. Tiësto – Wasted feat. Matthew Koma
9. Tiësto – Let’s Go feat. Icona Pop
10. Tiësto – The Feeling feat. Ou Est Le Swimming Pool
11. Tiësto – Shimmer feat. Christian Burns
12. Tiesto & Kaaze – Rocky
13. Tiësto and Sultan & Shepard – Close To Me feat. Quilla
14. Tiësto – Set Yourself Free feat. Krewella
About Tiësto
Tiësto is one of the most recognizable forces in the genre. He’s received the adoration of millions worldwide, garnered Grammy Award nominations, opened the 2004 Olympic Games, been named “The Greatest DJ of All Time” by Mixmag and the “#1” DJ by Rolling Stone, partnered with Guess and AKG for his own brands, headlined festivals worldwide including Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival, launched the “Club Life” channel on Sirius XM and is in the midst of a storied residency at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub and Wet Republic pool party at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
It’s usually scorching hot in Malaysia, but as the Malaysian Grand Prix’s practise session kickstarted today on the 28 March 2014, the weather was warm minus the blistering humidity that was the case a couple of weeks ago. But the tropical country’s warm weather is almost similar to the humid texture that the drivers are accustomed too. Mild or scalding, both are considered as punishing conditions for the Formula One drivers and perhaps Nico Rosberg sums it up the best by saying – It’s crazy. The Malaysian Grand Prix, which takes place at the Sepang International circuit has always been a challenge and a win here is always special. The Malaysian Grand Prix has also witnessed many iconic moments that were documented within her glorious pits. Many would remember the 1999 race between Schumacher and his Ferrari team mate, Eddie Irvin which was the penultimate race of the season that saw the 7-time-world-champion breaking the 20 years draught for Ferrari on the Malaysian soil and others might remember the strange weather behaviours that almost always gets in the way of confidence, which would once again lead to some really mind blowing and controversial memories.
However, the real concern has always been the heat that almost always gets the better side of the racers. Last year (2013) the circus was treated to torrential weather condition, which saw some real time actions that has been missing from F1 with the yearly changes. Although the heat seems to be ruling at the end of Friday’s practise, the evening rain just after the session might just pay its due over the weekend. With reduced downforce, it’s going to be a tough leg for the drivers since both man and machine would face some demanding challenges.
NICO ROSBERG (MERCEDES)
First Practise:1:41.028
Second Practise:1:39.909
Although Nico Rosberg clocked in the fastest time for the practise session at the Malaysian Grand Prix today, the man of the hour does not rule out pursuing challenges. The track and the weather is already proving to be extremely heavy on the tyres and even the Mercedes’ driver admits that the decline rate is higher than expected and it would be the main focus throughout the weekend. Even today itself, there has been some prominent slidings on the track.
KIMI RAIKKONEN (FERRARI)
First Practise: 1:40.843
Second Practise: 1:39.944
Second place Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen had a far better luck on the Malaysian track compared to Melbourne and is extremely positive about the turn out that placed him as the second fastest for today’s session. However the Ferrari team will not be taking things for granted as they will be focusing on the Pirelli tyres and the car set-up to enhance the performance and prepare for better results during qualifying. Ferrari’s interest is also highly focussed on the rate of deterioration in the demanding heat but their driver – Raikkonen however is feeling very pleased about Friday’s session and will be spending his time in trying to improve on all areas for tomorrow.
SEBASTIAN VETTEL (RED BULL)
First Practise:1:41.523 Second Practise:1:39.970
Red Bull’s wonder boy and reigning champion, Sebastian Vettel placed himself at third place but doesn’t seem to be moved or even bothered by it and was happy about today’s positioning as it turns out. To the world champion, today’s practise session was – A decent day, sorting some software issues and Friday timing is not that important. That is all he had in mind, till tomorrow, wishing Vettel all the best on the software and programming issues.
LEWIS HAMILTON
First Practise:1:40.691 Second Practise:1:40.051
Hamilton coming in at 4th is oozing positivity and feeling determined in finding the grip, acquitting with the balance and getting intimate with the tyres and pushing for the chemistry so it would be in his favour. By Sunday the smiling Brit would be capturing the energy and would be infusing it into the race. Pressure is certain for the McLaren bred 29 year old Mercedes driver since he’s looking forward to achieve great results for Petronas home race. Hamilton will be pure concentration until race day that’s for sure.
FERNANDO ALONSO First Practise:1:41.923 Second Practise:1:40.103
Alonso coming at 5th in todays practise would be keeping his head in the game for tomorrow’s qualifying round since it would be the time when the real challenges would be lurched out. Right about now, everyone is focusing on the tyres in the humid weather and how far it will keep holding on. Alonso is looking forward to a better placement for tomorrow and once that is done, the game will truly begin for the maestro.
As for today’s practise, the teams will be head on in keeping a track on the tyres, programme and studying the chemistry between nature and science. On the other hand, Lotus will need to step up the game tomorrow as there’ll be huge pressure for both of its drivers; Pastor Maldonando and Romain Grosjean, who failed to clock in time. They’ll be keeping an eye on more than just the tyres as the cars had some serious issues that needs to be solved if there’s any hope for the two Lotus’ sterling boys. Today, both cars faced mapping issues earlier on and Pastor was hastily sent out over a subsequent turbo related problems. Romain managed to complete a few laps before his gearbox gave away from an ensuing wiring problems. No sleep for Lotus as they prepare to make a full comeback for the qualifying round tomorrow since today was not only bad, it was the worst for the legendary team.
It’s too early for any speculations but tomorrow’s weather will hopefully be in the favours of the tyres or else, there’ll be a number of sliding cars in this unforgiving heat.
Following the release of an exclusive teaser EP via Spotify on May 12th, virtuoso producer/DJ Afrojack is proud to present his inaugural major album project, ‘Forget The World’ on May 19th. Comprised of 12 tracks, with a further 4 featuring on the album’s deluxe edition, ‘Forget The World’ offers up a wonderful mix of dance floor styles that illustrate every inch of Afrojack’s musical pedigree.
Thoughtful and measured in it’s approach, it’s an album that sees Afrojack bridge the gap between the dance floor and home listening, enlisting a whole collection of star names to collaborate on a body of tracks that go beyond the realms of conventional dance music production. Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, legendary Police frontman Sting, global chart-topper Chris Brown, US rapper Whiz Khalifa, rising star Matthew Koma and revered rockers 30 Seconds To Mars are just some of the names that contribute to making ‘Forget The World’ a thoroughly absorbing debut.
From the soaring, anthemic feel of opener ‘Ten Feet Tall’, a track that received it’s world premiere during Superbowl XLVIII in February, the acoustic leanings of euphoric, synth-rich club track ‘The Spark’ and electro-house flavoured trap beats with Snoop Dogg on ‘Dynamite’, Afrojack showcases an exploratory new side to his production remit right across ‘Forget The World’. The softer notes and soundscape-like composition on ‘Mexico’, featuring a stunning vocal from Shirazi, is also a highlight and one that contrasts perfectly with the harder, club-centric sound of his rip-roaring ‘Do Or Die’ remix.
Further defined by more intriguing collaborations, ‘Forget The World’ also plays host to the stripped back sounds of ‘Too Wild’ featuring Whiz Khalifa & Devin Cruise, two bold, exhilarating club tracks alongside much sought-after vocalist Matthew Koma and the incredible ‘Catch Tomorrow’, featuring iconic frontman Sting.
The sheer range of collaborators, sounds, influences and production styles that Afrojack exhibits across his debut album are indicative of an artist keen to make his music as accessible as it is ground-breaking. Delivered with a firm message for fans to literally ‘Forget The World’ and follow their dreams, it is a body of work that explores Afrojack’s infectious, feel-good outlook in more ways than ever before.
Afrojack – ‘Forget The World’
01. Ten Feet Tall (ft. Wrabel)
02. Illuminate (Afrojack & Matthew Koma)
03. Born To Run (ft. Tyler Glenn)
04. Freedom (Afrojack & D-wayne ft. Jack McManus)
05. The Spark (ft. Spree Wilson)
06. Dynamite (ft. Snoop Dogg)
07. Too Wild (ft. Wiz Khalifa & Devin Cruise)
08. Three Strikes (ft. Jack McManus)
09. Catch Tomorrow (ft. Sting)
10. We’ll Be Ok (ft. Wrabel)
11. Mexico (ft. Shirazi)
12. Keep Our Love Alive (Afrojack & Matthew Koma)
—–Deluxe—–
13. Faded
14. As Your Friend (ft. Chris Brown) (Arranged Version)
15. Do Or Die (Remix) (Afrojack VS. Thirty Seconds To Mars)
16. Sovereign Light Café (Remix) (Afrojack VS. Keane)
LA-based Jesse Tittsworth has been a cult concern since his inception in early 2000s partly due to his name (of course), his fascination with food, and his soaring reputation and grandeur since the days of Baltimore Club that led him into co-founding T&A Records (Tittsworth & Ayres) back in 2006. Hailed as the first few who initially documented the sounds of Moombahton, it is without a doubt that the maestro is clearly well-versed in a lengthy scale of eardrum destruction. His tight, technically adept approach to the genre and astonishing skills has delivered an array of monumental tracks and soaring choruses that has become the backbone of the industry. We catch up with the virtuoso who dropped by at Zouk Club, KL in November and take a look into the many aspects of his life.
S: Yo DJ Tittsworth! Hey, thanks for taking the time to talk us. So we are about to drill you with some questions here. Let’s start with your club U Street Music Hall, which is reputed to be one of the best clubs in DC. So how often do you spin at your club and how does it feel to be the owner and the DJ at a premise that you have inspired?
T: Urm.. I go there maybe once every 2 to 3 months depending on what kind of stuff that’s happening. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to play at a club that you have help to unfold, where your input is everywhere from the sound system to the crowd that you have build along the years. Of course, the first few years weren’t easy, there were many sleepless night but at the end of the day, it paid off. Until today, no matter where I go in the world, U Street Music Hall still remains as one of my favourite places to spin at.
S: Seems like your plate is full. So tell us, how do you cope with the pressure of handling your passion and your business since it look as if it requires a lot of your time and commitment?
T:The first two years were crucial and were the utmost priority at the initial stage. Most of my time was dedicated to the club, in shaping and moulding it so I almost had no time for studio and production. But i have no complains about it because it did help in increasing my business senses and my practical views towards music. After 2 years, the club settled down and we had a really good team running the show and looking after it so i finally had the chance to go back to the studio and work on my production.
S: You’re from DC, a place known for its budding music scene. So what drove you into EDM amidst the vast choices in music and given the fact that you have a pretty colossal experience playing Drum and Bass?
T: Growing up, I listened to all sorts of music. Genres like Indie Rock and Go-Go (sub-genre associated with funk, which originated from DC) and Rock bands were all extremely legendary in DC. A lot of my friends were into Indie bands so naturally it left an impact on me and of course Baltimore club was also happening back then and was part of my influences. When I first started DJ-ing, I was playing lots of Hip Hop records and collecting 7 inches from bands and stuff like that. It wasn’t until I went to support a friend of mine, actually it’s very funny as it turns out this friend of mine ended up being Valentino Khan’s agent so it’s funny how he’s connected with this guy but originally I went to see him DJ in a rave. At that time, it was very common to have Hip Hop at rave parties, and you would go into one room and there will be like QBert or Craze or someone you know spinning. And that was my first time being at a rave and experiencing the other end of dance music. I collected Drum and Bass records prior to that but never really saw how it was put together. From there, I work from Hip Hop to Drum and Bass and then it just hit me. I started to go to all the techno, house and rave parties and the rest is history.
S: Is there a place that you have played at before that has left such an impact on you that you would very much love to go back and perform?
T:You know, any place with people that are into what I do, has an open minded philosophy in music and really gets into it, it’s a win for me. I definitely have lots of fond memories throughout the years like playing in Tokyo, Christmas Eve in São Paolo, Fabric for the very first time; Taiwan since it was the first and only time my mom saw me DJ-ing in her home country, so that was kinda fun and of course playing at U-hall is always great.I can name all these milestone moments and all these fond memories, but at the end of the day, I don’t really like to replicate the experiences. I just move forward and appreciate the moments and look forward to being in any room that wants to create a new memory.
S:In all your performances, what makes your set so interesting?
T: I have fun playing a set because it’s important for the DJ to experience the sheer moment of ecstasy so I kind of go out of my way to ensure that I stay interested in what I do. So I have to constantly have some kind of exordium in music that would interest me just to ensure that I won’t get bored in what I do.It helps me to stay focus while challenging my creativity and pushing me in breaking new boundaries. It truly pays off and I learn a great deal in the process. When I bring my music to the dance floor and the crowd starts to become energetic and let loose, you know that you have achieved something. It’s special in it’s own way. With fusion of tracks combined together it sets a benchmark for my own musical identity and also coins something that is fun in return.
S: How do you maintain your figure and health when you have such a huge passion for food? We know you love food.
T:To be honest with you, I had to work really hard to not look like before. (shows a picture from his phone). So I had to completely overhaul my lifestyle and choices. Nowadays, I eat smaller portions than what I was used to. Also I think people have this skewed idea of my eating habits and thinks that I eat a lot of crazy shit all the time. It’s not all true coz like when I go home and work in the studio, I’m eating chicken breast and rice and sitting in the room with my underwear for 3 days working on Logic or something like that. So I guess the answer to your question is; cut your food portion and increase your metabolism. So I have to make sure I don’t eat deep fried frog covered in bacon. At home I’m like always making juice and chicken breast and shit like that.
S: 2013 has been a great year for you. So what’s the plans for 2014?
T:Ok, I have a record coming up with Valentino Khan on Dim Mak, Steve Aoki’s label in the first half of the year. I’ve also finished a record with Q-Tip and Theophilus and now we’re working to get it out as well. Laidback Luke started remixing the track and I’m just working on a whole bunch of new music right now and hopefully will be able to release them in the first quarter of 2014. So yeah, things are looking good for the first half of the year. I’m also planning on an Asian trip so I’ll propably be back here mid year. So I’m also looking forward to that.
LA-based Jesse Tittsworth has been a cult concern since his inception in early 2000s partly due to his name (of course), his fascination with food, and his soaring reputation and grandeur since the days of Baltimore Club that led him into co-founding T&A Records (Tittsworth & Ayres) back in 2006. Hailed as the first few who initially documented the sounds of Moombahton, it is without a doubt that the maestro is clearly well-versed in a lengthy scale of eardrum destruction. His tight, technically adept approach to the genre and astonishing skills has delivered an array of monumental tracks and soaring choruses that has become the backbone of the industry. We catch up with the virtuoso who dropped by at Zouk Club, KL in November and take a look into the many aspects of his life.
S: Yo DJ Tittsworth! Hey, thanks for taking the time to talk us. So we are about to drill you with some questions here. Let’s start with your club U Street Music Hall, which is reputed to be one of the best clubs in DC. So how often do you spin at your club and how does it feel to be the owner and the DJ at a premise that you have inspired?
T: Urm.. I go there maybe once every 2 to 3 months depending on what kind of stuff that’s happening. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to play at a club that you have help to unfold, where your input is everywhere from the sound system to the crowd that you have build along the years. Of course, the first few years weren’t easy, there were many sleepless night but at the end of the day, it paid off. Until today, no matter where I go in the world, U Street Music Hall still remains as one of my favourite places to spin at.
S: Seems like your plate is full. So tell us, how do you cope with the pressure of handling your passion and your business since it look as if it requires a lot of your time and commitment?
T:The first two years were crucial and were the utmost priority at the initial stage. Most of my time was dedicated to the club, in shaping and moulding it so I almost had no time for studio and production. But i have no complains about it because it did help in increasing my business senses and my practical views towards music. After 2 years, the club settled down and we had a really good team running the show and looking after it so i finally had the chance to go back to the studio and work on my production.
S: You’re from DC, a place known for its budding music scene. So what drove you into EDM amidst the vast choices in music and given the fact that you have a pretty colossal experience playing Drum and Bass?
T: Growing up, I listened to all sorts of music. Genres like Indie Rock and Go-Go (sub-genre associated with funk, which originated from DC) and Rock bands were all extremely legendary in DC. A lot of my friends were into Indie bands so naturally it left an impact on me and of course Baltimore club was also happening back then and was part of my influences. When I first started DJ-ing, I was playing lots of Hip Hop records and collecting 7 inches from bands and stuff like that. It wasn’t until I went to support a friend of mine, actually it’s very funny as it turns out this friend of mine ended up being Valentino Khan’s agent so it’s funny how he’s connected with this guy but originally I went to see him DJ in a rave. At that time, it was very common to have Hip Hop at rave parties, and you would go into one room and there will be like QBert or Craze or someone you know spinning. And that was my first time being at a rave and experiencing the other end of dance music. I collected Drum and Bass records prior to that but never really saw how it was put together. From there, I work from Hip Hop to Drum and Bass and then it just hit me. I started to go to all the techno, house and rave parties and the rest is history.
S: Is there a place that you have played at before that has left such an impact on you that you would very much love to go back and perform?
T:You know, any place with people that are into what I do, has an open minded philosophy in music and really gets into it, it’s a win for me. I definitely have lots of fond memories throughout the years like playing in Tokyo, Christmas Eve in São Paolo, Fabric for the very first time; Taiwan since it was the first and only time my mom saw me DJ-ing in her home country, so that was kinda fun and of course playing at U-hall is always great.I can name all these milestone moments and all these fond memories, but at the end of the day, I don’t really like to replicate the experiences. I just move forward and appreciate the moments and look forward to being in any room that wants to create a new memory.
S:In all your performances, what makes your set so interesting?
T: I have fun playing a set because it’s important for the DJ to experience the sheer moment of ecstasy so I kind of go out of my way to ensure that I stay interested in what I do. So I have to constantly have some kind of exordium in music that would interest me just to ensure that I won’t get bored in what I do.It helps me to stay focus while challenging my creativity and pushing me in breaking new boundaries. It truly pays off and I learn a great deal in the process. When I bring my music to the dance floor and the crowd starts to become energetic and let loose, you know that you have achieved something. It’s special in it’s own way. With fusion of tracks combined together it sets a benchmark for my own musical identity and also coins something that is fun in return.
S: How do you maintain your figure and health when you have such a huge passion for food? We know you love food.
T:To be honest with you, I had to work really hard to not look like before. (shows a picture from his phone). So I had to completely overhaul my lifestyle and choices. Nowadays, I eat smaller portions than what I was used to. Also I think people have this skewed idea of my eating habits and thinks that I eat a lot of crazy shit all the time. It’s not all true coz like when I go home and work in the studio, I’m eating chicken breast and rice and sitting in the room with my underwear for 3 days working on Logic or something like that. So I guess the answer to your question is; cut your food portion and increase your metabolism. So I have to make sure I don’t eat deep fried frog covered in bacon. At home I’m like always making juice and chicken breast and shit like that.
S: 2013 has been a great year for you. So what’s the plans for 2014?
T:Ok, I have a record coming up with Valentino Khan on Dim Mak, Steve Aoki’s label in the first half of the year. I’ve also finished a record with Q-Tip and Theophilus and now we’re working to get it out as well. Laidback Luke started remixing the track and I’m just working on a whole bunch of new music right now and hopefully will be able to release them in the first quarter of 2014. So yeah, things are looking good for the first half of the year. I’m also planning on an Asian trip so I’ll propably be back here mid year. So I’m also looking forward to that.
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