Canadian producer and songwriter Overwerk today releases his latest single ‘Exist’ on Fabrik.
Hot off his attention grabbing remix of Clean Bandit’s UK Chart topping single featuring Jess Glynne,’Rather Be,’ Edmond Huszar is ready to show the world what he is all about.
‘Exist’ will be Huszar’s most epic production to date. Pushing boundaries with gut-wrenching electro twists and mind-bending melodies meshed with beautiful string arrangements, ‘Exist’ is a classic touch of Huszar’s iconic glitch madness.
Overwerk has organically grown as an independent artist, while quickly becoming an international star. Producing unparalleled high energy sets, seamlessly blending French electro and epic cinematic scores into one, Overwerk leaves each and every attendee wanting more. Though he pours his sweat and tears in each production, he has provided all of his music for free. Even without his other-worldly productions bearing a price point, he has consistently been one of top grossing independent artists, and a true fan favourite.
Splashing onto dance music scene with his debut ep, The Nth Degree, the producer has begun to rise worldwide. Overwerk has since gone on to feature his tracks in out-of-this-world videos for GoPro, in addition to being featured in other dynamic visual appealing projects for Red Bull, Chrysler, Gucci, Prada, Vogue, Air Tahiti, Lamborghini, EA, FOX and Fortune Magazine to name a few.
In addition to the release, Overwerk has also announced a mammoth US tour, spanning all corners of the Staes. Full list below:
Tour Dates
7.4 – Seattle, WA – Foundation
7.5 – Vancouver, Canada – Celebrities
7.10 – Santa Cruz, CA – Motiv
7.11 – San Diego, CA – Bang Bang
7.12 – Albuquerque, NM – Effex
7.17 – Denver, CO – Beta
7.18 – Los Angeles, CA – Create
7.19 – San Francisco, CA – Ruby Skye
7.23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Kamps
7.24 – Austin, TX – Kingdom
7.25 – Dallas, TX – Lizard Lounge
7.26 – Phoenix, AZ – Monarch
7.27 – St. Charles, MO – Ameristar
7.31 – Orlando, FL – Firestone Live
Following Saturday’s deadly crash at Santa Clarita’s business park drive, the whole world has been reduced to tears as they mourn over the unfortunate passing of Hollywood star and the face of ‘The Fast And The Furious’ movie franchise, Paul Walker. But Walker wasn’t the only one who was killed in the ill-fated Porsche. Behind the wheel’s was Roger Rodas, a Pirelli World Challenge Championships driver, the CEO of ‘Always Evolving’, and Walker’s financial advisor. Little was made available about the man who was killed alongside the American heartthrob, but days following the tragic incident we have come to know Roger Rodas as an equally humble philanthropist. Roger Rodas and Paul Walker were more than just best buds, they were also business partners, had mutual interest towards race cars and ironically met through a conversation that started over a Porsche.
Roger Rodas was born on 31 October 1975, an El-Salvador native staying in Valencia, CA who didn’t take long to become a major fixture in California‘s financial and race circuit. Having completed his degree in finance with outstanding approbation, Rodas also earned numerous certifications and credentials from The Wharton School of Business. Being a financial expert definitely gave Rodas a head start in the game when he became the managing director of wealth management for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His Rodas Group company were well known in the financial circles in California partly because of his connection with the investment firm Merrill Lynch and for being listed as ‘America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisers’ each year from 2010 to 2012 on ‘Barron’s List Of America’s Top Financial Advisers.’
Being noted as one of the high rollers in the system did not change his humble nature in fact in only made him soar to greater heights. Amidst the gratifying reward his financial career brought, Rodas was also fascinated with high performance cars and the world of racing. Turning his dream to reality, Rodas started to commit to race cars and tracks spending much of his early racing career competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup race cars in the Porsche Owner’s Club and other neophyte race series. It was during this time in a race circuit when Rodas and Walker first met and their path intertwined. After spotting Rodas driving a Porsche GT3 that he used to own, Walker immediately approached Rodas and the two has been friends ever since bonding through their mutual interest in cars and racing. The friendship between the two was further secured when Rodas became Walker’s financial advisor in 2007.
In an article published by the Wealth Management, it stated that Rodas helped Walker to reorganise his financial portfolio and find a creative solution in maintaining and continuing his passion for cars and racing without having them become a financial liability. Maintaining and transporting his fleet alone required several full-time professionals, and Walker had been funding the operation out of his own pocket. Rodas suggested an alternative: that Walker create an integrated (joined) race shop that is bonded and insured and brings in income by also doing work for other drivers.
‘Paul said that what he saved in expenses covered all of his racing costs last year,’Rodas notes.
The two later co-founded Always Evolving, a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty in car builds based in Valencia, which was led by Rodas as the CEO. Under his powerful wings, AE continued to evolve and prosper since the man himself was an avid car collector and not a stranger to the world of exotic cars. His own personal collection bragged a wide assortment of limited production Saleen and Shelby Mustangs. His collection soon became one of the major attraction of Always Evolving if not the heart and soul of the auto shop. Among the services offered by Always Evolving includes dealing and trading luxury and performance cars, offers performance car builds, full-service race preparation and team management.
Besides building a successful business empire, Roger was also active with various charities locally and in Latin America. He was of the board members of The Asomugha Foundation; a charity organisation that raises money to help orphans and widows in El Salvador. In 2010, Rodas helped Walker to establish his own charity foundation called – Reach Out Worldwide. Walker’s charity foundation was set up to send immediate help to disaster struck countries and the organisation has successfully demonstrated its abilities in deploying a team of medical experts, and highly trained personnel to countries that were struck by natural disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, typhoon and more. Walker personally led the delegation and offered his personal touch to the proceeding as seen in the pictures below. Some of his most prevailing moments were like flying to Chile, Haiti and also the Indonesian island where he pledge for the island’s beauty to be preserved and not destroyed. In other words, Reach Out Worldwide is a network of first responders who help in the wake of natural disasters.
With the successful partnership establishment between the two, Rodas further sealed the deal with the formation of AE Pirelli World Challenge Team where Walker was listed as one of the drivers, and Rodas as the principle leader of the race team. Even when he was juggling with so many things at once, his racing career was still one of his top priorities. He was moving up the ranks with impressive stealth rising through the division from Porsche-only series to the Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series. In 2012, he managed to take two first place finishes, six podiums, and finished second overall in the driver’s championship points. Both Rodas and Davis being novice in the series, Rodas finished 13 in GTS points, while Davis secured the 16th place, despite missing the races in St. Petersburg and Lime Rock. It is said that if only Rodas had competed in the races he had previously missed, it was almost certain that he would have been the series rookie of the year.
2013 saw Rodas moving into the World championship as he embraced his love and passion for racing as a professional driver. Rodas campaigned for a Ford Racing Boss 302S Mustang in the Pirelli World Challenge Sports car Championship Series and in 2013 Walker’s foundation, Reach Out Worldwide also became the title sponsor for the æ Pirelli World Challenge race team. Rodas teamed up with fellow racer, Erik Davis who is Autotopia‘s owner with a massive, near-legendary car collection in Los Angeles that he also supplies for movie and TV productions as his co-driver. Rodas drove car number #52 while Davis took over the sister car, number #75.
In June 2013, during an early morning practise at Long Beach California, Rodas’ car experienced an ABS malfunction in turn 1 on the 1.97 mile street circuit that sent him crashing into a wall, which caused an extensive damage to the right hand side of the car. Since the damage was beyond repair, AE teammate, race car driver and Hollywood actor, Paul Walker who recently purchased a similar Ford Mustang Boss 302S agreed to let Rodas use his car for the upcoming Toronto Grand Prix.
Since Walker’s car was still showroom-fresh, the AE team had to work through the night to prepare and ensure that the car would be ready and in its full spec for the Sunday’s qualifying race. When asked why he agreed to let Rodas drive his virgin Boss 302, Walker replied, “Reach Out is about helping people when they need it the most. This is Roger’s first Pirelli World Challenge race… how could I say no?”
When asked about his feelings on moving to the world series and the upcoming race, Rodas seems excited and confident about the race despite him having to swap cars at the very last minute.
“Making the step into professional racing is not easy, but I’m excited for tomorrow’s race. The Pirelli World Challenge fans have been overwhelmingly supportive as they stop by the pits, and I’ll get into the car tomorrow with that energy”Rodas said.
Toronto proved to be Rodas biggest victory to date. His extraordinary succession on the track was extremely impressive as he was noted as one of the most aspiring driver to compete in the Toronto GP. Rodas’ highest finish was fifth at Toronto, impressive since the GTS class had such veteran drivers and season champs such as Lawson Ashenbach, Jack Baldwin and Peter Cunningham. Rodas already showed his world-class driver’s worth and as stated by commentator;
In 10 starts, Rodas had a best finish of fifth place at Toronto in July and finished 13th in the class standings, one spot behind the top rookie, Jim Taggart.
and
“Roger Rodas, of El Salvador, finished an impressive, season-best fifth in the No. 52 Always Evolving Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302S.
Rodas took home two awards. As he started 10th, he took home the Sunoco Hard Charger Award with a gain of five spots. He also secured the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race Award for a move on Tony Gaples, of Libertyville, IL, in the No. 11 Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro, on Lap 5″
2012 – Second place in Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series championship
2013 – Rookie season in Pirelli World Challenge GTS series driving a Ford Boss S
5th Place and Highest Finish for a rookie in Toronto
and more
Walker however had to observe a far more demanding work schedule so he spent most of his time racing on time attack-type events at Buttonwillow or other California tracks. In Dec 2010, Walker joined the Motorsports Enterprise Racing (Team MER) and competed in the 8th Annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race at Thunderhill Park in Willows with Roger Rodas, Carl Rydquist and Jeff Westphal as part of his team, driving a Mazda MX5. The annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race is the longest automobile endurance race in all of North America and truly puts the driver’s skills and patience to the test. Patrick Dempsey, American actor who is also known for his love and passion for racing also competed in the race. In the same race, Rodas also raced against another Mustang driver in the class, Roger Miller, who by sad coincidence unexpectedly died at the age of 44 last August 18 – Miller’s family owned the Utah Jazz and Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City.
Both men were public-spirited, they did not live ordinary lives, they lived every single day to the fullest of their abilities and used up every mile to the end of its capacity. Paul Walker especially left his Hollywood suit at home and in the race circuit, he was just Paul Walker, feeding the addiction and curbing the desire for speed and he did it while being in the safe surroundings of a race track. In the track where all these kindred spirits met, the object of their desires came to live and the apparatus didn’t only play a part to satisfy its owners, it also helped keep the charity program going. Their lives was one huge satellite tier that constantly transmitted and received energy so they could create a balance in life and in the surroundings.
Rodas was also instrumental in developing waste to energy power plants and wind farms in Central America; he was a visionary who always saw a potential in almost everything. He was a man with a huge appetite and passion for education, speed and living his life to the fullest. He applied the same relentless passion in coaching his family, the young ones, friends, clients, and those in need.
Prior to the deadly crash that occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Nov 30 at Hercules Street near Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, Always Evolving, announced on its company’s website:
“Our next open house and car meet is November 30th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have complimentary doughnuts and coffee. Please call ahead to confirm as we may need to cancel due to weather or track events. Please bring a new toy with you as this meet will be a charity toy drive! Thank you!”
Similarly, Reach Out Worldwide also made a similar announcement on their Facebook page;
Walker came alone to the charity event, which was held in support of typhoon Haiyan victims and a charity drive to collect toys for Christmas. It was almost towards the end of the event when cars were being backed up into the garage that the newly acquired 2005 Porsche Carrera GT started stalling. Rodas decided to take the car for a drive to check out the mechanical problem and Walker decided to jump in at the very last minute to help his friend troubleshoot the problem. A few friends at the event noted that it was something that both Rodas and Walker were used to doing.
Walker being the main host of the day left his event but signalled to friends that they would be back in 5 minutes. About 20 minutes later (citation needed), they heard a loud crash and immediately rushed to the scene. Rodas’ 8-year-old son was the first one to arrive at the crash site. He heard the sound and knew there has been an accident but he didn’t know it was his father till he arrived. Everyone tried hard to put out the fire but it was just too huge and spread rather quickly. One of Walker’s friend had to be restrained by the fire department personal since he didn’t want to budge from the fiery wreckage and even hit the authority in his attempt to escape and continue trying to rescue the casualties. An eye-witness who is also an employee of the AE Performance stated that he saw Walker trapped inside the car and that he was unconscious as there was absolutely no movement in the car or from him.
The two kindred spirits came together for their similar passion since both loved cars and had a huge heart in charity. Roger L. Rodas leaves a wife and two children while Paul William Walker leaves behind his 15 years daughter, Meadow Rain Walker. It is exceptionally sad that we have lost not one but two equally generous man whose contribution to the world can’t be replicated. Amidst of maintaining business, acting schedule, family, personal endeavours and more, both of them always found time for charity. Having said so, the world lost two men who lived life at such a high speed but still managed to obey the rules. The only irony is that they first met because of a Porsche and they died too in a Porsche.
RIP Roger Rodas (1975 – 2013) and Paul Walker (1973 – 2013)
About Always Evolving:
Always Evolving is a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty car builds. Their clientele includes actors, athletes and other high profile individuals. The Always Evolving Pirelli World Change Team has partnered with the Asomugha Foundation and Reach Out Worldwide, which are two foundations that encourage their volunteers to harness their passions to help others. For more information about Always Evolving and it’s partners:
Founded in late 2010, Reach Out Worldwide is a rapid relief foundation that dispatches doctors, paramedics and heavy rescue professionals to disaster areas around the globe, providing rescue and recovery to those affected by natural disasters.
The Mission: Education is the springboard for innovation and growth. Educational opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially those in poverty, are limited. Our mission is to alleviate the consequences of poverty in vulnerable populations by creating the conditions and environment to support educational opportunities.
Chart-topping dance music phenomenon Avicii is set to release the fifth incredible single from his critically acclaimed album, ‘True’. Already boasting the fastest selling single of 2013 in ‘Wake Me Up!’, which also charted at number 1 in a mammoth 84 territories, as well as top 10 follow singles ‘You Make Me’ and ‘Hey Brother’, ‘True’ confirmed Avicii’s status as one of dance music’s truly global stars.
Scheduled for release on May 16th and with an exclusive new lyric video in the making, ‘Lay Me Down’ builds on the extraordinary fusion of both acoustic and electronic instrumentation that Avicii has made his hallmark. Underpinned by infectious, accelerated disco rhythms and a powerful, anthemic vocal chorus, it’s wonderfully balanced, feel-good club music surely destined for the top of the charts.
PRMD Records (pronounced pyramid) is the newly launched independent record label behind emerging artists Cazzette as well as global icon Avicii. Based in Sweden, PRMD Records’ primary focus is on releasing electronic music. It also has a string of recording studios and video production facilities to help develop its talent. With a strategy of creating innovative campaigns and taking the music to the fans first before the market, PRMD has already grown into a label with a forward thinking reputation. To date it has executed the successful worldwide campaigns of both Cazzette’s ‘Eject’ album and Avicii’s debut album ‘True’.
Montreal-based producer duo Adventure Club have offered up their latest remix, a wonderfully luscious edit of Max Elto’s ‘Shadow Of The Sun’, for fans to download and share for free.
Following the release of latest single ‘Wonder’, a track taken from their excellent breakthrough EP ‘Calling All Heroes’, the duo have been busy taking in a host of tour dates across the US, including performances at both Coachella and Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Now firmly back in the studio, their mellow, synth-rich take on ‘Shadow Of The Sun’ feels perfectly suited to the summer.
Building with hazy vocal edits and layered melody lines, Elto’s vocal comes to the fore amongst a flurry of instrumentation, acting as a great pre-cursor to that series of huge, bass-laden crescendos that go on to define the track. Bridging the gap between home-listening and the clubs, the duo’s melodic, dubstep-leaning twist on ‘Shadow Of The Sun’ is sure to prove a big hit with fans throughout the summer.
For more information on Adventure Club, please visit:
First premiered during their much talked about mainstage set at EDC Las Vegas, here’s a sample of W&W’s collaboration with Headhunterz, “Shocker.”
Due out later this summer on Mainstage Music “Shocker” merges two of the biggest talents on the global dance music scene. W&W’s electro-tinged festival rhythms and Headhunterz driving hardstyle beats are joined together with a crispy distorted vocal.
Warning: This is a track uncontainable by the four walls of a club. We advise you seek out the nearest dance music festival this summer…and prepare to be shocked.
After the massive success of their latest hits ‘Get Down’ on Doorn and ‘Fire In Our Hearts’ on Revealed, Russian trio Swanky Tunes are back again with ‘Fix Me’ featuring stunning vocals from Raign. Set for release through Flamingo Recordings on 21st July 2014.
With a catchy vocal and rolling staccato synths, ‘Fix Me’ combines all the elements of a high energy and infectious club track. The latest in a long line of stand out electro tracks, ‘Fix Me’ looks set to rival the success of its predecessors and further propel Swanky Tunes into dance music superstardom.
Having spent the past 15 years working in the music industry, the trio have gained increasing support from the likes of Tiësto, David Guetta, Laidback Luke and many others, establishing themselves as one of the most noteworthy electronic dance music acts of the moment.
They boast releases on leading dance music labels Axtone, Spinnin’, Refune, Size and Doorn as well as massive collaborations like ‘Make Some Noise’ with Tiesto [Musical Freedom] and ‘No One Knows Who We Are,’ from Kaskade’s acclaimed ‘Atmosphere’ album.
Backed by some of the biggest names in the game and having performed at Ultra 2013 and WMC in Miami this year, Swanky Tunes can look forward to playing at coveted festival Electric Zoo in August and Tomorrowworld in September.
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.
Clockwork returns to the spotlight with his third release of 2014. Following the release of his big-room anthem “Champion” on Dim Mak this March, Clockwork demonstrates his versatility with his new track “Signals,” out today. Collaborating with the skyrocketing vocalist Taylr Renee, Clockwork guides the listener through a melodic journey, emphasizing elements of progressive house and electro. The beautiful tune is equal part melancholy and thrill, simultaneously tugging at your heartstrings and moving your feet.
March’s “Champion” followed up multiple releases from Clockwork in 2013 on Dim Mak Records. These included his single “Blitz,” his anticipated Surge EP that hit #1 on the Beatport Electro House chart and #4 on Beatport’s Top 100, and the corresponding Surge Remixes EP featuring the hit single of the same name with vocalist Wynter Gordon. He also saw huge radio success with this collaboration with Felix Cartal “The Fire” featuring Madame Buttons.
This summer Clockwork will take to the road, appearing at major festivals across the US and Canada including HARD Summer in Los Angeles, mainstage at Electric Zoo in New York and at Light in Las Vegas where he will be continuing his residency.
Within the scope of less than a year, Taylr Renee has collaborated with acts most aspiring artists can only dream of. Lending her vocal talent to Axwell, Tom Swoon, and Paris Blohm she has subsequently contributed to multiple Beatport #1’s with “I AM,” “Wings,” and “Left Behind.”
“…an endorphin-rushing interface between skin and sky.” – SPIN, Top 50 Dance Tracks of 2013
“No nonsense on this one, just an infectious melody that turns into a tune that’ll keep the crowd jumping.” – Do Androids Dance on “Champion”
“…a revelrous big room romp running on enough energy and boisterous synth to make the most timid of warriors come out swinging.” – LessThan3 on “Champion”
“…the producer’s blood, sweat, and tears are exhibited in the diversity of sound and colossal experimentation…” – Dancing Astronaut on “Blitz”
“…uplifting and hard-hitting anthem…” – THUMP on “Surge”
The Spanish and English media alike has reported about the rising alert on the return of a drug called Methylenedioxypyrovalerone or better known as MDPV on the streets of the White Isle. The drug that assumed the street name ‘Bath Salts’ among dealers and users has raised concerns after several cases were reported including among tourists who were taken ill after consuming the illegal substance. Local newspapers have stated that Ibiza police believe that dealers are testing the drug’s popularity in the island’s market and are using ravers’ as their primary targets. The police have apprehended a small batch and hopes that it was the only batch that was initially consumed by the targeted consumers. There have been reports that patients had to be restrained to their beds at the hospital after consuming the drugs and one particular case required at least 8 officers to hold down an obsessed user who was extremely violent.
A few years ago, a man was arrested after attacking another man with his teeth as the police considered that the attack might be the consequence of a designer drug called ‘bath salts’, or perhaps a brand new, indefinite form of LSD.
The resurgence of this illegal substance is linked by many back to the Miami cannibal attack that transpired on May 26, 2012, when a local divorced former high school football player with a series of petty criminal arrests assaulted Ronald Poppo, a homeless man on the MacArthur Causeway in Miami, Florida. Rudy Eugene who was believed to be high on some kind of illicit drug stripped nude and accused Poppo of stealing his Bible. The whole barbaric assault episode was filmed where it was clearly evident that the possessed car wash attendant beat the homeless man unconscious, removed his pants, and bit off most of his face above the beard, including his left eye, leaving him blind in both.
The incident propagated a worldwide media coverage and the assailant, Eugene was dubbed as the “Miami Zombie” as well as the “Causeway Cannibal’. The attack ended when Eugene was fatally shot by a Miami police officer.
Police sources speculated that Eugene’s demonic behaviour might have been a result of a street drug called “bath salts” but experts have expressed doubt as to their definitiveness, toxicology reports were only able to classify marijuana, and the final cause of Eugene’s actions remains unidentified.
Bath Salt can provoke aggressive conduct, paranoia and panic attacks. Users may appear hysterical and experience extreme hallucination and the trend has been picked up on ravers’ who were attending the party at Ibiza over the last week.
Whatever it is, everyone is advised not to purchase any illegal substance from unknown strangers or take up on their offers as they might be offering out the drug for free. Party safe peeps, say no to drugs!
In 2014, Formula 1 came back with the biggest sets of rules changes in the modern F1 history, coming down hard on both drivers and constructors by ending the 8 years streak of the naturally-aspirated fuel-thirsty V8 engines which were used since 2006 by replacing it with the 1.6-litres V6 Turbos. Three races down the 19 races course, we can all agree that the 2014 season will be the hardest yet with defending champion’s, Red Bull facing the biggest heat of the competition. Ripped off from considerable points after Red Bull’s new comer, Daniel Ricciardo’s podium win was disqualified following Red Bull’s 100kgs fuel breech, Formula1’s most dominant team has been further push down the scoreboard marking the year’s debut as the worst start in Red Bull’s history.
While Red Bull takes it up with Renault for the inferior engines, which has been much of Red Bull’s setbacks this season, many other teams are also facing similar challenges that are effectively disturbing their performances and those with Renault’s engines has more repercussion to bare. Ferrari despite this season’s killer line up has so far failed to kill. Their best results so far came from from the 2-time-world-champion, Alonso who managed to squeeze in the top 5 position on two occasions while returning driver Kimi Raikkonen is still fighting for relevance. Elsewhere, three teams that could have made the most out of these new rules, McLaren, Lotus and Willimas who had lived through the Turbo era failed to impressed meanwhile the teams who grace the bottom of the list would once again be defending the position they were in since last year.
The sunny side of this season is definitely in Mercedes’ favour as the Silver Arrow’s twin-turbo winning combination of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are on a 1-2 winning streak and a pace that would be hard to beat. Force India are the favourites this season for their latest exploits has cemented a well deserved respect in the scene. Rising to the occasion with aplomb with commanding performances, the rising star’s would be the main contenders this season – fierce and hungry with a livery that so far matches the attitude. While the travelling circus prepares to bring the carnival to China for the next race that would be taking place in Shanghai, we take a look back on the ladies and their conventional archetype that boils the blood of the Formula 1’s boys as they strive to tame this magnificent beast of velocity. We start with Red Bull’s star product, Sebastian Vettel’s Suzie, who is driving the defending champion out of the tracks, locking up on him and straight line attitude that has been hard to conquer.
So here we go, meet the ladies who drives the Formula 1 drivers crazy!
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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