Bigfish presents Innovation White featuring Cosmic Gate, Myon & Shane 54, Bobina, and Emma Hewitt on vocals

For 12 years I have listened and followed German DJ/producer duo Cosmic Gate and for the first time I was able to meet, talk, and had a photo op with one of my fave trance artists! Nic Chagall and Bossi graced manila dance scene with their classic, re-worked, and current trance tunes. I feel in love with this duo back in 2000, back then most tunes were done through analog style. Their hard trance style during this time made a mark in my head. Now, with the shift in their sound, they still keep that signature style that took them to where they are now.

Hungarian duo Myon & Shane54 are another European trance tandem that’s carving a name for themselves as they gig from continent to continent. With a list of solid singles and fierce remixes to their name, even trance luminaries Armin van Buuren and Above and Beyond are fans of their work, having featured them on their respective compilations.

Also on the bill is Moscow-based trance master Bobina, whom Ferry Corsten has called “one of the most talented music producers ever to come out of Russia”. 

Being the rose among the thorns, Emma Hewitt comes back to Manila to perform and share her trance vocal goodness to the fans. Emma, as tagged by Cosmic Gate, is their angel. And it was only fitting that she was here for Cosmic's first Manila gig.

This is the second event of Bigfish International where they have invited media folks, bloggers, and select few fans to meet and greet the artists.

When I was called to ask a question, I couldn't help but be starstruck, hence it was heard in my voice how nervous and excited I was talking to these guys. My question went like, "how different was music then from now in terms of quality and appeal; and how far have we gone out in terms making music from analog means to digital means" - Both Nic and Bossi answered my question.

 Myon & Shane 54, Bossi of Cosmic Gate, Ricky of Bigfish, Nic of Cosmic Gate, and Emma Hewitt

 Emma Hewitt, Marty, Jase, Marx

With Bossi and Nic Chagall of Cosmic Gate

While the media conf started a little later than scheduled, Bobina was unable to join to meet the media guys and had to be on the decks to keep the momentum going. By far, this is the best line up of Bigfish. Though I feel they had brought in too many acts for one night, there were instances that these acts may outshine one another where in fact they could just be stars in their skies. My 2 cents is to stick with two international acts, plus the resident acts, and an option to bring in a vocalist.


It was a fun filled night as I have enjoyed mostly Cosmic Gate's set where they also played their re-worked hits like The Truth, Exploration Of Space, and Fire Wire. I also enjoyed the closing set of Myon & Shane -- this duo know how to work a crowd!

Here are some of the snaps from the event:

**photos courtesy of Marty Martin


If you were there, please share your experience on the comment field...

Album Review: Anjunabeats Worldwide 04 Mixed by Maor Levi and Nitrous Oxide

Just recently released is Anjunabeats Worldwide04 - the next installment to the series and this time we get mixes from my personal favourite, young Isareli producer Maor Levi and Polish producer Nitrous Oxide. Two new excellent mixes but of distinct style. It features tracks and mixes from Mat Zo, Super8 & Tab, Nitrous Oxide, and Heatbeat. 

I am very enthusiastic about this compilation as one of the most unique and brilliant producers, Maor Levi, is gracing to mix the first disc. I first heard of Maor in 2008 on Tiësto's In Search of Sunrise 6: Ibiza record with his track Reflect and in 2010 on Above & Beyond's Anjunabeats Volume 8 with this track Chasing Love. I love how his songs incorporate reverberated snippets of vocals rather than just singing. Working and uniquely foregrounding generous amounts of delay, reverbs, and smartly placed loops creates the airy/misty and pipe-wind-like texture in his music which is just so breathtaking. I can see the distinct differences between his music and someone like Armin van Buuren's which makes him both brilliant and rare, to almost unique. He applied this technique in mixing the compilation and to be honest, almost all--if not all--tracks are note worthy. 

The first disc is classic Anjuna--full of swirling, twirling, trickling melodies that can completely fill a room while still managing to sound like they’re coming from far away. The second disc, is a reminder that for all of trance’s beauty, the genre is still very much about wicked beats.

Again, it’s always difficult to listen to a trance album out of context. Trance, more than any other EDM subgenre, lends itself to spectacle--to theatrical, majestic synths; dramatic, existential track titles; and massive, happy crowds. When I close my eyes, it’s very easy to imagine a sea of blissful ravers losing themselves in the lights and the sounds and the inevitable smiles in an event. Music like this requires patience and a genuine love for trance music. This is not an album to convert the non-believers, or worse - posers.

Tracklist:
Disc One - Mixed By Maor Levi

01. Breakfast pres. Keyworth – Splitting
02. Maor Levi – Won’t Say No
03. Tate & Diamond feat. Nicolai – Electrified (Mat Zo Remix)
04. Mat Zo – It’s Yours
05. Inpetto – No More Serious Faces
06. Boom Jinx feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
07. 3rd Planet – Sevas
08. Norin & Rad – Pistol Whip
09. Super8 – Alba (Maor Levi Remix)
10. Bluestone – Namaste
11. Genix – Aura
12. Ost & Meyer – Safari (Maor Levi Remix)
13. Kyau & Albert – This Love
14. Parker & Hanson – Afterthought (Heatbeat Remix)
15. Breakfast pres. Keyworth – Median (Keyworth Remix)

Disc Two - Mixed By Nitrous Oxide

01. Andrew Bayer & Matt Lange feat. Kerry Leva – In And Out Of Phase (Norin & Rad Remix)
02. Mike Koglin vs. Genix – Helion (Norin & Rad Remix)
03. Nitrous Oxide & Dan Stone – Nautica
04. Adam Kancerski – Orion
05. Edu & Cramp – Human Turbines (Beat Service Remix)
06. Ost & Meyer – Antalya
07. Craig Connelly – Manchester AM (2012 Club Mix)
08. Sunny Lax – Contrast (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
09. Nitrous Oxide – Gr8!
10. Ost & Meyer – Scarlet Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
11. Nitrous Oxide & Space RockerZ – Energize
12. Boom Jinx & Daniel Kandi – Azzura
13. Super8 & Tab – Awakenings
14. Nitrous Oxide – Tiburon
15. Cramp – Andromeda


Do you agree?

We Are The EXCEPTION

When I got this news I got so excited that finally, my country, The Philippines will get to have our own Ultra Music Festival or Creamfields!

So here's the press release with it's accompanying promotional video.

=============================================

Exception Music Festival Manila, Philippines, November 2012

Make way for Exception, the Philippines’ first electronic music festival.

(Manila, Philippines) Elsewhere around the globe, world-famous DJs share the stage with fellow superstars, music fans band together in endless thousands, and a spirit of no-holds-barred fun powers the entire scene. This is what an electronic music festival is all about, and this is what the Philippines has yet to witness.

To take the Philippines into the Next and higher level we proudly presents Exception Music Festival, an event that brings together different music stars, with different music Genres both foreign and local, in one massive event.

We are uniting everyone under one massive REAL Music festival, Taking a cue from the biggest dance festivals worldwide like Creamfields and Global Gathering in the UK and Ultra and Electric Daisy Carnival in the US, Exception will gather hordes of party-goers in one gigantic outdoor location, its ground set to shake with a whole day’s succession of trance, house, progressive, electro, pop, rock, and a madcap mixture of all of the above. And in the tradition of those same festivals, rules will be gleefully thrown to the wind in the name of fun. That’s Why its Called EXCEPTION, as you know there is an EXCEPTION for everything. 

On its first year, Exception will boast three different stages. The House Stage: that will feature house music maestros and the biggest brands: Ministry of sound, Hedkandi, Housexy  will electrify the audience. Meanwhile, The LIVE Stage acts such as Live Pop – Rock bands ( local & international, Live performance, Tribal, Live PA and More are bound to set the second stage on fire. The third stage ( MAIN STAGE ) will be a stadium-sized spectacle starring the event’s headliners of the Biggest Names in Trance & Progressive : Line to be announced soon Each stage will be mounted with state-of-the-art light and sound systems, and the entire venue will be bedecked with cheeky paraphernalia in true clubbing and Music fashion.

Exception is a trailblazing concept in the Philippines, as it aims to debut the country to the global dance community as a new festival destination. Besides uniting Manila’s electronic music fans into one cheering, hollering congregation, it will draw in dance denizens from all over the country and even all the way abroad.

Be part of the first Exception Music Festival on NOVEMBER 2012 , where the music is never-ending and the rules are nonexistent. For this event, make an exception: dress however you want, act however you want, and be as foolish as your fearless young souls desire.

WARNING:

DON’T YOU EVER THINK ABOUT MISSING THIS

http://exceptionmusicfestival.com

Goodbye Donna Summer

Earlier this year, the music industry was saddened with the sudden passing of Whitney Houston. Today, another legend and icon leaves us.

Donna Summer aka The Queen of Disco has lost her battle with breast cancer. She died on 17 May 2012.

Another dark day for music. Today I and for the next coming weeks, I just want to bump Donna Summer tunes to reminisce my childhood days. My parents, especially my mum drew particular interest with Donna. My mum was the one who introduced me to her music. Being very young in the 80's I just tend to listen whatever's being played on the radio and by whomever is manning the stereo. It wasn't hard to fall in love with Donna's music. The Giorgio Moroder signature 70s disco beats is how I will always remember this disco diva. She has inspired the likes of Madonna and Kylie Minogue to build and nurture their musical careers on this particular genre. 

So for now, I'ma be like, tsup tsup, beep beep! #BadGirls.

Do you like Donna Summer? Share your thoughts...

Album Review: Dash Berlin - Music Is Life

One of the fastest rising EDM acts and one of Armada's best recruits, Dash Berlin, releases his second artist album Music Is Life. He has been tweeting #MusicIsLife which gave his fans and followers a clue of what his next album title would be.

The record contains signature hits such as Disarm Yourself, which features the angelic vocals of Australian singer Emma Hewitt, Better Half Of Me & World Falls Apart the epic duology with top vocalist Jonathan Mendelsohn, the magical team up with German DJ superstar ATB on Apollo Road and of course exciting new collaborations with artists such as Shogun, Kate Walsh, Shanokee, Chris Madin, Hoyaa, and Sarah Howells.

On my first few listens, I do not think it surpasses his debut artist album The New Daylight, but quality-wise of the tunes produced, they very much bear the DB mark on them. The record contains very promising uplifting and vocal tunes like his collab with the ever-angelic voice Emma Hewitt - Disarm Yourself, another track that caught my attention is his collab with ATB - Apollo Road, and finally, Aviation - I love instrumentals!

Track list:

01. Better Half Of Me (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

02. Disarm Yourself (feat. Emma Hewitt)

03. Silence In Your Heart (feat. Chris Madin)

04. Apollo Road (Dash Berlin with ATB) 

05. Go It Alone (feat. Sarah Howells)

06. Like Spinning Plates (feat. Emma Hewitt)

07. When You Were Around (feat. Kate Walsh)

08. Fool For Life (feat. Chris Madin)

09. Callisto (Dash Berlin with Shogun)

10. World Falls Apart (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

11. Surrender (feat. Shanokee)

12. Aviation (feat. Hoyaa)

13. Man On The Skyfire (Dash Berlin with Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren vs Shogun) 

What do you think?

Album Review: Anjunadeep04 Mixed by Jaytech and James Grant

Anjunadeep, the housier sister (sub-label) of Anjunabeats releases its fourth installment of the Anjunadeep series. Anjunadeep04 mixed by Australian proggy house artist Jaytech and Jono's brother James Grant, is a perfect concoction of chill, ambient, deep house that cater to a niche market of electronic music lovers - myself included. Showcasing tracks and remixes from acts like Dusky, Tom Middleton, Maceo Plex, Vincenzo, and Solarity,  the collection is a 28 track journey through deep house, immersive melodic grooves, and modern progressive.

One of the main contributing artists is Andrew Bayer, a brilliant American producer whose style is a mix of ambient, chill, proggy house, and glitch-hop. I got to discover him whilst listening to the first few installments of the Anjunadeep series. With the fourth compilation, he contributes two slick tunes: You and Gaff's Eulogy (which I am so crazy about); and co-remixed tunes like Prelude, Take Me Away, Gravity among the few.

This 2-CD compilation is an explosion of slick, chill, and proggy tunes. Disc one was remixed by James Grant whilst disc 2 is by Jaytech. This is perfect for driving, or while at work, and even helping one to sleep at night. The tunes promote tranquility and bliss - or at least that's what I feel every time I bump this record. Between the two discs, I happen to like disc one better where most of the noteworthy tracks are.

Track list:

Disc 1 / Mixed By James Grant

1. Dusky "Stick By This" (Deep04 Edit)
2. Martin Roth "Beautiful Life"
3. Vincenzo "Get To Know You"
4. Laura Jones "Love In Me" (Maceo Plex Remix)
5. Andrew Bayer "You"
6. Paronator "No Gravity" (Tom Middleton Liquatech Mix)
7. Dusky "Lost Highway"
8. Above & Beyond "Prelude" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
9. Full Tilt "Take Me Away" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
10. Parker & Hanson "Afterthought" (Soundprank's Deep04 Mix)
11. Stephen J. Kroos "Phobos"
12. P8 & Answer42 "Fragments"
13. P.O.S. "Gravity" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
14. Andrew Bayer "Gaff’s Eulogy"

Disc 2 / Mixed by Jaytech

1. Answer42 "The Lemon Effect"
2. Kobana & Yane3dots "Woosh"
3. Oliver Smith "Under The Wire"
4. Solarity "Primordial"
5. Suspect 44 "Neon Feel"
6. Jaytech "Synergy"
7. Vadim Soloviev "Forma Perpetua"
8. Soundprank "Boundless Energy"
9. Jaytech "Overdrive" (PROFF Remix)
10. Joonas Hahmo "Manor"
11. Levente Márton "There's Always A Way Out"
12. Kaskade "Sorry" (Dirty South Remix)
13. Parker & Hanson "Alquimia" (Andrew Bayer Remix)
14. Jaytech "Atlantic"

Share your thoughts!

Bigfish presents SummerNRG featuring Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge in Boracay 2012

Summer’s heat is officially upon us. This only means one thing:  BIGFISH Summer Energy will soon be making Boracay bounce!

I am so excited for Ashley Wallbridge! 

This year’s Summer Energy is Bigfish’s most exciting and ambitious one to date. It kicks off with the chilled-down Sunset Sessions on April 5 at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar in Station 2. Taking the energy up several notches is the Main Party happening on April 7, 8pm, also at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar, where revelers can sway until the summer sun rises. But the celebration doesn’t stop there—on April 8, from 6am onwards.

I ended my disco nap just in time to catch Ashley Wallbridge - not only he's a looker but he is a very promising Armada talent whose tune style appeals to my dance musical palette. So now in the party scene, I could hear girls shouting his name because now they have realised how cute he is. I was shouting with them - for the same reason, and because Ash was bringing down the island! He was banging! I didn't even realise how time flew so fast at that time that it was already Aly & Fila's turn.

It was my first time to experience this duo live. Apparently, only one of them can only man the decks as the other is deaf? Hailing from Cairo, Egypt, these fellas seemed to have something exotic to offer. As the night progressed, I thought it was coming on too slow, and low. It wasn't peaking as it should. And came 4AM, I thought they were already ending it. Not only until 5AM did the party start to peak up (or pick up) whatever you want to call it. Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge did a back-to-back!!! Now that's something I have been waiting for. Being it a sunrise party, only the real 'ravers' would stay and dance to the beat - which is what happened. Oh, and during this time there was a tee tossed in to the crowd and managed to snatch it in exchange of getting spilled with my own drink. A Sound of Egypt tee from Aly & Fila.

Here are some photos to attest to the fun that had happened:

And later that day (night) I saw Ashley Wallbridge on three different ocassions. Didn't have the balls to ask for a photo on the first two encounters. But on the third time, I thought it's a charm and a photo-op was in order. Thanks heaps to my friend Bhavish who did most of the job and all I had to do was pose. Voila!

Share the fun, share your thoughts!

Republiq presents: Afrojack (04 April 2012)

On the night before our traditional Holy Week get away to Boracay was Nick van de Wall a.k.a. Afrojack gig in Manila. This was a good pre-Boracay party to get us in the mood. 

As expected, Afrojack delivered great quality house tunes, blow by blow, track after track. He definitely did Take Over Control!

Were you there? Let me know how it went for you--

F! Girls Reunion

Who wouldn't remember the late-at-night lifestyle show F! on Studio 23 back in the late 90s and early 00s -- Cher Calvin, Daphne Oseña-Paez, Angel Aquino, and Amanda Griffin (who replaced  Cher in the last 3 years run of the show).

I remember my BFF Jason and I used to pretend as Daphne and Angel respectively whenever we do shopping, visit a spa, eat at a restaurant, even listening to music - we would give our commentaries and blurbs the F girls way. 

I used to compare them to the Charmed Ones (Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano) but instead of doing witchcraft, they are TV hosts. And when Rose McGowan replaced Shannen (who got booted out of the show), just as Amanda Griffin replaced Cher (who took on an opportunity with FOX News), it was kind of a perfect comparison. At first, Rose seems to not have any chemistry with Alyssa and Holly just as Amanda seemed an underdog to Daphne and Angel but later on proved that both replacements were as effective as their incumbents, just in a different manner.

So when Daphne and Cher tweeted about getting together with Angel, and Amanda on Mornings @ ANC, I got so excited and really wanted to watch the episode! It will be a historic moment that all four of them would be all together.

Below is the Monings @ ANC episode (links courtesy of @DaphneOP)

Were you also an avid follower of F? Share some of your thoughts--

Album Review: Madonna - MDNA

Madonna's 12th studio album MDNA offers some familiar futuristic EDM sound with a touch of Madge. This could sound like her previous work Hard Candy, when all artists at the time were aching to be Timbalandised. As Madge is known to cope with trends very well and can transform into what is relevant, she manages to score an album with today's sound - electronic dance music. Working with producers like Benny Benassi, Martin Solveig, Ray of Light collaborator William Orbit, among the few, Madonna proves yet again why she has the staying power in the business. However, for fans as myself, I feel the album does not deliver a seemingly come-back attempt from a 4-year hiatus, and also that hope for a Ray Of Light ish smash album also dissipated. 

The concept of MDNA, in reference to MDMA drug, or an abbreviated version of Madonna, or Madonna DNA rocked my brain for a couple of months. Those months I have anticipated that she will deliver an in-your-face album to all of the princesses threatening her of her Queen of Pop throne. But to no avail, I feel that she wasn't able to do so. Perhaps with album sales, she did prove her loyal following. But as a loyal follower myself, I feel she has again succumb to the pressures of the post-GaGa pop world. I was hoping she would be setting new trends and not trying to prove why she is the queen. Although some good tracks were produced, there are no tracks sounding they could pass the test of time. But it might be too early to judge so let's see.

On a lighter note, I want to highlight some of the tracks that are worthy listens: Gang Bang sounds like a sequel to Revolver and its video could only be aptly directed by Quentin Tarantino; other tracks like I'm Addicted (where she repeatedly sings MDNA then it turns out to be MDMA in the end), Turn Up The Radio, I Don't Give A comply to today's standard of what an EDM-inspired track should be. Another track that sounds like her previous hits: Beautiful Stranger for I'm A Sinner; and Ray of Light for Beautiful Killer. Do check out the deluxe edition, as it has some great add ups.

Track list

01. Girl Gone Wild
02. Gang Bang
03. I'm Addicted
04. Turn Up The Radio
05. Give Me All Your Luvin'
06. Some Girls
07. Superstar
08. I Don't Give A
09. I'm A Sinner
10. Love Spent
11. Masterpiece
12. Faaling Free

Deluxe:

01. Beautiful Killer
02. I Fucked Up
03. B-day Song
04. Best Friend
05. Give Me All Your Luvin' (Party Rock Remix)
06. Love Spent (Acoustic) (iTunes pre-order only)

Let me know what you think--

Album Review: Ashley Wallbridge - The Inner Me

All eyes on Ashley Wallbridge - one of 2012's most promising EDM acts, and Armada Records latest recruits. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the young producer now presents to the community The Inner Me, his debut artist album after a hard work in the studio, flowing inspiration, and fine-tuning.

Featuring 17 brand new unreleased tracks, his debut album 'The Inner Me' reveals many new faces of Ashley Wallbridge. Awakening with a deep, down-tempo track, the album slowly but steady unfolds into a mix of progressive, trance and even some sound score classic music. Commisioning vocals from the likes of Audrey Gallagher, Meighan Nealon, Matias Lehtola, musical synergy with producers like Andy Moor, and Kobalt Infusion and of course the bright, unique sound of Wallbridge himself, make this an album with character and power. The album also contains a re-worked version of the track he first got noticed - Faces (with Andy Moor) and a few more hit tunes like Mumbai Traffic, and his current entry to the Universal Religion 5 collection Vision

Track list:

01 Emotions
02These Walls (feat. Elleah)
03 Kopanang (feat. Kobalt Infusion)
04 Careful
05 Zorro
06 Faces (with Andy Moor) (feat. Meighan Nealon) (The Inner Me Mix)
07 Soul Seek
08 Vision (The Inner Me Mix)
09 Meta4
10 Mumbai Traffic
11 Keep The Fire (feat. Elleah)
12 Ibiza
13 World To Turn (with Andy Moor) (feat. Gabriela) (The Inner Me Mix)
14 Bang The Drum (feat. Audrey Gallagher)
15 Feel Again (feat. Matias Lehtola)

iTunes Bonus Tracks:

16 JYNX (The Inner Me Mix)
17 Sunrise

What do you think?

Album Review: Trance Nation 2012 (Remixed by Cosmic Gate)

The annual Trance Nation compilation from Ministry of Sound Records is out now, and this time the remixes are by one of my all-time fave duo Cosmic Gate. 

Following 2011's remix by Rank 1, this compilation shows no slowing down from it's predecessor. Expect ergasmic tracks from Trance giants like Sander van Door, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, and from new contingents like Andrew Bayer, Arty, and Mat Zo all wrapped up with a bough on it by Claus Terhoeven (a.k.a. Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (a.k.a. DJ Bossi) collectively known as Cosmic Gate. Compiling some of their favourite producers, remixers, and artists over a 2CD release, Nic & Bossi perfectly capture the future sound of the genre. The duo explains: "It’s an honor for us to be mixing this international, established and influential brand mix series by Ministry Of Sound and be the next ambassador after respected colleagues and friends like Above & Beyond, Andy Moor and Rank1!"

One note worthy track that really caught my attention and ear drums is Cosmic Gate and Andrew Bayer's track Nothing Ever Lasts. The said track headlines the first cd. This 2-CD goodie is such a good listen you wouldn't even realise that two hours had already passed just by listening to it. It then ends with a CG classic Fire Wire 2011 remix (that can also be found on CG's Back 2 The Future Remixes complilation)

Track list:

CD1:
01. Cosmic Gate & Andrew Bayer – Nothing Ever Lasts (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Jerome Isma – Ae - Speed
03. Nic Chagall & Duderstadt Feat. Relyk – Alone With You
04. Cosmic Gate – Crushed
05. Boom Jinx Feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
06. Sunleed – Rasalhague
07. Temple One Feat. Neev Kennedy – Love The Fear (Tom Fall Remix)
08. Mat Zo – Bipolar
09. Emma Hewitt – Colours (Cosmic Gate Remix)
10. LTN – Ordinary People (Anhken Remix)
11. Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic – Always Exotic
12. Alex Kunnari Feat. Ben Andreas – Taste The Sun (Tom Fall Instrumental)
13. Space Rockerz Feat. Ellie Lawson – So Out Of Reach
14. Matt Davey – Castaway (Daniel Hairston Lonely Road Remix)

CD2:
01. Cosmic Gate with Myon & Shane 54 and Aruna – All Around You (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Ost & Meyer – Scarlett Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
03. Ummet Ozcan – Cocoon
04. Tiesto – Flight 643 (Nash & Pepper Remix)
05. Cosmic Gate & Arnej – Sometimes They Come Back For More (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
06. Above & Beyond – Formula Rossa (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
07. Cosmic Gate & Emma Hewitt – Be Your Sound (Extended Mix)
08. Cosmic Gate – The Theme
09. Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine (Arty Remix)
10. Sander van Doorn, Adrian Lux – Eagles (Album Mix)
11. Cold Blue – Coconut
12. Gareth Emery – Tokyo
13. Marcel Woods – Accelerate (Chris Schweizer Big Room Mix)
14. Cosmic Gate – Fire Wire (Cosmic Gate’s Back 2 The Future Remix)

If you have this compilation or have listened to this record, do share your thoughts--

Republiq presents: Calvin Harris (23 February 2012)

Been anticipating for this and finally I will get to legitimately wear my fly eye glasses in a Calvin Harris event. 

Last Thursday night at Republiq Club in Manila, all the Stars Come Out for Calvin Harris. I was so Ready For The Weekend and Feel So Close to Calvin that night. And now, all are just a Flashback of how fabulous that night was!

If you were there, too, share your experience--

Goodbye Whitney Houston

Such a shocking news this early Sunday morning of 12 Feb '12 in Manila when I learned that one of my personal favourite songtress, the voice, Whitney Houston has passed away. As of yet, details to her demise is still unknown. Though she is known to have a cocaine abuse problem, authorities have not confirmed the cause of death and that investigations are still on-going.

This is indeed a very sad day for the music industry as it lost one of the best voices to ever grace a stage and hold a microphone. I grew up listening to Whitney. She was one of the women who paved for the "diva" singer category. This helped the likes of Mariah Carey and Celine Dion reach a stature in their careers. 

Whitney's voice will be continued to be heard and her legacy will carry on. I love you.

Do you have the same sentiment on Whitney? 

Bigfish presents Big Love Hed Kandi: A Night of Twisted Disco House Classics

As I have unintentionally missed out on TranceNRG presents Dash Berlin and Super8 & Tab, I am now looking forward to the next Bigfish rave -- Hed Kandi. This year's HK line up may not sound as enticing as the previous international EDM acts but enough for me to check out our local DJs spinning prowess.

See you there #EDMFamilyManila

This just in: My BFF Jason Tomas was commissioned by Bigfish folks to organise a blogconf and given EDM is a personal interest, I was included on the invite list to meet and greet the local DJs spinning for the Big Love event. This is gonna be fun!

Photos to follow--

During the press conf for Hed Kandi Big Love, many bloggers, radio personalities, EDM people, among the few were present throwing questions at our djs/producers and even at the Bigfish spokespersons themselves. I was privileged to be in the same room with these people and I look forward to doing it every single Bigfish event.

Here's a bonus - a photo op with the great DJ Andy Norman

Madonna is on MDNA

Upon hearing rumours on Twitter about Madonna's up and coming album, I felt this blood rush in me. I felt even more pumping (of blood) in my veins when I found out that she will be calling her new album MDNA. Sounds familiar eh? Need I explain further?

I am buying the whole concept -- with this pre-released album cover of having a blurry vision of Madonna, MDNA being Madonna DNA and the reference to the euphoric drug MDMA (popularly known as ecstasy/XTC) -- I'm already getting palpitations of excitement!

Guest artists that the Queen of Pop is rumoured to be working with are the sassy Nicki Minaj and rebellious M.I.A. -- this ought to be interesting as Madonna is now more open to collaboration and sharing her diva space. Contributing producers are Martin Solveig, Benny Benassi and executive producer of the successful Ray of Light, William orbit amongst others.

This is gonna be an exciting year as the Queen of Pop reclaims her throne from the Princesses.

Thoughts please--

Bigfish presents TranceNRG featuring Dash Berlin and Super8 & Tab

I've been waiting.... 'til the sky falls down... 'till Dash Berlin visits Manila and yesssssssss I am missing it. I have been looking forward to this rave but because of my uber excitement for Boracay, I booked a flight going there for the long weekend of Chinese New Year only realising after that I have booked on the 20th and the Dash event is on the 21st. Greeeeat!

No regrets though... As I compensated partying in Boracay especially on the CNY eve courtesy of this fierce Turkish DJ, Berna Ozturk! But that's another story that deserves its own entry.

Now all I can do is just sing The cooooooool wind is taking over, it's taken over! This is also what my friends have been buzzing about after the event... Dash Berlin took over and Super8 & Tab delivered. I also feel bad I missed a live set from Super8 & Tab -- they are one of my favourite remixers.

If you were there, kindly share your experience--

Album Review: Armin van Buuren - Universal Religion 5

Trance lovers! We are in for another treat with the new chapter from Armin van Buuren's Universal Religion series. 

Every summer season, fans of Armin van Buuren hold their breath for two magical words to drop: Universal Religion. The compilation series, going strong since 2004, is a favourite amongst those into quality electronic dance music. This year, the fifth chapter of the beloved series has landed, recorded live during Armin’s sets in club Space on party-island Ibiza.

Armin van Buuren honours tradition and gives it a new spin at the same time. Universal Religion Chapter 5 presents two special live recordings from his gigs at Space. Let your senses be taken by exclusive tunes and remixes, feel the vibrant energy of the crowd and enjoy AvB's unrivalled mixing skills, as he introduces you to a new, musical chapter. Not only does Universal Religion Chapter 5 indulge you with two brand new AvB remixes, a new Gaia production, and AvB’s ‘Brute’ collab with Ferry Corsten, it also takes you in with the beats of BT, Shogun, Ashley Wallbridge, Paul Oakenfold, Alexander Popov, Daniel Kandi, Re:Locate vs Robert Nickson, Andy Moor, John O’Callaghan, and many more.

This series would only get better as the chapters increase. I remember from the first chapter of UR 'til the fourth, I rave when listening to this compilation. And when the fifth chapter dropped, I just couldn't help myself and burst into my signature dance step whilst listening to it in my room.

Some note worthy tunes include Vision, Space Odyssey, Falling Away, Liquid Logic, Fallen Angel, Terrace 5A.M., Brute, Counting The Points, Full Moon Party

Track list:

CD1
01 Ashley Wallbridge – Vision (Intro Edit)
02 BT & Adam K – Tomahawk
03 Gofman & Tsukerman – Darko
04 Shogun – Space Odyssey
05 Hannah – Falling Away (Armin van Buuren Remix)
06 Andy Moor feat. Sue McLaren – Fight The Fire (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
07 Protoculture – Liquid Logic
08 Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue feat. Ana Criado – Fallen Angel (Dennis Sheperd Club Mix)
09 Markus Schulz presents Dakota – Terrace 5 a.m.
10 Gaia – Stellar
11 Susana – Home (Daniel Kandi Retrofit Remix)
12 Mike Koglin vs Genix – Helion
13 Jorn van Deynhoven – Spotlight
14 Ferry Corsten vs Armin van Buuren – Brute

CD2
01 Andrew Bayer – Counting The Points
02 Kid Alien – The Atmosphere (Klauss Goulart’s & Mark Sixma Deep Universe Remix)
03 Space RockerZ & Tania Zygar – Puzzle Piece (Daniel Heatcliff’s Farewell Remix)
04 Alexander Popov – Elegia
05 Emma Hewitt – Colours (Armin van Buuren Remix)
06 Gareth Emery & Ashley Wallbridge – Mansion
07 DNS Project – Exclusive (Bigroom Edit)
08 John O’Callaghan & Giuseppe Ottaviani – Ride The Wave (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix)
09 James Dymond – Gundam
10 Daniel Kandi – Sagittarius
11 Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat. Sylvia Tosun – An Angels Love (Vocal Mix)
12 Paul Oakenfold – Full Moon Party
13 Re:Locate vs Robert Nickson – Resource
14 Orjan Nilsen – Viking

What's your religion? Universal Religion!!! Do you agree?

Album Review: Above & Beyond - Anjunabeats Volume 9

It's another year and we know what it means for Anjunabeats collection fans -- yes, a new collection from our favourite trio!

J., Tony, and Paavo, collectively known as Above & Beyond, treats us for another ear-ppetising and ear-gasmic tunes with the annual collection of Anjunabeats tunes. Anjunabeats Volume 9 features tunes from the record label's artistes as well A&B's own.

A few note worthy tracks include: Tokyo, Formula Rossa, Bipolar (Mat Zo), On Our Own (Maor Levi), You Got To Go (Kyau & Albert), Keep Your Secrets (Andrew Bayer), and Kate (Arty)

Track list

Your thoughts?

Bigfish presents Cream Halloween Ball 2011: Where The Mummy meets Star Wars in Wonderland featuring W&W and Giuseppe Ottaviani

Yet another year of Cream Ball had passed. Managed to get in to a costume that would be my best yet -- The Black Swan. 

I'd like to think that dressing up this year is of course, for fun, but aside from that I want to show my appreciation to all women who take effort in dressing up. It's not easy to be beautiful. I understand them now a little better. This is literally putting myself in your 5" shoes! ACHIEVED!

With this year's dj/producer line-up that Bigfish have for us ravers, we will experience for the first time both Giuseppe Ottaviani and W&W. All I could remember was W&W killed the night more than my 5" heels killed my feet. Ottaviani delivered a mental performance as he drove me to the edge of my heels whilst dancing some ballerina moves -- yes, in heels! I was totally in character.

Earlier, as we arrived at the venue just a little before midnight and as we entered the gates of what it would have been a Rave in Wonderland, our friends were waiting for us like crazy fans just so they could see us and snap a couple of shots. I was really touched by the support. As we entered WTC, everyone was shouting our "Black Swan" and "Wonder Woman" (as what my BFF Jason Tomas was dressed in)

I really felt like a star and everyone wanted to take photos. Even if my heels were killing me, I smiled and channeled my character -- I was very effective at it. Then suddenly, I had an epiphany... I now understand people better - women at that. I am now literally in their shoes. What they do to look good, is not an easy job. It takes effort - an effort that is so often taken for granted. 

Many friends say that there were quite a number of attendees who donned the Black Swan look but it was only me who stood out. This is what I tell people, it's not what you wear - it's the way you wear it. The most important ingredient in donning a look is the attichoood. 

Overall, like I always say, Cream isn't the Bigfish event where music matter to me or whoever is spinning. This night is for myself becoming someone or something, releasing inhibitions, and most importantly having fun. We were a level-up from the 2010's costume, I must say.

Here are some of the photos:

Black Swan, Ryu, Claudia, Wonder Woman, and Storm 

Wonder Woman, Christina Aguilera from Burlesque, Black Swan 

 She Works Hard For The Money

 About to enter the venue - our friends acted like fans, waited 'til we arrive just to get some shots

 Many people think this was a White Swan / Black Swan shot -- good guess though

Freshness all night - even though the heels were killing us!!!

Comments are welcome. Please be honest and kind. Happy Halloween!!!!







"I felt it -- it was perfect"
Nina Sayers, The Black Swan

Album Review: Lange - Harmonic Motion

There are albums that come and go, talents that fade quicker than their one-hit wonders and then there are the ones who cement themselves in the music world. Lange is here for the long run and Harmonic Motion is proof of that.

No rookie to the scene, Lange has proved time and time again why he’s monumental in the EDM world. Whether it’s his performance on the decks, his repertoir of hit remixes, original productions, and now 2 artist albums, he’s shown quality sustainability.

The album features an array of genres and to characterize it mainly as a trance album would be doing it an injustice. Lange exhibits an incredible ability to break genre boundaries without losing his trademark touch along the way; it is the creation of a man who thought outside the box and brought new meaning to the word originality. He created something wonderfully unexpected and that, to us, is the definition of an artist.

The album features vocals by Emma Hewitt on the hit single Live Forever (a personal favourite), Sarah Howells on Fireworks and Let It All Out, Betsie Larkin’s tenderness on All Around Me, The Hall of Mirrors on Angel, Alexander Klaus’ moving voice on Strong Believer, and Sarah Ozelle on Clouds Across The Sun. Lange gave these incredible vocalists a canvas and together they painted timeless masterpieces.

How Long made me want to sprint through a finish line and then take over the world in slow motion. It deserves to be a film score for a ground-breaking Academy Award-winning movie James Cameron hasn’t thought of yet.

Regardless of the genre you’re comfortably into, if you appreciate genuinely great music, Harmonic Motion is a must-have.

Tracklist:


01. Harmonic Motion
02. High Noon
03. Live Forever (Ft. Emma Hewitt)
04. How Long
05. All Around Me (Ft. Betsie Larkin)
06. Wie Komme Ich Am Besten Zum Bahnhof Bitte
07. Let It All Out (Ft. Sarah Howells)
08. Angel (Ft. The Hall Of Mirrors)
09. Fireworks (Ft. Sarah Howells)
10. Sci-Fi Hero
11. Strong Believer (Ft. Alexander Klaus)
12. Clouds Across The Sun (Ft. Sarah Ozelle)
13. All Around Me (Reprise) (Ft. Betsie Larkin)

Do you agree?

Album Review: Andrew Bayer - It's Artificial

Andrew Bayer is an American dj and producer. He first caught my ears when he did a remix of an Oceanlab tune Secret. From then on, he had remixed a couple more A&B tracks and has been a regular contributor in the Anjunadeep collection.

Following his Twitter account, he announced that he is to release his first experimental artist album and it got me all excited. The album is called It's Artificial released under Anjunabeats on 25 July 2011.

The album tunes follow a truly progressive style incorporating ambient, melodic techno and the so-called glitch-hop. Like a kid to a candy bar -- I am so addicted to this album! These slick tunes give off just sheer pleasure.

Noteworthy tracks for me are Counting The Points, Monolith & Paper Cranes

Tracks:

01. Nexus

02. Dedicated To Boston's Waste Management System

03. Counting The Points

04. Monolith

05. A Drink For Calamity Jane

06. Paper Cranes

07. From The Earth

08. We Will Return

09. A Faded Memory (iTunes Bonus Track)

10. Not Forgotten (Anjuna Pre-order Giveaway Track)

11. It's Artificial (Album Prview)

Thoughts please--

Album Review: Beyoncé - 4

Beyoncé is put to the fore with her newest offering 4.  WIth the high bench mark that was set by her previous record I Am... Sasha Fierce, 4 has a very large shoes to fill.

I listened to the album but not continuously and eventually stopped. The carrier single Run The World (Girls) was not too persuasive and I pre-judged it for being just another artist album. It was only after a month of its release that my friend asked me if I know that Love On Top song. With my response as no, it bothered me a little and at the same time sparked a reborn interest on the album.

With my mission to discover the hidden gems of the album, I realised that I have missed to see the bigger picture -- 4 is a collection of tracks that were almost stripped off their rhythmic and melodic coating and Bee's vocals are put to the fore. Her vocal prowess in all of the tracks are just impeccable, something that she gave us a taste of with the disc 2 of I Am... Sasha Fierce; now with this album she came in full blast like a comet ready to impact the surface!

Songs like 1+1, Rather Die Young, the seemingly Irreplaceable re-hash Best Thing I Never Had and Love On Top all have successfully showcased Beyonce's ability to hit notes and be called as one of this generations note worthy artists.While the playful song Party remained to be one of my favourites in the collection both vocally and melodically. On the other hand, songs like Countdown and End Of Time will just make you shake ya booty the Bee way.

The album, at first, may sound too familiar and repetitive but it does bring in a value - a contribution of an artist to the industry that she is in.; the throw back's in the past, the overall sound engineering of the album, and vocal style all make this album a standout amongst the Euro-dance sounding American artists out there trying to be relevant. 

Track list:

01. 1+1

02. I Care

03. I Miss You

04. The Best Thing I Never Had

05. Party

06. Rather Die Young

07. Start Over

08. Love On Top

09. Countdown

10. End Of Time

11. I Was Here

12 Run The World (Girls)

Deluxe edition:

01. Lay Up Under Me
02. Schoolin' Life
03.Dance For You



What do you think?