Saturday 13 June 2015

Solomun @ Diynamic Festival

Dynamic: “characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.”

And what better way to describe the ever evolving sounds of Diynamic label head honcho, Solomun. A DJ who is always pushing forward, and delivers spine-tingling sets that make him one of the most popular and in-demand DJs in the world.

His label, founded in 2006, that has nurtured sensational artists such as Stimming, David August and Adriatique, is still at the forefront of sleek and sexual deep house. Tonight, as the sun dips over Amsterdam, Solomun shows a glimpse into his newfound affinity for darker, richer sounds.

Not even some pretty inclement looking weather could spoil the party, as the Diynamic boss lays down simmering slices of tough yet polished deep and tech house, working in Nicole Moudaber's heart-stopping edit of 'Alcatraz – Giv Me Luv' early on to full effect. It's refreshing and exciting to see an artist not being held back by the sound that made them famous, and exploring new and exciting areas, with a receptive and adoring legion of fans in front of him, willing to go on that journey.

As well as being calm, composed and full of concentration (as he always is), Solomun – real name Mladen Solomun – looks like a man who has taken stock, and understands and thrives on the gravitas and responsibility that his top tier superstar DJ status now holds, with successive seasons on the White Isle that seem to have coloured his record collection somewhat, replacing some of the more frivolous selections with stronger, Ibiza-tinged tech house.

Moving into more melodic sounds as the night draws to a close, with flags and flares in full swing from the crowd, his steely mixing style and inimitable knack for timing a vocal or a breakdown just when the crowd needs it is a 60 minute masterclass for any aspiring DJ, and proves just why he is one of the best, and continues to be at the top of his game at the moment.

Enjoy this one!

Ethan McNamara

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Thursday 4 June 2015

DJ Mix #374 Anëk


Best friends since childhood, Anëk originate from Copenhagen, Denmark and is the first female duo to be welcomed to the exclusive VIVa MUSiC roster. With over 10 years of experience DJ’ing and producing, Karina & Denise, who now reside in the UK and France are far from unexperienced in the house music scene. From a young age the two friends found their passion and calling in electronic music, and from 2001 have wasted no time pursuing a career doing what they love most.

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Sunday 24 May 2015

DJ Mix #373 Stefano Richetta


Stefano Richetta, a dj who happens to also be the promoter of the techno parties that set the tone of today’s party scene. An asset giving him the overall vision of a winner on all fields. He speaks the international language that communicates with the crowd, the staff, the organization and his fellow artists with a disarming attitude. His resume consists of the events that matter, with the likes of Awakenings, Mystery Land, Free Your Mind Festival, Dance Valley and Twstd among them. As a dj he embodies the concept of the party. An ambassador of the Dutch party scene who righteously can claim this title and a valuable addition to every party that wants to keep the spirits alive and the juices flowing. Keeping the fun, passion and love in the game.

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Thursday 21 May 2015

Detroit Swindle @ Loveland van Oranje Festival, Kingsday

Under a giant Kings' crown, the duo of tech house naturals, Detroit Swindle, royally stir things up for swathes of orange dancers, at the annual Loveland van Oranje Festival from Meerpark, Amsterdam.

King's Day: celebrated only for the second time since it's transformation from Queen's Day in 2013, is an event that evokes pangs of jealousy around the world. In America they celebrate their national holidays with fireworks, in Ireland they drink beer and sing songs, and in England they don't really celebrate at all. But as thousands of festival goers can be seen dancing and celebrating the Dutch national holiday in the sunshine (while the rest of us ravers outside of the Netherlands are often stuck at work!) watching half of the DJ universe descend on Amsterdam for parties of regal proportions, just proves that they know how to do things right here in Amsterdam!

Dancetrippin promises to get you in and amongst the action for all those around the world who couldn't make it – or for those who did, that want to relive the magic that unfolded again.

Kicking things off with bumping, Chicago inflected beats, the Dutch natives, Detroit Swindle, set an uplifting pace that perfectly matches the jubilant surroundings. With a skippy and playful style, they start to work tracks into their sweeping, attention grabbing sets that include a groove laden selection of skittering drum beats and classy piano house stabs.

Moving things up a gear with Jesse Perez's 2014 cut 'That's Real Muthaf**kin Talk' released on DJ Sneak's I'm A House Gangster imprint, they infuse all of Sneak's trademark rocking house vibes into a fiery tech-house set, that quickly dips in and out of wicked acid-style burners to reset the energy levels somewhere around the midpoint, before continuing their upwards funky trajectory to get the crowd really moving.

No matter where you were on April 27th this year, strap yourself in for a thrill ride of epic proportions with a pair of upcoming house heroes, and celebrate King's Day in style.

Turn it up!

Ethan McNamara

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Tuesday 12 May 2015

DJ Mix #372 Just Her


It’s all about the music and always has been. It’s always been there – from crafting homemade DJ mix tapes as a child and learning to play any instrument within reach, to studying Creative Music Production and Lecturing in Music Technology, Claire Spooner aka Just Her, has grown and evolved to become a major force in Electronic Music.

Just Her marks the start of another chapter in her journey. Already making serious waves under her solo moniker, Claire has secured original releases with Suara & Save Us Records plus remixes on Motek, Serkal, Chapter 24 and Click Records within just a few months. With her own label Constant Circles launching this year, a bi-weekly radio show on London Station Bloop, and a growing reputation for technical prowess on the decks, Just Her is fast developing a loyal following from around the globe. Expect deep melodic emotion-filled grooves from House and Electronica through to Techno.

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