Pendulum at The Guvernment - Toronto

As DESTINY Events turned 21 years old, what better way to celebrate than having Pendulum join you and take over the Guvernment. The party was a full on Drum and Bass collaboration as along side the Australians saw support from the talented Marcus Visionary and Lush.

To start off I cannot say that I am a front-runner for Drum and bass music but I certainly always willing to give it a chance.  I have undoubtedly heard a lot about but I haven’t had the chance to see them do a DJ set live. When Pendulum is mentioned there is no doubt that Knife Party is go to come up. Knife Party is the side project of Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen who originally formed Pendulum along with Paul Harding.

If you have ever heard a Knife Party set you know the type energy they let off, Pendulum is no different. The sound was strong and the BPM were high! The great thing about the night apart from the music was the people.  The people at this event mixed from old school parachute pant ravers, kandi kids, rocker and frankly normally clothed fans.  I have done a lot of Electronic events but I must say the way dnb fans commit to the music and the dancing is incredible.

I also have to thank my new friend Diego, who runs DiGo SyN Promotions, they provided me with a pair of comp tickets to the show as a result of a contest.  Hell of a good way to spend a Friday night at the legendary and soon be closing Guverment. Cheers and Thank you!

Fool's Gold Day Off - Toronto Edition

Photo: via The Bass Collective

Fool’s Gold record label, founded by Kanye West and Canada’s own A-trak, is one of the many record label companies launching a festival pulling from its talent along with special guests. Rightfully so, A-Trak  is one of the few DJ’s that you really get the sense that he is really Djing, connecting with the crowd, before, during and after shows. Successful, driven and ever so humble. Compile that with support from his crew: Danny Brown, Thugli, Nick Catchdubs, Le1f, LUNICE, Tommy Kruise, High Klassified, and Sleepy Tom you have a serious party on your hand.

The event was supposed to be hosted at Sherbourne Common but got switched about a week before the event to Muzik Pool Bar.  Lots of negative comments came about from the switch but looking back at the turn out of people, I think it was fitting as the common’s would have been awkwardly vacant.  All in all I believe that the venue was fitting, drink prices were what you would expect from a “festival” and there was loads of waiting staff and bartenders available.

The festival was fun and I really enjoyed the performances from Thugli, High Klassified, Le1f and A-trak. Was it one of the better events of the summer? Not particularly and that was a little concerning as I would have expected something more from A-Trak. The change of venue, running the party from 12:00-20:00, poor turnout combined with the fairly inconsistent weather really hurt this event. There was just something that said, this event was quickly thrown together.  I hate to be hard on them, as it was only their second event under the Day off name, but it was lacking the energy I anticipated.

I do look forward to them bringing this event back next year; maybe even in collaboration with other labels such as Mad Decent or Dirty Bird and really make it an all day and night party.

Sundance Beach Festival 2014

September 13, 2014 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The first ever Sundance Beach Festival took place at HTO Park as the festivities for the Toronto International Film Festival were coming to a close. This event was probably one of the better orchestrated festivals of the summer and for its compact size it was actually one of the best.  The venue overlooked the Toronto waterfront as well as had the backdrop of the CN Tower and Roger Centre to provide atmosphere.

Let’s admit it, we have all been holding back to accept the fact summer is over here in Toronto. Sundance did an incredible job on the setup, location and lineup for this event.  I would even go out on the limb and say this was probably one of the top 3 events of the summer here in the city. Small, intimate and musically sound festivals should be the focus of our city’s electronic music culture.

The hand picked line-up was top, which saw: Audien, Mercer, Jerome Isma Ae, Jorn van Deynhoven, MaRLo, Saad Ayub, Shaun Frank and Andy Ares. For me, Mercer was the highlight of the night. He had a late afternoon set and seeing him spin at a few arms length away and then turning around to see the crowd’s reaction was spectacular.  Audien also did a great job closing out the night as we got to hear big tunes and some of his well known remixes.

All and all I am excited to hear that they are already working on next year’s event.  Considering the workmanship that went into this years I know that the 2015 edition will bring even closer attention to detail making it a festival to be sought-after by many.

Mad Decent Block Party 2014, Higher expectations requested

Such a big name in the festival and DJ scene right now so you would be secure in your mind that this would be one of the year’s biggest parties, right? Well you know what I can’t say it was the worst or the best.  What I do know is that I probably will save myself the 1.5 hour half line that was like an airport check-in, terrible will-call staff, a subpar sound system and sectioned off drinking area and go right to the after party.

MDBP is a pure example of a brand that has really made an impact in the scene; they have a huge record label that encompasses a mass amount of talent.  Diplo and friends have such an appeal to all cultures and genres that this event has potential to be a truly characterizing experience. Instead it is wasted. There is a huge lean on names that are on the festival flyer. It is called attention to detail. Yes, world renown artists are great but if it lacks sound, atmosphere and simple event edict it will be am average event at best.

The highlight of the night was leaving fort York and heading over to the Hoxton for the after party.  Such a great demonstration of a real party with an intimate atmosphere, a ready to go crowd and the DJ’s.  If they could have taken this show and put it on a bigger scale a balance in the universe would have been met.  The true taker of the night was when diplo showed up at about 3am and did a 45 minute set for about 50 people.

If you have never been to the MDBP do go and experience it for yourself.  You will probably find me at the entrance selling my ticket to you and saving that money for drinks at the Hoxton shortly after.

Corona Sunset Beach Festival

The weekend past marked the first ever Corona Sunset Beach Festival that was held on Toronto Island.  Despite the gloomy weather this festival marked a monumental shift to festival life and music culture in the city.  ID&T was successful at bringing a unique and cultivating experience to the scene in Toronto by combining properly placed talent across music genres to create a truly engulfing experience.   From the ferry to the island, the precisely placed flags visualized the wind, to the rigid wooden skids that made up the stage and various structures – this is what we want in a festival.

Forget who is headlining! Which act is on next? The experience was that moment. All the performers, DJs or bands had your command.  That’s right I mentioned a band at an electronic music festival. Thievery Corporation really stole the show for me and many around me.  You could feel the energy around as the performers funkily strutted their hip-hop, reggae, and Indian influenced flair.  I vividly recall the limit less of age groups surrounding me enjoying the experience, there was a sense of release and acceptance; were we even in Toronto? It felt more like the White Island.

It was equally admirable to hear the funky grooves of Casjmere. Not only did he sound great, I couldn’t help but feel the joy of the giant smile that he wore while his MC complimented his excellence.  The closing DJ Moby.  If you have seen him before or if this was your first time – what an experience. He is a legend and he consciously prepared a “festival set” and made it into a journey. It is a journey that he is on with you.  His energy, his movements, his stances expressing his dedication to you and to the music.
I want to thank Corona and ID&T for opening up this experience to me and reinstating the reasoning for a gathering of the masses.  To share and extend that positive energy, the smiles and the dancing.

Mysteryland USA 2014

May 23-25, 2014 | Bethel Woods, New York, USA

The inaugural Mysteryland on North American soil took place in Bethel Woods, New York. The worlds longest running electronic dance music festival graced the legendary Woodstock ’69 grounds, so fitting!

I purchased my tickets right when the festival as my counterpart really wanted to celebrate this event as her first festival was Mysteryland Chile and she wanted me to experience what she had endured! Unfortunately she was dealing with visa issues to re-enter Canada so I had to setout alone on this one.

Friday. So I rented a car and started my 6-hour drive from Toronto to the holy grounds, which would be my first camping festival. Upon arrival; parked the car and quickly figured out that I have about a 30 minute walk with my tent, cooler, luggage and sleeping gear! People don’t make the mistake I did; bring a wagon or something with wheels!

I got my will call ticket and proceeded to the campsite security. There they really didn’t get to frisky, they did a quick body search and had a quick look in my cooler. I proceeded to quickly find room for my tent before sundown. Friday, the day I arrived was the campus pre-party that Nicky Romero was hosting at the Circus tent. It was a good start to the celebrations with Michael Calfan, Vicetone, John Dahlback, Don Diablo, Nicky Romero and Tritonal.

Saturday. The gates opened fairly early, around 12, but the line up about 2 hours long fill with anxious ravers to be apart of history. The word being passed while waiting in line was that there was no backpacks allowed, there were drug dogs, security was checking everything etc. Most of these allegations weren’t true; there were dogs at the entrance, but I cam only assume bomb dogs (or else I would presume every second person would have been tackled), reasonable size backpacks were allowed in the venue and normal body checks were happening. I took a lot of time Saturday exploring the grounds and the various stages. I really enjoyed the Mexican themed stage, the wishing tree, the array of flags on the grounds, Q-dance, vinyl, the boat and the main stage. I got to see some heavy hitters like Sick Individuals, Sultan + Ned Shepard, Dyro, Fedde le Grand, Nervo, Showtek, and (unfortunately) Steve Aoki. But to my early departure from the main stage I got to fall in love with Big Gigantic – so so good, those drums and sax!

Before home, back inside the camping ground, I had two unexpected stops. The first one was to the Bang on NYC which was such a chill and groovy vibe where lots of people gathered, danced but mostly chilled out enjoying the moment. From the not so far distance there was a bizarre airing of circus music coming naturally from the circus tent. I headed over and there was a small gathering of festivalgoers, a gypsy band (Amour Obscur) and lovely people dresses as birds. What we had on our hands was an amazing party of music I never know existed with bird people feeding everyone gummy worms as if we were their young. Not that the day was unpleasant but this was by far one of the highlights of the day, I suppose because it was so random.

Sunday. The reasonable thing about camping is that you may not appreciate as it sounds ridiculous is that the sun in the morning is kicking your ass out of bed. Yeah, yeah, its bad you say but it isn’t: It means you have some pre-drinking to do, finding of Saturdays friends, maybe a shower? Who did I enjoy: Dimitri Vegas & Like mike, Moby, Dillion Francis, DVBBS, Flosstradamus, Dillstradamus and Pete Tong.

Overall, the camping experience changed my perspective; you never lose that disconnect with the music or festivalgoers or the party but you are separated enough have some down time, as you need it. Mysteryland was probably one of the best festivals I have been too; maybe the best so far due to the nature of the people my only negative point is that you cannot have Steve Aoki or Kaskade as your headliners. They are just not good enough in my personal opinion. Will I go again next year? Yes I would love too but that being said would a Tomorrowland possibility trump this option – I think so as there is always room to explore new festivals and boundaries. To keep bouncing around along the same path can cap your vision.

P.S. But I am still routing for my 2015 return!

New Years Eve with Pleasurekraft in Toronto, Canada

It looks like provoke is at it again putting on another great event.  They Welcome Pleasurekraft back to Toronto for a New Years Celebration.  The Swedish/American Duo is geared up to play a 3 hours set (minimum) of tech, electro, funky house along side Damn Kids and Sam haze at the beautiful venue known as House of Moments which is busy being a lounge, restaurant and art gallery.

Come looking fresh and bring in the New Year at one of Toronto’s hottest parties.

Facebook event page 

Tickets & Info

Tickets:

Early Bird: $40

Advance 1: $50

Advance 2: $60

Ticket includes appetizer, midnight champagne toast and entry

Times:

- Doors open at 9pm, ends at 4am (min)

Dress Code:

- Style Code (semi formal, relaxed, stylish, it will all be welcome; as long as it fresh looking!)

Venue:

House of Moments | 386 Carlaw Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2T4, Canada