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.

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.

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

Who is R3HAB?

“Who is R3hab?” was the response I got the other day when was talking to a random group of “EDM fans” I started a conversation with. Although I did find it quite amusing, I took advantage of the opportunity to introduce them to one of the worlds best DJ’s. R3HAB is a DJ that truly loves to perform; he appreciates his fans and is a brilliant producer.  He hails from the Netherlands and joins the class of DJ's such as Hardwell, Afrojack and Chuckie.  

He has graced the city of Toronto a few times in the past few years playing at Digital Dreams and Uniun nightclub. I have had the opportunity to check him out at the listed events as well as at Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival this year.  Each show is full of energy and you can expect him to play a mix of genres from progressive house, electro house, to trap.

So Fadil (aka R3HAB) don’t worry situation averted, hopefully tonight at Guvernment there will be some fresh fans amongst us! 

Toronto show details:

Date: October 11, 2013

Location: Guvernment Entertainment Complex

Tickets: ink-tickets.com

Prok & Fitch @ Maison Mercer | Oct 13, 2013

http://www.wantickets.com/Prok_Fitch_mathew

Prok & Fitch is a duo that hail from the United Kingdom and will be spinning their deep and funky house grooves at Maison Mercer on Thanksgiving long weekend (October 13, 2013).  The sound that they provide is a well paired match for Masion because of the sexy crowd that they attract and chic atmosphere.  Prok & Fitch have toured worldwide from Australia to North and South America and have penetrated the club capital of the world at Pacha in Ibiza.  The DJ/Producers have heavy and diversified support behind them from the likes of  Steve Angello, Paul Van Dyk and Carl Cox.

Tickets available at Wanted Tickets

Maison is one of Toronto's biggest and best clubs emitting fashion, style and sexiness amongst its clients and interior.  The venue itself has been home to many of the worlds talented Dj's and boasts a superb sound system to really feel the music.  Come visit Maison for your self and experience the best of Toronto nightlife.

 

Tickets:

Early Bird: $15 (Limited)

Advance: $20

2 for 1: $25 (Limited)

General Admission: $30

*$20 pay-at-the-door + VIP tickets are ready at the office for pick-up

Bottle Service:

- 4bttl min for tables behind the DJ + dance floor

- 3bttl min for all other tables

- 2comps per bottle

Times: Doors open at 10pm, ends at 5am

Dress Code: Style Code

Location: 15 Mercer St, Toronto

Adventure Club at Uniun Nightclub

This Friday (June 7, 2013) Adventure Club will be destroying the minds of youth at Uniun Nightclub! They are a Montreal based duo that is greatly known for their dubstep remixes success such as “Flight Facilities - Crave You (Adventure Club Remix)” and “Yuna - Lullabies (Adventure Club Remix)”. I had the pleasure of checking these guys out at there early set at Ultra 2013 and they were definitely top 10 set I saw at the 2 weekend festival. 

Adventure Club we salute you and I look forward to another epic encounter!

Going into the Weekend!

Going into the weekend we have two iconic Aussie's gracing Toronto who are none other than Nervo! It is really exciting to see these two beauties back in the great white north and you know that they are going to bring madness Uniun nightclub on Friday. We have all seen the raise to the amount of new and up and coming DJ’s hit the scene in the recent years but they do not bring up as much hype, sexiness and craziness as these two ladies.  Watch them live, see how much fun they have doing what they do and with the crowd, it is amazing.  In late 2012 they released a track with the Dutchman Nicky Romeo called Like Home – it is a wicked track and will definitely get you jumping!

Also happening Friday will see Chase & Status take over the small island of Barbados at Sugar Ultra lounge. I absolutely love that this UK duo is venturing into the island to spread their drum and bass and dubstep vibe.  From what I have seen and heard so far on the island is that people are embracing it.  I myself am not a big DnB fan but am very interested in seeing the mashup of the UK and island style they bring.

Also happening in the city of Toronto worth checking out:

DATSIK, BRILLZ, BARRON, and HYDEE, will be at Guvernment, more info here

Bad boy bill will be at Cinema, more info here

Club Review: Bloke & 4th

Last Saturday (December 08, 2012) saw my first step into the well establish Bloke & 4^th restaurant and nightclub.  The outside is beautifully lite by purple floodlights along King Street West. The hype of the night was quickly brought down by the ego and arrogance of the doorman.  There was a miss communication about the amount bottles that were to be ordered and they refused to establish a solution only that “we should understand his point of view”.  Apart from that, the service inside was decent, mind you we did having to wait about 30-45 minutes for them to seat us at our booth.  The music on Saturday was a wide variety of styles from Hip Hop to house to some way back tunes – nothing overly special. The crowd was a very good looking and trendy – there really is some beautiful people flowing through this place.

Over all, I highly doubt I will return to Bloke & 4^th, it really lacked the vibe and party atmosphere which made it a mediocre night.  I would rather have my night spent down the street at Brassaii without a question of a doubt.  That is just my opinion, go ahead and check it out for yourself and share what you think!

An Italian, Dutch and Canadian kind of weekend!

Davide Squillace, the Italian superstar will be spinning his melodic lounge and tech house track this evening at Cobra Nightclub Dec 14.  Davide has recently graced the legendary Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1 hosted by Pete Tong this past September.  The Essential Mix is a platform where new and already discovered talent can express their music to the world in a digital form.  Tickets can be purchased for the Cobra event here.

If you haven’t already heard, Afrojack will be in Toronto on Friday playing at Uniun Nightclub for their stellar ‘Factory Fridays’.  The Dutch sensation is one of the world’s top house Dj’s and producers who continues to light up festivals and dance floors across the world.  The beauty of this event is that it is a small venue that will leave no restrictions for the Dutchman to play his bangers or experiment a bit with his style. Friday show is currently sold out as of today but there will surely be resale tickets available online and outside the event. 

Friday will also see a Hed Kandi Christmas held at Cinema.  Here you will find Andy Warburton featuring his “Good looking house” music.  Hed Kandi events are always a good time have seen there way around Toronto at various venues in the city.  Online tickets can be found here for purchase.

Toronto, the new Miami?

With Decembers ‘Factory Fridays’ posted you would think that INK is on its way of making Toronto the new Miami.  Get ready for it: Roger Sanchez, Afrojack with Shermanology, Funkagenda, and Calvin Harris with Jacob Plant. I know, I still cannot believe it! The weather might still be cold outside but you know it's going to be hot inside Uniun.

But before December comes we will have the Swedish duo AN21 & Max Vangeli Phasing out Novembers ‘Factory Fridays’ at Uniun.  The two Swed’s are known for their banging house sounds and their releases and remixes with some of the industry’s greats such as Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Michael Woods and Ellie Goulding.  You do not have to dig to deep to know that AN21 is the brother of the world famous Steve Angelo of SHM.  Steve has seen the talent Max and his brother and has signed them to his label, Size Records.  Opening for them is NO_ID and Friday residence Manzone and Strong.

You can find all event ticketing on the INKtickets.com website, get them soon as they are subject to change.

Sidney Samson to Rock Uniun Nightclub

Sidney Samson the Dutch sensation is in Toronto set to Spin at Uniun nightclub as a part of there ‘Factory Fridays’.  Last week a fellow Dutchman R3hab took over the club and Sidney is expected to put on a similar spectacle. Sidney is know for his electro and Dutch house sounds best expressed through his single ‘Riverside’.  His artillery is full of big smash remixes.

Mr. Samson also holds a residency at Privilege nightclub in Ibiza during the club season that is renown for being the biggest club in the world (according to Guinness book of world records). His night is “Don’t Let Daddy Know” where he brings his friends who are big in the scene as well as the up and coming talent.

Uniun, in my mind is one of the hottest clubs in Toronto at the moment.  They have all of their bases covered; the best talent, amazing light and sound system and the clientele that is sexy and fun. It is worth noting that last week they opened up for Saturday nights to expend their reach to the people. I look forward to seeing what the December line-up looks like but first I will gladly enjoy what November has to offer!

Making Toronto's Digital Dreams Come True

Last Canada Day weekend a new electronic music festival, DIGITAL DREAMS, invaded Toronto! It was truly incredible for the city as it hosted its first festival of its size, 25,000 people and in terms of talent that it attracted.  Big names such as: Afrojack, Kaskade, duck sause, Major Lazer, Riche Hawtin, A-Trak, R3hab, Alesso, Steve Lawler, Chickie, Autoerotique and Chus & Ceballos.  The recently release recap video depicts its all; the Toronto energy, the appreciation for electronic music and the anticipation for the return of the 2013 festival! Pre-tickets sales starts on November 16 which will release for $79.

The Toronto scene has been blowing up and a rivaling festival Veld who headlined Deadmau5, Avicci, Steve Angelo, Knife Party and Steve Aoki are placing Toronto on the map.  There is also speculation that IDMT’s Sensation White will be playing in Toronto at the same time as Digital Dreams next year.  We will have to see how this plays out but these events have a distinct following and potentially can coincide with minimal disruption.  

2013.digitaldreamsfest.ca

veldmusicfestival.com

sensation.com

M&S to DVBBS to R3HAB, Toronto loves you!

Toronto was in for a serious treat Friday night when all 3 heavy hitters took over Uniun Night Club.  Manzone & Strong, DVBBS and R3HAB took over the second ‘Factory Friday’ hosted at the newly opened venue.  M&S the resident duo opened the club in usual fashion elevating the crowd early on in the night.

As it hit 12:00 you got the wild woozy sound of DVBBS smashing the speakers and really energizing the crowd.  The two Toronto brother, who recently passed 31, 000 fans on facebook, are becoming a real favorite of mine.  It is more than a show it is an experience, the combination of cranking out powerful tunes and interacting with the builds and incredible atmosphere. It is no wonder that these two are opening for acts like Calvin Harris and sharing the stages of greats like Tiesto, Steve Aoiki and MSTRKRFT.

Then we had R3HAB taking the reigns and really getting deep into the crowds senses. You could truly feel his passion and participation in the crowd’s energy.  He took people to a level and kept them there increased slightly and let them play there for a while longer until the massive drop hit! That along with the coordinated light system made it an epic moment that the club has not yet seen. R3HAB is on a world tour and is set to be a part of an epic New Years Eve party ‘JACKEDNYE’ in New York City along side Afrojack, Shermanology, Bobby Burns and Quintino at pier 94.

It is somewhat unbelievable that Uniun Night Club has only been open for 2 weeks now and it feels like home to most clientele.  This show has been the favorite of the Factory Friday so far but there is so much more coming up that one cannot imagine where these next set of DJ’s will take us.

Upcoming events at UNIUN:

Nov 16, 2012 Sidney Samson

Nov 23, 2012 Fedde le Grand and NO_ID

Nov 30, 2012 AN21 and Max Vangeli