Yes, this year audience members will have the rare opportunity to experience the world-famous disc jockey Mills and the internationally-acclaimed RTS Symphony Orchestra performing together. It promises to be a unique musical mashup of both electronic music and symphony music.

 
The event organizers have spent the past six months in preparation. In a statement to the press, they offered some details. They said:
 
“After . . . last year’s . . . Lovefest [Experience] which was [attended] by more than 70,000 people from all over the world, we knew that we [had] to find a way to repay all our devoted fans who have been growing . . . with us [over] the last ten years. That is how the idea of this special music event was created . . . Lovefest Experience is [more than] just a fusion of different musical genres, but [also] a unique audio-visual experience.”
 
For readers not up on all their audio artists, Jeff Mills is a disc jockey based out of Detroit, Michigan. His signature sound is a blend of electronic dance music (EDM) and techno. He is also the founder of the musical movement known as the “Underground Resistance”.
 

In a prior interview, Mills told the press that the focus of his performances is experimenting with various ideas in hopes of making each appearance different. Some online sources believe one of his more memorable performances to be on in which he put all his equipment directly onto the floor and pushed platters while he sat on the floor. This will be his second Lovefest performance.
 

 
His fans expect another noteworthy performance, especially with the RTS Symphony Orchestra. The RTS Symphony Orchestra is one of the biggest acts in Serbia today. For this performance, they will be conducted by Serbia’s hometown hero the maestro Bojan Suđić. The highlight of the concert is said to be a performance of Light from the Outside World.
 
Tickets for Lovefest Experience in Belgrade, Serbia are presently priced as follows:
 
General Admission tickets: 22 EUR
Fan Pit tickets: 33 EUR
VIP tickets: 66 EUR
VIP Gold tickets: 132 EUR
 

 
As this goes to press, tickets are still available online. Additional service charges may apply. Ticket purchase limits, age restrictions, and other details are also available online on the official ShopLovefest website.
 

The post Jeff Mills & RTS Symphony Orchestra Are A Real ‘Lovefest’ appeared first on Electronic Music.

With concerts and showcases at multiple venues day and night, Sonar has become one of the world’s largest and most influential festivals showcasing electronic and advanced music. This year boasts some amazing talent. Here are some of the highlights.

Richie Hawtin

Richie Hawtin has been a revered name in techno since he co-founded his own label with fellow Canadian DJ, John Acquaviva, in 1989. Hawtin has developed a sound that has become synonymous with the city of Detroit, home of electronic dance music.

Jean-Michel Jarre

Jean-Michel Jarre has been elevating the electronic music scene since the mid 1970’s, but his influence and creativity continue to be relevant today. With the recent release of his second collaborative album of the Electronica series, Jarre still has a lot of musical messages to send into the world. He is currently working with the British virtual band, Gorillaz.

Laurent Garnier

Laurent Garnier has been pushing the sound envelope for thirty years, beginning in Paris as a teen, and then to the rest of the world. Garnier has created his own unique blend of Detroit techno with disco, touches of jazz and ethnic inspired beats.

Booka Shade

This duo, consisting of Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier, are veterans of the electronic music scene. Booka Shade skyrocketed from fame to international stardom after their 2005 Sonar Festival appearance.

Ben Klock

Considered to be one of the top 10 world’s best DJ’s, Ben Klock has unique take on his craft. Capitalizing on a diverse track selection, Klock has the ability to alter his sound to adapt the environment around him, pulling listeners into his world instead of him playing to theirs.

Kerri Chandler

Kerri Chandler has become an inspirational leader in the world of electronic music. Heavily influenced by his New Jersey jazz roots, Kerri refuses to compromise on his soulful blend of innovation and traditional American urban sounds.

Paco Osuna

Paco has been influencing the electronic music scene for over twenty years, developing his own unique and recognizable style. Paco blends pure techno sounds with dark beats earning him the Spanish awards of Best Artist, Best Techno DJ and DJ of the year.

This year’s festival will feature so many amazing artists that it’s impossible to showcase them all here, but there are a few more that have to be mentioned. Icons like Fatboy Slim, New Order, Skepta, John Grant, Kenny Dope, Santigold, BadBadNotGood, Nicola Curz, ANOHNI and the list goes on.

Every year the Sonar Festival takes over Barcelona and fills the streets with festival goers. Because of it’s success, Sonar branded events have popped up around the world from Tokyo to Los Angeles.

If you can’t make it to Sonar, rest easy, as the Sonar Festival has been blazing the trail for live streaming concerts for years. For example, last year, Culturebox live streamed more than 35 of the Sonar 2015 concerts. To see this year’s concerts visit the Sonar Media Page.

You can also check out the Culturebox website for more information during the festival.
 
Don’t forget to like the Sonar Festival page on Facebook, Instagram (@sonarfestival) and Twitter (@sonarfestival) so you can be part of the music revolution.

The post Be Ready For Sonar 2016 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Exit Festival has even won the Best Major European Festival Award in 2014. They have received attention on an international scale from media outlets including: BBC,CNN,MTV,Euronews and Guardian.

The people who operate Exit Festival run it as a non-profit organization. During the event, internationally acclaimed music artists perform at the scene. It’s the hottest event of the year in Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia. The unique location offers panoramic views and spices up the atmosphere with differing gigs occurring without sound interference.

Dance Arena at Exit Festival

Known as the second largest Exit Festival stage, it can host more than 25,000 people. At the Dance Arena, the show starts in the evening and reaches to the early hours of dawn. It becomes a constant party at the Dance Arena. The Dance Arena has seen the most influential and experienced DJs in the world. This includes: Housecat,Timo Maas,Roger Sanchez,Axwell,Sven Vath,Carl Cox,Dubfire,Sander Kleinenberg ,David Morales etc.
 

For 2015, Exit Fest has announced one of the strongest lineups that they have ever had. The techno goliaths will include: Octave One,Adam Beyer,Joseph Capriati,Chris Liebing,Nicole Moudaber,Simian Mobile Disco,Tale of Us etc.
 
In addition, be certain you check out the Dance Arena’s famous sunrise on July 13th. During this time, Exit Festival moves itself to a beautiful seaside in neighboring Montenegro.

Why Attend Exit Fest 2015?

Exit Festival is known worldwide as one of the best festivals in Europe. It becomes an opportunity to party and experience live music from some of the most influential artists in the industry. Attending Exit Fest 2015 gives you the chance to experience panoramic views while enjoying some of the best music in the world. What more could you want? Travelers can experience the best of outdoor European festivals while enjoying some sightseeing. In addition, you will be making forever memories with your friends and family, and it comes at a price that is amazingly affordable!

The Lineup

Who can you expect to see at Exit Festival 2015? Some of the well-known artists you will see this year at the festival include: Bondax,Motorhead,Faithless,John Newman,Tom Odell,Breakage,Catz n’ Dogz,Clean Bandit,Hardwell,Expire,Chris Liebing,Dirtyphonics etc.

In the past, legendary artists including: Beastie Boys, Wu Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Underworld, The White Stripes, David Guetta, Korn, Faith No More and Avicii performed at Exit Festival. Musically speaking, you can expect a wide variety of artists at the festival. For example, you have strong cult classics and mainstream bestsellers performing at the festival. In addition, you have top names from the electronic music industry who will keep playing until dawn in the dance arena. However, Exit Festival cannot be confined to a single genre, and you will even find metal fans at the explosive stage. In total, there are several different stages where you can receive a musical education in the art of partying.

Accommodation in Novi Sad for Exit Fest 2015

If you want comfortable accommodation at a hotel, motel or the salas farm, we recommend booking a few months in advance. People who wait until the last minute will not find accommodation because the event has become so large, and there is a large demand for this style of accommodation. Every year, however, accommodation may also take place at the Exit Festival’s Exit camp. You can also find an offer for accommodation in the form of hostel packages. However, they are mostly twin rooms, so if you are going alone, or you are traveling with a group in an odd number, this can make it difficult.

What to Know: Location

Located at Petrovaradin Fortress, an 18th century castle on the right bank of the Danube River, you will experience some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. Exit Fest gives you a cosmopolitan section in the crowd, and it creates a welcoming vibe that is above all, exciting. The fortress sits on a rocky cliff, and it has been used as a military fortress since ancient times.

 
 
One of the best summer music festivals in the world, Exit Fest 2015 will be one of the hottest events in Europe. You do not want to miss out! What began as a student protest against the Milosevic regime in 2000 now promises a lively four days of dancing and partying. The Dance Arena lets you party all night and meet the friends of a lifetime. The dancing madness takes place from July 9th to July 13th but be sure to book in advance because the tickets sell fast.

The post Exit Festival 2015: Don’t Miss This! appeared first on Electronic Music.

The international music and art festival Sonar celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013 and plans are already being announced for Sonar 2014. Some of the world’s biggest artists are slated to perform at the festival in 2014, as well as new and unreleased performers. Famous names like Richie Hawtin and Massive Attack are scheduled to give cutting-edge performances and new locations have been added to the standard festival roster. Sonar 2014 doesn’t kick off until February 2014, but the anticipation and excitement are already building for this highly respected music festival.

2014 Festival Locations

There are some new locations that have been added to the Sonar tour schedule for 2014. Here is a quick rundown of the cities where the Sonar festival will be appearing in 2014.

*Reykjavik, Iceland

The first stop of the Sonar 2014 tour will be in Reykjavik, Iceland on February 13, 14 and 15.

*Stockholm, Sweden

Sonar will be appearing in Stockholm, Sweden at the same time as Sonar Reykjavik. This is a new addition to the Sonar schedule and it will take place on February 14 and 15.

*Tokyo, Japan

The next stop will be in Tokyo, Japan on April 12 and April 13. Reykjavik, Stockholm and Tokyo are all new additions to the festival schedule for 2014.

*Mexico City, Mexico

2014 will be the first year that the Sonar festival will come to Mexico City. The festival will be in Mexico on May 16 and 17.

*Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has been host to the Sonar festival in the past and is one of the most popular destinations on the schedule. Sonar will be in Barcelona on June 12, 13 and 14.

*Cape Town, South Africa

The final destination of the Sonar 2014 tour schedule will be in beautiful Cape Town in South Africa on December 16, 2014.

2014 Artist Line-up

The Sonar Festival is famous for featuring new artists alongside legendary performers. It is common for legendary artists to debut new performances and exclusive material to Sonar audiences. Just this past year, the electronic music pioneers Devo presented a groundbreaking 3D visual show.

This year promises to deliver more of the kind of performances for which Sonar has become famous. Some of the artists on the schedule include:

*Richie Hawtin/Plastikman

World-renowned electronica DJ Richie Hawtin will be one of the biggest performers at Sonar 2014. Richie Hawtin has been one of the key performers at the Sonar festivals over the years and, as a result, has become synonymous with the spirit of the festival. In 2014, Richie will be presenting his new performance concept “Close” in the main hall of Sonar by Night. The performance will feature new material and a unique visual element that will use cameras and video screens to give the audience an up-close view of the DJ in action.

The other half of Richie’s persona, Plastikman, will be showcasing the performance concept “Objekt.” The Sonar festival will showcase the very first European performances of “Objekt”, which premiered in New York in November 2013. The performance concept is based on those New York shows at the Guggenheim Museum.

*Massive Attack

For the first time in 10 years, Massive Attack will be performing at Sonar. They will debut their exciting new show. The new performance will combine agitprop politics, visual design and new music to create an entirely unique experience.

*Bonobo

UK artist Simon Green, also known as Bonobo, will be performing at both Sonar Stockholm and Sonar Reykjavik. The famed downtempo producer will be one of the biggest performers at both events.

*Caribou

Canadian composer Caribou will also be appearing at both Sonar Stockholm and Sonar Reykjavik. Fans of the electronic dance compositions of Caribou will definitely want to be at one of the two performances for the Sonar Nordic weekend.

*Moderat

When Berlin artists Modeselektor and Apparat joined forces, the result was Moderat. They will be debuting their new album “II” at Sonar 2014.

The important thing to remember about the Sonar festival is that there is something for everyone. Not only do major artists perform but many smaller, unsigned musicians and composers showcase their talents for appreciative audiences. There are also breathtaking visual art displays and technology presentations. With a larger performance location roster than ever before, no matter where you are, attending Sonar is a real possibility.

For more information, go to www.sonar.es.

The post Ready For SONAR 2014 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Music has always been around me. As a child, I remember I could spend hours browsing radio stations at home.

Rodriguez Jr. – Podcast Analogik – 01.2014

This is how I heard Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode or Jean Michel Jarre for the very first time – I am definitely an 80’s child.
I’d started taking piano lessons at the age of 6, and I eventually became fascinated with how one could produce sounds from outer space using electronic devices and computers. This is how it all began.
Years later, I produced my first tracks in my bedroom studio with a couple of synthesizers and an Atari computer.
Things became really serious when I realised that there was a chance I could fail at the university where I was studying Mathematics (at least I was trying to…).

At that time, I was gravitating in a network of musicians and artists in the South of France, and I was lucky enough to meet the right people. In the year 2000 I eventually got the opportunity to be signed for an album with The Youngsters – my former band – on Laurent Garnier’s imprint F-Communication, which was one of the biggest steps in my whole career.

What was one of your first musical inspirations? Did you have a group, performer or artist that was your favorite?

Jarre was the one who really changed my vision as a child with his blend of poetic electronic landscapes and melodies. I guess his influence is still very present in my music nowadays, as melodies are often at the core of my tracks. But it was also all about Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, Art of Noise, Depeche Mode. When dance music exploded in Europe in the 90‘s, I was the biggest fan of WARP Records: LFO, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada… That was fucking insane.

Bittersweet is your first album? Tell us about some of the ideas and influences that went into the album and how making it differed from producing a single or a remix?

An album is a statement, since you have more space, freedom and possibilities to express yourself on a longer format. In my opinion, an album should be colourful, diverse and consistent at the same time.
On Bittersweet, I wanted to showcase a wide spectrum of influences – house music, techno, dub, pop, ambient… Before I began to record anything in the studio, I drew some kind of a storyboard on a sheet of paper, including the progression of the whole album and the different categories of sounds and textures.

Your release “Back To Back” on Mobilee. How did the project come up? And what was your approach to arranging the music?

Basically, Anja and Ralf asked me to do it! It was quite a big challenge to be in charge of it, after some nice editions and the big success of the previous one selected and mixed by Pan Pot, which included a video documentary about them. I knew I had to develop the concept and find a new way to push the label upfront. My original concept was about producing one hour of original music using loops, samples and sounds from the Mobilee in-house acts who had enough time to spend on this project – it would be like jamming all of it together. It’s been tough and challenging, as I had a lot of material to handle in a short period of time: only 4 months to produce the whole album. But in the end I am very proud of what all of us accomplished together!

What are your thoughts on the mainstreaming of the techno/minimal sound? What effect do you think this will have on the music?

Getting a wider audience shouldn’t be a shame. Some artists manage to be mainstream, while still being very consistent and inspiring: Bjork, Bowie… I mean, being ‘mainstream’ is not a shame if you manage to be honest with yourself and remember your roots. I obviously don’t talk about these DJs trowing cakes in the crowd here! But, all in all, it’s a good thing to have more people being attracted by this kind of music.

How did Laurent Garnier influence you, and what do The Youngsters mean to you?

Laurent Garnier has been a big influence since his first album ‘Shot In The Dark‘. I remember when I heard this album for the very first time – it has possibly been one of the reasons why I decided to produce this kind of music. Being involved in his label F-Communications has been a great experience.

Vinyl or CDs? What’s your preference?

I am still a vinyl fetishist and I have quite a big collection. But honestly, music is the most important, no matter which medium you use. I don’t mind playing with CDs, USB sticks or computers… That’s definitely a wrong debate.

There are a lot of trends in electronic music. What are your thoughts on some of these trends, for instance slowing down BPMs?

I’ve just listened to a live set I did in 1999 which was running at 141 BPM – that’s scary. I wouldn’t survive that today. Slowing down BPMs can have a positive influence on the groove.

What type of performance equipment and staging do you generally use, and how is it transported, set up and ultimately disassembled?

My setup is very compact, as it’s becoming more and more difficult to travel with equipment every day.
Furthermore, interacting a lot with a compact easy setup is much better than getting lost with loads of gadgets and shit.
I basically use a laptop computer running Ableton Live, a couple of controllers (Native Instruments Maschine and an iPad running TouchOSC with my own templates), plus a master keyboard which I am using more and more to play and improvise. Next year I might decide to travel with a second laptop running more synths and synchronised visuals.

What determines an individual as a live performer?

No idea! But you definitely have to enjoy playing your own music, and connect with different kind of crowds.

How did you connect with Mobilee and how would you describe your collaboration with Anja Schneider and Ralf Kollmann?

That’s an old friendship. I met Anja and Ralf more than 10 years ago when I got invited to Anja’s radio show ‘Dance Under The Blue Moon’ in Berlin. Ralf & Anja were already deeply involved on the German music scene, throwing parties and so. We have always been in touch since then. And they helped me a lot when I launched my solo project. Sometimes life brings the right people on your path. They have been awesome artistic advisers and I’m so proud to be part of Mobilee nowadays. It’s not only a label, but also a wonderful family. I am sure people could feel this unity during our several showcases.

Tell us something about RoofTop sessions in Hotel Diagonal. What’s the plan?

I guess it’s all about showcasing our music in some of our favourite arrangements: an open air rooftop, with a great sound system, amazing view, and the people we like. I love to hear my music in this kind of arrangement.

Your plans for 2014?

Basically, I am gonna keep on touring and working in the studio – I am currently recording new material for mobilee. And possibly a new album for 2015. It’s gonna be a busy year.

The post Rodriguez JR Interview appeared first on Electronic Music.

Sonar 2013 was unlike anything that anyone could have imagined. Much more than just a four-day party, this year’s Sonar festival proved to be something that many in the electronic music scene spend years trying to find: an unforgettable experience.

The first day at Sonar 2013 kicked off with the beginning of the Sonar by Day lineup. The festival is divided into two main categories: Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night.

Later that day, UK composer and producer Gold Panda touched off his own incendiary live set. His style, which features a deceptively simple approach, fell right into line with the spirit of the Sonar Festival. Rather than focusing strictly on EDM, Sonar showcases a broad range of styles, from ambient down-tempo to nonstop party beats. Gold Panda brought his unique mixture of straightforward beats and lush, organic tones to bear at the Sonar Village showcase and the audience loved every second of it.

Without question, the star attraction of the second day of Sonar 2013 was the Kraftwerk 3D show at Sonar Club. Kraftwerk are legends in the music world because of their part in creating the electronic styles that were the precedent for all the performers of the day. Their seminal 1974 recording “Autobahn” brought vocoders, analogue synthesizers and live performance art to the masses. Over a career spanning four decades, Kraftwerk have always been at the forefront of the evolution of electronic music.

Their live 3D show was mind-blowing. It combined the best of their recordings with the modern technology that brought their sound to new life. Behind their 3D glasses, the audience was breathless as they took in the scintillating graphics and lights that pulsed to the synthesizer hooks and rhythmic beats. Sonar 2013 brought in visitors from over 90 countries and it’s a safe bet that the Kraftwerk 3D show had adoring fans from all over the globe that night.

Nicolas Jaar – Encore

Nicolas Jaar also took the stage over at the Sonar Lab performance area. The US artist has risen to prominence as a leader in the global music scene. Glowing reviews from music critics propelled Nicolas Jaar to a top spot on Resident Advisor’s list of the best live shows of the year. The close, technical atmosphere of the Sonar Lab space was a perfect fit for Jaar’s set. His minimal techno sound pulsed at 100 BPM and his on-the-fly vocal collages added texture and depth to the groove. The crowd was enthusiastic and showed their love.

The third day of Sonar 2013 was the culmination of excitement that had been growing since attendees first arrived. At 5 PM, over at the Sonar Pub area, Laurent Garnier closed out a thumping DJ set to a packed house. Garnier is a familiar face at Sonar. He spun tracks at the first Sonar festival 20 years ago and his mixes have only gotten better over the years. Garnier is world-renowned and is widely regarded as one of the most consistently excellent performers working today. His thrilling set included tracks from Klaus Nomi, Jeff Mills and Emmanuel Topp. Even though many in the audience were tired from a long day of dancing and partying at the Sonar Pub, they quickly found new energy as Laurent took the stage, rocking and grooving to the exquisite music selection.

At the same time as Laurent Garnier’s set, Chilean DJ Luciano was kicking things off over at the Sonar Club stage. Well-known and respected as a prime proprietor of microhouse and minimal styles, Luciano was also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of his personal label, Cadenza. He spared no effort in his performance and the crowd quickly matched his energy and enthusiastic style. His set was all about solid grooves, with a no-frills approach that still left room for embellishments and his own artistic flair. As his set drew to a close, the crowd was left wanting more and they had instantly become addicted to this DJ’s unmatched style.

These two DJ sets had created a massive, exciting tone for the evening and that spirit was continued at the Sonar Lab when American DJ Seth Troxler kicked off his set. Troxler is a native of the birthplace of the techno sound: the clubs of Detroit. Seth was named the number one DJ on Resident Advisor’s 2012 list and the audience at Sonar Lab quickly learned why he won that acclaimed spot. His set featured his trademark style, which encompasses influences from classic to modern. The tracks he selected showcased his respect for all forms of dance music and the result was a set that had something for everyone.

Sonar by Night was closed off that night by a live performance from UK group Hot Natured. Their full-length show was an amazing display of their unparalleled songwriting abilities. They are set to release their new album and the crowd showed off their appreciation and anticipation for the new songs. There really was no better way to mark the closing of this legendary festival than the high-energy, anthemic sounds of Hot Natured.

All in all, the 20th anniversary of Sonar was an event to remember. Veterans of the festival and newcomers alike were enthralled from beginning to end. There was truly a sound for every taste, and no one left disappointed. Sonar is set to launch a festival in the US and and the Sonar creators are excited to announce new dates and locations in the coming year. For anyone who missed this year’s incredible performances, there is no reason to worry, as by all indications, Sonar is ready to grow, expand and it’s definitely one of the best festivals for electronic music in the world.

Many thanks to mr. Ivan Vilovski

The post Electronic Anniversary: On the Ground at Sonar 2013 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Among all of these preferences, there are some events and venues that stand out above the rest. From landmark underground locations to the most cutting-edge modern nightclubs, certain venues and festivals have endured through time and changing trends to become must-see destinations for any true fan.

Top Clubs: The Soul of Dance Music

Ranking the top dance club destinations in the world is almost impossible to do in this space. However, the following must-see, must-visit entries are just a few of that special branch of the club circuit that every serious dance fan must visit at least once. They are not ranked in any particular order but special attention has been paid to the legendary, the wild, as well as the unusual.

 ARMA17 – Moscow, Russia

This club deserves a spot on the list based on its international reputation alone. Frequented by the rich, hip and beautiful, ARMA17 takes its name from the abandoned warehouse that was its original location. Legendary DJs like Richie Hawtin and Ricardo Villalobos can often be seen either standing behind the decks or in the crowds. ARMA17 is a little bit off the established European club circuit but it possesses a unique atmosphere and a reputation for set lists that stretch far beyond sunrise.

Mamby on the Beach (USA)

Mamby on the Beach is a festival based in Chicago, Illinois and is a music festival that has been garnering a lot of attention in recent years. Chicago is not known for its beaches, thus it makes it peculiar that a festival would be organized here. But the reality is much better than it sounds. Each year you have a unique set of musicians joining in that are willing to share their talents and perform for the visitors that don’t only come from all over the US. Mamby Festival 2019 promises to be a good one so get your tickets now.

Paradise Club – Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is already a premiere travel destination because of its cultural significance and pristine natural beauty. Paradise Club is somewhere between a club and a venue with a unique atmosphere. In the past, Axwell and Laidback Luke  have spun here(so it’s a bit softer and more commercial sound) and the upcoming summer schedule is packed with big names in EDM. Hot music, hot sands and hot bodies: what’s not to love?

The Electric Pickle – Miami, USA

The “Pickle”, as it is affectionately known, is a modern incarnation of a thriving underground venue. Famed for its roster of acclaimed house and techno DJs, The Electric Pickle is a young club with an old soul. It’s seated in the heart of downtown Miami and Ame, Dixon and Seth Troxler have stopped by this hotspot recently.

Top Festivals: Out and Loud

When talking about the greatest festivals in the world, a few events deserve special recognition. Whether it is for their unique vibe, legendary status or for their location, these festivals create experiences that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. These three events are widely recognized even outside of the dance music community. Learning just a little bit about each of them makes it clear why they have such a famous reputation.

 BPM Festival – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Situated alongside the gorgeous Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen is a breathtaking destination with its own unique appeal. The BPM festival amps up the attraction at this exotic locale when it kicks off in early January. Most commonly frequented by house and techno artists, the music is always intoxicating and the beats are always fat at BPM. Surrounded by crystal-clear Caribbean waters and ancient ruins, this festival has hosted the likes of  Art Department , Jamie Jones , Guy Gerber and many others.

KaZantip – Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine
Arguably one of the most massive and extensive dance festivals on the globe, KaZantip boasts an average roster of over 300 DJs tearing up the sound systems at over 14 individual clubs. The sheer length and size of KaZantip makes it truly unique. Taking place over a five-week stretch and situated on 60,000 square meters, this festival is unparalleled in terms of scope. The sets are endless, the drinks flow freely and there is always something new to experience at KaZantip. Richie Hawtin, Noir and Sebo K all agree that this is a prime place for a no-holds-barred dance blowout.

Sonar – Barcelona, Spain

Sonar is a mainstay of the European dance festival circuit. In fact, this year’s festival will mark the 20th anniversary of the legendary event’s inception. For decades, the best and brightest names in electronic music have brought a spirit of innovative celebration to Sonar and this year is no exception.

Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium

Although this festival is a little younger than some others, it has developed a massive reputation in only a few short years. Begun in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown in size and scope every year. At first, the festival lasted only a day with a handful of artists and audience members. The modern incarnation of Tomorrowland now lasts a full three days and features over 400 DJs and artists.

This event has become such a big hit that its small initial audience has expanded to over 100,000 attendees, with tens of thousands of online tickets being sold within minutes of being made available. Practically every major artist in the business is scheduled to perform at Tomorrowland and all signs indicate that this festival will continue to grow. In fact, this year the festival organizers have declared a new festival called “TomorrowWorld” that will be held in Georgia in the U.S.

Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, U.S.

Almost no other name in the world of festivals conjures up as much mystique and power as Burning Man. Even people who may not know much about festivals in general have probably at least heard of Burning Man. Initially held as a radical and semi-spontaneous event put together by a few friends in 1986, Burning Man has grown slowly year by year. Also, the types and styles of music, art and expression have increased as the years have passed.

Although this festival was originally comprised of sculpture creation and performance art, the week-long event now includes music, dancing, collaborative art, customized vehicle shows, decorated bikes and the traditional construction and burning of a special temple. Truly, no other festival can captivate, inspire and enthral so many people in such a unique way. Much more than just a dance festival, Burning Man is a living performance where the audience creates the event itself.

Of course, it’s impossible to list every single must-see club and festival in a limited amount of space. Also, if a particular club, venue, festival or event isn’t listed here, that’s not to be taken as a reflection of any particular location. There are dozens of other clubs and festivals equally as great as the ones mentioned above.

The destinations on this list were chose to represent some of the best, wildest and most legendary stops on the international club circuit. Because the international dance community is so massive and because new sounds and new hotspots appear all the time, there is always something new and extraordinary to discover.

The post These Places Might Change Your Life: The Greatest Dance Clubs and Festivals appeared first on Electronic Music.

 
Perhaps the greatest milestone of Richie’s childhood came when the family moved from England to LaSalle( a suburb of Windsor), Ontario, a Canadian town just across the river from Detroit, Michigan. This close proximity to the birthplace of modern techno was to prove fateful for Richie as he got older. While still in high school, Richie fell in with a circle of friends that included fellow technology buffs as well as fans of the alternative music scene. With this new peer group, Richie first began crossing the Canadian border to visit the city of Detroit. These trips were Richie’s first major exposure to the exciting new world of techno.
 

 
In the 1980’s, Detroit was a tumultuous place. High crime rates had earned the city a bad reputation and the fast-paced rhythm of the big city was a far cry from the pace of life in LaSalle. The excitement and notoriety of Detroit proved to be very alluring to Richie and his friends and their trips across the border became more frequent. In nightclubs throughout Detroit, Richie was exposed to a wide variety of new musical influences. Styles ranging from house dance music to gritty techno to early hip-hop were all blended into an aural experience that forever changed the way Richie would feel about music and the lifestyle that surrounded it.
 

 
It was at a small, unremarkable club called Hopper’s that Richie secured his first real gig in the music business. Playing to small crowds was valuable experience for Richie and he eventually got the opportunity to book a respected DJ named Jeff Mills. This experience and a later meeting with another DJ named Derrick May convinced Richie that he wanted to become a DJ himself. By watching further DJ sets at a popular underground Detroit club called The Shelter, Richie began to hone his skills. He eventually became a regular DJ at The Shelter, opening for other DJs as he began to develop his own approach to electronic music.
 
Through a mutual friend, Richie was introduced to John Acquaviva, who had a home studio in Ontario. The two began experimenting with John’s Roland TR-909 drum machine and Richie had at last found a vehicle for creating the sounds he loved. The duo’s early recording work was not well received at different labels in Detroit. In order to get their music published, Richie and John started their own label called Plus 8. A few of their early release finally garnered some attention in England, Holland, Germany and elsewhere throughout Europe.
 

 
After touring Europe, Richie returned to the United States and began further experimentation in the studio. In the early 1990’s, Richie began recording work that would eventually become the basis for a new project called Plastikman. Richie’s recordings under the Plastikman moniker rocketed to success throughout Europe and catapulted his career forward. The minimal techno approach that Richie employed on the Plastikman recordings was, at the time, unprecedented in the underground electronic music community. This sparse and stripped-down approach would become a characteristic of Richie’s music into the future.
 

 
Although Plastikman was enjoying a great deal of success abroad, the story was not the same back in the States. Many of the original founders of the techno scene in Detroit felt that Richie had gotten an unfair break, taking opportunities and record deals away from artists that had put in more time in the underground circuit. For a period of time in the mid-to-late 1990’s, Richie was reviled in some regional American scenes because of this perceived lack of equity in success and recognition. However, this opinion did not last long as Richie’s work with Plastikman saw an increasing level of acceptance throughout the country.
 

 
Following an incident at the United States border, Richie was not allowed into the country for nearly two years. During this time in exile, he began to experiment with more eclectic, ambient influences in his music. It was at this time that Richie parted ways with this long-time partner, John Acquaviva. He then founded a new label called Minus and the structure of this new music company reflected the minimalist approach that Richie used in so much of his music. Through his work at the Minus label, Richie began to gradually distance himself from the environment he had called home for so many years.
 

 
In the early 2000s, Richie relocated to Berlin. The move was the culmination of a transformation for Richie, in his personal life as well as in his artistic career. From his new base of operations, Richie has taken a less intense approach to music production than he did in Detroit. This general relaxation has coloured his latest releases, resulting in a more spacious, thought-provoking ambient sound that is quite different from the beat-centric releases of his younger years.
 
It is not certain what the future has in store for Richie Hawtin or, for that matter, what he may have in store for the electronic music world. What is for certain is that Richie is by no means done creating and producing new work. Whether he will continue in his current vein or yet again recreate his sound and his image, only time will tell.
 

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At the age of 16, Albert attended a concert at a club in Barcelona featuring the legendary techno artist Marko Nastic. It was at this concert that Albert found his passion for electronic music as a creator, not just as a listener. He wasted no time investing in new records and the size of his personal music collection quickly increased in size.

Albert Rodriguez Analogik Podcast

After countless hours of committed practice, Albert began to develop a loyal fanbase of his own. The genesis of his new career culminated in an invitation to be the opener for a show at the La Cova club, just outside of Barcelona.

After wowing the audience as well as the club promoters, Albert was given further opportunities to hone his skills and perform alongside some of the biggest names in the European techno community. Performing with some of the greats influenced Albert’s style and, by adding his own ideas, he developed a trademark approach to song creation that combines traditional electronica with an appreciation for all things experimental. This personal musical evolution has continued to this day and Albert has earned a reputation for a musical style that is entirely unique among his artistic colleagues.

Not content to remain only a performer, Albert has recently begun to learn the art of music production. In fact, he and some of his friends in the music community have put their collective efforts together to organize a new event production company. The organization is called Wildlive and has already begun to schedule dates at clubs and festivals that will feature the elite of contemporary techno artists. With so much accomplished so quickly, Albert Rodriguez is sure to expand his artistic vision into the future. Judging by the quality of his work thus far, his future is certainly very bright.

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In an age of amazing innovation, it is easy to become jaded by reality until even an incredible event no longer seems exciting. AlterNation is an event organization on a mission to restore that lost sense of wonder and amazement to experiences of all kinds. Professional designers, graphic and video artists, event planners and top DJs come together as a unified whole to make AlterNation a collective of unprecedented talents. Any type of party, celebration, concert or gathering can be transformed into an experience of lasting impact with professional event organization.

Entertainment Reconstructed

Inspired by the Eastern European club scene, Alternation ,uses the exhilarating atmosphere of a nightclub as a means to present a unified concept. By blending scintillating entertainment with the focus of professional artists, a simple gathering can be transformed into an event. This combination of experiences can be used for any number of purposes. The array of entertainment provided by Alternation can become the core of any style of event.

Performance Artists

The performers of Alternation take on the aspects of colourful, vibrant entities that enhance the sensory excitement of a creative experience. Some of them are playful, some are enigmatic and some redefine the boundaries of eroticism. The central appeal of each artist is his or her unique contribution to the theme of the experience as a whole.

Fire Performance Artists

Few other things have the power to fascinate and amaze in the way which a burning fire captures attention. For centuries, the dance of flames has mystified and attracted untold millions. The fire performers of Alternation harness this timeless allure and incorporate it into a visual display that touches on the most primal fascinations of the audience.

These performers breathe fire into incredible shapes while twirling batons and orbs that are literally alight. The results have to be seen to be truly appreciated. All of the fire performance techniques can be performed with LED lights or flags for events that take place in indoor venues.

Motion Theatre

Dancers contort their lithe bodies to hypnotic rhythms throughout the event space. Theatrical dance styles are a form of artistic expression that combine stark beauty with stunning physical exertion. This type of dance lends an air of sophistication and refinement to events of any size or design.

Club dancers highlight the modern and trendy feel of sleek, contemporary events. With a soundtrack featuring the most popular and legendary DJs, these dancers highlight the appeal of futurism and the legacy of European electronica.

Parkour and Acrobatics

The visual splendor of theatrical dance is taken to new heights with the thrilling exploits of experienced acrobats and Parkour traceurs. As a performance, these activities are a celebration of freedom and the raw joy of movement. Acrobatics combine all forms of motion and elevate them to a level of difficulty that inspires awe from every member of the audience. The performers roll and tumble across the stage, leap from great heights and defy the everyday conventions of physical expression.

Parkour traceurs are among the most hardcore athletes in the world. They traverse urban landscapes with a grace usually reserved for theatrical performance. In a performance space, all of the details of their craft can be seen in a powerful new way. They bring an unbelievable amount of energy and vitality to any experience.

Stilt Walking

The stilt performers of Alternation are truly remarkable to behold. Towering over those around them, they create an otherworldly atmosphere where anything seems possible. Spectators can relate to them because of their essential humanity but are simultaneously perplexed by them because of their superhuman appearance. The different types of stilt walking performers each carry their own unique appeal that plays on the imagination of those watching.

The eRobotics performers are adorned with gleaming metallic armor and futuristic eyewear. The eRobotics 2.0 stilt walkers are similarly dressed but they are highlighted by vibrant LED lighting.

At almost 2.5 meters tall, the iPunk style of stilt performers are equally amazing. Their sleek colouration and fluid movement plays against the angular, hard outlines of body decoration inspired by techno-culture. Many more kinds of stilt performers, each with their own custom-designed costumes, can enliven all kinds of events.

The Art of Entertainment

There are dozens of other features of the Alternation organization. Virtually any event can be designed and any brand concept can be constructed by the Alternation experts. The boundaries of the event experience are not limited by the expertise of the designers but by the creativity of the event host. Any detail, no matter how minute, can be fully customized to create any type of event. Much more detailed information can be found at http://www.alternacija.com/

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