David Bowie on the Set of Just a Gigolo in Berlin, February 1978. Photograph: Alain Dejean/Sygma/Corbis

Bowie was the original shape-shifter, constantly reinventing himself and his music throughout his life. Because society’s rigid norms, he did much more than push the boundaries of reality, but used the creative license his music allowed to continually morph his image, his art and his music and stretch the boundaries for LGBT youth and others that emulated and connected with him. Indeed, in an article from 1996 in the UK Telegraph, David was able to say, “I have done just about everything that it’s possible to do”.

1971: Pop star David Bowie with wife Angie and three week old son Zowie. He is modelling an Oxford Bags dress, Turkish cotton shirt and a felt hat.

Bowie’s influence is everywhere: from art to theater and music, Bowie helped spur irrevocable changes. Guitarist Johnny Marr of the English rock band, The Smiths, said of Bowie that “There are musicians who are influenced by him that don’t even realize it”.

 
American singer-songwriter and DJ, Moby, takes it a step further: “Without David Bowie, popular music as we know it pretty much wouldn’t exist.” Half of a storied friendship for the ages, Moby also tweeted after Bowie’s death was announced, “we lost the best musician of the 20th century and i lost a friend. goodbye, David. I will always love you.”
 

Bowie & Moby

 
Though not wholly political, Bowie had a huge influence on the world stage. His song “Heroes” was written during the time he lived with Iggy Pop in Berlin, witnessing news coverage of shootings and drownings of those trying to escape to the West. His performance during the Concert for Berlin in 1987 led the youth on the East German side of the wall to chant, “The wall must go!” inflaming guards and leading to beatings which underscored the inhumanity. A week later, Ronald Reagan visited and gave a speech at the Brandenburg gate, including this famous line, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” The rest is history.
 

David Bowie: “Heroes” live in Berlin 1987

 
News of Bowie’s death has brought condolences from around the world, Electro house musician Steve Aoki tweeted, “Ground control to Major Tom…#RIPDavidBowie.”
 

 
Perfect Stranger about the legendary musician: “R.I.P David, your music was ( and still is ) a great influence and inspiration.”, “The stars look very different today”.

Annie Lennox wrote on Facebook:

Madonna posted a photo of them together on Twitter, accompanied by “Hot Tramp I love you So!”

Tributes continued to pour in all week. Skrillex took to Twitter to thank David “I was young and misunderstood. You made it okay for me to not only be myself, but to shoot for the stars and dream big. I owe you for that realization and inspiration.” Carl Craig spoke of his love for the man with his tweet, “RIP David Bowie. He has been in my life since I was a young boy. He inspired Kraftwerk so he also inspired Techno music”
 

Paul McCartney posted on his website, “His music played a very strong part in British musical history. His star will shine in the sky forever.”
 
The Pet Shop Boys thanked him by posting, “We are all Bowie’s children. He inspired us and changed our lives. Love, gratitude and respect always for him and his work.”
 

 
Perhaps one of the most unlikely of the tributes to Ziggy Stardust came from the German Foreign Office on Twitter, “Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall.”

 
Released on David’s 69th birthday, January 8th, only days before he passed away, his last album, “Blackstar” is headed for No. 1 on the US Billboard charts, something he had not achieved during his lifetime.
 

 

Even his death is an Act Of an Art

 
His friend and producer, Tony Visconti, took to Facebook to memorialize Bowie, “He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.” Indeed.
 
 
 
Image Courtesy of The Guardian & Mirror.co.uk

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Created in 1994, Sónar is a pioneering electronic music festival. The infamous “Off Sonar” or “Off Week” has been created along with this festival.

This festival is one of the reasons why thousands of festival and party goers travel up to the wonderful city of Barcelona each year.

The Off Week has been developing and growing for many years now, and it has been promoting and expanding the spirit of electronic music. The Off Week hosts all kinds of parties that you can imagine. From beach to rooftop parties. From small, intimate parties, to big events.

Every type of party imaginable is covered during the Off Week. Most of the top list artists are there to play, and most of the major labels will have a showcase there. For the love of the music and the Off Week, Off Party Barcelona has been providing the service of sharing all the events on one digital platform.

Off Party Barcelona has been been sharing all of this in different forms since 2009. With this avalanche of information, locations and parties, Off Party Barcelona is undeniably the federating platform for all these events. With its website, mobile app, and geolocation of events, Off Party Barcelona offers an easy-to-use interface which is rapidly becoming the favorite guide of all Off Sonar-goers!

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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.

Somewhere between house music and avant-garde electronica, Silicone Soul have found their calling. In a recent interview, the group discussed their history and shed some light on their current musical direction. The duo, made up of Craig Morrison and Graeme Reedie, spoke of their beginnings in Glasgow, their first big break and their international acclaim.

Their story reflects their ability to bring together the fevered rumble of dance floor mania and a lifelong devotion to countless musical influences.

Their latest release, the “Smokestak” EP, is simultaneously heart-pounding and heart-stopping. The concise tracklist throws convention aside to make room for radical innovation. It is a rare occasion indeed when house music can be described as ethereal or expansive. This release trips along the edge of expectation, removing what is possible in exchange for what is imaginable.

Silicone Soul – Smokestak (Soma Records)

The first track, “Smokestak”, plays like an interpretation of a house music theme. All the characteristics of house are present: a hypnotic bassline, hi-hats on the offbeat, occasional handclaps, etc. The groove is undeniable but the first impression hints at something deeper. There is a landscape here that cannot be explored with a cursory examination.

A wailing saxophone blurs the line between Western and Eastern tonality while tribal drums sharpen the heavy beat. After some sonic exploration and perhaps a bit of meditation, one begins to uncover the levels of complexity belied by the seemingly simple song structure.

If “Smokestak” is euphoric, then “One Thing” is pure intoxication. Occupying the third space on the tracklist, this cut begins to break down the lines that separate dance music from other genres. Once again, the beat stands front and center but the true magic is found in the space surrounding the rhythm.

“One Thing” plays like a science experiment gone horribly right, pumping electric guitar through a battery-starved fuzzbox to expand the resonating frequencies. The only certainty is that this track will be firmly stuck in your head for days. One wonders: Is this psychedelic? Is this shoegaze? Sometimes it’s better to dance now and ask questions later.

The last two tracks, “Burning Sands” and “Like Mice In A Maze” build on the idea of joining seemingly antithetical genres into a mix that is both beautiful and strange. “Burning Sands” pulls no punches, a relentless rhythm throbs under a simple, reverb-laden bass progression. It is sinister and danceable in equal measures. Dizzying, trembling tones foreshadow the complete abandonment of form offered by “Like Mice In A Maze.”

The closing track is, if anything, mysterious. It approaches unfamiliar ground, stepping into realms usually frequented by the likes of Brian Eno and Working For A Nuclear Free City. “Like Mice In A Maze” even eschews the commitment to nightclub approval.

It is more cerebral than musical and is constructed with elements that can only be described as non-music. The feel of the track is cold, alien, almost unrecognizable when approached from the context of house music. Bassy, expansive tones collide in extreme slow motion; there is no illumination to be found.

A faint but frighteningly massive rhythm lumbers at a crawl, chopped-up slivers of sampled human vocals appear and disappear and far-off, spacy synthesizer tones sound almost hopeful compared to their dark surroundings. Repeated listens are a requirement for anyone fascinated with the concept of soundscapes.

Silicone Soul are on to something with the “Smokestak” EP. That is, perhaps, the most significant impact that these songs have. The implication is that only Silicone Soul really understand the meaning behind their creation. That will not be the case for long; captivated listeners will leave no corner of this record unexplored.

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Yousef’s new album “A Product of Your Environment”constitutes a significant shift in tone and style for the legendary DJ and sonic artist. The new tracks distance themselves from the standard fare of beat-centric and bass-heavy cuts that DJs so often spin in clubs.Of course, Yousef’s latest offerings are intensely danceable, but there is a focus on melodic leads and harmony that is not present in most house music.
 
If there is to be a revolution in electronic music, Yousef could very well lead the way and “A Product of Your Environment” will make an excellent ignition. It might be tempting to refer to this release as an improvement on Yousef’s first album,”A Collection of Scars and Situations”, but calling it an evolution is far more accurate. 
 
 
 
 
After all, “Product” is only the second full-length album from Yousef, it can hardly be viewed as an entirely separate entity. The new album displays many traits that made “A Collection of Scars and Situations” such a hit among the international dance community.

 
 
 
The opening track “An Old Friend” creates a solid introduction to the theme of the album as a whole. Starting with punchy piano chords and ethereal pads, the melody wraps itself around a wash of glittering synthesizer overtones.
 
A simple lockstep beat carries the tune to a gentle peak that is enveloping rather than arresting. All complexity vanishes as the instruments fade and the song becomes a mirror of the intro: simple chords floating in dark space.
 
This track has a destiny far beyond the club.Another highlight of “A Product of Your Environment” is the sixth track, titled “What Is Revolution.” A heady swirl of crisp hi-hats and cymbal crashes is juxtaposed with cold electronic blips and beeps. Reversed cymbal splashes lend a distinct eeriness to the melody.
 

 
All of this is underscored by ghostly plucked strings. The build is gradual, with cleverly understated power. The mysterious voice of an old man steadily reciting lends gravity to the track while dissonant Spanish guitar riffs play. The drop is entirely satisfying and a little breathtaking.Yousef displays his acid house heritage with “Dissolve.”
 
A tight kick-and-handclap beat propels a fat synthesizer bassline into spacy interludes that smack of the vocal drones found in Goa electronica. Piano chords return to assert command of the melody, cementing the hook in place.

One of the more danceable tracks on the album, “Dissolve” showcases the meld of styles that Yousef has achieved with this work. The sonic palette that he draws from is vast but the listener is not left to wander in space. A thread of similarity binds the tracks together so that the emotional impact of the listening experience resonates.

 
It is possible to imagine Yousef waiting at the end of the tracklist, beckoning the listener towards the conclusion of the experience. Aural landmarks line the path as the tracks morph and spin.
 

TOUR
 
01 – CIRCUS @ EMBASSY – Jogja – Indonesia
02 – CIRCUS @ Stadium – Jogjakarta – Indonesia
03 – CIRCUS @ Hu’bar– Bali – Indonesia
09 – NEW GUERNICA – Melbourne – Australia
10 – GOLDFISH – Sydney – Australia
17 – THE GARAGE – Swansea – UK
24 – CIRCUS @ SULLIVAN ROOM – New York – USA
30 – CIRCUS @ EGG – London – UK

The post Yousef’s New Album Offers an Evolution of Sound appeared first on Electronic Music.

Over the last two years PlayGround has established itself as an influential, international online medium; selecting acclaimed journalists, specialised in various cultural areas. It’s bilingual in English and Spanish – with editors based in London, Berlin, Barcelona and New York. PlayGround acts as a media partner for first-class festivals including Unsound (in Krakow and New York), Sónar, Primavera Sound and FIB. From a critical viewpoint, we strive to conquer the most original, ground-breaking and engaging music in the modern world. Our coverage is diverse, with a particular focus on works that consist of new technology and progresses of paramount importance.

Welcome to PlayGround.

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We “crowd source” our content from SoundCloud, YouTube and from raw uploads, which allows us to offer the latest and most popular tracks for free, with no fees whatsoever. Our service provides a beautiful fullscreen web application interface, which is compatible with all desktop browsers, with mobile support coming soon. Users need only to log into our service to start listening to the latest and greatest music.

We are adding support to allow individuals to add tracks to the site in order to help us add content at an even faster rate. You can listen to playlists that have been precompiled by us, or create your own. The recommendation engine we are working on also tracks complex track information, much like Pandora Radio and competing services, so that you can discover even more great music. If our launch goes well, we even plan to expand to other genres in order to bring the experience of Womp to a larger audience. To sign up or learn more about Womp, you can visit Womp.in.

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Fans can browse through their favorite artist’s media feed where they can listen to tracks from Soundcloud and Beatport or watch videos from YouTube. It’s a one-stop-shop for all true fans who want to keep track on their artists’ latest work. It is also a valuable resource for promoters who want to get an idea about which artist to book for their events.

DJs are ranked using a special criteria the authors came up with. Topdeejays.com measures the number of users from an artist’s Facebook page, Twitter profile, Google plus, Soundcloud, MySpace, YouTube and Last.fm. The algorithm calculates the aggregate number of all fans of all listed DJs for a certain social network and converts them into a unique measurement – TDJ points by using an exchange rate by which each participating social media’s members are valued. It isn’t really complicated and the authors describe the method in detail on the website. The site also ranks artists by genre and country and also by every social network available, so everyone can check who is the alpha bird on Twitter, how much advantage world’s number one DJ has on Facebook and who is the most listened artist on Last.fm.

The authors of Topdeejays.com count on EDM fans to contribute to the growth of their DJ list by adding DJs that are not already listed. All visitors have to do is go to www.topdeejays.com and paste links to their DJs’ social media profiles into a dedicated form.

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