DIRTYBIRD, the award winning and belovedly quirky California based record label, festival producer and collective, headed by Claude VonStroke, has hatched its plans for Dirtybird Flight Club, a unique generative NFT project.
Derived from the original DIRTYBIRDlogo that VonStroke hand-sketched in middle school, Dirtybird Flight Club consists of 9090 bird NFTs generated from artwork by the acclaimed muralist and illustrator Birdcap. 9090 is a reference to one of VonStroke’s favorite drum machines, the Roland 909.
More than just digital art works, the Dirtybird Flight Club tokens have real world utility, with a community of holders able to access exclusive music from DIRTYBIRD artists, holders only merch drops, win tickets for DIRTYBIRD Campout, DIRTYBIRD CampINN and DIRTYBIRD BBQs, and participate in exclusive original events and meet-ups for members only.
Upon sell-out of the mint DIRTYBIRD will also donate $25,000 to a charity chosen by community members. Additional utilities will be announced for token holders as the community matures.
It’s little surprise DIRTYBIRD has embraced the NFT phenomenon, the label has been intrinsically tied with visual artists since 2012, when VonStroke created the label’s artist in residence program. An avid collector and supporter of the low-brow surrealist movement, DIRTYBIRD artists in residence have included Jeremy Fish, Dulk, Raoul Deleo, Dan May, Charlie Immer, Graham Carter, Felicia Chiao and Birdcap.
Chema Mendez is the current artist in residence with the slot for 2022 taken by Stom500. To mark the label’s 15th anniversary in 2020 DIRTYBIRD produced a coffee table art book with artist profiles and held an art exhibition in Downtown LA.
Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s foremost electronic music and networking event successfully hosted its 9th edition at the prestigious British Airways i360 complex on Brighton’s beachfront from the 22nd to 24th September.
The three day event featured over 200 speakers and 60 panels and talks across four theatres, with a program full of insightful talks, seminars and workshops focusing on inspiration and collaboration, rebuilding and rethinking to create a stronger and brighter future.
The event kicked off on Day 1 with a special welcome networking party hosted by Sentric Electronic on Wednesday 22nd September with dj’s Mollie Collins, George Smeddles and wAFF performing on the stunning roof terrace at Rockwater as the sunset over the city.
Day 2 of the conference program kicked off with a packed program featuring keynote interviews with Carl Cox and Matt Black (Coldcut). Other panels included; Discussing the Electronic Music Mental Health Report presented by AFEM, Celebrating, Championing and Honouring Women in Dance Music with Lady of the House, Representation and Visibility in Dance Music with Jaguar (BBC Radio 1), How to get your Music Signed, How the Events Industry Has Bounced back presented by Skiddle, Electronic Music on the Big Screen and Beyond in association with PRS and Masterclasses with Pioneer DJ, Point Blank and Future Music.
The label lounge also returned giving producers that golden opportunity to sit down, for 1-to-1 immediate feedback with label heads including Armada, Axtone, and Champion Records.
During his Keynote Q&A Carl Cox gave an insight into his success:
“If I didn’t have the passion for it I wouldn’t be doing it. I think more than anything else, my success is probably down to that I assist and support others, it’s not all about me at the end of the day.” He added “that’s why I do it, as it puts smiles on people’s faces, it’s a positive movement, it’s always been a positive movement and I think it will always become a positive movement because of who we are as people, who believe in what we do and why we do it and that’s what drives me at the end of the day. So it’s not all about me, it’s about trying to help others and trying to support others.”
Day 3 begun with music masterclasses hosted by WaterBear and the Music Sync Surgery with Cavendish. Other panels included Overcoming Barriers to Entry in the Music Industry presented by Shesaid.so, How to Avoid Burnout with Getahead, The Beatport Annual Report, 25 Years of Hospital Records, 30 Years of Nervous Records, The Digital Toolkit for the Music Industry with Amplead, Harnessing the Power of Radio with istreem and a Keynote interview with legendary DJ Roger Sanchez.
During his Keynote interview Roger Sanchez gave some sound advice:
“Understand your own self worth, understand you have to invest in yourself…Labels/ radio/ tv would be nothing without content.” He added “ If you’re a content creator you hold the keys to your future (dramatic pause)… CREATE”
During the event the BMC networking hub, Pro Meeting Lounge, and Exhibition/Tech and services zone gave delegates the much needed space to network and reconnect with each other with the Disco Bug hosted by istreem Radio providing the musical backdrop on the terrace with dj’s including; Lisa Loud, Steve Mac, Serge Santiago and Wax Worx. Meanwhile in the BMC Networking Hub dj’s taking to the decks included Carly Wilford and Ridney alongside local favourites Jenni Hipkiss, Mikee Hollywood and many more.
BMC also hosted exclusive dj sets in partnership with Beatport on the i360 Viewing Tower overlooking Brighton seafront, with Matt Black (Coldcut) and Ultra Music Presents with Martin Ikin performing on Thursday 23rd and Roger Sanchez and Amnesia Presents with Marco Faraone performing on Friday 24th September.
The official BMC Closing Party on Friday 24th September was hosted by Stompa Phunk at The WaterBear Venue with DJ’s Bushwacka! and David Parr.
Quote from Billy Mauseth, BMC Founder & CEO:
“We are amazed at the support we have received from the industry and the enthusiasm of everyone who attended the event. It’s been inspiring seeing all the positivity and people networking and sharing ideas again. We hope that by us working hard to create a space for the industry to come together again after the pandemic has been beneficial to everyone and we can’t wait for BMC 2022.”
Iconic sets that soundtrack a flame-red sun as it rises from the horizon. Intimate parties in a steamy jungle amphitheatre surrounded by deep greens and hanging vines. Afternoon dances around a glistening pool in the hot sun…
Welcome to Ocaso, one of the most revered and soul-enriching festivals in the world. Having worked closely with the Ministerio De Salud in Costa Rica to meet all possible health and safety regulations, this stunning festival will mark its fifth anniversary with a series of extra special surprises from January 6th to 11th 2022, across indoor and outdoor venues like nothing you have ever experienced before.
Ocaso is proud to be the most affordable festival in Costa Rica and tickets go on sale on October 5th. A full six-day festival pass starts at just $109 for residents of Latin America and $159 for international guests.
The expanded 6 day event will take place 6th – 11th of January, so visitors can maximise their time in Tamarindo, a true Central American paradise. Of course, its usual dedication to classy and cultured sounds remains with headliners including Amelie Lens, Adriatique, Hot Since 82, Seth Troxler, Samá Abdulhadi, Lauren Lane, Doc Martin, Magdalena, Eelke Klein, Colyn, Space Motion, La Fleur, Magit Cacoon, Andrea’s Henneberg, Farrago, Øostil, Qrion, Worthy, and many more to be announced in phase 2.
The festival brings together a world class mix of DJs with friendly locals and music loving heads from around the globe, all in a paradise-found setting. With a focus on intimate dancing experiences, Ocaso is celebrated for its special sunrise and sunset sessions, sets on the beach, in a magnificent jungle amphitheatre surrounded by lush flora and fauna, gatherings by the pool and for the unique energy the whole event has. The natural beauty of Costa Rica never fails to provide a stunning backdrop and immersive setting for this most natural and escapist of adventures.
Say the team, “Ocaso does not support or believe in exclusion of any type. This is not what we believe the underground is about and it does not respect the roots of this movement. Ocaso does not have a VIP area, does not have a VIP pass, does not have bottle service or anything that is not to be enjoyed by every single attendee. We believe we are all the same and no walls should be placed between us.”
In this anniversary year expect many upgrades as well as several surprises that will not be revealed until the nights of the festival, major upgrades to projectors for a serious increase in the visual experience and changes to the shape and layout of the jungle venue to increase the flat dance space and accessibility to a larger amphitheater.
Importantly, as well as offering a platform for the next wave of amazing talents coming up through the ranks around the world, Ocaso prides itself on being a safe, diverse and welcoming space for all genders, sexualities and races. Recognising that this is where dance music culture started, Ocaso is a place where freedom of expression is embraced as a defining characteristic. Everyone is welcome, and costumes are encouraged….
Says festival director Devin Ellis, “At our last show, Maceo Plex came back out and played with Doc Martin for one of our trademark sunrise sessions until almost 9am. There were still 4000 people dancing when they finished. Magdalena also had an amazing extended set on Sunday playing over four hours and it was one of the best sets anyone had ever witnessed. There will be even more magic in the air for this special event in 2022, so we do hope you can join in the family.”
Ocaso is a “leave no trace” event in a country that aims to be carbon neutral by the end of 2021. Attendees clean up the beach in Tamarindo before and after the festival every year and are constantly looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our festival. While in Costa Rica everyone is mindful of water conservation, wildlife, and the trash they create while visiting. These things are very important to Costa Ricans, and to everyone involved with Ocaso.
Next to the music, attendees can sign up and go enjoy some of the natural wonders of Costa Rica with a group of other attendees as well as taking part in various group outings during several days of the festival.
With Chapter One of ‘MOSAIIK’ – their eleventh long-playing project – now released, Nic & Bossi take us into the Fall with a high frequency run of singles from the album. Unleashing a new track fortnightly, first out of the gate is the dark festival anthem ‘Vertigo’.
The most diverse track of ‘MOSAIIKChapter One‘, it is also one of the best examples of the ‘Forward Ever, Backward Never’/new horizons direction the group have taken with the album.
‘Vertigo‘ tilts clubfloors into deep sonic trance, with underlying techno echoes spiked throughout. No towering highs or nadirs – just a DJ tool, master-crafted – start-through-finish – for maximum tension. Sleek & minimal, lean & linear, it’s hallmarked by floor-charging sub-riffs, big horns, bigger booms and a mass of warp. Built with a brilliantly tense and anticipatory sense, ‘Vertigo‘ develops a Cosmic atmospheric unlike any before it.
Receiving early A-list set & radio support from A&B, Armin, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Markus Schulz and Andrew Rayel, the club expansion of ‘Vertigo‘ goes zero gravity.
One-of-a-kind open-air concept Palmarama at Ushuaïa Ibiza announces four special events for the event’s closing week, taking place from Wednesday 29 Sept – Sunday 3rd October 2021.
Created by The Night League, the team behind Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, the Palmarama concept was designed to bring music and events back to Ibiza this season. Transforming Ushuaïa Ibiza into an elegant Mediterranean oasis filled with beautiful trees, lush greenery and furnishings, whilst focusing on table-service, gastronomy and first class performances from some of the world’s leading music artists, this new concept has already made waves internationally, with Palmarama events due to launch in new locations shortly.
The closing week of Palmarama events in Ibiza this summer welcomes four incredible DJs, namely Tale Of Us (Wednesday 29th September), David Guetta (Friday 1st October), Black Coffee (Saturday 2nd October) and The Martinez Brothers (Sunday 3rd October). Alongside extraordinary music and first-class service, guests can also sample a special menu from Ushuaïa Ibiza‘s Japanese fusion restaurant Minami.
This may be closing week, but following two months of incredible events, this marks the start of a successful new chapter for this landmark concept.
Palmarama is a seat-only event and tables must be booked in advance. To book your table at Palmarama visit the link.
Claptone, the mysterious DJ and producer announces a new set of remixes for lead album single, Just A Ghost feat. Seal. Taken from Claptone’s anticipated third studio album Closer, which has been co-produced by the legendary producer Stuart Price, (Dua Lipa, The Killers, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys and more).
The multi-platinum selling DJ / producer Vintage Culture leads the remix package, with his special rework, alongside forthcoming remixes from Jan Blomqvist and Black V Neck set for release on Oct 1st.
Just A Ghost feat. Seal was originally released earlier this month, marking one of the most intriguing collaborations taken from Claptone‘s new album. Now, the single takes a new direction in the form of Vintage Culture‘s dance-infused production style. Designed for the main room at peak time, as well as fitting in perfectly at a festival, it is a powerful melodic remix with a dark tech infused edge, full of emotion and building euphoric energy. Staying true to Claptone‘s original production and the unmistakable vocals of Seal.
Brazilian artist Vintage Culture is on a roll with a string of notable reworks for the likes of Meduza, Moby, Diplo, David Guetta & Sia, and collaborations with artists including Jorja Smith.
Running parrel to his remarkable catalogue of remixes and collaborations, many of Vintage Culture‘s releases have been certified Platinum and have amassed over 2 billion global streams. From gracing the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine to being featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, Vintage Culture has topped the Billboard Hot Dance, Spotify Dance and Beatport Main Overall Charts, with his productions spanning labels including Spinnin’ Records, Defected, Atlantic Records UK, Island Records, Parlophone UK, Domino, Virgin Records, and his own Só Track Boa label.
Set for release on November 12th, Closer has been in the making for over three years and showcases a natural development in sound for Claptone. The aptly titled album is the next phase of the enigmatic artist’s musical evolution following the 2018 LP, Fantast and the 2015 debut, Charmer.
Closer will be released via Different Recordings / [PIAS] and features a host of global collaborators including Barry Manilow, Seal, James Vincent McMorrow and Peter Bjorn and John. The album balances both iconic names with established artists and exciting new talent as Claptone enlists Mayer Hawthorne, Mansionair, APRE, Dizzy, SPELLES, lau.ra, Two Another and long-time Claptone collaborator, Nathan Nicholson, ex-singer of The Boxer Rebellion.
Legendary duo SOFI TUKKER have remixed Jan Blomqvist and Bloom Twins’ latest single, ‘High On Beat’, out now via Armada Music.
The single was originally written by an astonishing team including Jan Blomqvist (a legend in the house and techno scene), Guy Gerber and Bloom Twins themselves. The twins have worked with several major names in the industry including Diplo, Zhu, Purple Disco Machine, Elderbrook, Ben Bohmer, will.i.am, Katy Perry, Laura Pergolizzi, Duran Duran, Seal, Nile Rodgers and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few.
SOFI TUKKER are a platinum-certified duo based in Florida whose single ‘Best Friend‘ was featured in a commercial during Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone X, while ‘Drinkee‘ received the platinum ARIA award and was nominated for a Grammy at the 2017 Grammy Awards. In December 2018, their LP Treehouse was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
Celebrated electronic producer Jan Blomqvist is based in Berlin and has been featured on the internationally recognised Youtube channels The Boiler Room, Cercle, MrDeepSense and AnjunaDeep, contributing to his play count of over 121 million across platforms.
Born in Ukraine, just outside of Kyiv, and based in London, the Bloom Twins (aka Anna and Sonya Kuprienko) are well-known in the industry. Their recent collaboration, ‘DayDream‘ with Grammy Award-winning icon Benny Benassi was released earlier this year on Ultra Records. The compelling track ‘Love Me Right Now‘ premiered on Hunger TV and was selected by jewellery giant Pandora for their global online campaign, which the twins also starred in. Bloom Twins also appeared in a special performance on TED Talks.
Bloom Twins have been featured in a wide range of publications including The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Independent, Wonderland, WWD, Numero, Vogue (Italia, Russia, and Japan), i-D Mag, VICE, V Magazine, Hunger, Paper Magazine, FLAUNT, Clash Magazine, Your EDM, and Tatler. Bloom Twins were recognised by the BBC as Game Changers on social media alongside Kylie Jenner and Natasha Ndlovu, as well as featured on BBC Two’s News Night and BBC Introducing.
While writing, producing and recording, Bloom Twins draw from some of their biggest influences such as Amy Winehouse and Thom Yorke. However, much of the power in the twins’ music comes from the energy and feedback they get from their fans when they perform live. With this latest SOFI TUKKER remix of ‘High on Beat‘, we are reminded of artists such as Nora En Pure, Rufus Du Sol and Eli & Fur.
With its progressive tones and hypnotic rhythm, this latest SOFI TUKKER remix, pulls the listener to the dance floor with its inescapably compelling beats. While holding true to Jan Blomqvist‘s original style, the track dives to deeper depths with a driving bassline that sets the endorphins flying. Within moments you’re high on the beat!
SOFI TUKKER tell us about the creation of the remix: “We became friends with the Bloom Twins after sitting next to them at a fashion show. We started sending stuff back and forth and we knew immediately upon hearing these vocals that it was a special track. We made this remix mid quarantine so we got to play it a lot in our DJ sets. It always goes off and became a real fan favourite. We love it. And love them!”
It’s his unique ability to compose profound classical music one day and banging dancefloor tunes the next day that makes Henrik Schwarz a name that needs no further introduction.
The highly versatile producer has frequently been touring with bands during the past 20 years. So he’s the perfect candidate to transform the bittersweet melancholy of Les Enfants Sauvages into dancefloor material.
His Foggy Dreams remix still sounds a lot like a band, but multiplied with banging beats and the playful chirp of a synthie.
The remix of Ellom turns this song into a sunny house groover, complete with casual filter modulations, a kickdrum that lives up to its name and the subtle voice of the singer.
Finally there’s Stephan Zovsky‘s outrageously fat bassline that lifts the soul of Tell Me like a thermal summer wind. The melodic-technoish escalation he keeps cultivating around the high recognition factor of the vocal checks all the boxes for what is commonly referred to as an anthem.
The Cityfox Halloween Festival makes it much-anticipated return with its signature fall festivities once again at renowned Brooklyn venue Avant Gardner.
Now two full nights for its third edition, partygoers will experience Cityfox’s most immersive event of the year soundtracked by over 30 of the finest names in dance music at the quintessential Brooklyn hotspot.
Attendees can enjoy two enticingly spooky nights boasting sets from venerated musicians including Dubfire, Hot Since 82, John Digweed, Lee Burridge, Nora En Pure, Vintage Culture, and many more.
Spanning across four full-fledged stages and two city blocks, fans can enjoy immersively interactive rooms and performances from Behrouz, L.A.-based DJ/producer Cassian, Tel Aviv’s very-own Guy Mantzur, Swedish performer and Drumcode mainstay Ida Engberg, Danish powerhouse Kölsch, Lisbon-based stalwart Yokoo, and Afterlife talents Fideles, Innellea, Mathame, and Stephan Jolk, to name just a few.
Live sets are also slated, with multifaceted NYC act Justin Marchacos, Plangent Records label-head Recondite, German creative force Tim Engelhardt, and Copenhagen’s dynamic trio WhoMadeWho taking the reins.
Additionally, revelers can enjoy back-to-back sets from Detroit legends Carl Craig and Moodymann as well as from Get Physical co-founder Philipp Jung and Iceland native Holmar.
Consistent with previous editions, attendees will be able to experience different rooms and stages, as well as chillout lounges for those looking to take a quick breather. In all, the festival is set to be a monumental return to one of Halloween’s best parties. Advance two-night and single-night tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 24 at 12PM ET via Resident Advisor and DICE.
Even when you’re not taking into consideration the multiple smash hits between them, Brando and Kiesza are anything but your run-of-the-mill pair. Widely praised for their raw talent and authentic vocal sound, both artists have shaken up the industry with their distinct approach to music and now deliver an incredibly heartening collaboration where the sum is even greater than its parts: ‘Out Of My League’.
‘Out Of My League‘ has got to be one of the most delightful vocal duets of recent times. Juggling the unique timbre of Armada Music star Brando with the honeyed vocals of Canadian artist Kiesza, this record is the soundtrack for anyone willing to take a chance in hopes of finding true love.
“‘Out Of My League’ is one of my favorite records I’ve made so far“, Brando says.
“It was created in such an organic way, and I feel like the tracks I make that way tend to be my best. Avedon, Cody and myself really wanted to work on a tropical themed dance song that took us back to the days of not being in quarantine and the feeling of sitting on the beach in Belize sipping margaritas under the Caribbean sun.
By pure luck, Kiesza – who is Cody’s good friend – was in town and wanted to stop by the session just to say hi. But instead of that, she hopped on the record, wrote a second verse and added a ukulele, miraculously making the whole record even better by turning it into this amazing duet. I think our fans are going to love it, so I can’t wait to hear their feedback.”
“‘Out of My League’ came about extremely organically when I stopped by the studio to visit my friend Cody”,Kiesza adds.
“I had no idea Brando was going to be there as well and I also met the other producer, Avedon, for the first time that day. They were in the early stages of working on the song and I ended up joining the session with them. By the end of the session it had become this amazing duet and I’m so excited it’s coming out!”
