Focus OC | Kaskade | Josh Billings

All the rumors were laid to rest last Tuesday as Focus OC’s 10 year anniversary was finally underway. The 300 person venue was filled with lucky patrons anxious to see if all the hype would result in an unforgettable night or the biggest let down of the new decade…debatably, of course. With all the talk surrounding the possibility of Kaskade playing a ridiculously intimate show in Orange County, I thought it could only go so many ways. My worry was that the place was going to be uncomfortably packed with bandwagoners who overpaid on scalped tickets. Josh Billings, Focus OC’s head honcho, fortunately had the answer.

With each ticket being attained through an in-person purchase and individual assignment, every attendant earned their place. A feeling of achievement rushed through the crowd when everyone’s trust in Focus paid off with Kaskade taking the decks. There was almost too much room! That place heated up like a sauna from everyone keeping the energy high. Kaskade didn’t make it any easier to keep cool. He had us all grooving through his two hour set; packed with his decade old classics and some of the hottest deep house tracks of today. I have never been to a show of stadium selling caliber at such an intimate spot. The vibes were just as powerful. I had a chance to talk to Josh about his accomplishment on the monumental night. Check their 10 year anniversary mix and the interview after the jump!

Ticket holders! If you saved your ticket you can go for FREE to part 2 of their 10 year anniversary with an exclusive set from Focus’s own DJs (Josh Billings, Wobs, & Nonfiction) this Tuesday!

Focus DJ’s 10 Year Anniversary Live Opening Set (Right Click > Save As)
[audio:http://liveatfocus.com/mp3s/Focus-DJs-Live-At-Focus-6-4-13.mp3]

(more…)

AMTRAC | SoundCloud

Our boy Caleb (AKA Amtrac) has continued to make all the right moves in the post-apocalyptic year. After exceedingly making the bills at events and festivals around the world (including touring with Netsky and opening for Kaskade in Vegas), Caleb is swiftly solidifying his credibility. With the release of his free EP (downloadable below), his sound has been refined to a very unique level. He’s scored major remix opportunities for the likes of Ellie Goulding, The Knocks, Azari & III, and now this TDCC gem. An ethereal take on the future classic “Handshake” that takes you soaring on a journey through powerful synths and a beat that refuses to let you stay still. Keep your ears peeled for this lad in the coming months.

Breakbot

There’s not much that needs to be said about this song that isn’t already apparent in the title. Phoenix and Breakbot have been holding it down in the French music scene, bringing out some of the country’s #1 export: dance music. Though both artists are specialized in their respective subgenre, their consistency continues to hold true with this song. Lucky for us, they’ve also released it as a free download, which you can do so below. This is the part where we thank Disco Jesus. Amen.

Classixx | Buy Hanging Gardens | Holy Ghost! | PHOTOS

Last Sunday in Orange County marked the first day of the Holy Ghost! / Classixx tour. With the recent release of the DFA Records mini doc and Classixx debut album Hanging Gardens, there was a considerable amount of hype around the evening. Classixx are no strangers to Southern California, and though many in attendance had seen them before (myself included), this was the dawn of their new era. Let’s just say they’re ready to take on the resurgence of LIVE music head on. With their synths lined up and mics at the ready, they took the crowd on a whole new journey. They even brought out a member of Holy Ghost to play the guitar! It couldn’t have been more rock and roll, despite playing a primarily house and dance music set; proving they were the choice openers for the big show.

Classixx – Holding On
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/Music/03%20Holding%20On.mp3]

Holy Ghost! – Wait & See
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/Music/02%20Wait%20And%20See.mp3]

Behind Classixx was a series of gadgets and gizmos seemingly towering over the stage. Control boards, synths galore, drums, pianos…It was like an electronic and tech nerd’s playground. Holy Ghost took the stage with 6 men strong and appropriately covered the entire stage. Throughout the performance, the members would switch between instruments, having their turn at everything the set up offered. There’s nothing that adds to the energy of a performance more than when the artists are moving around, staying active, and interacting with the crowd. This being Holy Ghost’s first club show in some time proved to bring the crowd together in a special way. Their live set up was one of the coolest, most interactive I’ve seen. Looking forward to both of these artists’ promising careers.

Louis La Roche | Scenery Mixtape 1-5

Last week Bret (AKA Louis La Roche) announced that he hoped we were ready for a heap of LLR tracks in the coming months. I think “ready” would be quite the understatement. We know he’s been wrapping up the production of his debut album; teasing us with mentions of it being finished during his uStreams. Looks like we’ll finally be getting a taste of what’s to come. Say You’re My No. 1 captures all the essence of the sound LLR is trying to create. Uplifting melodies. Soulful vocals. Funky synths. Everything a disco fiend could ask for. Best part is it’s a free download! Grab it below.

Free RSVP before 11 | Polaroid Facebook | Event Info | Claptone

This Wednesday we’re bringing Claptone, one of Pete Tong’s “Future Stars,” to his first show in LA. He caught the attention of many after his acclaimed release of “Cream” last year; where he turned the Wu Tang classic into a dance floor burner that still maintains its bounce to this day! Since then he’s released a handful of tracks that illustrate his ear for timeless tunes and the ability to convert them into beautiful, bouncy pieces in his style. Notably his sample of “Still D.R.E.” in “Wrong” (below). Not going to lie, most of us have been saving the bulk of our excitement for this night of the Polaroid season series! To top it all off, our homies at Groove Monster Inc. will be opening the night off with their cooling jams and positive vibes. Shit’s infectious.

For this edition of our giveaway, we collectively invite the winner and three friends to the intimate showcase that is Couture for a house bottle and table! A $300 value, free of charge, to make this night and your experience that much better. Check how to win after the jump. Note that the event is free with RSVP BEFORE 11 PM and $10 after!

(more…)

Focus OC | Event Page/Info

Where were you ten years ago? Are you doing anything now that you were doing back then? Commitments are hard to come by. Consistency, even more so. While I was going to hardcore shows, drinking alcohol for the first time and passing out in playgrounds, Josh Billings was setting sail on a journey fueled solely by passion. A passion that not many people in America would even know to adopt until years later. Josh stuck with it. And with that, Focus OC was born.

Not only have they hosted some of today’s most well respected DJs in house music, but they have maintained their integrity with a solid experience that makes each night unforgettable. Everyone there is always on the same page; always looking out for each other; always keeping in mind that happiness is the ultimate goal. Oh! And they make MEAN dollar tacos on the patio. Who doesn’t like tacos on a Tuesday? This place is the real deal people! Check after the jump to see their past guests and enter the contest!

(more…)