It hasn’t been too long since Chronic Mncher had to move on to bigger and better things, but no evil comes without some good. Even though a major piece of C+A+D will be missed, a whole new life is born in the form of Alton Square. A DJ duo of Irvine’s own Godzilla Toboggan (Chronic Mncher) and Alan Artin. Together they’re throwing down some synthy house tracks that I’m pretty surprised to say I love. Not that I’d expect anything less…but it’s awesome when some of your homies get together to make something great. Their tracks range from dubstep to house to remixes and hip hop. All this experimenting will definitely find them a niche where I know they can thrive. I’m so pumped to see what else they put together in the future. In the meantime, here are some of their latest tracks that you can pick up from their soundcloud.
Empire of the Sun – Walking On A Dream (Alton Square Remix)
Alton Square – Del Playa
Alton Square – Kryptoknight
FULL POST
YOLO Mentions bring attention to special
songs featured in that week’s YOLO List. Get the latest list here!
It hasn’t been too long since Chronic Mncher had to move on to bigger and better things, but no evil comes without some good. Even though a major piece of C+A+D will be missed, a whole new life is born in the form of Alton Square. A DJ duo of Irvine’s own Godzilla Toboggan (Chronic Mncher) and Alan Artin. Together they’re throwing down some synthy house tracks that I’m pretty surprised to say I love. Not that I’d expect anything less…but it’s awesome when some of your homies get together to make something great. Their tracks range from dubstep to house to remixes and hip hop. All this experimenting will definitely find them a niche where I know they can thrive. I’m so pumped to see what else they put together in the future. In the meantime, here are some of their latest tracks that you can pick up from their soundcloud.
Empire of the Sun – Walking On A Dream (Alton Square Remix)
Electric Daisy Carnival made the switch to sin city this year after being stationed in Los Angeles for it’s first 14 years. Judging by how it went, I don’t think it will ever be going back. I had a different perspective of the whole thing since I was a volunteer, but the event went off without a hitch. The usual first day complications ensued: miscommunications with security guards and inevitable long antsy waits to get in. Once inside, everyone was welcomed with the largest EDM playground in North America with only more room to expand in the future. Six jam packed stages (Neon Garden, Cosmic Meadow, Circuit Grounds, BassPod, Kinetic Field), 20+ legit carnival rides that I didn’t go on for some reason, and 100s of the world’s best DJs. It all almost sounded too good to be true.
I don’t know why, but I went in with really low expectations this year…I just didn’t want to fork over another $200 on a festival mainly filled with DJs I’ve seen already. The event would have been worth every penny had I made the commitment. For the most part, everyone brought out a fresh tracklist to throw down. The up-and-comers (Zedd, Porter, Feed Me, Bird Peterson, Drop the Lime, Them Jeans, LA Riots) strategically put together the set of their lives. One minor qualm I had was that it was hard to go through the sets without hearing songs repeated. It seemed that the songs of the weekend included, but weren’t limited to: Brap, Bass Canon, Space Junk, Turbulence, In For the Kill, and remixes of that stupid Party Rock Anthem song or whatever.
Overall…it was one of the most fun and well put together events I’ve ever gone to. The production couldn’t have been more on point. The towering stages were lined with light screens, strobe lights, fog machines, and shit I’ve never even seen before. The performers on stage were either really trippy or really entertaining. So that whole aspect made each set special in their own right. On top of everything else, each night’s peak (circa 2-3AM) had its own 15 minute firework show. It wasn’t as elaborate as it was just large scale. Never seen that many fireworks. My whole concept of time was fucked. 3AM just meant “3 more hours,” and 5AM meant “SUNRISE SET!” It was so crazy seeing them perform as the sun creeped up behind the desert mountains. Bottom line, Insomniac really knows how to throw an event. They’re always in the know about DJs to pick up, but I feel like they should dive deeper and pick up some people that we aren’t as familiar with. That being said, I’m counting down til next year. Here are my picks for the weekend.
My Top 10
I tried to get videos for as many as I could, but I was working at the water station for a lot of them. So lucky my station was right in front of the Neon Garden Stage. If you saw the lineup you’d know what I mean (especially Day 2). And also sorry about the bass…my little flip couldn’t handle all the bass when I got too close. Just make sure to view the videos in HD.
I’ve seen Laidback Luke a few times now and he just gets better every time. When he performs he plays the widest range of songs compared to most DJs. He has those sing along songs, his original productions, rock, hip hop, and relentless bass filled, wobbly dub. I’m going to go far enough to say that he’s one of the top DJs in the world right now, and he’s only getting better. Watch out!!
Bassnectar is always such a pleasure to see. He plays an infusion of the fattest, hardest, most distorted dubstep and hip hop, and yet he’s such a positively light hearted dude. It’s hard to choose which one of the times that I’ve seen him is the best, because every set is different and amazing in its own way. He’s never started or ended two sets the same. Always staying up to date with new songs that come out and playing his own tweaked out remixes of songs we all know. Definitely one of my top pics for live DJs.
I hardly ever have anything bad to say about Jack Beats. Again they fill an hour and a half with wobbly bangers and hard hitting remixes, and my friend and I were front and center for the occasion. You wouldn’t find me anywhere else for these guys. It was pretty cool at the beginning, because Skrillex and AC Slater came out to introduce them to the crowd. As if they need an introduction…Jack Beats are gods.
After Jack Beats came the prince of dubstep. I had seen Skrillex a couple times so I wanted to see what all the hype was with Above & Beyond. Being front and center already, we decided to stay. I got hella love for Skrillex and his production abilities. He’s changed the game and opened so many doors for electronic, and there’s no denying that. One thing I can do without is the crowd Skrillex brings: douche central straight up. Fools don’t even know how to get down to dubstep. Another thing that’s pretty funny is when Skrillex talks on the mic. Hahah always gets me. Speaking of mic, Afrojack came out in the middle of the set and grabbed the mic to let us know that there were more people there than the main stage and that he couldn’t believe it. Massive set and it looks like I’ll be seeing him again for HARD Summer.
Favorite sunrise set of the weekend. The sun would start creepin’ up around 5, be blasting the DJs at Neon Garden at 5:30. It seems like I’ll got months without hearing anything from MSTRKRFT, and then they play a local show or I’ll catch them at a festival, reminding me that these veterans are very much still alive and very much still bosses in the game. Such a fun dancy set. I just want another album already!
This kid knows how to jam. You can always tell how stoked he is to be performing, and he doesn’t get caught up in it. He hypes everyone up so much and throws down consistently bass heavy tracks that everyone loses their minds to. Still can’t believe he just graduate at high school. I try to refrain from saying “age is just a number” to keep from sounding rapy, but clearly it hasn’t kept him from producing some of the hardest tracks of today.
This set was the biggest surprise to me. I knew he was good, and I’ve heard a lot of his tracks, but I wasn’t expecting to be as blown away as I was. Such dutchy track selection had me going for the whole set. His song “Brap” was a DJ favorite for the event, so it was cool to seem him drop it.
Left Skrillex early to catch these guys. I thought I was going to be late but it looked like they had some technical difficulties, starting almost 15 minutes after they were supposed to. Their sound is definitely not for everyone. More on the wobbly side like Jack Beats, but sharper and more distorted. They definitely exceeded my already high expectations. Went mental for the whole set.
The Swedes capped out on the last sunrise set of the weekend. We trucked over with all the remaining energy we had, and their set was enough to keep me dancing for the final moments of EDC. They get so into it, and make it hard for you not to join. The usual blow up champagne and banana toys made their way through the crowd. It was cool because they took up everyone that was dressed like a banana. You can see in the video.
Not too much to say about Zedd other than I can’t to see what else he brings in the future. He just finished touring with Porter and Skrillex, so that should be enough to prove that he’s worthy. His productions have been hitting the blogs more consistently than most DJs. Zedd’s video game influenced style really makes his tracks distinguishable and easy to remember. His set was one of the few that were recorded, so I’ma give that one a go asap.
Delightful Mention
Avicii
Feed Me
Bloody Beetroots
Major Lazer
LA Riots
Drop the Lime
Them Jeans
Who I Wish I Saw
Had I been able to clone myself, I would have seen all of these guys:
Above & Beyond
Tiesto
ATB
Doctor P
All of Swedish House Mafia
Chuckie
Bingo Players
Skream & Benga
Electric Daisy Carnival made the switch to sin city this year after being stationed in Los Angeles for it’s first 14 years. Judging by how it went, I don’t think it will ever be going back. I had a different perspective of the whole thing since I was a volunteer, but the event went off without a hitch. The usual first day complications ensued: miscommunications with security guards and inevitable long antsy waits to get in. Once inside, everyone was welcomed with the largest EDM playground in North America with only more room to expand in the future. Six jam packed stages (Neon Garden, Cosmic Meadow, Circuit Grounds, BassPod, Kinetic Field), 20+ legit carnival rides that I didn’t go on for some reason, and 100s of the world’s best DJs. It all almost sounded too good to be true.
I don’t know why, but I went in with really low expectations this year…I just didn’t want to fork over another $200 on a festival mainly filled with DJs I’ve seen already. The event would have been worth every penny had I made the commitment. For the most part, everyone brought out a fresh tracklist to throw down. The up-and-comers (Zedd, Porter, Feed Me, Bird Peterson, Drop the Lime, Them Jeans, LA Riots) strategically put together the set of their lives. One minor qualm I had was that it was hard to go through the sets without hearing songs repeated. It seemed that the songs of the weekend included, but weren’t limited to: Brap, Bass Canon, Space Junk, Turbulence, In For the Kill, and remixes of that stupid Party Rock Anthem song or whatever.
Overall…it was one of the most fun and well put together events I’ve ever gone to. The production couldn’t have been more on point. The towering stages were lined with light screens, strobe lights, fog machines, and shit I’ve never even seen before. The performers on stage were either really trippy or really entertaining. So that whole aspect made each set special in their own right. On top of everything else, each night’s peak (circa 2-3AM) had its own 15 minute firework show. It wasn’t as elaborate as it was just large scale. Never seen that many fireworks. My whole concept of time was fucked. 3AM just meant “3 more hours,” and 5AM meant “SUNRISE SET!” It was so crazy seeing them perform as the sun creeped up behind the desert mountains. Bottom line, Insomniac really knows how to throw an event. They’re always in the know about DJs to pick up, but I feel like they should dive deeper and pick up some people that we aren’t as familiar with. That being said, I’m counting down til next year. Here are my picks for the weekend.
My Top 10
I tried to get videos for as many as I could, but I was working at the water station for a lot of them. So lucky my station was right in front of the Neon Garden Stage. If you saw the lineup you’d know what I mean (especially Day 2). And also sorry about the bass…my little flip couldn’t handle all the bass when I got too close. Just make sure to view the videos in HD.
I’ve seen Laidback Luke a few times now and he just gets better every time. When he performs he plays the widest range of songs compared to most DJs. He has those sing along songs, his original productions, rock, hip hop, and relentless bass filled, wobbly dub. I’m going to go far enough to say that he’s one of the top DJs in the world right now, and he’s only getting better. Watch out!!
Bassnectar is always such a pleasure to see. He plays an infusion of the fattest, hardest, most distorted dubstep and hip hop, and yet he’s such a positively light hearted dude. It’s hard to choose which one of the times that I’ve seen him is the best, because every set is different and amazing in its own way. He’s never started or ended two sets the same. Always staying up to date with new songs that come out and playing his own tweaked out remixes of songs we all know. Definitely one of my top pics for live DJs.
I hardly ever have anything bad to say about Jack Beats. Again they fill an hour and a half with wobbly bangers and hard hitting remixes, and my friend and I were front and center for the occasion. You wouldn’t find me anywhere else for these guys. It was pretty cool at the beginning, because Skrillex and AC Slater came out to introduce them to the crowd. As if they need an introduction…Jack Beats are gods.
After Jack Beats came the prince of dubstep. I had seen Skrillex a couple times so I wanted to see what all the hype was with Above & Beyond. Being front and center already, we decided to stay. I got hella love for Skrillex and his production abilities. He’s changed the game and opened so many doors for electronic, and there’s no denying that. One thing I can do without is the crowd Skrillex brings: douche central straight up. Fools don’t even know how to get down to dubstep. Another thing that’s pretty funny is when Skrillex talks on the mic. Hahah always gets me. Speaking of mic, Afrojack came out in the middle of the set and grabbed the mic to let us know that there were more people there than the main stage and that he couldn’t believe it. Massive set and it looks like I’ll be seeing him again for HARD Summer.
Favorite sunrise set of the weekend. The sun would start creepin’ up around 5, be blasting the DJs at Neon Garden at 5:30. It seems like I’ll got months without hearing anything from MSTRKRFT, and then they play a local show or I’ll catch them at a festival, reminding me that these veterans are very much still alive and very much still bosses in the game. Such a fun dancy set. I just want another album already!
This kid knows how to jam. You can always tell how stoked he is to be performing, and he doesn’t get caught up in it. He hypes everyone up so much and throws down consistently bass heavy tracks that everyone loses their minds to. Still can’t believe he just graduate at high school. I try to refrain from saying “age is just a number” to keep from sounding rapy, but clearly it hasn’t kept him from producing some of the hardest tracks of today.
This set was the biggest surprise to me. I knew he was good, and I’ve heard a lot of his tracks, but I wasn’t expecting to be as blown away as I was. Such dutchy track selection had me going for the whole set. His song “Brap” was a DJ favorite for the event, so it was cool to seem him drop it.
Left Skrillex early to catch these guys. I thought I was going to be late but it looked like they had some technical difficulties, starting almost 15 minutes after they were supposed to. Their sound is definitely not for everyone. More on the wobbly side like Jack Beats, but sharper and more distorted. They definitely exceeded my already high expectations. Went mental for the whole set.
The Swedes capped out on the last sunrise set of the weekend. We trucked over with all the remaining energy we had, and their set was enough to keep me dancing for the final moments of EDC. They get so into it, and make it hard for you not to join. The usual blow up champagne and banana toys made their way through the crowd. It was cool because they took up everyone that was dressed like a banana. You can see in the video.
Not too much to say about Zedd other than I can’t to see what else he brings in the future. He just finished touring with Porter and Skrillex, so that should be enough to prove that he’s worthy. His productions have been hitting the blogs more consistently than most DJs. Zedd’s video game influenced style really makes his tracks distinguishable and easy to remember. His set was one of the few that were recorded, so I’ma give that one a go asap.
Delightful Mention
Avicii
Feed Me
Bloody Beetroots
Major Lazer
LA Riots
Drop the Lime
Them Jeans
Who I Wish I Saw
Had I been able to clone myself, I would have seen all of these guys:
Above & Beyond
Tiesto
ATB
Doctor P
All of Swedish House Mafia
Chuckie
Bingo Players
Skream & Benga
So while I was gone over the weekend, BBC’s Annie Mac had the honor of the first radio play of another anticipated Duck Sauce track. For most, the first time it was talked about was after both A-Trak and Duck Sauce played it at Coachella. Although it’s a stand out track, I’m still pretty confused as to why people are getting so hyped on it. This is seems more like an album filler of a track to me. Annie Mac talks about the nonsensical humor of it, and I get it, but it’s not enough to match up to any of their other tracks. Duck Sauce played another track during Coachella that no one is talking about. I’m pretty sure it’s called “Radio.” That song was stuck in my head forever. It’s so much more fun and dancy and it seems like much more of the kind of Duck Sauce I want. Anyhow, here’s the preview for “Big Bad Wolf,” and also a video of the “Radio” song. I’m sure if you heard it you’ll remember.
FULL POST
So while I was gone over the weekend, BBC’s Annie Mac had the honor of the first radio play of another anticipated Duck Sauce track. For most, the first time it was talked about was after both A-Trak and Duck Sauce played it at Coachella. Although it’s a stand out track, I’m still pretty confused as to why people are getting so hyped on it. This is seems more like an album filler of a track to me. Annie Mac talks about the nonsensical humor of it, and I get it, but it’s not enough to match up to any of their other tracks. Duck Sauce played another track during Coachella that no one is talking about. I’m pretty sure it’s called “Radio.” That song was stuck in my head forever. It’s so much more fun and dancy and it seems like much more of the kind of Duck Sauce I want. Anyhow, here’s the preview for “Big Bad Wolf,” and also a video of the “Radio” song. I’m sure if you heard it you’ll remember.
Back to reality after the first ever massive in Vegas. EDC was absolutely insane. My concept of time hasn’t been the same since last week. I had to work at the free water station and missed a few people I wanted to see, but it was worth every second. I got SO many videos and thoughts ready for my review, and I’ll have it up as soon as I fully adapt back to real life. Here are some choonz to hold you off in the mean time.
Back to reality after the first ever massive in Vegas. EDC was absolutely insane. My concept of time hasn’t been the same since last week. I had to work at the free water station and missed a few people I wanted to see, but it was worth every second. I got SO many videos and thoughts ready for my review, and I’ll have it up as soon as I fully adapt back to real life. Here are some choonz to hold you off in the mean time.
I still don’t know how this EP got past me since it’s been out for over six months. I want to be ashamed, but the bottom line is I have it now. If you like Born Ruffians at all, you’re going to be extra stoked on this. If you don’t like Born Ruffians yet, hopefully the extra tracks below will show you the light.
The EP features five new songs and two remixes. With normally high standards for the Ruff’s, I went into the Plinky Plonk EP with low expectations. I figured there must have been a reason it took so long for the EP to find me. The first five tracks were just about as good as they could get. The Born Ruffians I love, moving forward with an already uniquely amazing sound. Luke Lalonde is a creative mastermind when it comes to his catchy guitar riffs. His lyrics are on another level as they always seem to be right on point and pleasantly easy to sing along to.
My favorite off the EP would have to be “Like When You.” The track starts off really ambient but slowly transforms into a light hearted dancy jam. It gives me a feel of Hot Hot Heat back in the Elevator days. Another track I thought really stood out was “Pool Party Fun.” As upbeat as the name suggests, the song actually is one of the more mellow Born Ruffians song I’ve heard. More on the sad side, but very easily relatable. “It sucks when you find someone, but they don’t find you.” It’s just cool to see the emotional range of these guys, while they still manage to stay positive and have lots of fun through their other tracks. The only thing keeping the EP from being perfect is the Acorn remix of “Nova-Leigh.” That being one of my favorite tracks off Say It, this rendition fails to encompass the initial greatness and leaves this EP with its only dud.
Overall, really great stuff from a really great band. I got it a few days ago and have not been able to give it a rest…but I’m shuffling through all their stuff old stuff at the same time too. They’ve got some pretty cool live recordings on Daytrotter.com that are free for download. If you like this EP, buy it on iTunes here. It’s only 4 bucks, and hey! I’m sure they could use the help.
I was going to put Delightful Choice! by the one’s i thought were best, but if you like even one of these you’re bound to like them all. They’re some of my favorites. I’m One Of Those GirlsAlbum: Self Titled Little GarçonAlbum: Red, Yellow and Blue Barnacle GooseAlbum: Red, Yellow and Blue Nova-LeighAlbum: Say It Oh ManAlbum: Say It
YOLO Mentions bring attention to special
songs featured in that week’s YOLO List. Get the latest list here!
I still don’t know how this EP got past me since it’s been out for over six months. I want to be ashamed, but the bottom line is I have it now. If you like Born Ruffians at all, you’re going to be extra stoked on this. If you don’t like Born Ruffians yet, hopefully the extra tracks below will show you the light.
The EP features five new songs and two remixes. With normally high standards for the Ruff’s, I went into the Plinky Plonk EP with low expectations. I figured there must have been a reason it took so long for the EP to find me. The first five tracks were just about as good as they could get. The Born Ruffians I love, moving forward with an already uniquely amazing sound. Luke Lalonde is a creative mastermind when it comes to his catchy guitar riffs. His lyrics are on another level as they always seem to be right on point and pleasantly easy to sing along to.
My favorite off the EP would have to be “Like When You.” The track starts off really ambient but slowly transforms into a light hearted dancy jam. It gives me a feel of Hot Hot Heat back in the Elevator days. Another track I thought really stood out was “Pool Party Fun.” As upbeat as the name suggests, the song actually is one of the more mellow Born Ruffians song I’ve heard. More on the sad side, but very easily relatable. “It sucks when you find someone, but they don’t find you.” It’s just cool to see the emotional range of these guys, while they still manage to stay positive and have lots of fun through their other tracks. The only thing keeping the EP from being perfect is the Acorn remix of “Nova-Leigh.” That being one of my favorite tracks off Say It, this rendition fails to encompass the initial greatness and leaves this EP with its only dud.
Overall, really great stuff from a really great band. I got it a few days ago and have not been able to give it a rest…but I’m shuffling through all their stuff old stuff at the same time too. They’ve got some pretty cool live recordings on Daytrotter.com that are free for download. If you like this EP, buy it on iTunes here. It’s only 4 bucks, and hey! I’m sure they could use the help.
I was going to put Delightful Choice! by the one’s i thought were best, but if you like even one of these you’re bound to like them all. They’re some of my favorites. I’m One Of Those GirlsAlbum: Self Titled Little GarçonAlbum: Red, Yellow and Blue Barnacle GooseAlbum: Red, Yellow and Blue Nova-LeighAlbum: Say It Oh ManAlbum: Say It
Another day, another heavily anticipated track being released to the general public. If you’ve seen Boys Noize at all in the past year, this tune should be very familiar. I know he dropped it when I saw him in AZ and again during his monumental set at Coachella. I got a video of it that you can see here. Anyway, this track is as much of a banger as I’d hoped. Their usual twisty synths and slamming bass comes together just about as good as it could. These two have been working together on various projects. Sometimes under the alias Daisypark Trailerchain, and the rest of the time as the usual D.I.M. & Tai. Names aside, I’m in love with their sound and I’m already looking forward to their next release.
Another day, another heavily anticipated track being released to the general public. If you’ve seen Boys Noize at all in the past year, this tune should be very familiar. I know he dropped it when I saw him in AZ and again during his monumental set at Coachella. I got a video of it that you can see here. Anyway, this track is as much of a banger as I’d hoped. Their usual twisty synths and slamming bass comes together just about as good as it could. These two have been working together on various projects. Sometimes under the alias Daisypark Trailerchain, and the rest of the time as the usual D.I.M. & Tai. Names aside, I’m in love with their sound and I’m already looking forward to their next release.
Good evening party people! News from EDC Dallas has been circulating through the internet, and it looks like we’ve got our first rave induced death of the season. This person seemed to be of age, but it doesn’t really change the fact that people still aren’t playing smart. All these people who are fresh to the scene and making decisions you wouldn’t make otherwise. Do your research before you do something stupid. EDC in Vegas is going to involve temperatures we won’t be used to. STAY HYDRATED and make sure to keep an eye out for anyone who needs help. I’m going to be working the FREE water booths, and my schedule is as follows: JUNE 24 FRIDAY 1AM – 8AM, JUNE 25 SATURDAY 7PM – 2AM and JUNE 26 SUNDAY 1AM – 8AM. We’re all in this together! Cruise by hang out and quench up. On a lighter note, rounded up a lot of fresh tracks for you guys in this week’s list. Some new. Some old. All good. Enjoy!
Good evening party people! News from EDC Dallas has been circulating through the internet, and it looks like we’ve got our first rave induced death of the season. This person seemed to be of age, but it doesn’t really change the fact that people still aren’t playing smart. All these people who are fresh to the scene and making decisions you wouldn’t make otherwise. Do your research before you do something stupid. EDC in Vegas is going to involve temperatures we won’t be used to. STAY HYDRATED and make sure to keep an eye out for anyone who needs help. I’m going to be working the FREE water booths, and my schedule is as follows: JUNE 24 FRIDAY 1AM – 8AM, JUNE 25 SATURDAY 7PM – 2AM and JUNE 26 SUNDAY 1AM – 8AM. We’re all in this together! Cruise by hang out and quench up. On a lighter note, rounded up a lot of fresh tracks for you guys in this week’s list. Some new. Some old. All good. Enjoy!
YOLO Mentions bring attention to special
