Monthly Archives: October 2013

Fan Dying Of Cancer At His “Last Rave” Reminds Us All Why We Do this.

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http://edmmaniac.com/fan-with-terminal-cancer-spends-last-rave-at-escape-from-wonderland/

Something really special & powerful was communicated on Facebook/Instagram yesterday and I think it’s important to note it no matter your age or your scene. A club kid with terminal cancer who “knew he was going to die soon” decided to hit up Escape From Wonderland, Insomniac’s SoCal Fall Fest that went down last weekend as a last party (for all he knew). He walked up to a random other attendee and asked, and I’m going to quote again, because this is important: “if you promise to never give any of it away, will you take all of my kandi for me? (Instagram of it for the disbelievers: http://instagram.com/p/gA69n5jvmx) The kandi was exchanged after the second attendee emotionally accepted.

I think this gets to the core of why so many people willingly get assaulted by bass and ripped off at the bar week after week, year after year. When it comes down to it, those two people connected, in a very powerful way, getting at the type of interaction a lot of us seek. Kandi means quite a bit to people in the rave & club kid scene, with years upon years of meaning embedded into these pieces, symbolizing an oral history of their party career. Real talk, emotion and knowing you’re supported and cared for. People struggle to find that in every major institution, so it’s sought after more and more on the dance floor and in the warehouse. I can’t imagine the conversation they must have had, or how powerful that experience was for all involved. It’s easy to dismiss people who attend these events as drug users or drop outs from society, but that’s not only laughably wrong but it underscores a fundamental ignorance about the types of positive experiences that are possible. Community feels way better than drugs. I hope this kid gets the appropriate care to ease his passing if he can’t fight it off. (via EDM Maniac)

Hometown Fire: Agent Orange

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Agent Orange has been one of the underground legends in NYC for years now. He was killing it at parties before I graduated college and continues to reside comfortably within the Techno & Tech House aristocracy here in Gotham. He’s played for me personally more than once, and every time it’s been wall-to-wall grooving, rocking people. Recently, TimeOut NY recognized the man of many talents and featured him here with his Soundcloud mix below (Props to Bruce Tantum for the nod).

But, unlike a lot of people in that space, he’s also a great producer, with his label Gotham Grooves (no relation, amazingly) putting out a consistent stream of quality tracks that reinforce the competence of Agent Orange and his team. His recent work has not failed to impress, with a particular favorite of mine being his energetic and tight rework of “2 turntables & a Mic. Check it out and don’t forget his most recent podcast, done for UMEK & 1605 Music Therapy!

Hit the links below & definitely hit up the Gotham Grooves Beatport page:  http://www.beatport.com/label/gotham-grooves/221

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agentorangenyc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgentOrangeNYC
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/agent-orange-nyc
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/arasoundsystem
Beatport: http://www.beatport.com/artist/agent-orange/1912

First Saturday Night Event at the former Limelight is Up! Voodoo on the Bayou November 2nd!

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http://voodooonthebayou.brownpapertickets.com/

We’re back with continuing coverage of the space that Limelight used to reside in, the Church most recently known as Avalon. The first non-kiddie pool party, that will really let you cut loose and enjoy the room, is going down a full 3 days after the space has its first dance event. What can I say, my friends are relentless. Saturday, get a chance to shake your groove thang at a combination Day of the Dead & Touissaint-themed All Saints Day event where all hell will most likely break loose. And, as always, the music is going to be absolutely fantastic.

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Earworm of The Month: “Our Story” by We Are Mako

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I’m not sure how Monday is treating you, but just in case you’re getting your ass kicked by the beginning of the work week, check out this track. It’s been on repeat  for me since it dropped on October 11th. The tune is an instant classic that I assume will be put into such wide rotation/use over the next 3 months that I’ll be seeing it advertising an SUV before too long. There is a triumphant feel to every moment of the tune. At 2:30, the track pulls back into an oft-used vocal line that gives the song this hopeful feeling as it builds slowly but gradually. The pressure and anthem feeling is undeniable, and the track just screams serotonin when it pushes out into the breakdown. It’s quick, with everything over and done with by five minutes, thirty seconds, and it’s a free download. With all of this hype, I’m not sure why you’re still reading this. Put the track into your earholes and keep a look out for We Are Mako, because you’ll be hearing about them soon enough.

3 Duets Between Michael Jackson & Freddie Mercury To Be Released!

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NME is reporting that 3 duets that were made back in 1983 by Freddie Mercury & Michael Jackson are still being worked on and should be released in about two months. Brian May has stated that they’re still being worked on and will be “something for folks to hear.” I gotta say I’m excited, because that would be some high-flying shit. Apparently also, Freddie Mercury thought Michael Jackson was a llama (in the article), so that’s pretty good too. (via NME)

Unsound Festival Bans Recording Devices/Phones/Cameras; Crowd’s Artistry Emerges!

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Unsound Festival in Poland recently took the draconian step of banning phones and cameras from the event to prevent the wall of people with rectangles in front of their faces from happening. It seems some in the crowd took the challenge and did some amazing stuff. Check out the art and Unsound Festival in Poland! (art during/of RSS Boys & Pantha du Prince, via Stoney Roads)