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Live Review: Cut Copy at Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Darren Ressler

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The problem with many dance-rock bands is they either suffer from an overkill of irony or don’t have enough funk. Or both. Cut Copy’s second New York City show this week proved why so many aficionados of the genre have gone ga-ga over these Aussies. Brandishing songs about love and relationships from their new release, In Ghost Colours, the four-piece outfit have an easygoing stage presence and chops up the wazoo.

From the moment they took the stage at the Bowery Ballroom, the band kept the party going with an onslaught of irresistible booty-shakers. The sentimental “Hearts on Fire” was a particular standout, and songs from 2004’s Bright Like Neon Love still sounded fresh and relevant. By the time they segued into their closing number, Cut Copy had the crowd pogoing in unison.

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Where so many have tried (and failed) to merge the disparate worlds of dance and rock, Cut Copy has figured out how to balance the best of both worlds, while creating a singular sound that continues to blossom.

Keep on playing that funky music, Cut Copy.

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photos by Darren Ressler

Grooverider Arrested in Dubai

Darren Ressler 1 Comment

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England’s Radio 1 has refused to comment on the arrest of one of its DJ’s, drum ‘n’ bass pioneer Grooverider (real name: Raymond Bingham). Grooverider was arrested in Dubai airport on November 23 for possession of cannabis and pornographic DVDs. Possession of drugs and porn are seriously illegal in the Islamic UAE Arabic State and carry a minimum sentence of four years in prison.

Since his arrest Grooverider has been detained without bail, a fact the promoter of the show he was due to play a sold-out show at The Lodge on the evening he arrived clearly stated to him in a fax before his departure.

It is also being claimed by Dubai based press that Grooverider had traces of drugs in his system after taking a urine test. This could weigh heavily against the DJ when his case is heard in the next few days. In 2006, R&B star Dallas Austin was also arrested in the UAE for bringing cocaine into the country. After lobbying from none other than Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie, who is immensely popular in Dubai, the star was released and deported.

Grooverider’s case may not be so simple with the lack of backing from his employers in the UK; however, it appears that the British Embassy have been in touch with the man who introduced millions of us to drum and bass via the UK’s primary radio station.

Words: Oliver Guy-Watkins

Behind the Scenes: Daft Punk Cover Shoot

Darren Ressler

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If you’ve been keeping up with current events, you know that funky Parisians Daft Punk recently brought their awesome live show to America as part of their summer/fall world tour.

After rocking Vegoose in Las Vegas and then shooting over to Mexico, the duo flew to Los Angeles, where superstar photographer Beatrice Neumann shot the electronic giants for the next cover of Big Shot. Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter brought their helmets, leather outfits and robot gloves, while Beatrice’s fembots kept everything in check. Here’s a behind the scenes peak into the shoot.

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images by Zel McCarthy

Moby Asks $7.5 Million for Penthouse

Darren Ressler

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Who says producing dance music, DJing, touring and licensing your songs like a mofo for 20 years doesn’t pay off? This week, Moby comes out of the closet and reveals on The Deal’s weekly webcast that he’s quite the mini real estate mogul. On the program, Moby hawks his breathtaking four-story, five terrace penthouse apartment at the El Dorado on Central Park West. All of the chaos in the sub-prime mortgage market doesn’t seem to be affecting him one bit. As lifelong New Yorkers who’ve seen lots of swank abodes, we think his crib is one of the nicest apartments we’ve ever laid eyes on. Are you listening, Donald Trump?

Moby leads a cameraman around his sprawling, well-decorated digs (love those framed pictures with Bill and Hillary!), which he’s selling because he misses his Downtown friends way too much. Moby also reports he’s invested in Landmark 17, another luxury property in Gramercy Park, and gives us a tour of the new development.

“If you’re interested in living in a four-level art deco sky castle, contact either Corcoran or Elliman; they’ll tell you how much it costs,” says our favorite vegan. Being an uptight WASP from Connecticut, I’m uncomfortable talking about money.”