Above & Beyond

Breaking Bad’s Walter White Pushed the Button at EDC Las Vegas

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

bryan cranston walter white edc above and beyond

Bryan Cranston, who famously played drug lord Walter White (a.k.a. Heisenberg) on AMC’s Breaking Bad, joined Above & Beyond last night in front 0f 80,000 people at Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas. “Say my name!!!” Cranston instructed the crowd, referring to a classic line from the show. Seconds later Cranston pushed the button — a recurring moment in Above & Beyond’s set normally reserved for fans — which launched into the trio’s track “Walter White.”

Cranston’s appearance at EDC Las Vegas comes after the show’s RJ Mitte, who portrayed his cereal-loving son Walt Jr., made his DJ debut in New York City in April.

Watch the video of Cranston’s big moment on stage with Above & Beyond below.

Image by Rukes

Jeff Montalvo Roars as Seven Lions

Kathy Vitkus Leave a Comment

Jeff-Montalvo-Seven-Lions

The latest EP from Jeff Montalvo (a.k.a. Seven Lions) embodies a six-track narrative with the full-bodied “Intro” wrapping with the orchestral “Outro” and some blends of introspective, halcyon and spirited in between. He demonstrates his attention to detail, amassing exemplary vocalists and finally delivering new music only when he’s determined that his cultured product is at its prime.

Montalvo is not one to compromise on quality, and his latest release is no exception. “The Throes Of Winter” demonstrates the feel, mood and the distinction that fans will identify while it also manages to pleasingly convey the refined, aesthetic and significant reach of this dynamic artist.

We spoke with the rising star about his influences, relationship with Skrillex and Viking metal (!) before his set at the Beatgasm party during Miami Music Week.

If Wikipedia is correct at age 7 your father came home with a Mac computer and a keyboard. You started out as a metal and punk inspired drummer. Who were your influences early on?

Jeff Montalvo: Early on I guess I just listened to the radio. I listened to Toad The Wet Sprocket and Blues Traveler. The Offspring is when I kind of started getting into punk and Sepultura later on.

In the past you provided production tips. How did you learn to master monitoring, equalization and other points necessary for a good mix? Continue Reading →

5 Amazing Moments from Above & Beyond’s ABGT100 Show at Madison Square Garden

Kathy Vitkus Leave a Comment

Above-and-Beyond-NYC-MSG

Over the course of their storied career UK trance stalwarts Above & Beyond — Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki — have always thought big. To celebrate the 100th episodes of their Group Therapy radio program, they took their show on the road and brought it to Madison Square Garden in New York City. Big Shot‘s Kathy Vitkus, of EDMforLife, was in the thick of the action at the show and recalls five standout moments from A&B’s sold-out shindig. Continue Reading →

Above & Beyond Go Acoustic in October at the Greek Theatre in L.A.

Yehouda Silverman Leave a Comment

above and beyond acoustic

Known globally for lighting up dance floors with their pumping beats and euphoric grooves, UK-based DJ/production trio Above & Beyond have announced they will be going unplugged for a special show taking place on October 12 and 13 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. For this pair of special performances A&B’s Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamaki will be playing a variety of live instruments including piano, guitar and cello, and will be joined on stage by an eight-piece band and vocalists including Zoe Johnston. The show will also be an exclusive opportunity to hear at least one brand new track from the next Above & Beyond artist album.

A studio album of the newly arranged tracks is set for release later this year, alongside a film of Above & Beyond’s now legendary acoustic shows at London’s Porchester Hall.

The threesome have posted a snippet of the acoustic version of “Love Is Not Enough” which can be heard here.

Obligatory press hush from Above & Beyond: “When we first set off on our acoustic adventure, we never thought we would eventually be bringing the show to one of the most iconic open-air music venues in America. Performing under the stars at the Greek Theatre is going to be a very special experience for us and, we hope, for everyone who’s able to join us.”