Skrillex

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 →

Claude VonStroke & Green Velvet Team Up As Get Real for B2B Dates

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Claude VonStroke Green Velvet Team Up As Get Real

This is becoming the decade of DJ pair-offs, which is certainly not a bad thing. We’ve previously seen team-ups like Bauuer and Just Blaze’s Big League Tour, Lunice and Hudson Mohawk coming together as TNGHT and currently Skrillex and Diplo are getting ready to rave up Madison Square Garden this New Year’s Eve.

So, much to the delight of everyone, Dirty Bird’s Claude Von Stroke and Relief Records’ Green Velvet are teaming up as Get Real, for a set of trailblazing sets at the end of the month. Having recently played some back-to-back sets in Miami, Las Vegas and Chicago, the two flag-carrying house and techno greats will be hitting up Loa Angeles, Detroit and Chicago. No word yet on any collaborative singles between the two, but one can only hope something gets real over all this quality time together.

Get Real Tour Dates

December 27th – Exchange LA – Los Angeles

December 28th – Elektricity – Detroit, MI

December 29th – The MID – Chicago, IL

OWSLA Release First-Ever Charity Compilation, ‘Eggnog’

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eggnogcopy

Every year around the holiday season there’s always some new charity compilations, which are definitely a great thing. Unfortunately, many of said comps are not worth even a cursory listen. Luckily, OWSLA just got in the game and are putting out a pretty rad compilation this year to set the record straight.

Eggnog Vol. 1 features 28 tracks, all cuts from the label’s great roster, including four new cuts from Ghastly & Mija featuring Lil’ Jon, Trollphace, Cause & Affect, and Riton. Pre-orders on the album will come with a limited special-edition sweater. If you sign up for OWSLA’s Nestivus Advent calendar via their Drip.FM-powered subscription service, OWSLA IV, you will receive the compilation plus 24 other giveaways leading up to Christmas. All proceeds from will go toward helping Bridges For Music fund the construction of the Langa Music School in Cape Town, South Africa via the label’s Nestivus charity drive.

Eggnog is out December 16 on OWSLA. Listen to “Make It Bounce” by Trollphace, and check out the track listing below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjtYV8jOqnk]

EGGNOG TRACK LISTING:

1. Heartsrevolution – Ave Maria [Intro]
2. Ghastly & Mija – Crank It feat. Lil Jon
3. What So Not – Jaguar
4. Yogi – Burial (Skrillex & Trollphace Remix)
5. The M Machine – Just Like
6. Moody Good – Hotplate ft. Knytro
7. Alex Metric – Heart Weighs A Ton ft. Stefan Storm
8. Carmada – Realise ft. Noah Shee
9. Etnik – Unclassified ft. Mykki Blanco
10. Cause & Affect – Stampede
11. Valentino Khan – Make Some Noise
12. Hundred Waters – Out Alee
13. Skrillex & Diplo – Dirty Vibe ft. CL & G-Dragon
14. Jack Beats – Beatbox
15. Snails & Antiserum – Wild
16. TC – Get Down Low (Silverback Remix)
17. Aryay – Lawnmower
18. Phonat – Never
19. Rell the Soundbender & Twine – Dome Shot
20. Heartsrevolution – Ride or Die
21. MUST DIE! – Imprint ft. Tkay Maidza
22. David Heartbreak – Tonight ft. Skylar Grey
23. Henry Fong – Stand Up (Milo & Otis Remix)
24. Riton – Need Your Love ft. Jagga
25. Skrillex, Kill The Noise, Fatman Scoop – Recess
26. Trollphace – Make it Bounce ft. Harvey J
27. What So Not – High You Are (Branchez Remix)
28. Jack Ü – Take Ü There

WMC Night Out with A-Trak, Boys Noize, Skrillex, Felix da Housecat

Kathy Vitkus Leave a Comment

Boys Noize and Felix da Housecat

Wednesday of Miami Music Week launched with what was promoted as a “We’re All Friends! 8 hours and 8 labels Beach Party” featuring A-Trak, Boys Noize, Skrillex, the electro disco-house sounds of Bromance and more. When a promoter and artist manager e-mails you and asks, “Can I really not tempt you to the pool party tomorrow?” and it’s featured poolside at the lovely South Beach Raleigh Hotel, with this lineup, how could you pass. A 45-minute downpour only added to the intensity of the crowd’s passion especially when it was an all-hands-on-deck moment literally as almost all of the featured artists gathered on the stage for a few rounds of tracks.

An impromptu interview with Chicago house great Felix da Housecat gave some insight to his cherished EDM roots and what EDM artist he’s feeling these days as a rising star in the business. Spoiler alert: his response was Boys Noize who minutes later spontaneously appeared at the poolside lounge interview sight where the two proceeded to offer their mutual appreciation for each other’s contribution and influence on the scene.

Skrillex

Concerned about missing the minimal timeslot of the multi-faceted South African duo of Dominic Peters and David Poole (better known as Goldfish), the mad dash across the street to the Gale Hotel rooftop presented a pleasant surprise result. Goldfish’s set was delayed due to the earlier downpour and they were just now setting up for their timeslot. Once settled their creative utilization of an electric up-right bass, saxophone, keyboards, flute, the Roland MC 909 sequencer/synth and vocals created an upbeat, funky, jazz, African-influenced dance music so pleasantly and surprisingly unique. Massive imagery spanning the façade of a nearby midrise projecting the artistic, cult, martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the multi-colored sky from the post-storm setting sun, and the aroma of the jerk chicken and rice available at the rooftop event offered the perfect elements to the outdoor set.

Goldfish

Midweek Miami nightlife was in true form as always during Miami Music Week presenting an eclectic palette of choices from the drum ‘n’ bass of Andy C, Goldie and Ed Rush & Optical at Therapy to the Kyau & Albert and Dennis Sheperd event at Club Euforia. LA’s DJ Kristina Sky, DJ duo Myon & Shane54 and Anjunadeep’s DJ Jaytech were on hand at Euforia to show support, network and mingle with fans. Jaytech was honored to hear Kyau & Albert play his recent smash hit “Stranger” offering a lip-synch rendition from the VIP. Closing time at 4am at Euforia on this particular night was still not an indication that the Miami nightlife was over and that fans were turning in for the night any time soon.

Images by Kathy Vitkus