When Artists Meet Reality TV

Photo by NRK P3 from Flickr

Pop-singer Nicki Minaj has recently announced that she will be participating in her very own reality TV show.  The show is set to air on Sunday, November 4th.  Minaj states that she hopes this show will reveal her true self to help the "public understand her better".  With her crazy personality and attention grabbing fashion the show is expected to be television gold, according to E!.

In my opinion, reality TV series are a last shot at fame.  A lot of famous stars will attempt to have a reality TV series about their lives, but they never usually work out.  The odd thing is that Minaj's career isn't dead, so it's interesting that she's starting her own reality series.  But I guess it's the popular things for most celebrities to attempt.

Britney Spears had her own very short lived reality series with her ex, Kevin Federline.  Of course not too many people had even heard of the show and it basically marked the end of her career at the time.  Then there was the show Newlyweds with Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey.  This series ran for (surprisingly) three seasons.  Shortly after the show ended the couple filed for divorce.  This reality series really did nothing for either of their careers, or their marriage it seemed.

These celebrity reality shows rarely make it very far or help their careers, so why even make them?  I'm sure we're all guilty of watching a few bad reality series in our lives, but most people only watch them out of boredom.

I also believe that the word "reality" is used very loosely when referring to these shows.  Most of them seem scripted or staged to make celebrities look better.  Or to even create drama and controversy.  There have been some people who have rose to fame due to a reality show, but I have yet to see a celebrity's career become better due to these shows.

What is your take on celebrity reality shows?  Do you enjoy them?  Do you think these artists are really benefiting from participating in them?

FameTube

Most of us have heard of YouTube, but what about FameTube?

A new website has been created by a man named Bryan Cornelius called FameTube.  This website is similar to YouTube in the fact that users upload videos of themselves, however, FameTube is geared specifically to musicians wanting to flaunt their abilities.

Artists can send their videos to FameTube, where they will be evaluated.  If they're good enough then they'll be accepted and promoted on the website.  FameTube receives more than 100 submissions daily but only accepts a small percentage of them.  I think it is a great idea that videos have to pass inspection before being accepted because it gives the videos and artists more credibility.

People can go on the website and vote on their favourite submissions.  The top ten submissions will be featured on the "landing page for the next month" and the top pick will be featured year round.

With social media expanding, more and more people are becoming discovered via the internet.  One of the most famous examples of this is probably Justin Bieber, who was discovered through his YouTube videos.

FameTube concentrates talented people into one website, which makes their videos much more accessible to people searching for new talent.  YouTube is still a great video site but the fact that anyone can post virtually anything also means there are a lot of mediocre videos.

Photo by BestofWDW from Flickr

Something I question though is whether or not FameTube will really help create that many more stars.  There are several talent competitions on TV, such as American Idol and America's Got Talent, that pick the most talented individual and help them rise to fame.  Although this doesn't always work out.  There have been a few winners that have become extremely popular, like Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, but majority of these winners never really achieve a high level of stardom.

Photo by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas from Flickr

The idea of FameTube also seems a little dated.  There are so many talent shows out there that the concept of finding the perfect new artist seems kind of old.  American Idol did great in the beginning of the series, but as the show continued on it started to lose popularity.  Afterwards, networks started rolling out new shows like The X Factor or The Voice.

Maybe there is more to being the needle in a hay stack that helps people, like Justin Bieber, become famous.  The musicians and actors that have become household names worked hard to be in the position they are in today.  Talent competitions are a great way to show off your skills but I think these TV shows along with FameTube are giving people the false idea that fame can be instantly achieved and maintained.  Well, fame can be instantly achieved in today's world, but usually for the wrong reasons.  When someone does happen to stumble upon instant fame, it usually doesn't last very long.  To become as famous as Lady Gaga or Brad Pitt, one needs to work very hard to maintain that fame.

I think the fact that FameTube restricts which videos get posted does make the people on the site more credible, but I don't think it will help them become famous.

What do you think about internet fame?  Do you think FameTube will help create more stars?

The Local Talent

Photo by Kevin Saff on Flickr

The majority of the artists that we listen to today are probably very well known artists.  But these artists still have to start somewhere, which is why I think people should pay more attention to the artists in their own city.

There are quite a few popular musicians with Calgary roots such as Feist, The Dudes, Paul Brandt and Tegan & Sarah, just to name a few.  Calgary has a lot of talent and I think it's important to get out there and support your local bands.  You can see them perform at various bars and clubs around Calgary.  These musicians vary in genre so it's likely you'll find local bands that suite which ever genre you prefer. 

A lot of bars around Calgary will host live music nights where several local bands will play in a single night.  Live shows are always fun to attend and they're also pretty cheap.  So if you're looking for something to do over the weekend I'd suggest looking up what local shows are going on in your neighborhood.  There are also several places that will host open mic sessions.  Cafe Koi, located on 1st St, hosts an open mic session where people with different musical abilities gather to display their music.  Some coffee shops host open mic sessions as well.  

Whatever genre you're looking for, you'll probably find it.  You can find local rock or indie bands to local DJs that spin at clubs.  Klub OMFG is hosted every Friday night, which consists of performances from many local DJs.  Sal's on 17th also hosts many local DJs.  Republik and Broken City are known to host rock or indie bands.  Check out other bars like the Blind Beggar for local music on weekends too.  You can also see other talent congregate at open mic sessions. 

Radio station X 92.9 hosts a competition every year called the Exposure Competition to display new local bands.  They choose three top bands and present their music on a CD they release, called the "Exposure Album".  After the contest is over they also host a party where the winning bands perform.

Every year there is also a festival hosted called Sled Island which is full of local Calgary bands along with other non-Calgarian bands.

There are tonnes of opportunities to check out your local artists and support the music in your own city!  So go out and listen to some local musicians!

Cell Phones & Concerts

        Ever since cell phones started coming equipped with cameras, people are able to take pictures and video where ever they go.  This includes taking pictures at concerts.  Most concerts you go to now are filled with people holding their phones in the air taking pictures or videos.  I have been in some situations where I've actually watched some of the concert through other people's phones due to the fact that I couldn't see the stage.  Although it's great for concert goers to be able to take away memories of the show, some artists are really bothered by the cell phone movement.  Over the years I have heard several artists say that they hate it when fans are constantly taking pictures or videos of them during a performance.

Photo by Jason Persse via Flickr

       Aside from taking photos some fans just stand in the crowd and check their e-mails and texts.  One celebrity who was recently caught doing this was Mark Foster, of Foster the People, who was kicked out of a Prince concert for checking his phone.  TMZ was filming at the show when Foster was kicked out of the venue.  In the video filmed by TMZ, Foster is kicked out of the venue and begins to plead for security to let him back in.  He claims to have been checking a text message when security escorted him outside of the building.  After much pleading security allows him back into the venue, but only after confiscating his cell phone.  Some artists take the whole cell phone thing very seriously.

      There are two sides to this argument.  One being that artists shouldn't expect to not be photographed or recorded at a concert.  With fame comes the expectation of constantly being photographed and watched.  The other side being that fans should be more respectful of their favourite artists and enjoy the performance.  People become so caught up in actually taking the video or photograph that they forget to actually watch their favorite artists perform.  The chance to see an artist live is something that should be cherished.  

       While at concerts I admit to taking a few photos and videos, but I honestly find that it does inhibit the concert experience.  I'll take a few and then put my phone away for the rest of the show.  Back in April I was unfortunate enough to lose my phone at a concert while taking a video.  Since then, I have been extremely reluctant to take my phone out at a concert.  But still, even before that happened I have never been one to constantly take videos and photos.

      What do you think about photos at concerts?  Or even checking texts and e-mail?  What are your opinions on people that record a show the entire way through?  Do you think artists are overreacting when they get mad about photos at concerts, or do you think they have a right to be mad?

Radio Rant!

Hi everyone,

How annoyed are you with our city radio stations? Personally I find it quite annoying especially when you are changing the station to avoid listening to something you aren't interested in. The next thing you know when you switch over, the new station is either playing the same song or playing a song that you heard earlier from the previous station.

These are the main radio stations in Calgary according to me:

1. Amp Radio
2. Virgin Radio
3. Cjay 92
4. Kool 101.5

Yes, we do have variety when it comes to different stations, but when it comes down to songs between these stations, it's very similar and less variety. For the purpose of this post, I'm going to narrow it down between Amp Radio and Virgin Radio as they are the two who are competing really hard against each other. 

Now these are just from my own experience and opinion so please feel free to comment below on what you think.

Amp radio has been saying that they play more songs and less commercials than Virgin radio by playing their "10 hits in a row" one after another and saying they have played an X amount of hours more. That is very good as a lot of commuters would like to listen to more music rather than commercials. 

But just yesterday as I was on my way home from school, Amp radio and Virgin were playing the exact same song at the same time and their commercials were just as long between the two. Where is the variety in that?! I still like the two stations but they may want to reconsider their current plan/structure to how songs are being aired.

Anyways I'll stop with my rant here as I may bore you... I should really consider getting myself a new iPod of MP3 player to avoid situations like this...

Aly & Fila and Myon & Shane 54

Hey everyone!

Now that October is coming to an end and all those crazy Halloween parties have come and gone as mentioned from jlai in his post "Halloween is coming up!" and you are wondering what there is to do in November?! 

Well do not start to panic as ALY & FILA will be in town on Friday November 2nd, 2012 at Ten Nightclub and MYON & SHANE 54 will be in town on Saturday November 10th, 2012 at Flames Central to help you get your party on!!

Tickets are still on sale for these two events, so if you are interested in attending, make sure you get the tickets at the following locations as listed on the Facebook event pages.

Facebook Event page for Aly & Fila

ALY & FILA - GLOBAL FRIDAYS @ TEN - TRANCEGIVING DAY!!!

Facebook Event page for Myon & Shane 54

MYON & SHANE 54 @ FLAMES CENTRAL - Nov 10th

Happy partying everyone!!

YouTube!

Hi guys!

As you can tell from the title of this blog post "YouTube!" I'll be talking about a few YouTube stars that I follow who are musicians. I follow quite a few YouTube stars but I'll just talk about the one that I enjoy the most. Boyce Avenue

Boyce Avenue is a band that consists of three brothers, Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano from Florida. They created their band in 2004 where they wrote and performed their songs at local shows and eventually they wanted to share their passion of music to the world, so they started to produce videos on YouTube of their own songs and their favourite songs from other artists. Since sharing their music with the world on YouTube and having over 700,000 subscribers, they have become the most viewed independent band on YouTube!

Here are a few songs that I really enjoyed from them.

1. N'Sync - God Must Have Spent (Boyce Avenue Acoustic Cover)
2. Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way (Boyce Avenue Acoustic Cover)
3. Bryan Adams - Heaven (Boyce Avenue ft Megan Nicole Acoustic Cover)

You guys should definitely check them out if you haven`t got the chance to! They are amazing!!

In case you guys were interested in other YouTube musicians, check out these other great stars!

1. Jason Chen
2. Jayesslee
3. Megan Nicole
4. David Choi
5. Kina Grannis
6. Alex Goot
7. Alex G

What is your theme song or soundtrack?

Hey everyone!

Have you guys ever thought of what your theme song or soundtrack may be when you're doing your daily activities? An example to get you thinking could be a student; first you would wake up in the morning to get ready, breakfast, drive or catch the city transit to school, lunch, the ride back home, dinner, and finally getting ready for bed. 

How did I come across this question you may ask? I was spending the day with my girlfriend and as we were walking on the streets of downtown Calgary, she thought of an idea that would bring a song that would fit into our current situation, sort of how movies have specific songs playing in a scene to build the suspense for the audience.

I thought the question was a little strange at first, but as we continued on our walk, I asked her what song she was thinking about that could fit into our walk. She told me it would be our first song the we heard when we first dated. Since that day, I have been thinking about some songs here and there that could be my theme for certain activities or a soundtrack for my whole day. 

So my question to you is simple, What would your theme song or soundtrack consist on a daily basis? Here is a few examples that I have came across the past few days.

1) Waking up in the morning

• Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin - Don't You Worry Child

2) Driving to school

• Gareth Emery ft Christina Novelli - Concrete Angel

3) Drive home

• Zedd ft. Matthew Koma - Spectrum

4) Getting ready for bed

• Alesso ft. Matthew Koma - Years

Can't wait to see what songs you have selected as your theme songs/soundtrack!

5, 6, 7, 8,....Dance!

Have you ever played a sport that has cost you or your parents a lot of money? Have your parents ever made the phrase, "your going to put us in the poor house!"? Trust me, your not alone. People don't seem to realize that just like hockey or football, dancing has its expenses as well and isn't all just spins and twirls.

On average in a year my parents would spend roughly 2,500$ on my dancing. And when I say this, I don't mean including all the hair pieces, make up, entry fees for competition, costumes and shoes, I mean this is how much per year it was just for me to take classes each and every week. To put it all into a better perspective I have created a list of all the expenses (roughly) behind dance that no one really thinks about when we tell them dancing is expensive!

• Weekly classes: 250$/month
• Competition classes: 1,000$
• Costumes: 60$/per costume (averaged at 11 each year)
• Make up: 100$
• Hair pieces/accessories: 100$
• Entry fees(for competitions each dance you enter you have to pay for): 1,200$
• Music: 50$
• Extra practices: 20$/per practice
• Clothes to wear to dance: 500$
• Shoes: 500$
• Total in 1 year: 6,670$
• Over my 9 years of dance: 60,030$  

All in all this is a lot of money for something you wouldn't think would cost this much! Dancing is a sport too and along with it comes the gear and the fees. I am very fortunate to have grown up being able to do something I love as I know there are some kids out there who's families just can't afford to have them play sports or take part in any extra circular activities.

I want to hear your opinions, do you think that parents spending this kind of money on extra circular activities/sports is ridiculous or do you think it just comes with the sport?

Convention who?

Have you ever been to a convention? You know, the ones where different people come up and talk/lecture you on a particular topic or idea they have? Well within the dance world we too have our own conventions, only trust me, ours are a lot more fun!

Photo Taken By Caitlyn Tink

One big convention that has been around as long as I can remember for dancers is called "Groove Street". Personally, I have attend Groove Street for 5 years and I have to say I've enjoyed it each time. The idea behind these dance conventions is to give dancers the opportunity to be taught by other teachers, sometimes pretty big named choreographers, and learn routines to improve there dancing. Always being taught by the same teachers all the time is definitely not hindering your dancing, but its good as a dancer to get out and learn new things from new choreographers. This will only help you later in life if you are looking into pursuing dancing as a career as it also helps get your name out there. 

Photo taken by Caitlyn Tink

The way most conventions, at least Groove Street for sure, are set up is with a specific structure in mind. First, you are separated based up age. This way you avoid getting girls who are only 10 years old dancing with those who are 18 years old as they are clearly at different points in their dancing. Then you are separated based upon your skill level or years of dancing. At Groove Street there is advanced, intermediate, and junior categories that you can fit into. Although you are placed in a particular category, the faculty are really good about moving you around if you feel like something is too hard or too easy for you. Then, your days are all planned out for you depending on what category you are in. You are given a schedule that tells you what dance and what teacher you will be having to teach it at certain times through out the day. Most conventions will run all day Saturday and Sunday creating quite the busy weekend ! 

Photo Taken By Caitlyn Tink

Aside from Groove Street though there are many other conventions that take place in Calgary through out the year. There is Coastal Dance Rage, Jump, Triple Threat, and iDance. All of these are great conventions to attend, and really only vary in which choreographers they bring with them. They choreographers that come each year to these conventions usually changes, with a few regulars, as most are off trying to pursue their own dancing careers as well.

Have you ever been to a convention before? What was your take on it? Was it the most boring thing ever or did you learn something new and exciting? Conventions no matter what the form are only bettering you and your knowledge or at least opening up your mind to new ideas or ways of doing/viewing something. 

Justin Bieber!

Photo Taken By Caitlyn Tink

So I figure since he was just here in Calgary only a few weeks ago, it is only fitting to write a post about the one, the only, Justin Bieber! Justin Bieber has become a common name world wide and a face that is recognizable to everyone, not just screaming 10 year old fans. Justin Bieber is an idol for many young artists looking to pursue a career in music, as his began with something as simple as a YouTube video! Along with his road to fame have come some obstacles, like most artists,  in regards to people calling him "gay" or "queer" and all kinds of other names. However, I don't think that has discouraged him in any way as he is still writing and creating albums and as he puts it, "I just want to be me".

I can't lie and say I have always been a hardcore obsessive Justin Bieber fan though. When he first became big with his hit single "Baby", I was kind of just impartial to him, didn't like him or love him. Of course within the dance world, the same year that he came out with his first album, every child between the ages of 5 to 15 were using Justin Bieber songs for their solos or groups so it just about drove me crazy! I could of probably sang the words to all of his songs without even having them on my iPod, just by hearing them over and over again!

Photo Taken by Caitlyn Tink

It wasn't until Justin came out with his newest album, "Believe", that I actual grew to like his music. It definitely had a different style to it and I actually enjoyed it to the point of buying the whole album. Even by this point, though I began liking his music, I still wasn't hung up on Justin Bieber himself. It wasn't until I had the privilege of going to his concert he just had here at the Saddle Dome that I became hooked. Justin put on an AMAZING show! I have been to a number of concerts over the years and his was definitely one of my favorites, between the lighting and the dancing and who could forget his amazing singing!

Now, I know I am a Justin Bieber fan, but there are many people out there who have a great dislike for him. I personally don't see the point in putting him down, disrespecting him or saying just unnecessary things just because you are not a fan of someones music. We all have our likes and dislikes but Justin is just trying to make it in the music business like every other artist and I think he has done an amazing job so far. You figure he stepped into the music business at only 12 years old hoping, not even guaranteed, a chance at stardom. He took a risk that other musicians are to scared to take and he was only 12! Think about everything he gave up as well in his regular life to now be working as hard as he does. I am not trying to put Justin Bieber on this big pedestal compared to other artists out there, I'm just saying their is no need to hate him, or call him "gay" especially when you don't even really know him. 

Photo Taken by Caitlyn Tink

Knowing that is a topic that is viewed differently by most, I want to hear your opinions. What do you think of Justin Bieber? Are you a hard core Bieber fan or kind of impartial to the whole thing?

Forgive Chris Brown?

Is Chris Brown really a bad person or do you believe someone can change from their mistakes?

For those who don't read magazines near the till, watch TMZ and don't listen to the radio, Chris Brown beat up his ex-gf on February, 8th 2009.  I don't think the exact story for the reason of the fight has ever been published but the media says it may have had to do with a text message on Chris Brown. He left Rihanna with a bloody bruised and swollen face.

The world hated Chris Brown after this. He was all over the headlines as a women beat and you know what, i agreed. You do not lay a finger on women. This incident caused Chris Brown to lose shows, endorsements, and fans.

So now we fast forward 3 years and Chris is back to making music and he is back with Rihanna. I have forgiven Chris Brown but I am not sure if the world has. Reading the internet, many people still don't don't believe you can be a better person after hitting a women, He has gone through counseling and community labor and admits he made the mistake and it won't happen again.

Many women that have gone through domestic violence probably think Rihanna is dumb but I think this is a choice from Rihanna and Chris Brown. This is no ones business. The media and organizations make things worst than things. They are young adults and have their own choices to make.

Tell me what you think? Do you think a person can change after going through counseling? Do you think Rihanna should take him back? Does ChrisBrown deserve a more sever punishment?







- Mike Ha

Hip Hop is dead

You may have heard this before, hip hop is dead...

This is a pretty big statement and I am sure many people do not agree but this is how I see it. Not all hip hip is bad nowadays but a lot has changed since I was young. From listening to old school hip hop, I feel like key elements that made rap the way it was is lost with the new singers and rappers of today.

Some of the elements i think are gone now is the way rappers describe women. In the mid 90s, when women were described, it was all about romance, curves and beauty. Music now just degrade women. The word "b***h" is used way to common is modern hip hop.

Another key element I think is the expression for politics. Rappers such as Nas and Public Enemy mentioned in lyrics about corruption in America. It was educational for people who enjoyed music and didn't know about that topic.

Hip Hop music use to tell stories. If there was no music video, you would be able to see it through lyrics of the artist. Ice Cube, Slick Rick Beastie Boys were just some artist who could rhyme but also storytellers.

Artist just aren't as original as they use to be. Artist now find dances and catchy phrases to grab the attention its listeners. I know my generation may be a little older and I may never hear what I want again. Luckily the world has the internet and I can alway listen to my old favorites on my ipod. The music today is way to mainstream.

My top favorite hip hop artist: The Sugar Hill Gang, Slick Rick, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Ice-T, Ic Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop, NWA and Tupac.

Slick Rick 

Tupac

Dr. Dre

The artist I avoid listening to now: Soulja Boy, Drake and Lil Wayne. I just can't stand what they have done to this genre of music.

I am not to sure how old my readers are and not sure if they will even know some of the old school hip hop artist. I challenge you to search online of some old hip hop and tell me what you think?

NBA 2K13

With the release of NBA 2K13 on October 2, 2013 comes what I think to be the greatest soundtrack to a video game ever released. The producer of this video game is the one and only Jay-Z. Right away you can assume how good the sound track was going to be. If you are a basketball fan, a gamer and a listener of hip-hop and rap, then this game I suggest is a must pick up.
Jay says,

" I always thought the flavor of the games were lacking," Jay-Z told MTV News candidly as he walked the carpet at he 40/40. "I'm just gonna be honest: I felt that they cheated us on the music."

Jay-Z is part owner of one of the NBA teams, the Brooklyn Nets. SO he already had a relationship to the NBA. He is an artist, an entrepreneur and now a video game producer. I think having Jay-Z choose the music and be associated with the game helps build his resume and increase sales of the only console basketball game there is today. 

The tracks that he chose for this game are hard to dislike. He chose some of his own favorites like "On to the Next One" and "Run This Town," he also included music by Kanye West, Meek Mills, Rick Ross, U2 and Mobb Deep. The sound track songs can be found here. 

 "I think music and sports go hand-in-hand, and they wouldn't pay out to get a U2, a Coldplay, a Kanye," Jay said of game developer 2K Sports. "I thought it was very smart of them and very open of them to come and allow us to bring the game closer to the culture. They were really cool about it."

The trailer for this game is exciting just to watch. From the Kobe fade-away, Griffin dunk, Chris Paul cross-over, I don't know how someone wouldn't be running to their nearest video game store and picking this up if you haven't already. 

Please click here to see the official trailer for the video game. From other searches from IGN, ESPN, and the Score, this game has already met all the expectations plus more. Trust me, this is a must have. 

Greatest of all time?

I wanted to find out what your favorite song of all time is? This is strictly an opinion based writing and is totally biased.

Well what do I think is the G.O.A.T (Greatest of all time)? 

From all genres of music and all the different artist, my favorite song of all time is "All of the Lights" by Kanye West featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi. If you have not heard of this song, i have attached the link for it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAfFfqiYLp0 (This is video is owned by KanyeWestVEVO via youtube)

What makes someone like a song so much? I think this question can be interpreted a million different ways from a million different people. 

First, Kanye to me is one of the greats of hip hop music. To have him create a collaboration with Rihanna and Kid Cudi is simply genius to me. The instrumentals at the very start the song off really nice and slow and then Kanye just takes off in his first verse. I think a great song should make the listener feel good. "All of the Lights" can put me in in the best whether its in the car, shower, room or walking to class. The song should not make the listener get sick of it. I think i've played this song over 3000+ times on my iPod. I think a good song should be catchy. If the song can get you singing it then it truly is a good song. 

The word good is subjective. So i know everyone will have their own characteristics of what makes a good song. I guess some characteristics can like the significances of the song, effects, lyrics and artist. 

 I think this song truly became my favorite when I was blasting this song from my Vegas hotel room on the 33rd floor. Watching all the lights of Vegas and traffic below just made this song suitable. This song is officially the Vegas pre-gaming song. When you are in Vegas next time, please try to listen to this song as your getting ready to have a good night. I promise you, it suits the occasion. 

I look forward to hearing some of your favorite songs and why. 

Mike Ha 

Halloween is coming up!

Photo obtained from Flickr by Pedro J. Ferreira

 How are you planning to celebrate Halloween? Halloween is next Wednesday and there are a lot of events this weekend to celebrate Halloween. I'm sure October was a busy month for all of us, completing assignments and studying for midterms. Halloween will be a great opportunity for us to relieve some stress and get ready for November and finals that are coming up very soon. I'll be listing some events with great DJs that are happening this weekend for Halloween.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Cemetery of Sound @ Flames Central

Featuring DJs such as Showtek and Tritonal

Doors open at 8pm, 18+ only.

The Grind House Electronic Halloween Party @ KLUB OMFG

Playing Electro/ Trance/ Progressive House/ Dubstep/ Hardstyle/ DNB

18+ only.

Psyko Punkz @ Ten - Halloween Weekend Bash

Featuring Psyko Punkz

Saturday October 27, 2012

 Darkharbour @ Flames Central

Featuring Markus Schulz and Arnej

Doors open at 8pm, 18+ only

Naughty Nights 7 @ Stampede Big Four

Featuring Benji, Dennis Sheperd, Dru hill, and DJ Excel

Doors open at 8pm, 18+ only

Scream @ Shaw Conference (Edmonton)

Halloween massive event with many great DJs such as Michael Constable, Andy Eff vs MAzik, Dyro, Nicky Romero, Hardwell, Showtek, Arnej, Rynox, Bobby Tales, Cain, Grimey Tech vs Mike Science, Zeds Dead, Dallask, and James Bayliss.

Doors open at 8pm, 18+ only

DJMag Top 100 DJs of 2012

 DJ MAG 2012 TOP 100 DJs Event

One of the biggest electronic music magazines online, DJMag, released the top 100 DJs of 2012. I will be listing 10 DJs on this blog, and some other DJs that made a huge jump from 2011. I've also provided links to DJMag's interview with each DJ on their names if you wish to read the interview and links to YouTube for their top track of 2012.

  1. Armin Van Buuren

Photo obtained from Flickr by WarrenSki

This is Armin's fifth number one reward. Last year, Armin got second place, giving his first place to David Guetta. Armin's tune of 2012 was The Fusion - Omnia & IRA. Armin was extremely surprised that he got number one again, he thought that house music was about to take over when David Guetta took his spot last year. I'm glad that Armin got first place again, I really think he deserves it.

 

2. Tiesto

Photo obtained from Flickr by nestland

Tiesto jumped up from third place last year to second place this year. His track of 2012 was Gotye 'Somebody I Used To Know (Tiesto Remix). I'm not a huge fan of Tiesto, I don't really listen to his tracks but Tiesto has been around DJing even before I started to listen to trance music and he is really well known for a lot of his classic tracks.

3. Avicii

This years third DJ is Avicii. Avicii was extremely well known for his popular track Levels. Avicii's track for 2012 was Silhouettes. I was actually surprised to see that Avicii jumped three spots up from last year. I remember Level's was a huge hit in the end of 2011, especially when Avicii came to Calgary last Christmas, I was hearing that song everywhere but now I rarely hear it.

4. David Guetta

Photo obtained from Flickr by evarinaldiphotography

David Guetta dropped from first place in 2011 to fourth place in 2012. His tune for 2012 was Titanium.

5. Deadmau5

Photo obtained from Flickr by TonyFelgueiras

Deadmau5 got fifth place for 2012. Deadmau5 did not participle in any of the interview questions which I'm not surprised. I never liked the music he produced and I definitely don't like his personality. Deadmau5 is disrespectful to other DJs and rude to a lot of his fans.

6.  Hardwell

Photo obtained from Flickr by Amnesia - Ibiza

Number six this year on DJMags Top 100 is Hardwell. 2012 was a big year for hardstyle music and Hardwell had a lot of great tracks. His top track for 2012 is Spaceman.

7. Dash Berlin 

Photo obtained from Flickr by Thómas Tan

My number two favorite DJ of all time jumped one spot up this year to number seven. His top track for 2012 was Concrete Angel - Gareth Emery & Emma Hewitt. Dash Berlin did a lot in 2012, traveling to many places and playing in many different venues. Dash Berlin is well known for his 'Dash-ups' (His way of saying Mash-ups) and his vocal trance music. One of my favorite vocal tracks from Dash Berlin is Go It Alone.

8. Above & Beyond

Photo obtained from Flickr by Caesar Sebastian

Above & Beyond is a DJ group from the UK and went from fifth place in 2011 to eighth place in 2012. Their favorite track of 2012 was Andrew Bayer & Matt Lange feat Kerry Leva 'In And Out Of Phase (Norin & Rad Remix). Above & Beyond is well known for their radio and event Trance Around The World, where they visit different places around the globe playing the best tracks. They are now currently at episode 448 and should be announcing their huge event, TATW500, fairly soon.

  9. Afrojack

Photo obtained from Flickr by Sara Cooper PR

The number nine DJ for 2012 is Afrojack. His track of the year was Rock The House. Afrojack used to always produce by himself, but now he is working in three different studios collaborating with a lot of different artists and DJs. Be sure to check out his new tracks in 2013.

10. Skrillex

Photo obtained from Flickr by eastscene

And number ten for DJMag's Top100 list is Skrillex. dubstep is definitely growing in the EDM (Electric Dance Music) world but I personally do like like dubstep. I find the beat to dubstep very awkward and it has a really dirty feeling to it.









40. Porter Robinson

Photo obtained from Flickr by Allan Figuracion

Porter Robinson made a huge jump in 2012, going up 56 spots on Top100 from 2011. Porter Robinson released a great track in 2012 that are being played by all DJs at almost every big EDM event called Language. Porter Robinson just came out of school and from all the reputation he got from his track Language, I'm definitely sure more great tracks will be coming.

A State of Trance 600 Event Announcement!

On Thursday, Armin Van Buuren announced the first six locations for his annual A State of Trance 600 Event at the Amsterdam Dance Event. Every week, Armin hosts radio episodes of the latest mixes and tracks from DJs around the world and on every 50th episode, Armin prepares a huge world wide massive event where he goes on a tour around the globe to reach the millions of people who listen to trance music. 

Armin brings the best DJs from around the world such as:

• Ferry Corsten 
• Markus Shulz 
• Dash Berlin 
• Gareth Emery 
• Cosmic Gate 
• Alex MORPH 
• W&W 
• Above & Beyond 
• and many more 

The first six cities that Armin Van Buuren announced are:

1.  Feb.16, 2013 - Mexico City
2.  Mar.1, 2013 - Sao Paulo
3.  Mar.9, 2013 - Beirut
4.  Mar.15, 2013 - Kuala Lumpur
5.  Mar.30, 2013 - NYC
6.  Apr.6, 2013 Den Bosch

ASOT 550

 

Photo obtained from Flickr by Ocal

For A State of Trance 550  Armin visited London, Moscow, Kiev, Los Angeles, Miami, and Den Bosch. One of my biggest dreams is to attend an ASOT event, hopefully in Den Bosch. The reason why I want to go to Den Bosch is because on every ASOT event, Armin hosts ASOT at one of the biggest venues,
Brabanthallen in Netherlands. This venue is unbelievable, it has 5 huge rooms where 5 big DJ's play at the same time in different rooms.

Armin Van Buuren Releases Documentary, "A Year With Armin Van Buuren"

Photo taken from Flickr by Caesar Sebastian

Last Friday, Armin van Buuren released a documentary of his life works. I've mentioned about Armin in many of my previous posts. As a lot of you all know, Armin is one of my favorite DJ's. He was the main reason why I started to listen to trance and once I saw his twitter post saying he released a documentary, I quickly went to watch his documentary.

I really admire Armin's work ethics. The documentary shows all of Armin's hard work ever since he started producing music in his room and had specific plans to become number one. Armin achieved his goal in 2007 and kept his number one position on DJMag, one of the biggest electric dance music magazines, for four years straight. Armin lost his number one position in 2011 to David Guetta and got second place but in the documentary, Armin states that he did not win nor did he lose. Armin says it would not feel right if he were to win five times in a row, especially when there are so many more DJs out there constantly releasing new tracks.

One thing I really respect about Armin is how he promotes other DJ's in his weekly "A State of Trance" episodes and invites DJ's from all around the world to attend his A State of Trance Events, which are hosted every 50 episodes. Out of all the DJs I think Armin works the hardest. Armin has a number of radio stations that he hosts, "A State of Trance Episodes", "A State of Sunday Episodes", as well as podcasts. Not only does Armin hosts these radio stations, he also travels the world in his jet playing at venues around the world.

In the end, Armin will always be number one to me and he'll definitely reclaim his position as number one DJ on DJMag.