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Archive for November, 2011

THFGI Sets Text-to-Give Goal of Funding 500 HIV Tests for World AIDS DayAccording to AIDS United, one of five people infected with HIV are unaware they have the disease. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reported 514 new cases of HIV and AIDS in 2010, but there could be additional undiagnosed cases.

In conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1, 2011, The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis is raising money through its KNOW POSITIVE text-to-give campaign to fund 500 additional rapid HIV tests. A rapid HIV test not only gets people who test positive for HIV into medical care more quickly, it also prevents further exposure to the disease from those who may not know they are infected.

“The best way to stop the spread of HIV is through prevention. The best prevention is for people to know their HIV status and that of their sexual partners,” said Betty Wilson, President and CEO of The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, which operates the Indiana AIDS Fund. “We want to provide more tests so more people, especially the younger generation that doesn’t seem to be as aware of HIV, can know their status.” Forty-six percent of all new HIV diagnoses in Indiana last year were in people age 30 or younger, according to the ISDH.

“HIV is affecting people in what is supposed to be their most productive years,” said Carrie Carter, a medical social worker for LifeCare at Indiana University Health, an Indiana AIDS Fund grant recipient. “I always tell patients that in order to live a successful life, they must take control of their HIV.”

To participate in the KNOW POSITIVE campaign, simply text the word “KNOW” to 20222. Each text results in a $10 donation to the Indiana AIDS Fund. The Health Foundation will donate one HIV test to an Indiana AIDS service organization for each text donation. The $10 donation will be added to your cellular phone bill. Standard text messaging fees also apply. “When you text “KNOW” to 20222, that’s one more person in the know,” said Wilson.

The Health Foundation will distribute KNOW POSITIVE cards and bracelets at World AIDS Day events across Indianapolis. In addition, they will share the text-to-give information on Facebook and Twitter. The Indiana AIDS Fund is a program of The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS service programs in Indiana. Each year, the Indiana AIDS Fund provides grants to community-based organizations through the state for HIV education, prevention and treatment programs for women, women of color, youth, under-served communities and men having sex with men.

Paper Diamond Announces New Tour Dates

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 29 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Paper Diamond Announces New Tour DatesPaper Diamond (Pretty Lights Music, Elm & Oak) announces new tour dates, continuing his progression across the great expanse of America, bringing beats to every state. Paper Diamond will be stopping by New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Memphis, as well as many others in between. Paper Diamond joins Tiesto, Benny Benassi, Laidback Luke, and Diplo for Lights All Night a pre-New years Eve gala on December 30 at the Dallas Convention Center. Then kicking the New Year off to a fab start Paper Diamond will be joined by Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, The Glitch Mob, Bassnectar, and Theophilus London for SnowGlobe Music Festival in Lake Tahoe for a festive NYE celebration! Following that Alex B will also be performing on the Jam Cruise, which passes through Ft. Lauderdale, Haiti, and Jamaica, and features a comprehensive line-up of artists across many different genres.

Paper Diamond has been consistently touring during the fall with his musical cohorts from both Pretty Lights Music and Elm & Oak. These artists have included Michael Menert, Sorry For Partying, Minnesota, and Raw Russ. Expect to see more outstanding musical talent featured in the new leg of his tour, furthering the reputation of Pretty Lights Music and Elm & Oak for housing some of the best up and coming talent in the US. M Machine who is signed to Skrillex’s label OWSLA joins on dates January 18-28.

Winter Tour Dates

  • December 1 – Webster Hall, New York, NY
  • December 2 – Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
  • December 3 – The Filmore, Silver Spring, MD
  • December 16 – Three20South, Breckenridge, CO
  • December 30 – Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX
  • December 31 – SnowGlobe Festival, Lake Tahoe, NV
  • January 7 – Belly Up Aspen, Aspen, CO
  • January 9 – 1/14/12 – Jam Cruise 10, Ft. Lauderdale, Haiti, Jamaica
  • January 18 – The Venue at the Hub, Fargo, ND
  • January 19 – Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
  • January 20 – Winter Warmer Fest, Oconomowoc, WI
  • January 21 – Clutch Cargo’s Pontiac, MI
  • January 25 – Bluebird Theater, Bloomington, IN
  • January 26 – Majestic Live, Madison, WI
  • January 27 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
  • January 28 – Laird Room, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
  • February 1 – Awful Arthur’s, Blacksburg, VA
  • February 4 – The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
  • February 8 – The Engine Room, Tallahassee, FL
  • February 9 – Bourbon Street Bar, Auburn, AL
  • February 10 – Newby’s, Memphis, TN
  • February 11 – Cam’s Ballroom, Tulsa, OK

Paper Diamond is following up the first Turnt Up Tour Webisode, which features Paper Diamond, Michael Menert, and Sorry For Partying, with a second Webisode. This edition features Paper Diamond, Two Fresh, and Sorry For Partying, and chronicles their experiences on the road, including of course the sounds and sights of the music and fans.

“Can We Go Up” offers a choppy dance anthem, complete with Hoover synths and electronic strings, but rearranged for a hyper dance floor.” – Interview Magazine

“Paper Diamond’s sound has the capacity to make a packed dancefloor vibe as one.” — Huffington Post

“He mixes dubstep’s hard-hitting beats with synthesizing sounds that make you want to dance.” -Hipster Overkill

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Byron Gore

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 28 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Byron GoreEarlier this year, I had some friends out at Streaming Media West in LA. While there, they met this guy at one of the official after parties. He handed them a CD and that was that. Well, I got my hands on that CD and was blown away from the moment I hit play. His voice is unique, rough, and unkempt… but that’s what I love about it. He is also an incredible songwriter. His single Grey is amazing, and I can’t wait for more form this dude. He is currently living out in LA, which is why he was at the after party… but I am so glad that I ended up with his CD so that I could make this interview a reality. It’s been fun listening to his work and getting to know him on a deeper level… it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Byron Gore.

It’s funny how we met… thanks to Streaming Media West. I wasn’t even there, by my boss passed me your CD. What were you doing in LA? Were you at Streaming Media West or were you there for one of the after parties?

I was there for an after party. I came along to keep my wife company.

Your song Grey is amazing. I LOVE the lyrics. Do you write all of your own lyrics?

Thanks! I mainly write all my own lyrics, but I also like to collaborate with other people. I often collaborate with my wife. But Grey was all my own work. I was inspired while walking home from work. I was living in Wales back then.It was a grey, somber kind of day. So the lyrics came really fast.

How long have you been performing?

I started performing when I was very young. Mainly dance. But I also loved to sing! I was a huge Michael Jackson fan back then and knew all of his songs and dance moves. So I used to perform at parties and any events my parents would go to. As I got older I discovered more genres of music. But it wasn’t until I was about 14 that I really picked up and started to learn the guitar. I had my first band at about 15. We really sucked and we never played any live shows. We were Metallica and Nirvana wannabes.

I joined my first real band when I was about 20 something. I say band, but it was just my friend Nigel and myself. I was the guitarist and he was the singer. We played the bars and clubs around Swansea, where I lived for quite a few years. Swansea is a city in Wales, and Wales is in Britain. I am of course Welsh! Anyway… after playing the part of the guitarist for a year I decided I wanted to be the singer. So Nigel and I parted ways. I started to get back into singing and started to write my own songs and in 2001 I studied guitar at The Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford. Just after graduating I was rushed into hospital with a burst lung. It was pretty serious and I lost a lot of blood. After 13 hours in intensive care and 2 weeks in the hospital I was out. But the doctor told me I would never sing again. So I of course had to prove him wrong. I’ve been performing and writing ever since, but it wasn’t until I moved to LA in 2009 that music became a major part of my life.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I’ve had a few “day jobs” outside of music. I mean I still need the money to record a CD, to put gas in the car… so I can get to shows and so on. But I pretty much suck at “day jobs”, so right now I’m just doing the music. It’s what I love doing the most and it’s what I know best and feel most comfortable doing.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

Inspiration can really come from anywhere. It can be from real life events, from a movie or even a dream. But I find that I get most of my inspiration from the darker side of life. Sadness and sorrow are huge emotional buttons and everybody has experienced them at some point in their life. Although I have written happy songs as well.

You have “Live Streaming Show” on your Facebook page. Do you stream all of your shows?

I don’t stream all my shows, but I have streamed a few of them and it’s been very successful. I love the idea that I can broadcast my shows live so even people living in different countries in different time zones can still experience one of my shows. Because my family all live back in the UK, it’s a great way for them to attend.

We do a lot with live streaming. What service do you use for that?

I’ve used blogTV, USTREAM and Stickam. I had the best results with blogTV, as they would often feature my shows and I would get anything up to 600 people at a time watching online.

Grey was recently nominated for an award. So… how did you do? Did you win?

Yeah, I was really happy when I found out it had been nominated! Although it didn’t win, it was still an honor just to be nominated and to walk the red carpet.

What instruments do you play?

My main instrument, apart from my voice, is the acoustic guitar. I also play electric guitar and bass. I wrote and played all the bass lines on my single Raining In Your Heart.

What’s your first memory of the guitar?

My first memory was when I was very young, maybe 8 years old. One of my teachers at school would always bring his guitar into class and play us songs at the end of the day. He was the total hippy type. It sparked an interest in me, and because of that he decided to teach us guitar in class. Apparently I was really good at the guitar and picked it up fast. But I soon gave up because it hurt my little fingers too much. It wasn’t until I was around 14 that I picked the guitar up again.

You are all over the place… you are on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube. How do you have time for all that?

Yeah, I really am pretty much all over the net. To be honest, I don’t really have the time. But as well as being a musician, I’m also my own manager. I have to take time out of music to do all the updates and promotion. I have a great following and most of the people are really nice and supportive of me, which makes it all worth while.

I haven’t seen you live, but what can someone expect from a live performance?

Naked women, alcohol and bouncy castles…. I’m joking. Although that might not be such a bad idea! When playing live I like to get to know the audience and get them involved in a few songs. After all, I’m there to entertain. I love playing live and I think it shows… so expect great music with a heartfelt delivery.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

Drinking tea!

Tell me about your relationship with Carmen Perez.

Carmen and I met about 2 years ago. A good friend of mine introduced me to her, as she was looking for a guitarist to play at one of her shows. I loved her music and we instantly became close friends.  Since then we have played many shows together and co-wrote quite a few songs. One of the songs Love Is Like A Rose should be releases either before this Christmas or soon after. We both sync very well musically and as friends, which I think helps encourage our creativity. She is also a wonderful actress and you can of course see her in my music video Grey where she plays my girlfriend.

You have a mailing list on your website. How many times a month do you send those out? What sort of content do you put in those?

I try not to send too many out… I hate spam. I don’t want people to think of my emails as spam, so I wait until I have enough interesting news. I may also post about upcoming shows and video releases.

You are originally from the UK. What brought you over here?

A wonderful woman brought me over here… and that woman is now my wife! I met my Aleisha via my music and YouTube. We were friends for a few years before we decided to take it a step further.  After visiting each other I decided to take the leap and move to LA to live with her. We soon after got married. Aleisha is a very creative person. She’s a talented producer, director, writer and actress.  She is also a really amazing lyricist. So co-writing with Aleisha is always good! We have written many songs together! She also wrote, produced and directed Grey, so the nomination was as much hers as it was mine. We carry on creating as a team. She has just published a tween book called “Marney + me best sisters 4ever” and is in the process of producing her first feature movie called “Chocolate Is Not Better Than Sex”. Keep your eyes open for it!

Do you ever go back over there?

I’ve been back once since I moved, but would love to go back and visit some time in 2012.

Did you have a good Thanksgiving?

It was great! Lots of food and all my American family members came over. Hence to say we are still eating the left overs almost a week later! As far as the food goes, it’s very much like Christmas dinner back in the UK.

What’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Probably about 300 people. I would like to perform in front of a lot more, but I have performed in front of 600 and more during the streaming online shows.

You always have a hat on… you trying to hide something under there?

Yes. I have this extra head. He has a fowl mouth, so I like to cover him up.  No, I just prefer the way I look with a hat on. I hate my head!

Do you play any cover songs, or is all original?

Oh yeah I play loads of cover. I like to mix 2 or 3 covers in during a show. It’s always good to play something people will recognize. I play a lot of Johnny Cash songs and Chris Isaak songs as well as more mainstream modern songs.

Raining In Your Heart… what a great tune. That’s a single… but what about an album? Are you working on one of those?

Thanks. Yeah I’m currently working on a new CD. So far I have raised enough money via my awesome fans on kickstarter.com to record the first 2 songs on the CD. I hope to be able to raise the remaining money so I can either record a 5 song EP or a full length album. I would love to record a full album. The song I mentioned earlier… Love Is Like A Rose will be on my CD.

In your opinion, how do you feel the Internet has changed the way people absorb music?

I’m kinda torn about it. In one respect music has lost its originality and individuality. It was once a really big deal to record an album and to get a record deal and to be heard by the many. But now anybody and everybody is doing it. They may not all be doing it well, but they are doing it. On the other hand, it’s great that people who once weren’t able to be heard and discovered can now do so. We are now able to absorb more genres and listen to music outside of what the radio feeds us. I think once we really grasp how to effectively use this medium it will become even bigger and better than it already is. I just wish YouTube would feature real musicians rather than the crap that pays to be on there.

Your logo is on all kinds of merchandise. I see shirts and hats… even coffee mugs. Where can I buy some of your merchandise?

Right now it’s on the ReverbNation store. I’m in the process of creating my own personal store so people can buy directly from me.

Do you take all that merchandise with you when you play a live show?

It depends on the venue. I usually just take CDs, but as soon as I get my new merchandise line up and running I will be setting up a little table so people can buy the items.

Looks like you had a lot of fun at the Hollywood Music In Media. Your pictures are worth a thousand words!

Yeah it was great fun! I try not to take things to serious. I’m still waiting for more photos and interviews to surface.

What’s the plan this winter? Well, I guess you don’t have a winter in LA. Is there a tour in the works? We need to get you to the Midwest.

Compared to winter in the UK, this is nothing. It’s usually in the high 70s and 80s during during the festive season. Although we do get some cold days. There is most defiantly a tour in the works. I will be promoting my new CD by playing venues around the US, so expect me in your neck of the woods sometime next year!

Your music is on Spotify… I LOVE Spotify. Are you using that yet?

Yeah Spotify is great! I love the fact that you can check out your friends’ playlists. It’s a great way to discover new music!

What does the future hold for you? Where are you in say, five years?

Hopefully still doing what I love most! I hope to have a few albums under my belt and a few big tours. I would love to be looked upon as a great songwriter and performer.

When it’s all said and done, and you are no longer around to sing songs… what is your legacy? What do you want to be remembered for?

For my honesty, friendship and music. I hope I can carry on inspiring our future generations.

Thank you so much for sitting down with me today. Means a lot Byron. In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch… it’s the longest town name in Wales… probably the world. I want to say thank you for this great interview and thank to everyone that reads it. I would also like to say thanks to all my supporters. Without you, doing what I do would be pointless! Stay creative, keep dreaming and never stop trying! Anything is possible.

Click here to follow Byron Gore on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Byron Gore on Facebook.

Click here to watch Byron Gore on YouTube.

J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the World

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 27 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldIt’s been a while since I have written a movie review… heck; it’s been a while since I have watched a movie! I guess vacation is a great time to get back into the swing of things. We are going to watch a movie later tonight! (They want to see The Muppets, but I think I am going to see Jack & Jill.) Anyway, the other night we went to see J. Edgar. Until we were on our way to the theater, I thought he was a president. I had no idea that he was the person who started the FBI… I wasn’t the only one, because everyone with us thought the same thing. Sheryl was the only one who knew better.

Going in, I hadn’t seen the trailer, had no idea what it was about (I assumed the FBI) and didn’t even know who was in it. I was in for a surprise.

The film was directed by Clint Eastwood, written by Dustin Lance Black, and starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, and Naomi Watts. The cast was stellar, but I am not a huge fan of what Eastwood pumps out. I really hate it when he directs and stars in the same film. But I didn’t even know he was associated with this picture until it was over.

J. Edgar didn’t really have a plot. It would be best described as a documentary. It was pretty much the story of J. Edgar Hoover. The one thing I did like was how they told the story. It was told as Edgar (that’s what his friends called him in the movie) was dictating his manuscript. The story went back and forth in time, and I liked how they made the actors look young and old depending on where they were in his story. It’s a unique take on it, and had the movie not been so long, I could see that being more effective.

ACTION! Oh wait…

The movie didn’t have much action. There was a scene in the beginning of the film where a bomb went off… that made me jump a little. But that was about it. It was a lot of banter with the characters, and a lot of detail on who J. Edgar was as a person. They did focus on some of the things that he was famous for. For instance, I had no idea he was the one who came up with the Dewey Decimal System. (Wikipedia gives the credit to someone else, but the movie makes it seem as if he was the one who invented that system.)

Hoover is also responsible for fingerprinting… it was actually pretty funny, as when they were going over this in the movie people were mocking him, making fun of this concept. That concept is used today, and has managed to put justice to endless crimes. Not such a bad idea after all! It was just neat to see all of these things that he was responsible for. That… and the Federal Bureau of Investigation! That’s a pretty big deal, if I do say so myself!

Oh so BORING!

The movie was really long, and VERY boring. I am pretty sure my favorite cousin Chris fell asleep during the movie. It was too long, there was not enough action, and it just seemed like the movie dragged on and on. Every time that I thought it would be over, and the story came to a potential closing point it just started back up again. It did that four or five times. I kept waiting, when all of a sudden it was over. I knew it was getting close when Edgar died.

It wasn’t a bad movie. The acting was great, and the makeup was incredible. But it was just too long. I wanted more… more of a story, and more development. There are some things Hoover is known for (that I learned after seeing the movie) like his potential homosexuality and his cross-dressing habits. That was touched on in the movie, but never focused on. Those are the things I now want to learn more about.

If you are a history buff, go see the movie. You will like it… especially if you are into the FBI and the likes of J. Edgar Hoover. Leo did a GREAT job with this, and I am sure he will win an award or two for his work here. It’s not his best work, but after Titanic his career has just gone downhill! (No, really… I loved that movie. Did you know they are bringing that movie back in 3D? Yeah… I know. Dumb!)

Since I rate this movie in terms of popcorn kernels, I have to give this a 2/5. The acting is good, like I said, but there isn’t enough there to keep me entertained for more than a few minutes. If you want to see this, I would suggest saving your money and waiting until it’s on DVD. It’s not a blockbuster like Immortals or Twilight. (For the record, I have not seen the new Twilight. I have no plans on seeing it, either.)

Did you see J. Edgar? What did you think?

J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldJ. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldJ. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldJ. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldJ. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the World

Swedish DJ Avicii Signs with Atom Empire

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 26 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Swedish DJ AVICII Signs with Atom EmpireInterscope Records, in conjunction with Troy Carter’s electronic dance music label Atom Empire, is pleased to announce that it has signed a singles deal with rising Swedish DJ, remixer, and producer Avicii for the U.S. Born Tim Bergling in Stockholm, Avicii has already conquered club charts worldwide with his current single Le7els. Released by LE7ELS Records/Atom Empire/Interscope, the radio edit is now available now at all digital partners. Le7els has been declared the “Tune of 2011″ by David Guetta in DJ Mag, which also placed the 22-year-old Swede at No. 6 on its yearly poll of the Top 100 DJs after just two years of performing. The first weekend it was released, Le7els sold well over 10,000 copies on iTunes.

Part of the next generation of electronic music producers to explode alongside the likes of Tiësto, Swedish House Mafia, and his sometime collaborator Guetta (on Guetta’s current album “Nothing But The Beat”), Avicii has emerged as a potent force on the electronic dance music scene, penetrating on both a club and commercial level. Le7els climbed to No. 1 the international Beatport chart, as well as on the club charts in Germany and Australia, while the success of prior singles Seek Bromance, Street Dancer and Fade Into Darkness have also propelled him into the ranks of superstar DJs who are able to perform to massive crowds. Avicii has headlined such colossal events as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Dance Valley, Street Parade, and IDentity Festival, and performed on the mainstage at the this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival.

Avicii North American Tour Dates

  • December 27 – Flames Central in Calgary, Canada
  • December 28 – Events Centre in Edmonton, Canada
  • December 29 – The Warfield in San Francisco, CA.
  • December 31 – Pier 94 in New York, NY

Click here to follow Avicii on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Avicii on Facebook.

TATW: Final Countdown to 400

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 25 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

TATW: Final Countdown to 400With just one day to go, Above & Beyond’s landmark #TATW400 show is again primed to be the biggest event on the Anjunabeats bosses’ calendar.

On Saturday, November 26, taking place at the famed Forum De Beyrouth in the pearl of the Middle East, Beirut, Lebanon, #TATW400 will unite some of the biggest names in trance and progressive – Gareth Emery, Kyau & Albert, Mat Zo and Jaytech. The main event will be a two hour set from Above & Beyond themselves – recently voted Britain’s most popular DJs for the 4th year running.

Through a live eight hour broadcast, fans from anywhere in the world will be able to hear each set in its full glory – as well as AAA live interviews and chatter with all the artists from Above & Beyond’s backstage studio. The show will be streamed live between 22.00 – 06.30 EET / 15:00 – 23:30 EST. To calculate the time you can listen live from your global destination click HERE. To find out which stations you can tune in to the show from click HERE.

But fans will not simply be able to experience the action wherever they are in the world, they will also be able to part of the action too. Through the central interactive hub of TATW400.com and the interactive 3D map, Above & Beyond are calling on their fans to communicate with them via Twitter and Facebook. Last year, Above & Beyond’s TATW350 united fans around the world through the interactive global map – pushing #TATW350 to become the world’s top twitter trending topic.

This year, they have been working hard to revolutionize the interactive experience of this live eight hour clubbing marathon – presenting a new interactive 3d globe TATW400.com/map/3d/. By talking about #TATW400 on Twitter you will see your messages emerge on a real time 3D globe pin pointing the exact location of each comment. This year’s map will even bring you real time exclusive photo and video content as the show happens. Fan comments and messages left on the social networks will also be read out live on air by Above & Beyond, completing the 360 interactive experience.

For full info on the map and information on how you can interact with Above & Beyond and #TATW400, access the special #TATW400 information pack click HERE.

*A&B TATW400 3D Map uses the latest Web GL technology and is optimized only for the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari.

TATW400 : Beirut, Lebanon – November 26 Set Times (EST)

  • 3:00 pm – 4:30 PM – Jaytech
  • 4:30 pm – 6:00 PM – Kyau & Albert
  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 PM – Above & Beyond
  • 8:00 pm – 9:30 PM – Gareth Emery
  • 9:30 pm – 11:30 PM – Mat Zo

Click here to follow Above & Beyond on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Above & Beyond on Facebook.

Click here to watch Above & Beyond on YouTube.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Sean Tyas

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 24 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Sean TyasEarlier this year, as we were preparing for Electric Zoo, I started to make my list of DJs I wanted to see. This guy was at the top of that list. But we got in late, and I missed his set. Since then I have been listening to his work and looking for a chance to see him live. I still haven’t seen him live yet, but now he has a new album that will surely mean a tour. The new release is titled “Tytanium Sessions Alpha” and features a ton of tracks both original mixes and remixes alike. He doesn’t use a ton of lyrics, and I like that in a DJ. If you can just let the music tell the story… why do you need lyrics? That is actually what got me started in electronic dance music. The new release features a lot of heavy bass, and is very deep and dark as you progress from one track to the next. Listen to the album… you’ll see what I mean. That’s enough from me, let’s hear from the artist. It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to NYC native Sean Tyas.

You have been pretty busy lately with the release of your new album “Tytanium Sessions Alpha”. Speaking of that release, that was on Tytanium Records. I see a theme here. What’s the word “tytanium” mean to you?

Nothing really, it’s just a cute misspelling of a word that sort of sums up what I like: tough material.  I thought it was be a good theme for the show and the label.

I have listened to that album a few times. It’s really solid. Tell me a little bit more about the production of that and your expectations for the release.

Well actually that’s a double-disc mix compilation, not an album (though an actual album is getting to the point of completion). I started this series (there will be a “Beta”soon) to basically give people a really high quality sounding version that’s in the form of something they can have on CD.

You are originally from New York. I had the chance to see you in New York earlier this year at Electric Zoo. What’s it like playing for that many people in your hometown?

Always a pleasure. Even my parents come out to the shows, which is so great for them to see. I get out 2-3 times a year to play there and trust me, I count down the days every time.

You are ranked as one of the top 100 DJs in the DJ Mag Top 100… but I think you should be higher than that. I am actually not that impressed with the top 5 for that  matter. What are your thoughts on the list?

Honestly, I worry that promoters book only based on the list and not on the actual events. I also worry that the clubbers also buy into it and see DJs based on this “ranking”.

Does being in the top 100 get you anything more than bragging rights?

Actually yeah, it’s pretty wild, they send everyone in the top 10 a Range Rover, and everyone else gets a VW Golf.  Nah, just kidding, nothing really.

You are all over the place… you play shows all over the world. Is it possible, with all of the shows you have played, to pick a favorite venue? Better yet… a favorite country?

Very easy; Argentina. Crobar there would be my favorite place to play. SO much different than anywhere else.

What’s your relationship with Integrity Artist Management?

They handle all my bookings, negotiations, gig schedules, and flight itineraries. Lately they have become more involved in my music management as well.

I listen to music all day whether I am at work or in the car, at home or on a plane. I use the Bose noise cancelling headphones. I am sure you are using something I have never heard of! What headphones do you use? Where can someone get a pair of DJ headphones?

On the plane and in travels when I’m doing proper “work” I prefer the KRK KNS8400 headphones. They are relatively new, but sound awesome. When I’m just istening to something on the go like out of my iPhone, I use the Sennheiser CX300 II pair, and when I DJ, currently I’m using Pioneer HDJ-2000s. Anyone can get any of these really at any music store or online. I think the DJ culture is so widespread now it’s so easy to find.

You are crushing it with Facebook and Twitter. How do you find the time to keep those social media sites updated?

I love my iPhone; I’m just always on the thing! It makes keeping up with that flow really simple and efficient.

It seems that nearly every DJ out there has a podcast. You have one that is updated every Tuesday. What’s that process like for you coming up with new material and creating those every week?

The hardest part is just listening to all the promos that come in every day and really trying to stay on top of it. Other than that, I spend every Monday doing the actual show, because it actually goes out every Monday night at 4:00 PM EST / 22:00 CET on www.afterhours.fm.

You are constantly on tour. Do you ever get bored being on the road so much? I bet it’s nice to just get home and sleep in your own bed!

I have a family now (recently 2 daughters: 8 month and 2 year old), so I get homesick VERY often. I guess it simply depends if I’m in a city that I know enough people to really keep myself occupied or not.

Your sound is unique… it has a much harder edge to it than most dance music. Where did that come from? Where do you get motivation for a new track?

I think the motivation these days is coming from my thirst to keep learning. If I didn’t learn a thing or two by the time I finish a track, I’m really disappointed. Also, especially lately, I’ve gotten MUCH more diverse for the album work, because I want to push myself to se what I am capable of. I think many people will be surprised at some of what will be on there.

What’s next for Sean Tyas? What does 2012 have in store for you, your beats, and for Tytanium Recordings?

Expect a lot of diversification. If you see a Sean Tyas release coming out, you soon will have no idea what to expect! I feel up until now, one would would know exactly what to expect.

I feel like I could talk to you all day Sean. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me. In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

It’s been a pleasure, and no problem at all! Thanks for the questions and take care!

Click here to follow Sean Tyas on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Sean Tyas on Facebook.

Tiger Woods to make $3 million for playing in Abu Dhabi

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 23 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Tiger Woods to make $3 million for playing in Abu DhabiLooks like Tiger Woods is on the right track. He hasn’t had the best of luck over the last couple years, but he had some good fortune in Australia earlier this month. He is hitting the ball well, and is ready to get back into the swing of things. (No pun intended.) If he could only learn how to putt… he never missed from 10 foot when he was at the top. Tiger has no choice but to get back to low numbers. He’s running out of time if he wants to catch Jack. To keep the ball rolling, Tiger is going to play in Abu Dhabi… and he’s getting paid $3 million to do it. (I wonder if that is why he is playing…) Tiger might not have been the best choice for the Presidents Cup, but he did end up winning the final point that sealed the deal for the Americans. Looks like captain Fred Couples made the right call. I mean, it’s Tiger Woods after all. It would have been silly if he wasn’t down under. Anyway, back to Abu Dhabi.

Tiger will be breaking another record in Abu Dhabi. He will be making $3 million just to show up at the HSBC Championship. Think about that… he could miss the cut and still make $3 million. To give you some perspective on how much that is, Jason Dufner made just over $3 million all year on the PGA Tour. Granted, he’s not Tiger Woods (not even sure what Jason looks like) but that’s unreal! I am the world’s biggest Tiger Woods fan, and I think this is a bit ridiculous. The guy hasn’t won in two years, but still has the brand power to pull in that kind of dough.

Tiger needs to make 2012 count… he can’t not win next year. He is getting too old for another year without a major. It’s that simple. Do you think Tiger will win a major next year?

Adrian Lux Releases Alive Remixes Part 1

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 22 - 20112 COMMENTS

Adrian Lux "Alive" Remixes Part 1 - OUT NOWAdrian Lux is back with the first set of remixes for his latest smash Alive featuring English electro pop band The Good Natured.  While Adrian’s original version of Alive is the perfect marriage of pop and the dance floor, these fresh new remixes are all about those peak time moments in a club.

Albin Myers rides out the beat, chops up Sarah McIntosh’s vocals and rubs out some blinding electro laser beams while Basto adds an uplifting synthy touch to his original remix and adds an extra fistful of drums to the dub. Blende delivers an industrial vibe that’s simply menacing, while Mysto & Pizzi use only the original vocal and create their own entirely new (and massive) interpretation of Alive.

With smash original productions Teenage Crime, Strawberry, Can’t Sleep and Boy; and recent remix work for the likes of Britney Spears, Natalia Kills, Roger Sanchez, the TRON soundtrack, Miami Horror and PNAU already under his belt, Swedish based GRAMMY nominated (2011) Adrian Lux is one of the hottest young producers on the scene.

Raised in Stockholm by a former punk rocker and a fashion photographer/filmmaker, Adrian Lux’s professional career in music began as a teenage prodigy, earning fame as one of the city’s leading hip-hop & reggae DJs before transitioning to the head rush house and cutting-edge pop that seems to only come from Sweden. With one foot in the suburb where he grew up and the other in the pulsating Stockholm nightlife, Adrian Lux meshes his worlds through music. Adrian creates sounds that are often described both as minimal and grandiose. His music built its foundation on the dance floor, with a teenage whimsy attached to it. Blowing up European dance floors for over three years, it’s never mattered what kind of club or crowd that is in attendance – techno, house, or indie; they all love Adrian Lux.

With Teenage Crime certified Platinum in Australia and Adrian receiving worldwide DJ support from the likes of Tiësto, David Guetta, Avicii, Max Vangeli, Ferry Corsten, Sander van Doorn and more, all eyes are on this rising star. Be on the lookout for Alive Remixes Part 2, a follow-up single and Adrian Lux’s debut artist album set to drop in late January on Ultra Records.

Alive Remixes Part 1 Tracklisting

Below are the remixes that you will find on the new Adrian Lux release.

  1. Alive (Albin Myers Remix)
  2. Alive (Basto Remix)
  3. Alive (Basto Dub)
  4. Alive (Blende Remix)
  5. Alive (Mysto & Pizzi Remix)

Adrian Lux is also on tour in support of this release.

  • December 1 – Ruby Skye – San Francisco
  • December 2 – Marquee – Las Vegas
  • December 3 – Pacha – NYC

Click here to follow Adrian Lux on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Adrian Lux on Facebook.

Click here to listen to Adrian Lux on SoundCloud.

Société Perrier: The Source for Nightlife & Culture

Posted by rickyleepotts On November - 21 - 2011ADD COMMENTS

Société Perrier: The Source for Nightlife & Culturesocieteperrier.com, a recently launched global nightlife website, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Nervous Records — one of the most influential dance music labels currently celebrating its 20th anniversary — in presenting a series of hot New York City events at Cielo throughout the months of November and December. First, on November 8 it’s Crazy P performing live in support of their new studio album, When We On. Then on November 22 Parisian DJ/producer Norman Doray hits the town in support of his new Strictly Rhythm release, “Strictly Ibiza To Amsterdam”. On December 6, Junior Sanchez and Gina take to Cielo’s decks before Cristian Arango soundtracks a pre-holiday celebration on December 20.

“Our goal at Nervous has always been to add a positive, fun, glamorous, and slightly edgy element to NYC’s nightlife culture. Our vehicles toward this goal are music, events and fashion,” said Nervous Records founder and president, Michael Weiss. “Société Perrier is a great new website that captures the energy of nightlife right now, and is exactly the kind of site we feel our events and music should be affiliated with. And, of course, they also add an element of nightlife that has been missing from the Nervous repertoire…mainly refreshment!”

“Nervous Records is one of the finest dance music imprints in the world, and Mike Weiss is one of the most tireless supporters of global club culture,” said Darren Ressler, Société Perrier’s Global Editorial Director. “To be able to present parties with world-class DJs at Cielo — one of the best clubs in the U.S. — along with Nervous Records is incredible. People had better plan on taking the next day off because these parties are going to be amazing!”

Perrier, the first imported bottled water in America, arrived in the U.S. at the height of disco and made its nightlife debut at Studio 54. A long-time supporter of the arts, SocietePerrier.com launched in July 2011. With local editors based in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico City, Montreal, Toronto, London, and Moscow, the site’s mission is to explore global nightlife and culture in all its forms and includes sections focused on nightlife, art, music, fashion, travel, and cocktail culture channels — all of the essentials that make for a great night out. By visiting SocietePerrier.com you can check out Dubai’s indoor-outdoor superclub Nasimi Beach or get a snapshot of Italy’s best nightlife destinations, as well as profiled visual artists such as Peter Jensen and Lady Aiko, fashion stars like Opening Ceremony and Rachel Comey and hot mixologist Aidan Demarest. SocietePerrier.com is connecting the dots between all forms of nightlife and provides one place to look, listen, learn and live it up.

With connections to the disco era, music has always been an element in what Perrier is all about. The music section of SocietePerrier.com is an important section of the site and is the place to download exclusive tracks/DJ mixes and learn about the DJs and bands making waves on the global nightclub circuit. So while you’re exploring the finest clubs in Tel Aviv or discovering the magic of Stockholm, download an exclusive Sociéte Perrier DJ mix for the next flight out of town.

“Société Perrier helps keep the discerning global nomad up to speed in the areas of art, music, fashion, travel and nightlife entertainment through its easily navigable website.”
- CoolHunting.com

“Where all the elements of nightlife come together in a global party that never ends.”
- Blackbook

About Société Perrier
Partnered with some of the world’s premier clubs, bars, hotels and event spaces, the Société Perrier website and events reflect the hottest parties and happenings around the world. Spanning eight cities and five countries, when you see Société Perrier – you know it’s where you need to be.

About Nervous Records
Nervous Records is one of America’s longest–standing and most influential dance labels. The Nervous catalogue includes seminal tunes from such luminaries as Josh Wink, Armand Van Helden, Masters At Work, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, Paul van Dyk, Roger Sanchez, Murk and more. In additional to its club music legacy, Nervous also was one of the forces behind the 1990’s resurgence of East Coast hip-hop, with such groups as Black Moon, Smif-n-Wessun, Funkmaster Flex and Mad Lion all releasing the most impactful work with Nervous. Recently Nervous has strengthened its rep as the top purveyor of underground house music with acclaimed compilations from Oscar G, Boris, Chus & Ceballos, Tom Stephan aka Superchumbo, Ralph Falcon, Starkillers & Austin Leeds, Behrouz and Funkagenda. Nervous has also moved into the burgeoning Nu-Disco genre with acclaimed released by Catz&Dogs, Soul Clap, Maxxi Soundsystem, and Danny Daze.  Nervous also has established a bi-monthly residency at one of NYC’s premier venues, Cielo, showcasing talent like The Juan Maclean, Treasure Fingers, Richard Grey, Prok&Fitch, Pleasurekraft, Junior Sanchez, Kenny Dope, and more.

Click here to follow Société Perrier on Twitter.

Click here to “like” Société Perrier on Facebook.

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