BPM Jul Aug 2013

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FREE JUL|AUG’13

ISSUE 68

THE MANY

FACES OF

URBAN MUSIC CULTURE

ARMIN VAN BUUREN KHULI CHANA RUDIMENTAL BODDHI SATVA HEAVY K SUB 6

bpm BEATS

•

PEOPLE

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CONTENTS

JUL/AUG 2013 EDITION 68

• MUSIC

PUBLISHED & DISTRIBUTED BY: COALITION : Tel: (021) 913-8423 Fax: 086 544-1361 info@bpmmag.co.za | www.bpmmag.co.za MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS: David McKinley, Thomas Whitebread MANAGING EDITOR: David McKinley - dave@bpmmag.co.za MUSIC EDITOR: Dave Mac : dave@bpmmag.co.za SALES DIRECTOR: Thomas Whitebread : thomas@bpmmag.co.za

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CONTRIBUTORS: Thomas Whitebread | Dave Mac | Terri Love Johann M Smith | Lois Siddhu | Bradley Love Damon Albetto | Salomie Haskins | Paul & Peter - Tuerk Music | Chris & Clint Audiosure | Luis & Bernard - Viva Afrika Riqardo Neves | Marcel Zandberg David Maclean | Dave Skinz | The Little Misfit Sergio Pereira | Eliza Day | Johann M Smith Malu Lambert | Tendai Luwo | David Scott Sergio Pereira | Donovan Leon James Copeland | Greg Bester | Levi Lekotso PJ Eales | Ethan Storm SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRES: Thomas Whitebread (021) 913-9443 | 082 889-2047 Dave McKinley (021) 557-1549 | 084 209-0168

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04 06 07 10 12 16 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 42 44 46 50 52 54

EDITORS NOTE & CONTRIBUTORS THE WALL MUSIC NEWS THE LITTLE MISFIT THE MANY FACES OF TOYTOY ARMIN VAN BUUREN KHULI CHANA THE KIFFNESS IONO MUSIC: CUBIXX RUDIMENTAL SUB6 BODDHI SATVA SHANE HALCON THE DEEP END WITH LUO 5 MINUTES WITH PIXIE BENNETT HEAVY K ALBUM REVIEWS ALBUM REVIEWS ALBUM REVIEWS DJ TOP TEN CHARTS PARTY INFO & EVENTS ASTROBABBLE - CANCER & LEO

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PLEASUREKRAFT RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA Kaveh from Pleasurekraft returns to South Africa to play Truth Nightclub on 28 June adding to ridiculously awesome

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20 INTERVIEW: NTFO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA Romanian upstarts, NTFO, have been blowing up the deep house and minimal tech scene for a while now, receiving love

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BAAINAR RECORDS - A MAJOR INDEPENDENT Baainar Records is one of these success stories.

Headed by Lunga Nombewu, the independent label has been the birthplace

No part of this magazine may be imitated or reproduced in whole / in part or online, without the permission of BPM Magazine. Any views, opinions & visual material expressed in BPM Magazine cc. by contributors are not necessarily shared by the BPM Magazine or its staff. We do not accept responsibility for any omissions or mistakes, as we do everything possible to make sure all information published is accurate.

2013 All rights reserved | BPM Magazine

NO LONGER A PERFECT STRANGER Perfect Stranger is no longer a, ahem, stranger to South Africa thanks to his two blistering sets at the inaugural Love

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TRANCEMICSOUL - SA RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY CANDIDATE SA Red Bull Music Academy Candidate, Trancemicsoul speaks about his experience in New York at the red Bull Music Academy

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EDITOR’S NOTE PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN OR CHILDREN OF THE WORLD? ore and more South Africans are going to Ibiza for a week’s summer break [that’s all most can afford] to experience the white Island’s allure of beautiful beaches, intense club nights and to witness many of dance music’s biggest names hold down residencies at the various clubs and bars. Of course this is still just a smidgen of our population but the reality is that being South African no longer means we come from some far off place that nobody has heard of. Cape Town is one of the most desirable cities in the world and most visitors to our shores agree that Johannesburg is a metropolis on par with the likes of New York et al.

In the world of electronic music, South Africa is a highly desirable destination for EDM artists [our collective name for DJs & Producers, before anybody gets their knickers in a not] to come and play. We are increasingly becoming the ‘flavour of the year’ and I can picture top internationals chatting to each other, saying things like [in my best foreign accent] “oh you haven’t played there yet? Yeah you gotta go man. The culture is vibrant, the amenities are first world and the crowds are so responsive. It’s still fresh there, like 10 years ago in Europe, man. And don’t worry about the crime and stuff. I saw nothing of that.”

You see we ARE a massively popular destination now and everybody wants to play here. Why? ‘Cos we LOVE our dance music and show the DJs so much of this love on the dancefloor. Who wouldn’t want to play to us?

But the reverse of this is that we need to make a bigger impact on the international scene as DJs and producers. Shane Halcon is one Saffa that has been busily making inroads on the international scene. In his interview on Pg. 32 he offers two bits of interesting information. He admits that he wishes he’d started producing sooner and that DJing is not enough if you want global success. Makes sense. People want to hear music that YOU produced rather than just playing other people’s tunes. But the more interesting point he mentions is that he has never experienced ‘DJ politics’ as bad as in South Africa! It seems that we’re all busy fighting for space in our little pond rather than looking to the biggest pond of all - the world!

We recently interviewed the South African representative at this year’s Red Bull Music Academy in New York [you can read this online at BPMMAG.co.za] - Trancemicsoul - and he also points out that “Our leading artists in music are nowhere to be found internationally, only quite a few are known for their work. I think we need to focus on making music that will relate with the global market.”

So let’s get out there and join the global playground of dance music.

No more ‘proudly South African,’ rather ‘proud international producer!!!’

In the mean time, kick back, roll a phatty (if that’s your thing, I don’t judge) and enjoy our winter edition. It’s a goodie as always...

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DAVE MAC Editor-in-Chief Find me here: dave@bpmmag.co.za | Twitter: davemac77 Facebook: dave.mac.mckinley BPM Magazine: Facebook: facebook.com/bpmmag Twitter: twitter.com/bpmmag

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: FEATURE WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Mary Honeychild - Mary is a fusion queen, her love for music is defined by her roots of drums, saxophone and deep bass. She discovers the break and combination in genres and takes us on journeys into the origin and amalgamation of scenes such as Jazz, Hip Hop and EDM. The Little Misfit - The Little Misfit is an anonymous observer who has been around the electronic music scene for more years than most. She’s seen it all, done it all and has the tales to tell. Not much surprises her any more although she is still wholly excited by music, dancing and socialising within this scene.

It’s with this passion and experience that she casts a slightly jaundiced, feminine eye on the many components that add spice to Cape Town EDM Culture.

Tendai Luwo - Recovering blueberry muffin addict, dj, remixer and voice over artist, Luo first firmly sank his teeth into music while working for Rhodes Music Radio (RMR 89.7fm) in 2009 and has never looked back since. Now a loyal disciple of all things deep and soulful, He can be found roaming the streets and alleyways searching for his next dose of good 'ol house music.

Nathan Kabingesi – Nathan is a selfconfessed house junkie; you can usually spot him in a corner of the dance floor getting high off the DJ's supply.

Appreciating the finely spun mix, he's not shy about calling out the occasional slip of the needle. Expect incisive and considered opinions on everything from the latest album releases to trend developments in the world of EDM. Jonathan G Shaw – Production Tips – Jon is a professional record producer who has worked with a multitude of artists and record labels in a freelance capacity.

Outside this, he lectures music business at the University of the Witwatersrand and provides business consultation to the music industry. jshaw@smstudios.co.za Dave Skinz - DJ, Music Manufacturer, Wordsmith, Record Store owner, Promoter, and gamer par excellence are some of the multi-faceted roles that Skinz has played in his 15 year love affair with dance music. When not indulging himself in MMA footage and band practice, he spends his time waiting for Arsenal to take the treble.

Www.daveskinz.com Donovan Leon - Donovan Leon is a Producer/ Engineer for DCL Studios and has had the opportunity to work and collaborate with many top artists & producers such as: Crighton Goodwill, Robin C Khol, L’loyd Cele, Jamali, CH2, Denim, Thembi Seete (Boom Shaka), Kwesta, Zubz, Sasha P (Nigeria), Jae, Ziyon (Liquid Deep), Verona, 37MPH and many, many more.

6 INTERACT

THE WALL GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? DAVID MAGOWAN i think BPM should bring Paris Hilton over on tour! she could do workshops with young djs like plastic man did? maybe something at the Red Bull Studio? .... apparently she does movies also? she'll love Capetown, she dont like PE.......

PASSMORE T PASSEDDY Hey..how much for the full set of the prx600 range ...I'm in Zimbabwe...

MAYJACOBNAPZEN WEST I love the clubs & DJ'S life style so 2 u BPM JUST JOE Hey BPM hope all is well on your side, just wanted to know how I go about getting my Top 10 tracks on your DJ Charts!

NEO DONTASK4ANFBTODM @NEOMORETLWE I need to be there! RT @FishEagleBrandy: Check out what the good folks over at @BPMMAG had to say about #MTVEagleAir at the @DurbanJuly2013.

NIGEL JAXX @NIGELJAXX @BPMMAG no thank you! Keep them coming! It has been 1 of they key sources of education for me over the years... #bpm10thannivesary. Been enjoying your mag since movers and groovers #bpmcollection. @SKYROOMLIVE @BPMMAG thanks for the share guys! Pull through to any of our events when you get a chance #SRL BULELANINXALA I would lyk to thank bpm mag n soul candy institute of music for the life changing opportunities they give SEAN ASSEYKOTI iwldlyk to thnk all bpm mag crew 4 giving what we love - da music reviews n evrythng new on dj equipment THABISO KENNETH NKUCHWEU Hi bpm. Loved the article about daft punk new album. Imagine second wave of disco, how's it gonna be like, we won't stop dancing. Random access memories I can't wait to get it. Thank you bpm team for a nice article like that.

DEEJAY DOMZ On the declining sales of Daft Punk's Random Access Memories - once in a while producers need

to make what they want regardless of what they think people wannahear.This album is different from their previous projects which is why some people might not be keen on buying.

LUNGABAAINARNOMBEWU So glad to hear so many people saying that they are inspired by the Baainar Records story on BPM Mag, have you read it? whats your take? http://bpmmag.co.za/featured/baainar-records-amajor-independent/ MIKE RULE [On BPM's Facebook likes] Aaah flip, I wanted to be LIKE number 13000. Just missed it.

MATTHEW SIZWE @SIMPZTHEDJ @BPMMAG its time #sImpzTHEDJ blesses you all with some deep tunes fresh of the decks!!!

LUZUKOANYNONIMUSRALA What is the south african price for the presonuseris e8 high definition studio monitors? @BPMMAG its time #sImpzTHEDJ blesses you all with some deep tunes fresh of the decks!!!

MOKOLATAMOLEFE Luv the new cover. Black Coffee 4 lyf!! Cant wait 2 see what u guyzhav planned 4 da next issue. Keep it up! #bpm10thannivesary

CRAIG RABDOM L HUDSON The maestro graces us with his presence. Awesome interview - thanks BPM Mag. http://bpmmag.co.za/featured/no-longer-a-perfectstranger/ SNEOZINNMOLEPO Can I please ask where can I get the bpm mag coz I been outta seen lately last I checked it was look and listen but now I can't seem to find it LUZUKOANYNONIMUSRALA What is the south african price for the presonuseris e8 high definition studio monitors? @LUNGANOMBEWU: Check out @nkokhi 's Top 10 tunes on latest @BPMMAG the one with @RealBlackCoffee on the cover DROP US A MESSAGE on our Facebook Wall, Tweet us or email info@bpmmag.co.za We want to know what you’re loving, what you’re hating, and most importantly... What you’re listening to!

Let us know what you’d like to see in the next BPM Mag and we could publish your letters here!

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THE NEWS

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THE LATEST CLUB AND DANCE MUSIC NEWS FROM SA AND AROUND THE WORLD FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES CHECKOUT WWW.BPMMAG.CO.ZA OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER facebook.com/bpmmag | twitter.com/bpmmag

RICHIE HAWTIN, SKRILLEX AND LUCIANO fter the successful workshop series in South Africa (Langa and Soweto), Bridges for Music rounded things off nicely at Sonar, Barcelona in June with an ‘On the Couch’ style panel discussion with the three DJ/Producers involved in the events; Richie Hawtin, Skrillex and Luciano.

Hosted by Bridges for Music founder, Valentino Barrioseta, the event was preceded by a short film currently being made to document the journey each artist has made on behalf of this initiative “and the positive effect it is having on the areas.” All three artists got to share their own experiences of visiting our sunny shores, in particular their workshops in the townships.

Richie Hawtin on his memorable Kliptown gig; “I can't really explain it, it was the proudest moment in my career really.”

Although Skrillex only had the opportunity to visit Langa for the once off workshop it too left quite an impression on the Dubstep producer; "I loved seeing how hungry the people we met in South Africa are to get somewhere. They don't want pity, they want to create better lives for themselves.”

Luciano, who only came for the workshops and events linked to this, playing no ‘commercial gigs,’ says he could relate to township life, "I grew up in a neighbourhood in Chile with lots of similarities to the townships of South Africa, and I know how music can change your life.”

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About: Bridges for Music is a non-profit organization supporting electronic music and the members are all leaders in the global dance music industry. By using their vast experience and contacts to achieve their goals they aim to use electronic music and the international stage as a means to create upliftment in disadvantaged areas. Thus far they have hosted workshops with the three aforementioned DJ/Producers in both Langa, Cape Town and in Kliptown, Soweto. As the name indicates, Bridges for Music aims to ‘bridge social gaps’ through music.

Opinion: Whilst their first series of events was a success as agreed by all involved, particularly from a feel good perspective, we can just hope that the townships do not simply get used as a great PR opportunity for international DJs and promoters to ‘show they care.’

BPM looks forward to phase two of this wonderful initiative which will hopefully glean some of the rich talent we have in Africa ending with genuine success stories.

We’ve sure got the talent and since Africa seems to be the flavour of the month right now on the international circuit, it is programmes like Bridges for Music that can really turn this interest in our continent’s dance music scene into something substantial. facebook.com/bridgesformusic

HOST A SUCCESSFUL PANEL FOR BRIDGES FOR MUSIC AT SONAR Photos: Massimolo Bianco

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MUSIC NEWS

SCRATCH LAB DJ TRAINING FACILITY LAUNCHED AND RUNNING The Scratch Lab DJ Training Facility opened in Woodstock, Cape Town recently and is the brainchild of the pioneering DJ collective known as Beat Bangaz. Consisting of Ready D, E-20 & DJ Azuhl, the three DJs have combined experience of more than 30 years in the DJ game and it shows when you watch the three of them operate. This experience ranges from international tours, SA and African Tours, Radio, Television, Clubs, Music production, Mixtapes, Live Bands, Seminars, Expo’s and workshops so you can be sure they have the goods to carry the mantle of teaching young upstarts the art of scratching, DJing and general skills required in this business. Here’s what they say...

“Combining traditional DJ methods and tools with the latest cutting edge technology, the training received sets Scratch Lab apart from other DJ schools. From novice, bedroom DJ or the seasoned performer, Scratch Lab offers a range of courses and workshops to accommodate any skill level. Its cost effective DJ and music production courses are conducted by accredited, professional and experienced trainers to keep students on par with the latest technology, developments and techniques. From the beginner courses to advanced, the emphasis for Scratch Lab is also

importantly on building personal relationships and a holistic approach to training.”

Interested? Well look out for their free ‘Lab Sessions’ held once a month to introduce attendees to new technologies, guest DJs and producers and tools to promote self expression through music. These are an excellent way to gauge if their workshops are for you.

You can find them at 122 Victoria Road (above Sound Select The Shop) 082 256 7533 | www.scratchlab.co.za

UMEK DELIVERS A PROPER DOSE OF TECHNO TO EDC HEADLINERS They say save the best for last and that was the case on this year's sold-out EDC Las Vegas. Apparently this year the promoter decided to educate the fans or "headliners" as they called them this year, and introduce a creme-dela-creme choice of world class techno DJs to the crowd under the main stage.

UMEK played an unforgettable set, not even slightly softening up for a more mainstream oriented public and they seemed to enjoy it very much.

According to live feedback on social media, UMEK delivered one of the most memorable sets of the whole festival, featuring some of the fresh hits from his gourmet imprint 1605.

This was the Slovenian DJ's second appearance on an Insomniac's main stage this year and there are some to follow. Apparently America is getting its share of the avant-garde in 2013 directly from main stages across the country.

Let’s hope the trend continues with more underground acts rocking the main stages.

Phaxe

IONO BOSS TO HEADLINE NEXT MULTIVERZ In their quest to bring you the best music in the ‘MULTIVERZ’ the production team presents DJ CUBIXX the head of leading progressive trance label, IONO Music, at the end of July (26th).

“A cube is a geometric, three-dimensional shape. Each of the six square faces is equal and creates a steady, strong but predictable form.

However, what happens when somebody manages to see beyond the ordinary shape? What happens when a person starts to treat this cube as a Rubik's Cube, and create a complex and creative new form? What happens is DJ CUBIXX, aka Mattias Sperlich.”

DJ CUBIXX (Matthias Sperlich) is the genius behind IONO MUSIC from Germany - one of the premier and most respected labels in the world of Progressive Psytrance. IONO MUSIC was born in 2005 at a time when Progressive Psytrance as we know it today was still a figment of his imagination. Displaying great wisdom and vision he created IONO MUSIC and set about building what has become the pinnacle of progressive psytrance - deep, emotive and intelligent music, always striving to innovate through fresh creative sounds. Read our full interview with Matthias on Pg. 24.

For more info: facebook.com/Multiverz

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GOLDFISH VIDEO GETS TONGUES WAGGING AND FINGERS POINTING...

Have you watched Goldfish’s video for their single One Million Views yet? Soon after launching on YouTube last month [now sitting at 111,887 views], the video was picked up by various blogs/forums and a raging debate ensued as to whether this was/is a cheap trick to gain views/likes. [See Little Misfit’s column on Pg. 10 for more on this subject].

The song and indeed the video pokes fun at this tendency for ‘big name DJ/Producers’, the likes of which suggest that David Guetta, Deadmau5, Skrillex and others use pre-planned sets when they perform and are prodigious ‘button pushers.’ i.e. they don’t really do too much on stage except put their hands in the air and occasionally push a button or two.

Now it’s no massive secret that preplanned sets occur and if anybody has the right to question this it is guys like Goldfish, considering the genuine live element they have and continue to bring to their performances.

Anyway they’ve received their fair share of love and hate on YouTube. Why not pop on over and show some support for our boys... They deserve it.

Tequila ‘Be the DJ’ Remix Competition with Steve Aoki, the duo recently spent three days with Mr Aoki on a DJ master class at the Pioneer DJ school in Amsterdam, and are now releasing their debut single through Sony Music Africa, I’m So Crunked Up ft Lakota Silva.

"The song originally came to us when we came across the lead vocal from a contact of ours in Minneapolis in the US. We loved the verse and his style; and we wanted to create a party track around this. After many attempts, Garrick came up with this KILLER bassline that worked perfectly for the track,” says Dale.

The duo started working together in early 2012 and have an impressive list of achievements thus far: official remixes for EMI, Soul Candi and a host of other artist; opening act for international DJ Basshunter as well as slots on the Cell C Spring Break Tour; exclusive performances for Cotton On South Africa store launch parties and most recently, joining Jax Panik’s new collaboration project K/DZ for two hot new singles.

The duo’s breakthrough success and development potential resulted in DeaderThanDisco signing a deal with Sony Music Africa this month. The team are currently hard at work on their debut EP, as well as some very exciting collaboration projects.

LABYRINTH: 8 YEARS OF PSYTRANCE MAGIC!

DEADERTHANDISCO SIGN WITH SONY MUSIC AFRICA

THE INTERNATIONAL FINALISTS OF MIXMAG / OLMECA ‘BE THE DJ’ REMIX COMP WITH STEVE AOKI RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE I’M SO CRUNKED UP DeaderThanDisco are a Johannesburg based Electro House production team comprising of Dale Allman & Garrick Jones. Selected by Mix Mag as the international winners of the Olmeca

LABYRINTH (or LAB as it is affectionately known) is no stranger to throwing psytrance parties - having kicked off early in 2005 at the now infamous Opium venue by hosting a weekly Thursday night. LAB has since grown into Cape Town’s biggest, longest running, and greatest indoor brand, culminating in celebrating its 8th Birthday this year by throwing a massive event with all the trimmings of ArtEscape Décor, Afterlife Visuals, FunktionOne sound, and a DJ line-up including Feedback, Broken Toy, The Commercial Hippies, Bruce, Gokon Rave and more.

Not stopping there, LAB has 2 more events coming up this winter season - hosting none other than global psy icon - Sub6 [see our interview on Pg. 28] for the next show on 13 July. Their shows are often sold out so best you grab your tickets early.

13 July - Labyrinth ALIVE ft. Sub6 3 August - Winter closing party facebook.com/LabyrinthLIVE

NEW MUSIC: Electro Swing Vol. 1 Electro Swing Club Vol I is a compilation from the epicentre of the electro swing genre and scene. ESC is the original and largest network of Electro Swing Clubs in the world, with over 18 club nights across Europe, North America, The Middle East and Australia. All the clubs feature the freshest and most exciting talent on the scene, reflecting ESC's remit of breaking new ground and talent.

This CD is the most original and dance floor driven compilation of the genre and showcases new, fresh and unsigned artists, as well as a few select established artists and remixers. Standout track is our very own James Copeland Music with a remix of Kitten & the Hip’s Shutup and Dance. Electro Swingers: grab it!

Deep Forest Jungle Music Out now from the capable hands of Wishingsoul is Jungle Fever Vol.1 dropping on the DeepForestSA imprint - the same label that brought deep house fans the hit album Deepforest Sessions Vol.1 mixed by Jaguar Paw. This time around sees Wishingsoul on mixing duties and according to them he’s really stepped up to the plate and interpreted his own vision of music.

Jungle Fever will be Wishingsoul’s debut compilation offering and the 11 tracks feature various favourites from the likes of Roque, Darque, Antique, Lele X, Toxic and DJ Fortee just to mention a few.

Check 'em out here: deepforestsa.com Pixie Bennett: A Thousand Paper Birds Delving deep into her party persona, Pixie Bennett has laced her lyrics over four-tothe-floor beats on a ten track house album.

Released through heat-seeking specialists BBB records and well-established major Universal, A Thousand Paper Birds is an album that wholeheartedly encourages you to let loose on the dancefloor while immersing you in emotion. Bennett enlisted one of the country's top electronic producers, Craig Massiv to build and blend the beats.

“Being close friends, we really connected on the direction we were going to take on the album. We are both bass babies and love the groove of a track so we had loads of fun in the studio,” she explains.

Read the album review on Pg.44 and our 5 Minutes with... feature on Pg. 36

10 OPINION

By The Little Misfit

The Little Misfit

LIKE ME, LIKE ME! “DANCE MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE BIG POPULARITY CONTEST. ALL THAT’S CHANGED IS NOW WE HAVE A VIRTUAL BUTTON TO PUSH” here’s an obsession in EDM. Nope it’s not about progressive melodies, fat basslines, or even the too-coolfor-school deep house scene (though these all are fixations in their own right too). I’m talking about ‘likes’ here people, not ‘loves’, which to me is more appropriate in a scene that commands such passion. Likes.

Innocuous little likes.

These insidious thumbs-ups are keeping DJs/Producers awake at night. Instead of sheep, they’re counting likes. Instead of working in the studio, they’re creating memes, videos, hilarious statuses to keep those likes rolling in - oh and let’s not forget the ample flexing of the credit card to pay for more advertising to get these likes in the first place.

The recent video by Goldfish, One Million Likes, got me thinking. A parody on big name acts, who the video implies are all ‘button pushers’ and only chase the fame and the fans on social media. What struck me wasn’t the message, but the reason behind it - stirring the pot to generate publicity and well, let’s be frank, fame. Nobody can escape it, not even if we make fun of it, we’re all plugged in - slaves to being social.

Let’s get to the root of this issue. Why are our digital gods so concerned about the tally of their fan count on the interwebs in the first place? There’s this assumption that in order to get booked for gigs these days you have to offer not only a fat sound, but also an inflated fan base on Facebook. This assumption’s not wrong, particularly if you’re new to the game. Why should any promoter book you, the new guy/gal when there are well-established artists with well-established fan bases that they can call on instead?

In the eyes of the promoter, those likes are directly translated into ticket sales - that and they know the artists will be promoting their event on their respective pages, thereby creating an oil spill through Facebook. For example, we’ve all seen how DJs make their profile picture an image of the flyer, plus promoters are also known to actively ask their line-up to create certain statuses etcetera, leading up to the event. In a nutshell they’re making their line-up do the promotion work themselves. Clever.

T

Arguably, the same can be applied to even those at the top - oh this DJ has 5000 more likes than so and so. So what. Does any of it really matter? I know the real fans don’t care.

Also, as people actively involved in the EDM generation should we just accept what we’re being fed? Our culture is about openmindedness, questioning, rebellion. We will not be silenced, we will not blindly accept.

Then why, why do we so meekly follow one of the world’s biggest, most nefarious corporations and place our self-worth - and the value of our scene’s leaders, in its icky control.

Everything is not as it seems. Don’t believe everything you read, and [add another cliché here]. But really, though. When you place an ad, Facebook pretty much guarantees you, oh say, 50 new likes a day.

How can they promise this? Sounds fishy to me.

It’s no secret that you can buy likes; and bolster your stock with a host of friendly robots. A DJ friend once said to me that he’d much rather the growth be organic, so that he knows if what he’s doing is working, or not.

The question for both artists and promoters is of course; does the number of likes really translate into ticket sales? Maybe. I do think there’s value in being active in social media, it’s a live plug in for fans and community to interact - but so much of it is noise obscuring what’s really important. The music. I hate the thought of talent being drowned out by a flurry of funny photographs.

Though it must be said, this is nothing new. Dance music has always been one big popularity contest. All that’s changed is now we have a virtual button to push.

Please like this article...

12 COVER FEATURE

By PJ Eales

THE MANY FACES OF

TOYTOY

kin-tight leather pants. Button up The first TOYTOY took place at Carfax in Enter Sound Sensible, a DJ duo made up of shirts and bow ties. T-shirts. Low Newtown and quickly became known for the brothers Grant and Craig Van Rensburg, had cut tops. Vests. There are all kinds of style of music that was played, the quality of the already established themselves on the South outfits to be found at TOYTOY and international artists featured at the events and African club and festival circuit. They added an all sorts of bodies on which to find the quirky décor: a multitude of blow up toys unmistakable techno flair to an already them. hanging from the ceiling. formidable resident DJ line up. (And since joining TOYTOY the brothers have But it’s not only proved to be a hit on not the bodies the dancefloor, they’ve that matter, it’s the faces “WHATEVER HAPPENS WITH TOYTOY FROM HERE ON OUT, become an integral part of attached to them. You see the week to week running of YOU CAN BE SURE THAT GREAT MUSIC WILL ALWAYS BE AT these faces all have one the night.) All that was left thing in common: they’re THE HEART OF IT. IT WAS THE VISION FROM THE START. now was to get the word out. smiling. And that’s the result IT’S WHAT TOYTOY IS ALL ABOUT.” of the thing that TOYTOY is To do this the TOYTOY most famous for, its music. crew contacted Bruno The evidence of this is right Morphet, arguably one of Over the next few years TOYTOY there on the dancefloor. You can see it on the South Africa’s top designers. Bruno approached continued as one off party nights, featuring the faces of the regulars and the newcomers who the design of the TOYTOY communication the likes of Tim Sweeney from Beats In Space and descend on TOYTOY every Friday night. They’ve same way that TOYTOY aimed to approach the Trevor Jackson of Playgroup fame. But it wasn’t heard what TOYTOY has to offer, they know that until late 2011 that things really got going. For Johannesburg music scene: with an eye to it’s here and they know that it’s happening. But changing the landscape entirely. What he created some time the Rockits had been flirting with the not everyone knows where it came from and was a set of communication that was completely idea of making TOYTOY a weekly club night and who the faces are behind it. different to anything else out there. There were they’d begun searching for a venue. Their main none of the usual visual cues found on The TOYTOY brand came to being in 2008 criteria being that it had to be able to hold a traditional club flyers and the communication sizeable crowd and it had to be central. And so as the brainchild of Ryan “Dogstarr” Vermaak, was more art than simple date, time, venue and TOYTOY landed at Capital in Rosebank.

Fabio Di Cosmo and Graeme “G-Force” Hector, three DJs collectively known as Digital Rockit.

Once they had the venue locked down the line-up information. This gave the resulting The group had been performing together at Rockits needed to fill TOYTOY’s resident DJ line- TOYTOY posters a longevity not seen in other designs and they looked more like collectibles clubs and festivals since 2006 and were looking up. They needed residents who not only than club flyers. In fact the first set of posters for a platform from which to further expose understood their vision for the kind of music was box mounted and given away to various their music, and the international artists they’d that was to be played at TOYTOY, they needed fans and friends of TOYTOY. like to see perform, to Johannesburg partygoers.

DJ’s with an already established fan base.

S

13 dancing is something the TOYTOY crowd takes very, very seriously.

One of the greatest things I’ve ever heard on the TOYTOY dancefloor, apart from the music of course, was a patron politely ask two other gents who were standing having a conversation in the middle of the packed floor to “either dance or fokken mind here”. Now you understand what I mean when I say ‘seriously.’

So where does the TOYTOY brand go from here? Of course there is always debate about the next international artist to book, but the boys have even bigger plans. There’s talk of expanding TOYTOY TV, a platform hosted by the Red Bull Studio that creates video content of featured international artists. There’s also talk of a record label. As the guys from Digital Rockit and Sound Sensible are not always DJing, they spend hours in the studio producing too, so it makes sense to give themselves a platform to get their productions out there.

The only thing standing in their way is finding the time to do it as the Rockits are already involved in numerous outside projects: Dogstarr is the Johannesburg representative for the Red Bull Music Academy. G-Force has his own business ‘Goodfoot Productions’. Dogstarr and Fabio run ‘Tonedef Media’, an events company, and are both involved in the production of their other brainchild: the ‘Brickfields Music Festival’ an annual event that takes place in Johannesburg’s inner city.

As partner and founder Ryan ‘Dogstarr’ Vermaak says, “whatever happens with TOYTOY from here on out, you can be sure that great music will always be at the heart of it. It was the vision from the start. It’s what TOYTOY is all about.” And this love for music is best summed up in Ryan’s final remark, “…with the sheer amount of music that’s out there in the world, there really is no excuse for listening to bad tunes.”

Want to know more?

Photo: Raphael Klatzko

Photo: Raphael Klatzko

So, now the night was ready Ivan Smagghe playing and Chloé waiting to play: to go, and go it did.

TOYTOY 1st birthday bash In September 2011 the first weekly TOYTOY took place. That night saw international guest Sian take to the decks amongst TOYTOY’s residents. A month later techno powerhouse Kevin Saunderson blew minds and the night has showed no signs of slowing down since. In just under two years of being open TOYTOY has played host to a list of DJs that reads like electronic music royalty.

These include: Alex Smoke, Ralf Kollman, Agoria, Jennifer Cardini, Alex Jones and Kill the DJ’s Ivan Smagghe and Chloe.

Ralf Kollmann: Mobilee Records Boss On the local front the TOYTOY crowd has been exposed to some of South Africa’s best from both inside and outside of Johannesburg.

These include, among many others: Craig Massiv, Phat Jack, Monique Pascal, Kanan K7, Floyd Lavine, Diggin4Dodge and long time friends Killer Robot. But getting on the TOYTOY line up is no easy feat. The boys are inundated with emails and mixes from hopeful DJs almost every week. Some of them beg, others plead and a few, when told that their sound is just not what TOYTOY is looking And, thanks to TOYTOY aligning with local sound for, resort to verbal abuse. So how does one gurus Prosound for their club rig, hear it they do. actually get on the line-up? Simple really, if you’re However for people living in Johannesburg ready to play at TOYTOY, they’ll call you.

TOYTOY isn’t just a place to hear great music, This almost militant attitude towards who it’s much, much more. It’s a Friday night gets their name on the line-up has put more sanctuary. A place to forget work, studies and life than a few noses out of joint. But at the same in general. It’s a place to meet up, let loose, get time it’s ensured that the people who frequent rowdy, lose yourself, find yourself, get in control, TOYTOY can expect to hear only the highest get out of control, meet new people, rediscover standard of dance music week in and week out. old ones and just fucking dance. And trust me,

Scan this tag to go directly to the TOYTOY page on Facebook. facebook.com/welovetoytoy

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16 FEATURE

By Sergio Pereira | Photos by Carli Hermes

A STATE OF ARMIN t’s 16h30. The phone rings. It’s Armin van Buuren’s South African representative on the line. He says that Armin is in America, has some time to kill before his next flight and is keen to chat right now. I flip through my imaginary diary, instruct Alfred [Sergio’s imaginary PA, Ed] to hold all my calls and hurry up ironing the suit and say, “Sure. I can squeeze him in for ten minutes.”

I’m kidding... I give him fifteen minutes.

I

Intense Epoch When you are rated as the #1 DJ in the world by DJ Magazine a record five times, possess an enviable Midas touch and run your own successful record label, you can quite easily decide when you feel like releasing a new album. Nonetheless, the fans still want to know why Armin took so

“I THINK STREAMING IS THE FUTURE; WE ARE PAST THE WHOLE DISCUSSION OF ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS NOW…” long since Mirage to release his latest fulllength album, Intense.

“Well, my last album [Mirage] was September 2010 and Intense came out in May 2013. In between [albums], I’ve released a lot of mixed compilations and individual tracks, like We Are Here to Make Some Noise and a couple of tracks with Ana Criado. Also, I have been very busy with touring, working on my radio show [A State of Trance]...and I became a dad for the first time,” he proudly declares. “So, yeah, a lot has happened in my life.”

Phew. That is a lot... Most musicians will tell you how they locked themselves up in a spooky mansion or dropped acid to assist in creating a different album from before - but Armin isn’t pulling the wool over our eyes, deciding to remain honest instead, and says it was mostly just the way he approached it that was different.

“The album sort of wrote itself rather than me trying to force anything,” he states. “[I was] just writing away in the studio and having an amazing time - and before I knew it, I had enough tracks to fill an album. That is the most honest answer I can give you.”

Dancing with the Stars (and Porn Stars) Not only does Intense consist of Armin’s signature sounds, but it also features an allstar line-up of guest musicians from around the globe. Armin discusses what he believes his guests added to the party.

17 “I think they did an amazing job. If you look at Miri Ben-Ari, the violinist, on the opening track [Intense] or Trevor Guthrie on This Is What It Feels Like, they’re just pretty amazing tracks. For me, what always counts is the performance in the song, and I’m really happy with the songs that are on the album right now.”

Perhaps the “biggest” star of the Intense project is legendary porn star and idol of every average-looking man on the planet, Ron Jeremy, who appears in the music video for This Is What It Feels Like.

Armin laughs amid describing how the man known as “The Hedgehog” got involved in the video. “The song itself is actually a pretty down song, so I wanted to have a video that was sort of a contrast to the sad lyrics. I wanted to have a video of two guys driving around in the desert, having fun, racing to get this girl, and they can’t get her - that sort of funny story. It is a fun video, and I think Ron Jeremy did an excellent performance of the owner of the cafeteria that we’re in. It was an idea from the director to have a little bit of an edge by asking [Ron] to make a cameo appearance - and I think he did an excellent job and added to the fun element of the video.”

v

Outside of the Box Guest appearances aren’t the only thing that Armin added to flavour his album; he also dabbled heavily into classical music. Is this an area that he feels EDM artists haven’t quite tapped into yet?

“Well, with trance music, there has been a lot of crossover between classical music and EDM.” Furthermore, he reveals how he was experimenting in classical music back in 2005 already. “If you listen to our track Serenity [featuring Jan Vayne], for example, it was inspired by a [Frédéric] Chopin melody line - but it was very EDM; I was really happy with it.”

As artists continue to think of new ways to promote and market their releases, Armin followed suit and released Intense on Spotify five days before it was actually available for purchase. Why? “[Spotify] is a great way for people to listen to the album - to get an idea if they like it,” he declares. “Also, I think streaming is the future; we are past the whole discussion of illegal downloads now. In a few years time from now, everybody will be listening via streaming in their car - if mobile networks become fast enough - [and] on their cellphone. Then, everybody will stream music, and not necessarily download it anymore, because if they have a subscription, they have unlimited [access to] all the music that is out there.”

South African Return Considering Armin’s crystal ball, clairvoyant abilities about the future of music, I conclude our conversation by asking him if a South African tour is in the pipeline.

“Yeah, it is in the plans - but nothing confirmed at this point. We are talking about bringing the Armin Only shows; it would be a dream to bring it to South Africa. Again, I cannot confirm it at this time - we simply don’t have an agreement with anyone yet - but it would be amazing to come back to South Africa, because I know there are a lot of friends there and it makes me really humbled to know that so many

people follow me closely from South Africa.” He adds thoughtfully, “One of my best memories was when we did A State of Trance live from Johannesburg - and it was really, really amazing. So, you can count on me doing my best to find a proper venue and proper date to come back, but if I do, I want to make sure that it is an amazing experience for everybody.”

For more information on Armin van Buuren, please visit www.arminvanbuuren.com.

Read the Intense album review on Pg. 44

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20 FEATURE

By Levi Letsoko

ALL HAIL KHULI! Photo: Syd Willow Smith

hree MTN South African Music Awards later, Khuli Chana has undoubtedly set the bar very high for the rap game and for urban music culture in general.

His latest single Mnatebawen is already topping the local music charts and it is a clear indication that this new offering is a classic effort.

The year is not even half-way through, yet the SA rapper Khuli Chana, is already setting new musical milestones with his current album Lost in Time and is currently enjoying what can be described as the pinnacle of his artistic career while making history in the process.

Unlike his first solo release characterised mainly by a commercially inclined sound and a bit of pop here and there - Lost in Time is dominated by a much more old school and underground vibe popular mainly in the backstreets of New York City.

Whoever thought gore ntwana nyana ya Mmabatho, would tswak’ Hip Hop and

T

phatlhalatsa all of you. (Whoever thought that a little Mmabatho boy would shake up Hip Hop and amaze everyone) - is a line from his smash hit Hazzadazmove which effortlessly sums up the entire album.

“This album continues to achieve more miracles than I had pretty much expected. Finally I am feeling like my music and talent are moving in perfect harmony in the same direction. And as an artist, this is what I had been praying for,” he enthuses.

He continues, “Seeing the look on my mother’s face when I came home with the awards was just priceless. I couldn’t have asked for any feeling that was better than that.”

Earlier this year Khuli kicked off his award winning trail when he scooped an accolade for Best Collaboration for the song Tswa Daar on which he featured Notshi (another rapper who is on a serious come up).

“Tswa Daar was the first official single that we used to launch the album. The reception for that track has always been

crazy, from DJs to fellow artists to my peers in the media. Immediately when we launched it we knew that there was something special about it,” he says.

“The beat was produced by Mpho aka pH, and it is reminiscent of the old school Wu Tang vibe when rap was about ciphers, and rappers who just hop onto a beat one after the other trying to out-do each other to see who’s the best.”

The Chana power has been dominating the airwaves for a while now; and with the release of his current album in November last year, Khuli and his team were expecting to do the same.

Did Khuli know that his career would turn out this way?

“I knew that we would reach this level, but [not] by any means [did] I ever imagine that the road would be filled with so many twists and turns. But when I look back now I’m glad that things turned out the way they did.”

21

He elaborates, “Actually when my crew (Morafe) disbanded, fellow member Towdee Mac (who is currently a music lecturer and a producer) was the one who believed that this solo pursuit would eventually turn out well for me.”

It’s funny he mentions this because whenever Khuli does interviews the one question that usually comes up is the Morafe re-union. So, I can’t resist pressing him with ‘will the crew ever hit the studio together?’

“I don’t see any reason why not. Both members of the crew have been fully supportive of my solo project. When I went on my own, we had all reached an agreement. I received their blessing to do this.”

He adds: “Both Towdee and KG were with me when I was working on both projects. When the time is right we will get the resources together to work on a reunion album.”

The recent 19th MTN South African Music Awards which were hosted in Sun City was an event that Khuli is not going to forget anytime soon. He received three nominations in some of the main categories for this campaign, all for his work on Lost in Time.

This year’s prestigious event received applause from across the board, with many people believing that most of the winners were well deserving.

Due to his consistency, and unmatched ratings, it was expected that Khuli would at least win in one of the categories he was nominated for on the evening. Nobody, that I can recall, expected him to walk away with the biggest ones of all – which were Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.

“Most of my friends were confident about one category and that is the Best Rap Album, even I was convinced that if I had to win anything for the evening it would definitely be in that category.”

Besides the awards though, it was always evident that Khuli has put in some descent effort with his project.

“I felt that the biggest achievement at this year’s SAMAs was for Rap music, because I don’t remember any time in the history of the awards seeing Rap music or a Rap artist winning such big categories, on the same night,” he enthuses.

“I FELT THAT THE BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT AT THIS YEAR’S SAMA’S WAS FOR RAP MUSIC, BECAUSE I DON’T REMEMBER ANY TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE AWARDS SEEING RAP MUSIC OR A RAP ARTIST WINNING SUCH BIG CATEGORIES, ON THE SAME NIGHT…”

“There was something extra special about the evening. Especially for the album of the year category, it means the album was strong enough to complete with albums from well established genres. To me, that was a positive step forward not only for me but for the genre as a whole,” he adds.

The single Hazzadazmove was an anthem across the country this past summer; with Khuli’s management company Dream Team SA employing the experienced visual eye of Bomb Production’s Tebogo Mahlatsi to craft the music video.

Khuli sealed the package by roping in AKA, Zeus, Reason and Towdee on another

club banger called Hape Le Hape.

It is always a magical moment to see an artist that has managed to create a synergy with his audience; whatever Khuli Chana releases - the market accepts with both hands.

Even the Premier of the North West, Thandi Modise, expressed her gratitude for what Chana is achieving musically by indicating that the young artist is setting such a good example for all the youthful stars coming up behind him.

Want more Khuli Chana? Find him online here - Facebook.com/KhuliChana01

22 FEATURE

By Eliza Day

E H T guess it's a generalisation but I haven't seen that many musicians running around a rugby field in their spare time. Apparently David, the driving force behind the innovative set up that is The Kiffness, doesn't appreciate this, "I always get offended when people don't believe I played rugby.

It's probably because I have long hair and I'm not like 'built' I guess."

He sits there, clean shaven and incredibly young looking for what he has accomplished, "It was kind of a blessing in school to be able to play sport as well. Because if I'd just been in the choir I probably would have been beaten up.”

The Kiffness is interesting because it works in a place where live music has been dead and dusted for a long time; the commercial dance scene. Yet, this band seems to be in high demand both on the radio and the dance floor. David has managed to literally mix genres in the form of live dance music and electronic sounds and thus found his niche.

"My big thing is creating a contrast and taking two genres and meshing them together.

You'll hear that a lot in my music. Like my song, Señorita - it's straight Latin and then straight Dubstep. I also like meshing live music with electronic sounds. I feel like not many people are doing that. It works somehow.”

"Since I was 12 I've been interested in producing music. All my songs sounded the same - super cheesy 90s dance music. Then my brother and I downloaded a bunch of software

I

KIFFNESS "MY BIG THING IS CREATING A CONTRAST AND TAKING TWO GENRES AND MESHING THEM TOGETHER.YOU'LL HEAR THAT A LOT IN MY MUSIC.” and sampled weird stuff like Mandela's speeches, just to put it together. We didn't really know what we were doing. My mates never really got it. I never cared that it wasn't particularly cool."

He continues, "I was very influenced by 8 bit TV noise so a lot of those sounds are like that. I just had my Casio keyboard and laptop at my first gig. Since then I've been trying to find new ways to perform my stuff live. But at the moment I'm releasing a single with Matthew Gold. He sang Taking It Easy with Goodluck."

I want to know why he only wants to release a single as opposed to working on an album of songs.

"Back in the day, you used to make an album but people aren't buying albums anymore.

So releasing a single seems to be the way to go.

I've got a whole marketing team. I started working with Universal who approached us after getting into the top ten of the Converse Presents: Get Out Of The Garage competition.

One of the guys who was judging heard our song Voetsek and he loved it and wanted to sign us. That's how we got onto radio.”

So why the break from Universal then?

"I find Universal really, really slack. They weren't giving me the input I needed and the whole thing was pointless. You can do everything yourself these days. So I said sorry, I won't be needing your services anymore.

Now I’m working with Sony and it's a completely different story. The guy I’m working with pushes me really hard and I can feel my music getting better.”

I can't say I've had a chance to see The Kiffness, live in action, here in Cape Town and I ask David why.

"We don't play often in Cape Town. It seems weird that we're from here but don't really play here. There's like this thing with the live venues in Cape Town which don't seem to like our stuff. I don't really understand why that is. I do have a side project called LazrKat which I think could work though. I've made a really siff song and I want to play it at The Assembly wearing a massive cat head with lasers shooting out from the eyes. It's a trap song and I think people might dig it.”

At this point, my own cattish ears, prick up - the prospects of watching a cyborg cat DJ trap music makes me want to party. A lot.

Get a taste of LazrKat here: soundcloud.com/lazrkat And... the Kiffness here: soundcloud.com/thekiffness

24 Q ‘n A

By Dave Mac

ineties German Techno DJ starts family, gives up DJing, attends trance party (Fusion, 2001) and suddenly his passion for music and DJing is reignited.

Enter the world of Iono head honcho, Matthias Sperlich.

Today the label stands firm as a consistent releaser of quality progressive psytrance. In July Cape Town gets to hear the full catalogue of unreleased dancefloor fillers as Cubixx (Matthias) entertains us at Trinity [Multiverz, 26 July]. We chatted...

N

”... YOU WOULD EXPECT NEW ARTISTS TO TRY AND PUSH THE LIMITS BUT WHAT I SEE IS THE OPPOSITE – MORE OF THE SAME AND LESS COURAGE TO BREAK THE NORMS.” Iono has come a long way since its launch back in 2005. Was it a hostile industry to enter into?

I think like every industry, when you start a project, a label, you have to fight for everything and prove yourself along the way - no shortcuts! You have to make an effort to have your tracks appear in shops and there are matters of politics and distribution and so on.

With time people, artists, party organisers and other record labels start to trust and respect you and acknowledge your existence and contribution to the scene. It is nevertheless an on-going project and once you’ve reached a certain point you cannot afford to let anyone down. I am happy to have such a creative team that enables me to continue innovating and reaching new goals each period.

I’m sure you must have received many ‘dodgy tracks’ hoping to be released. Today do you get a steady flow of top quality submissions to choose from?

I think the main difference is that I try to keep top notch artists which I can pretty much be sure will produce awesome music. This actually helps with the filtering process and helps me concentrate on other stuff.

How do you feel about this progressive ‘psytech’ which is being produced by a lot of ex ‘full-on’ psy producers?

Well I think it is a predictable wave and I fully support whoever produces creative and unique progressive sounds regardless of his or her background. I do, however, feel that there should always be a sort of balance in the amount of artists spread across the so-called genres and this massive movement towards progressive is something that creates inflation in one area. We live in dynamic times, I am sure there is a new trend bubbling beneath the surface.

BPM TALKS TO IONO LABEL OWNER AND DJ:

CUBIXX You must receive a lot of promo submissions every week. How often does someone brand new pop out of the pile and make you go ‘wow, now this is good and original!’

Well unfortunately I have to say that with new artists it happens no more than approximately 3 times a year. This is odd as you would expect new artists to try and push the limits but what I see is the opposite - more of the same and less courage to break the norms.

Cubixx - the DJ;You used to play techno in the 90’s. Do you still listen to the genre at all and do you think it has progressed from the 90’s?

I quit listening to this music when my son was born in 1999. Two years after I was at Fusion festival in Germany and fell in love with this magical music (trance).

Has progressive trance progressed from the late 90’s - the days of Intact Instinct, Atmos, Son Kite,Yumade, Haldolium and others...?

From my perspective I don’t feel much has progressed since then and that was precisely the reason why Iono was born - to fill the huge gap of innovation and progressive (the genre

and the adjective). Personally I felt that the passion and soul of this genre (in its very broad sense) had been lost or at least substantially deteriorated and this is why I decided it was time to bring new blood into the neighbourhood.

What’s the most exciting piece of music you have heard this year so far?

Oh that’s easy! E-Clip - Human Instinct, Egorythmia & Sonic Entity - Chemical Reactions, Suntree - Lolita! You should have a listen to these gems as well.

Excited for South Africa? You know the guys quite well here. Will your gig at Trinity be your first visit and what is your impression of the scene here?

I am very excited about my first visit to South Africa! From what I know and heard, your scene is pretty big and lots of cool people. I am very happy to have the opportunity to finally come and see the South African crowd and promise to bring extra special vibes and beats to the first date. facebook.com/ionomusic

26 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By Johann M Smith

IS THE WORLD GOING

RUDIMENTAL? nce in a while a musical force shakes things up a bit - it’s that moment when we all collectively agree ‘yeah, this is good.’ Rudimental seems set to become the next musical A-listers or, at the very least, become modern-day Faithless cult-status heroes.

Their hotpot mix of traditional song writing and digital programming is quickly gaining the globe’s attention. But their personalities stay true to the spirit of their salt-of-the-earth UK No.1 debut album, Home. BPM speaks to Rudimental songwriter and producer Piers Aggett ...

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I saw a few days ago that you commented on Facebook that your album has gone gold and that the feeling is indescribable. Now that it’s sunk in, how does it feel?

To be honest, it hasn’t sunk in yet. It all feels so weird [smiles]. The main thing is its inspiration.

And I’m excited to do album number 2. Now I can start to think about what we can be doing in two years time. Because it’s given everyone in Rudimental the belief that we’re here to stay.

East London, and the rave culture. Like drum ‘n’ bass, jungle, and house. Also, we feel that Home has a bigger meaning to it. A sense of community and family - and that can be anywhere in the world. For us, it’s the stage. No matter where we are. So it was great to see fans sharing what home meant to them.

It’s more being created for the club market.

What’s great is that electronic music can get out there. There’s a great bunch of artists coming out of the UK right now, like Disclosure. James Blake is one of my personal favourites. I believe we’re part of that movement in the sense that we want to keep the soul in electronic music.

Ironically, your album Home is keeping you away from home with a massive tour...

Everyone in Rudimental grew up together; we’re all really good friends. So at the moment our homes are on the tour bus, in hotels and on stage. We also have extended family members who are musicians that play with us. We haven’t brought session musicians in. Home can be anywhere, it’s not just about where you came from.

Speaking of which, there are certain elements of your sound that are quite similar to Daft Punk - have you listened to their new album?

I’ve actually only just downloaded it. I’m a massive fan, we all are. Better, Harder, Stronger.

They’re really brilliant. Haven’t got a comment yet, but I’m sure it’s good.

“I BELIEVE WE’RE PART OF THAT MOVEMENT IN THE SENSE THAT WE WANT TO KEEP THE SOUL IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC. ..”

Where did you end up hanging your gold disc?

[Timidly] Umm… at the moment, I haven’t hung it up yet - It’s just resting against the wall. I need to hang it up today. I think I’m going to put it in my room ‘till I figure out where I can hang it in the house.

Seeing that the root of all drum music leads to Africa, will you ever consider touring to South Africa?

Yes, definitely. It would be a dream to go out there. Like you say the root of all drum music comes from Africa, there’s so much culture there. I’m sure you guys would enjoy the live show. Your music fits well into the EDM scheme of things.

Your #THISISHOME competition was a mighty fine example of good social-networking. Why did you choose something so personal for a debut album?

We called our album Home because it was definitely the sound of what we grew up with heavily influenced by music from UK, especially

What is your take on the current rising world of dance music - from finally being included in Billboards charts to Daft Punk claiming EDM lacks depth?

Whenever something explodes it’s always a good thing, because after that dies down good things come out of it. But I think it’s just a label.

Considering that EDM is blowing up in the US and that history teaches us that English bands have often made it big in America - just look at Beatle-mania. Rudimental seem ready to invade.

Are you?

We’re definitely going to give it a go man and give it a real bang. It’s not something we want to do, it’s something we need to do. And I think it would be amazing.

Lastly, Home had many featured singers. Seeing that you’re eager to return to the decks and churn out your second album. Who else would like to work with in the near future?

We’re gonna always strive to find new talent.

Young voices that inspire us. Not necessarily the pop stars. But I’ve heard Lauren Hill has starting making music again… she’s part of our childhood; we all grew up listening to The Fugees. I also like Yukimi [Nagano] from Little Dragon. Most of all, we’re really big into unheard talent. We always look forward to meeting people across the world. So yeah…

Check out Johann's review of Home on Pg. 44

28 ARTIST EXCLUSIVE

By Ethan Storm

THERE'S NOTHING SUB-PAR ABOUT here must be something in the water that runs through Tel-Aviv and its surroundings, as over the years it has proven the birthplace of some of the biggest names in the trance scene.

One such name unites brothers Ohad and Golan Aharony, keeping their unique sound in the family as the duo SUB6. Having graced our shores several years ago, they’ll be returning to explore the minds of local partygoers with their grooves - new and old - that have been getting the world’s attention over the past decade.

Their excitement to hit the decks at Labyrinth ‘Alive’ on 13 July at Trinity is difficult to miss.

“We had a great experience last time and left with a sense of freedom,” say the brothers in our recent cyber back-and-forth, “We are excited to get back there as soon as possible!”

Having been in the music biz for 12 years together, their history is rooted in rock ‘n roll before their transition from amplifiers to synthesisers in the 2000s. Despite the conflict that is to be expected between siblings, they never let it break their stride. “[It] can lead to friction for sure, but there are advantages too. We each have the same musical background and each of us brings in our own twist. We know each other well enough to solve any friction before it becomes an issue,” say the two, “We still have to go to the same family dinners!” [Laughs].

Their sound can be described as a hybrid between friendly progressive beats and pure psychedelia, although the duo resists boxing their tunes into a genre.

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SUB6

”… YOU CAN FEEL EVERY PLACE BY ITS LOCAL MUSIC, AND YOURS IS VERY CONNECTED TO US IN MANY WAYS.” “We prefer not to label our music and just concentrate on keeping it coming”. And we can only thank them for that, with their latest [November 2012] album Future Kids Material which includes 8 new Sub6 tracks and a B-Side of previously unreleased SUB6 remixes by top notch artists such as Vertical Mode, Zen Mechanics and countless other regular party bangers. But they aren’t all for keeping things familiar and have included the work of newcomers to the scene.

“Along with crowd favourites, it was important to us to release [remixes] from lesser known artists like Mr.What, ON3 and Outsiders. Everyone did a great job and we are happy with the result!”

When asked what it is they aim to convey to the crowd through their roaring kicks and infectious melodies they both agree, “The emotion in music is very important to us. We put great effort in creating a unique atmosphere to the track. A kick-bass drop after a hysteric riser is cool - we do it too - but we try to find the balance between moving the dance floor and making people feel something and remembering the music.”

Through this methodology they have undoubtedly had a huge influence on the trance scene’s emergence from its underground origins to the light of the public eye, crediting this on

their approach to their productions.

“We think it's because our sound is less aggressive to people who don't listen to psytrance as much. Our use of vocals in our first years was kind of new to the scene and we didn't expect to get the reaction we did at the time.”

With the global growth of the trance industry bringing in larger crowds, bigger atmospheres and taller stacks, they can’t help but feel the same eagerness for their return to the Mother City that they felt the first time they drew in our crowds.

“This is the very happy evolution of the party people and the music lovers! It’s a blessing - we are just as curious as before our first time there. We could always feel the SA scene with great artists like Headroom, Rinkadink and Protoculture. You can feel every place by its local music, and yours is very connected to us in many ways.”

For those of us itching for some fresh SUB6, you can be on the lookout for the launch of respective Astrix and Ticon remixes courtesy of the duo. If that doesn’t put you at enough ease, they’re also whispering about their next release - promising it will feature some “unusual collaborators from the wide musical spectrum that intrigues [them]”.

Some things just aren’t set to change; amongst these is the high standard of work we can expect from SUB6 in the future.

Another is the electricity that we’re all set out to experience at their next show. We’ll be there, will you?

facebook.com/Sub6Official

30 FEATURE

By Tendai Luwo

rums carry a unique purpose in African culture. They’re a signal that something important is coming. Be it good or bad, wartime or holy matrimony, approaching rains or the arrival of a king, our forefathers beat the crafted hides of a beast to communicate with the people of their land. The same spirit is carried in the sounds of house music’s ancestral warrior, Boddhi Satva. Any house head can tell that soul uplifting music is nigh when Boddhi Satva drums start spilling out the speakers.

There is an air of sincerity that emanates from the DJ/producer and his music. The name Boddhi Satva itself refers to a deity in the Buddist faith that decided to stay behind on earth to help others instead of ascending to Nirvana. In the same light one can say Boddhi himself strives to help carry African house to shores beyond our borders.

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The Boddhi Satva Sound

Ancestral Soul Mixtapes are not common nature in the house scene. At best a DJ will release a free single or two here and there but we hardly ever see a full free compilation coming from them. Boddhi on the other hand isn’t every other DJ to begin with. A few months back he decided to release Ancestral Soul Interpretations Part 1, a 13-track mixtape that featured bootleg remixes of popular down-tempo singles.

The release was a bold move though.

Lately major record labels have been clamping down on any and everything they view as copyright infringement, including unauthorized remixes. So I ask Boddhi if he doesn’t fear the

BODDHI SATVA FOR THE PEOPLE

Past, Present, Future.

“MY SOUND BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN MAINSTREAM AND UNDERGROUND MUSIC, AND I ALWAYS TRY TO STAY EXTREMELY AFRICAN IN MY MUSIC”. strong arm of the music industry law, to which he responds, “I’m looking for the trouble. If this [the mixtape] becomes big enough for them to come knocking at my door then good!”

See for Boddhi he believes that the major record labels have failed to latch onto the deep house movement and fail to see how remixes like Boddhi’s Ancestral Soul interpretation of Rihanna’s Where Have You Been, opens up the artist’s music to a new market.

The question then turns to whether he’d let someone remix his own material in the same way he did on the mixtape? “Yes I would”, he says without hesitation, “remixing is an art though. I previously gave away the parts to 5 songs and out of around 300 submissions, only 2 producers were worth picking.” Considering just how emotionally connected Boddhi is to his music though, it doesn’t come as a surprise that he’d set the bar high.

On a sadder note we touch on Boddhi’s album Invocation that although it carried the hit single From Another World featuring Vikter Duplaix, was poorly marketed locally and subsequently never saw the light of a store shelf. To Boddhi as much as the experience left a bitter taste in his mouth, he views it as water under the bridge and is already working on his forthcoming projects that include a part 2 for Ancestral Soul Interpretations.

So as our time draws to an end it becomes clear to see that at the centre of it all is a man who is as simple and equally as pure as his music. So we say play on my brother, play on!

Photo: Jos Kottmann

My conversation with Boddhi is reminiscent of a young child perched precariously on his grandfather’s lap absorbing a wealth of long acquired knowledge. As we ease into the interview I first press him on his distinctive sound.

With pride he says, “My sound bridges the gap between mainstream and underground music, and I always try to stay extremely African in my music”. And there is no denying this fact. When one looks beyond South African borders but within Africa’s shores for house music, you are most likely to arrive at the doorstep of this Central African Republic native.

However Boddhi makes it clear that what seems to come so naturally sometimes doesn’t come at all. “Sometimes I can’t write music for months. Actually after my first album I ran out of juice but at times the lack of creativity is inspiration in itself.” When it does come though the product is always a marvel to behold.

Boddhi has a knack for picking often little known but undeniably talented artists to feature on his productions. From his work with the late Mangala Camara on Wilile to the infectious Ngnari Konon with Oumou Sangare, Boddhi knows just who to collaborate with in order to successfully embody the strong African influences his music seeks to carry.

32 INTERVIEW By Dave Skinz

Labels Sony, Black Hole Entertainment, Armada | Web: www.shanehalcon.com

“PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SEE DJ'S THEY WANT TO SEE PRODUCERS, THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE TRACKS.”

SHANE HALCON

CLIMBING THE INTERNATIONAL EDM LADDER ailing from the Jacaranda lined streets of Pretoria to the canals of Amsterdam I finally get a chance to chat with DJ/Producer Shane Halcon who is currently residing in downtown Toronto. The Canadian city is alive with dance culture and the arts in general and as Skype connected us and revealed a sleeping Shane with a bright dishevelled orange mohawk, I remembered there's a 7 hour delay and he confirms to me that he just woke up “How’s Canada?,” I ask.

“Canada's been pretty good, I’m not able to travel all that much due to immigration restrictions right now, but that's given me a lot more time to stay in studio, work on new tracks, and I've done a lot of new remixes which I never really had time for before.”

So it's been a blessing in disguise really?

“Yeah, you could say that”, he replies “it's given me a chance to work with Glenn Morrison (best known for his hit Contact), I hang out at his studio from time to time and it’s given me a nice working environment. It’s a more professional studio than I’ve worked in the past... It boosts your own standards and everything you do.”

About Toronto Shane confesses to enjoying his baseball now, an interesting admission from a guy who once made a go at provincial cricket in South Africa and county cricket in the UK.

H

“It’s pretty much the first or last stop any artist makes on their North American tours. It often happens it'll have everyone from ATB, to Chris Lake, to Deadmau5 within the space of 2 - 3 days.” The city also plays host to Guvernment who DJ Mag voted #8 in their Top 100 Clubs of 2008.

We start chatting EDM, not just the rise of the term, but how so many artist are using it like a genre umbrella to really cover a lot of different music.

“When PVD goes back to '99 and talks about playing electronic dance music, it's just them jumping on the bandwagon and commercializing the term. Techno is electronic, Trance is electronic, people just tend to leave out the ‘underground genres.’ If they (DJs) are doing it with the full understanding of what EDM actually means then by all means, but don't say you are an EDM artist and play Electro House non-stop.”

The conversation turns towards the politics of dancing, and Shane admits he's never “experienced it anywhere else in the world as bad as it is in SA; top 3 worst that I’ve seen”, but that leaving his homeland and moving to Europe was “probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

He concedes that, “If it wasn't for me having a European passport it would have been even more difficult. It's nowhere near as easy as everyone thinks it is. When you move to Europe you are competing with the best of the best. When you try and put yourself on the

level of guys whose music you've been playing, what's to stop a promoter from booking that person rather than you?,” a rather daunting challenge to anyone I agree.

His advice is “I would tell anybody first, get your tracks out there, produce. People don't want to see DJs they want to see producers, the people who make the tracks. Not some guy who plays somebody else’s tracks. But of course you have to start somewhere, and that’s what the DJ is. People would rather see a producer play a DJ set, rather than a DJ play a DJ set.”

We wrap up by discussing his release schedule, “Last week was the release of a remix I did for Glenn Morrison on Sony Music. Then I’ve just finished a track with the German producer Strobe and it features Roberta Harrison on vocals, that’s gonna be on Black Hole pretty soon. I've just delivered the master this week.” He goes all low key about some remixes and work including a remix for Armada.

“The content is there, it's now getting the release schedule right so none of them clash with each other.”

He concludes with some sound advice to aspiring DJs/Producers, “Just to do everything sooner. I waited a little too long to get my own tracks out there. I have learnt along the way, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learnt from them, and I’m a better artist because of it.”

Find Shane Halcon here: facebook.com/shanehalcon

34 COLUMNIST By Tendai Luwo

THE DEEP END WITH LUO

Ps & Qs

ne of the biggest highlights of any DJ’s career is that moment when they meet their idol. For me it was meeting Black Coffee. The year was 2009 and he was playing in Grahamstown.

Black Coffee tries not to draw too much attention to himself so most of the time he can slip in and out of a venue after his set unnoticed. That wasn’t the case this time though; as soon as he stepped off the stage I stalked him like when Simba almost ate Pumba in the Lion King. Unrelenting stuff I tell you! Eventually I got to spend a whole 20 minutes in his presence while he waited for his shuttle. Now you might be wondering what relevance this story carries, worry not the punch line is coming.

For most of us the closest we’ve ever come to these demigods is being metres away at an event or at best getting a retweet from them on Twitter. So the day you do meet them it’s only natural that you lose your mind a little but in the bigger scheme of things you can’t afford to not have a cool head at that moment.

It’s time for another story: D’Banj made urban music history when he signed to G.O.O.D. Music. What few people know is how he managed to not only meet but also leave a lasting impression on the legendary Kanye West. Long lesson short, while waiting at the airport for separate flights D’Banj approached Ye and simply

O

TENDAI LAMENTS THE Ps AND Qs OF MEETING YOUR IDOL....

spoke to him. The key to this story though is that even though they’d never met and Kanye knew very little of the Nigerian star, D’Banj addressed him as an equal not a groupie.

The point I’m trying to make (this is the punchline) is meeting your star can easily turn into more than a photo opportunity if you go about it the right way.

For the majority of those reading this, you look up to that particular artist/DJ because one day you’d like to be just as successful as they are, so why not use every chance to your advantage?

Far too many times I’ve heard young DJs say “DJ Fresh is so arrogant!” or “DJ Cleo is so mean now just because he’s a big star.” But here is the thing, put everything into context. How many times a day do you think the big DJs get handed a demo or are asked for ‘a helping hand.’? The Layabouts noted during an interview that they easily receive +200 demos a week!

Furthermore, don’t expect a warm welcome if you approach a DJ while he is having lunch with his family. They’re human, they deserve privacy too!

The solution is rather simple though.

Take note of your environment. Most DJs travel with their manager. If you can spot who that is, try talk to him first and ask if the DJ has a few minutes to spare and if they wouldn’t mind giving you their contact details so you can get a hold of them in the

near future. Managers are more likely to remember you because it’s their job to ensure all artist relations are intact and at that point in time he doesn’t know you so just like you, he doesn’t want to offend you just in case there’s potential for a future business relationship.

Once you’ve been granted access to the star, greet him/her calmly. Introduce yourself and include what you do as well as a compliment if you like. Keep the conversation short though, you’re not friends!

Lastly get your photo, thank them and unless you’ve been invited to hang around longer, leave. From this point on you can email or call the manager and highlight what you require from them.

Furthermore, if you so happen to get a famous DJ’s contact details from anyone else but the actual DJ, rather don’t call them. Most people take offense if they receive a random call from someone they don’t expect to have their contact details.

Save yourself the embarrassment.

All in all your idol is still a person who has boundaries. Some of the guys really are pricks though, not everyone can be a nice guy but for the better part, just like D’Banj, you can turn a chance meeting into a meaningful encounter. Just remember your Ps and Qs. Happy networking!

36

FUN STUFF

5 MINS WITH...

PIXIE BENNETT

WE GRAB 5 MINUTES WITH SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE DJ'S & ARTISTS AND ASK THEM... WELL... JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WE FEEL LIKE!!!

S

he’s tiny but she packs a punch.

What’s not to love about the feisty singer/performer that stole so many hearts on Season 5 of Idols?

But Pixie Bennett is more than just a pop wannabe and has been in the music business professionally since 2001 as a singer, recording artist, club and freestyle vocalist, go-go dancer and an MC. Teaming up with

1. I decided to release a dance album because...

Dance was where I started 11 years back and after a lot of soul searching it’s where I landed up again!

16. What one item is always in your fridge?

Mayo!

17. The one song on your iPod that would surprise friends...

George Michael, Faith. Ha ha!

2.The album name A Thousand Paper Birds comes from...

A Japanese belief that folding 1000 origami cranes grants you any one wish you want in life.

18. The best thing someone has ever come up to you and said at a gig?

“You’re taller than you look on TV”

3. Working with producer Craig Massiv was...

Like chilli chocolate. It works, has some fire and a general respect.

19. When is it okay to lie?

When you hate your friend’s tattoo design. They have it for life…

4. Performing on Idols is a bit like...

Giving a speech naked to an audience of millions.

20. What was your part time job in college or high school?

Working at Madame Zingara in Cape Town.

5. The track from A Thousand Paper Birds that has surprised you the most is...

Taboo. A cover of a track from local SA Band Voodoo child - I actually MC in a section!

6. Working in Ibiza as a Go-Go dancer was....

A wild ride for a 19 year old. Off the wall fun!

producer Craig Massiv, her debut dance album - A Thousand Birds - drops this month [reviewed on Pg. 44]. We caught up with Pixie to discover a wonderful sense of humour matching her audacious persona…

21. What do you like to do when no one's watching?

Break the speed limit.

Photo: Tim Hulme

7.Your most common expression is...

“Hey H’uncle” in an Indian accent. It’s a Durban thing.

8. What do you think is the most overrated virtue?

Stability.

9. What was your latest 'cool' purchase?

Organic Coconut Water. Cool to some…

10.Your worst habit is…

Meeting people out in dark clubs and not remembering them.

11.You enjoy it most when people...

Have a dry sense of humour and a flair for kitsch or adventure.

12. One thing you have learnt about yourself recently that has surprised you?

My ability to use a soldering iron.

13. What is the best single piece of advice your parents gave you that has never left you?

Look left and right before crossing the road. And that status is fickle so treat people as equals.

14. What is the one thing you think all men should simply stop wearing?

Jocks. Specifically briefs.

15.You take approximately how long to get ready in the morning?

Depends how much of a rush I am in…

15 minutes minimum, 35 minutes average including baths.

22. The worst piece of advice someone’s ever tried to convince you of is...

That I would enjoy a pig’s trotter for dinner.

23. What is the one promise you keep making to yourself that you always break?

To learn Zulu and join the roller derby.

24. Joburg girls are...

Party starters.

25. If you were an MC, what would your aka name be?

PIX-A-LICIOUS 26. What do you never leave home without?

My charm.

27. The South African music industry needs more…

Party Starters!!

38

COOKING THE DECKS

By Tendai Luwo

WITHIN WEEKS THE GUN SONG WAS BEING PLAYED BY EVERY BIG DJ ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND FURTHER AFIELD

HEAVY K

THE DRUM BOSS

ach time one digs into the sea of talent that is the South African house music scene, you’re likely to come up with a prize catch. It’s no secret that SA is undoubtedly the holy grail of house music and the latest addition to this growing list of bright talent is a young man by the name of Mkhululi Siqula, but you may know him as Heavy K. Interviewing young talent is always a joyful and equally humbling experience because the majority of the time the artist is innocently unaware of just how influential they’ve become within their respective field. My time with Heavy K was no different. As I arrived for the interview I was welcomed by a youthful and bubbly individual who couldn’t wait to share his story.

E

In the beginning...

For someone who’s churning out hits at an alarming rate it’s almost hard to believe that Heavy’s eyes were initially set on a totally different career path. While he was still known as Mkhululi to everyone his dreams were firmly set on being a doctor or scientist.

“At school I was very interested in maths and science” he says with a grin. The stars however had different plans. One day he was sent by his older brother to collect movies from a friend’s house. While there the friend was in the middle of a recording session. Witnessing this was magical for Mkhululi and from that

moment on his love for music production was born and soon enough he was the proud owner of FL Studio 3!

Point 5 and beyond For those well versed with the house scene, the name Heavy K might ring a bell, for once upon a time he was part of the P.E. based production power house, Point 5. His time with Point 5 saw him being a part of massive hits like the remix of Busi Mhlongo’s Zithin’ Izizwe. This period also saw the birth of one of the biggest singles of his career, Lento by Professor.

With cheerful pride he says “I actually produced Lento when I was 16 and its original title was Email but after I heard it with Professor and Speedy on the vocals I was like ‘Wow, did I do this?” Sure enough he did do it and after a few production tweaks, Heavy had become a part of one of the biggest local dance singles in recent history.

But in the spirit of always pushing himself, Heavy K decided it was time to go solo, and with the blessing of his fellow group members it was time for him to ascend to the next level of his career.

The Gun Song Simple but distinctive drums, a break then a gun shot. Those elements are what make what is undoubtedly the greatest runaway hit for 2012.

The story behind Heavy K’s breakthrough offering will blow you away even more than the shots the single fires.

While waiting for his manager to pick him up from his house Heavy grew impatient and decided to play around in his home studio while he waited on his ride. The end result of the little impromptu session that lasted less than 20 minutes was The Gun Song.

When his manager finally arrived, Heavy quietly slipped the disc into the car’s CD player and waited for a reaction. All he got was “This is a hit!” and they were right. Within weeks The Gun Song was being played by every big DJ all over the country and further afield. The single was even licensed by France based record company, Djoon!

The Drum Boss With all his achievements it’s hard to remember that Heavy K is barely 21 years old. To add to his list of accolades, there’s a largely successful debut album titled The Drum Boss and the backing of Oskido and Kalawa Jazzme.

With such heavy hitters in his corner, things are really happening for Heavy K. With all this in his lap though he’s already planning his next move.

“Fans can expect a live DVD from me soon and I’m also pushing my record label, On Point Entertainment, which will give other P.E. artist like me a platform in Johannesburg.”

His parting words are a testament to the fact that no one currently deserves to shine brighter than this young man. Right now, it’s Heavy K’s time!

see us at

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www.audiosure.co.za

42 ALBUM REVIEWS

1. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories - Sony 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

<Disco/Pop> This is a tough review to write. The general consensus by mainstream media is that Random Access Memories [RAS] is a brilliant new album by the Parisian duo, Daft Punk. You’d need to have been living under a rock not to notice the immense amount of hype created with their formidable marketing campaign ahead of this release.

So here’s the rub; if you’re looking forward to those genre bending disco/house/ electronica productions you WILL be disappointed. However if you listen with an open mind with little expectation to be transported back to anything they’ve done before, RAS is a very slick pop record. To say that the production values are ‘next level’ does not quite do the album justice, however this also comes with its own set of challenges. How slick can it be before it becomes sterile? RAS treads a precarious line between ‘too clean’ and excellently produced. Song-wise, some are simply brilliant [Within and Instant Crush], many are enjoyable and groovy whilst others don’t sound fully realised. Some fans (old and new) will enjoy the frivolous 70’s disco groove which is undemanding and easy on the ear throughout. In the end it is an enjoyable listen that could possibly have done with one or two club bangers to appease their fans of old. Reviewed by Damon Albetto

2. Deep Xcape - Deep House Chronicles 9 Soul Candi <Dance & House> Deep Xcape are one of those musical phenomena that have you doubting all the house music you’ve been listening to prior to them. For their latest offering, Deep House Chronicles 9, they’re out on a mission to erase any doubt one may have, if any, about their musical prowess. The first track, Do U Know, comes out swinging and immediately takes your soul by the cuffs of its shirt and commands it to dance! Should Have Been may not be as ‘get up and dance’ as Do U Know but somehow Deep Xcape manage to keep the spirit alive and the mind interested with this afro-soul production. The aura of soul continues throughout the album till you get to the familiar, Where You Are. This track in particular sees Deep Xcape holding back on their musical showmanship whilst still encapsulating the essence of a great soulful house jam; simplicity. Just when you think you’ve figured them out though, Deep Xcape totally flip the script. Towards the end of the album lies the hauntingly beautiful The Real Groove.

The dark talking synths and eerie pads with a hint of soul make it the perfect climatic point on the album. This is definitely a job well done! Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

3. Cuebur - For Headz Only - Soul Candi <Urban House> For Headz Only isn’t Cuebur’s first album but it does serve as what most would deem his ‘big break’ and boy oh boy did he run with it. The album kicks off with My Baby, a collaboration with one of his preferred vocalists, Thandi Draai. The single is a sweet melodic number that sits comfortably as a soulful but danceable single.

Considering Cuebur is the brains behind the foot stomping Pepe, it’s nice to see him venturing into the soulful side of life. Thandi also appears on the fan favourite Lost for Words,

a scatting and harmony laced gem of a track. A definite runaway hit is the afro-techy Everything Will Be Okay. The track feels at home on an EDM floor as well as in a deep house set. Almost every single on this great album touches some sort of nerve. Even the lead single, No Doubt featuring Marissa Guzman slides in at the right moment to create the perfect sense of dancing euphoria. All in all it’s great to see how Cuebur balanced different house subgenres and coupled it with fresh vocal talent and seasoned veterans. For Headz Only is well worth a trip to the music store. Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

4. DJ Whisky - The Rebirth - Soul Candi <Urban House> The likes of DJ Whisky are testament to the wealth of talent that we have in South Africa. His new album, The Rebirth, serves as his proclamation to the house fraternity that he is here to stay. Early on in the album though one notes an interesting production trait; I’m rather uncertain of whether his tracks are directed at the dancefloor or the easy listener. Perhaps this can be attributed to the mixing process because I can’t shake the feeling that the drums and percussion levels are simply too high and subsequently kill any soulful aspects that his songs may be trying to convey. This aspect of the album is probably most apparent on Ndinga Si Kone. Instruments like the grand piano are totally overshadowed by overbearing drums. This aside though The Rebirth certainly carries some near classic gems. For the soulful house music lover, DJ Whisky’s remix of Lost It All will undoubtedly be the replay worthy track on the album and for the ancestral soul head their money will probably be on the organic deep offering; Boni Mores. The Rebirth is a solid offering from the young DJ Whisky and reveals promising talent in the young artist. Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

5. Mafikizolo - Reunited - Kalawa Jazme <House/Afro Pop> Mafikizolo have made one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent years with their latest album, Reunited. The return, which was spearheaded by the hit single Khona, set the bar high for the duo but we all had faith the seasoned musicians would live up to the expectations. Sadly this is not the case with Reunited.

Throughout the years Mafikizolo’s signature sound has been Afro-pop or ‘black wedding music’. This was their forte and it worked for them, however with their string of comeback singles they’ve gone for the African drum-laced sound that is characterized by the likes of Uhuru and the Kalawa Jazzme record label as a whole and although this has given the group massive appeal within the urban youth market, it has not translated well onto the album. Reunited struggles to find common ground between the new and old Mafikizolo. Party favourites Khona and Happiness feature very early on in the album but then the record plummets into the Afro-jazzy Ndikwazile. Three songs later it’s back to house music with the title track Reunited but it’s not long before the album falls back into the slow jazz theme. Mafikizolo can be commended for what they were attempting to achieve but all in all Reunited disappoints with its sheer lack of identity and purpose.

Reviewed by Tendai Luwo

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44 ALBUM REVIEWS

6. Armin Van Buuren - Intense - Armada / Next Music 6.

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<Techno / Deep House / Electronica> Intense is Armin van Buuren’s 5th studio album. It’s been almost three years since his last full length release, Mirage, which was very well received by fans. For me, Van Buuren’s productions sit somewhere between his cohorts, Paul Van Dyk and Tiësto; whilst not as slick and pop sensible as Van Dyk, or quite the genre chameleon Tiësto bring to his music, Van Buuren likes to write big room bangers and Intense delivers several of these. Large woody basslines, plucky synths, vocals layered in reverb and massive melodic pads are his trademark.

There are some big radio hits on Intense too, such as Turn This Love Around, Alone, and the lead single This Is What It Feels Like which features Trevor Guthrie. But it’s not all radio driven EDM as tracks like Last Stop Before Heaven, Who’s Afraid Of 138?! and Humming The Lights are all strong reminders that Armin is a big room trance specialist; these three are guaranteed to get those hands in the air and the feet hopping. This leaves us with 9 other productions, a mixture of mainstream and trance, combined with progressive house and other interesting influences all of which show off Van Buuren’s awareness of current trends in dance music.

Reviewed by Damon Albetto

7. Rudimental - Home - Warner Gallo

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<Drum & Bass / Electronic Soul> Rudimental have the potential to become this decade’s generational starlets.

They have enough pop potency to beat the decaying Black Eyed Peas and they pus.h enough buttons to be considered Underworld cool. Their approach to traditional song writing meets digital programming has earned them gold.

This 12 tracker debut, Home, has proven to be worth its weight in gold. Notwithstanding its melting pot of influences (DnB, jungle, jazz, house, 70’s soul, 90’s rave) the variety of featured artists on offer makes this album hop from one place to the next with ease and in an unpredictably cool random order. It’s a sonic youth injection to say the least. Good production shines through and through - not in the “oooh that sounds complicated and advanced” kinda way, more in the sense of these people know how to toy delightfully with your emotions.

Beat breakdowns come out of nowhere, but during times that seems so appropriate but you would never have guessed. They make themselves feel “newer” than the stock standard affair out there. Consider track 4 (Hell Could Freeze), it’s essentially soul meets 90’s RnB rap. But then there’s follow up jewel, Spoons. It’s oh so house. Fast forward to track 9 (Not Giving In), wow what a lovely soul driven DnB anthem. How do they do it? By just tapping into what makes them quintessentially them. Oh, and it’s a damn good jive also. Reviewed by Johann M Smith

8. Pixie Bennett - A Thousand Paper Birds Universal <Vocal House> I’m sure the legacy of being an Idols Top 10 finalist will live with Pixie Bennett for some time. This may be a good thing in an industry where networking is a key ingredient to getting noticed, securing gigs and making your star shine. But it can also have its pitfalls. Especially if

your album is not your typical contrived pop or EDM record that the lowest common denominator will understand. Whilst the songs are certainly accessible and radio friendly, A Thousand Paper Birds just feels and sounds more meaningful than what one would expect from an Idols wannabe. Instead of doing the obvious; jump on the electro EDM bandwagon that stations like 5FM bombard the masses with, Pixie Bennett has presented us with a curiously varied and accomplished set of songs. She sure can sing and the lyrics, whilst not intended to be deep (I assume), they are neither contrived nor riddled with clichés either and really do suit the arrangements and overall tone of this 10 track album. A special mention should also be made of Craig Massiv’s excellent production and arrangements which certainly have a lot to do with what is a very cool vocal house album. Reviewed by Dave Mac

9. Timo Maas - Lifer - Sheer Sound <Electronica> Once upon a time (the 90’s, early 2000’s) Timo Maas was a real favourite with the dance music media. The man could do no wrong as his flavour of progressive house was the ‘thinking man’s’ dance music at a time when trance was so big. Some things haven’t changed.

Trance is still so big, if not bigger and progressive house still enjoys its niche. But Maas has changed... a lot! Look the guy is something of an underground legend celebrating a decade as a DC10 resident, so don’t get me wrong. Simply put though he’s just got weirder and weirder as the years go by when it comes to his productions. The euphemism for this is eclectic but to be honest his latest and third studio album - Lifer - is weird. And sombre. He likes things dark that’s for sure. Ranging from the melodic, Eastern influenced opener, Vision, to the very strange hip hopper, Grown Up and the minimal Kick 1 Kick 3, he keeps your ears challenged for sure, but it doesn’t always work.

Articulation though is an excellent piece of electronic pop and Tantra a groovy 4 to the floor polyphonic house track.

Some great tunes, some weird ones and some that should not have made the cut. Well worth a listen though.

Reviewed by Dave Mac

10. Bonobo - The Northern Borders - Ninja Tunes <Electronica> Simon Green aka Bonobo is a master producer. Ask anybody who owns a copy of his seminal masterpiece, Black Sands, released in 2010. The Northern Borders, his fifth studio album may not quite live up to the expectations of his 2010 release; it is however still an accomplished piece of IDM, possibly plagued only by his lack of reinvention or intent to push his sound further.

Instead Green opts for an album of easy flowing electronica that aspires not to engage one, rather providing a palette for chilled background listening. This is not necessary a bad thing and with each listen The Northern Borders certainly unfolds its layers of beauty. Jazzy riffs and stabs underpin a trip hoppy break-beat affair that glides along quite effortlessly and this may be his only pitfall to those who know Green’s music well; he really does make sophisticated electronica quite effortlessly, so much so that this may feel and sound too easy for his fans. The Northern Borders includes the likes of Erykah Badhu, Greg Reverend from Cinematic Orchestra and Cornelia (Portico Quartet) so he’s in good company. Reviewed by Dave Mac

46 ALBUM REVIEWS 11. Coming Soon - Remixed - Spin Twist Records

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<Progressive Psytrance> On their latest progressive album, Coming Soon have had ten of their tracks remixed by many well-known psytrance producers. Become One is a bouncy Interactive Noise remix and this track screams ‘dance floor filler’. The speakers were throbbing with the phat bass of Chemistry as remixed by Fabio & Moon. I Only Smoke was one of the biggest hits of the summer and gets an interesting remix by DaVinci Code with good build-ups and amusing vox. The Major 7 remix of Frequency is tight and punchy and is followed by the darker sounding No Satisfaction as remixed by Perplex and Morten Granau.

Osher steps up to the plate with Up On You and this phat rendition has stunning melodies. Psychedelics (Royal Flush Remix) starts off with a scorching build-up that leads to some serious banging and is pretty in your face. Things calm down a bit with Ayahuasca by Class A and my ears were caressed with sumptuous synths. I don’t know who Berg is, but his take on Limitless is simply fabulous and this track can really mess with your head with its rhythm changes.

The final track is another great remix of Psychedelics but this time by Skipper and is a less frantic version.

Recommended. Reviewed by Riqardo

12. Lyctum - Vibrations of Life - TesseracTstudio

13.

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<Progressive Trance> Vibrations of Life is Dejan Jovanovic aka Lyctum’s second album and tells a story of planets passing through our solar system. The opening track, Cosmic Web has a huge presence and is super smooth on the ears.

Gravity Loss is a stunning progressive psytrance track and includes both female and male angelic voices. The excellent Atmospheric Probe sets the scene for space exploration with finely placed echoes and changes in melody. The gentle twittering of birds makes way for a steady throbbing beat and a “Halloween” sounding synth in Voices of the Earth. My mind was filled with visions by the quite spooky sounding Planet Birth with its monk-like chanting, many echoes and swirling sounds. Subatomic is a massive sounding track that contains a fabulous build-up in the middle section and just keeps rolling on and on. The epic masterpiece that is Quantum Field opens with cave-like dripping sounds then moves to a banging bass followed by a box full of sounds. This wonderful track is an everchanging landscape of sounds, melodies and moods. The final track is a Lyctum remix of Eleven by The Riddler, a banging tune with creepy guttural vox. Recommended.

Reviewed by Riqardo

13.Various Artists - Captain Hook Best of my sets Vol. 9 - Iboga Records <Progressive Psytrance> This is one hell of a bumper compilation of progressive psytrance goodness. The Experiment by Pixel & Space Cat kicks off with a nice slow start and this is followed by a squelchy Polished Chrome created by Liquid Soul and Captain Hook. Temptation by Interactive Noise is a real trippy tune and Spell It By Second also put me into a state of trance. I love Sub6 as they always push the envelope and The Clash has a brash sounding synth with wicked bass. Major 7 pumps up the bass with Revelation and there is some mad swirling synth in Techno Test by Audiomatic & Day Din. Captain Hook and Perfect Stranger get the groove back with the fabulously danceable Perfect Hook. Razorblade by Perfect Stranger & Ritmo keeps growing in intensity until you can take no

more. The Headroom remix of Dr Who by Loud is magnificent and fellow South African, Rinkadink’s Abzed is brilliantly remixed by Nitrodrop. The tempo slows down for Disturbed Owl by Critical Choice as well as Transport To Another by Atmos. Dictator by Freedom Fighters & Born Sleepy is a nice slow stomp and finally Zyce makes his appearance with the stellar Human Chord. Recommended.

Reviewed by Riqardo

14.Various Artists - Battlestar - TesseractStudio <Progressive Trance> The world is a better place when a new Tesseract album hits my sound system, so this one was eagerly accepted. The opening track is Atmospheric by L-Xir (remixed by The Riddler) and really opens with a bang.

Copycat’s Voyager One is a driving progressive track that should keep one glued to the dance floor. Gypsy Magic (love that name) by Molok & Subliminal Codes sounds like a gigantic spaceship flying through space. Flegma is one of my favourite progressive psytrance artists and he doesn’t let me down with the stunning Unravel. Indian chanting summons Lyctum to start a gorgeous space voyage called Highly Addictive. I was then taken on a wondrous journey of discovery down the Rabbit Hole by Aqualize with electronic squelches that gave me goose bumps. Wow, I got to say that Zen Mechanics vs. Flegma’s Flux (Lyctum RMX) really hit the progressive psy enjoyment centre of my brain with this huge sounding track. I can imagine a crowd having a fantastic stomp under the Full Moon to this epic track by Middle Mode vs. Nerso vs. Zyce. Finally to conclude this excellent album is the Micky Noise remix of Unimation by Zyce & Nerso, an excellent way to end. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Riqardo

15.Various Artists - Danish Delights - Iboga Records <Downtempo> Danish Delights is a 19 track chilled out release compiled by Alexander Descroix. N.A.S.A (aka Mikkel) opens with a sombre sounding Solitude and is then followed by an interesting Middle Eastern tune, Mapusa by Mashti. Monsters is from Rosa Lux’s debut album and I found this House track to be a bit boring, personally.

Thankfully it is followed by a more interesting and upbeat [also quite housey] track by Def Jaguar (remixed by Djuma Soundsystem) called Chick 1 which has a nice groove.

This is Your Party by Justin Side is clubby and sensual; just a pity that the lyrics are really clichéd. The excellent Disturbed Owl by Critical Choice is slow and chilled; a real gem of a tune. Tusindfryd by Morten Granau is simple (acoustic guitar) and beautiful and really shows of the progressive trance producer’s gentle side. Flowjob’s Ashore was a little disappointing; it didn’t seem to go anywhere and sounded like one long build-up. I’m a big Flowjob fan so maybe I need to give it a few more listens. Hillred Street by Vonoom contains really cool vox and has a pleasing, absorbing melody. RDG delivers one of the coolest tracks, a really slow jazzy and Dubstep groover named, Black Chronic. The brilliant In the Dub by Bes is what I’d term ‘chillstep’ and is one of the most unique on the compilation. Other tracks making up this compilation include artists, Laust Sonne, I Got You On Tape, Seamoon & Miki, Neo Geo, Saint Janus, Hankat, Erot and Audiolog. The track selection seemed to me a little disjointed at times, so whilst I really, really enjoyed some of tracks, others have not yet grabbed my fancy. Reviewed by Riqardo

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CONTROLLER SERIES 2013 FLAGSHIP 4TRAK: 4-Channel Traktor™ Controller - Four decks of software control with included Traktor Numark 4TRAK Edition software - 12-knob FX Kommand Console for complete control over effects & filters - Built-in four-channel DJ mixer that works with or without a computer - Four line inputs, two turntable inputs and two microphone inputs - Touch-sensitive illuminated platters with 3600 ticks of resolution per rotation - Built-in 24-bit audio interface with balanced XLR outputs - Solid metal construction - Maps seamlessly with Traktor Pro 2 including sample triggers

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50 DJ CHARTS

NOV/DEC12

DJ CHARTS TOY TOY ‘BANGERS’ CHART (JHB / Techno|House|Disco) 1. Hobo - Incise (Minus) • 2. Jori Hulkkonen & Tiga - Trust Your Body (Danny Daze Dub) (Turbo) • 3.

Tale of Us - Fresh Water (Life & Death) • 4. Stacey Pullen - Any Which Way (Dirt Mug Mix) (Blackflag Recordings) • 5. Monoblok & PSLKTR - Spooky (Meant Records) • 6. Soul Centre - Hal 2010 (Tim Mix) (Shitkatapult) • 7. Hanfry Martinez - Disco 90 (La Vie En Rose) • 8. Carreno is LB - Neurosis (Correspondant) • 9. Clement Meyer - Hi Tek Snuff (Correspondant) • 10. Remain - Airstrike (Meant Recording)

D-NOX (Sprout|Tronic / Germany / Techno) 1. Cajmere & Maceo Plex - Calm Under Pressure (Cajual Recordings) • 2. AFFKT - Under Your Skin (Suruba) • 3. Hobo - Incise (Minus) • 4. Leroy Peppers - Northern Nookie (Dirty Bird) • 5.

Dosem - Wake Up (Suara) • 6. D-Nox, Ruiz & Stein - Easy Rider (UNRL) • 7. Robert Owens, Klement Bonelli - Wild (Agoria Edit) (Krome Rec) • 8. Metodi Hristov - Grab For Ya (Suara) • 9. The Doors - Hello I Love You (Oddphopnics Total Rework) (UNRL) • 10. Lucas Magalhaes - Over Think (MUR)

SOUND SENSIBLE (Toy Toy Chart / KZN / Techno|House| Electronica) 1. Columbus - Schwarzes Gold (Alkalino Remix) (MayoLove Music) • 2. Demain - As a replicant (Philipp Gorbachev remix) (Correspondant) • 3.

Mumbai Science - Impact (John Roman Remix) (Lektroluv) • 4. Saschienne - Grand Cru (Kompakt) • 5. Yan Wagner - Changed (The Hacker Remix) (Pschent Music) • 6. Steve Lorenz - Pulsar (Momentum League) • 7. Deepbass - Orion (Ten Tec Struck Foundation) • 8. Derek Marin - Safety Dance (De-Konstrukt) • 9. Tiari, Daegon - Ovo (Daegon Remix) (Elektrotribe Records) • 10.

Oliver Dodd - Opaque (Original Mix) (Gastspiel Records)

CUBIXX (IONO Music / Germany / Psy Progressive) 1. Lifeforms - Dreamcatcher (IONO Music) • 2.

Suntree - Lolita (IONO Music Unrl) • 3. E-Clip & Zen Mechanics - Technologies of Consciousness (IONO Music Unrl) • 4. Ritmo & Nok - New World Order (Egorythmia Remix) (IONO Music Unrl) • 5.

E-Clip - Human instincts (IONO MUSIC Unreleased) • 6. Sonic Entity - Drums Have Been Talking (IONO Music Unrl) • 7. Ritree - The Power (IONO Music) • 8. Avshi - Music Of Yourself (IONO Music Unrl) • 9. Osher & Kopel - In Trance (IONO Music Unrl) • 10. Ritmo & Nok - New World Order (Egorythmia Rmx) (IONO Music Unrl)

DAVE SKINZ (Affiliations-ESP / Ctrl Alt Del / JHB / Tech-House) 1. Alex Kenji & NDKj ft Marga Sol - Not That Kind of Girl (Nopopstar Mix) (Hot Fingers) • 2. Format B ft Fabricio Pecanha - Rise (Formatik Records) • 3.

Jay Lumen - Rock It Up (100% Pure) • 4. Mark Knight - Your Love (Toolroom Records) • 5. Mario Ochoa - Lockdown (100% Pure) • 6. Vanilla Ace Bring it Back (Toolroom Records) • 7. Gorillaz vs.

Kenji - Feel that Good Body (Skinz' bootleg mix) (Unreleased) • 8. Compact Grey - Bane (Ron Costa Mix) (Gris Musique) • 9. Belocca & Fedor Limjoco - Candy Men (Belocca Dark Candy Dub) (Mainground Music) • 10. Addy Van Der Zwan & Koen Groenveld -Wheep! (Toolroom Records)

DJ NOIZEBOY (Showtime Productions / CT / House) 1. Nneke - Shining Star (Joe Godaard Rmx) (Defected) • 2. Qwote ft Pitbull - Throw Your Hands Up (EDM 2013 Mix) (Slip & Slide Rec) • 3. DJ Zinhle ft Busiswa Ggulu - My name is (Nulu Rec) • 4. Dj Kent ft Liquideep - Top of the world (Salyrix) • 5. Tujamo ft Plastic Funk - Who (Tiger Rec) • 6. Ralf Gum ft Monique - Take me to my love (Raw artistic) • 7. Gotye - Somebody that I used to know (2012 EDM Rmx) (Republic) • 8. Sandro Silva vs.

Eurythemix - Epic sweet dreams (Radio Edit) (Godknows) • 9. Rihanna - Only Girl in the world (Fatmanscoop club Rmx) (Digital) • 10. Robin Thick ft Pharrel- Blurred Lines (LA Funky Mix) (Digital)

EQLIPSE (Magnetika Agency|The Village Records|Terrorlab Industries / CPT / HiTech Psy Trance) 1. Amush Vs Xside - Get Out (Terrorlab Industries) • 2. Eyetek VS X-side - Sexy Blond Warrior (Replicant Records) • 3. M.A.D - Overwhelm and destroy (Terrorlab Industries) • 4. Exgen (Amush Remix)- Bankai (Dropland Records) • 5. Zinx VS Demosys - Bunjee Jumping (Replicant Records) • 6.

Smashed Vs Concept - Dead Star (Timecode Records) • 7. Exgen VS Absolum - Mutants (3D Vision Recordings) • 8. Khopat - Antidote (3D Vision Recordings) • 9. Rubix Qube - Po Biler (The Village Records) • 10. Locked Locker - Locked tight (Replicant Records)

DJ DAVIC (Masana Records / JHB|Soweto / House) 1. Dupa vs 2Minutes - Muthu Wanga (Money Ice) • 2. Dj Davic - Let me Be(Feat Thembi) (Masana Records) • 3. T-Man Gavin - Aringatuwi Fhano (Vhusenga vhadzimu) • 4. Dj Nkoki - Khavha sumbedze (Dojob Records) • 5. Twice - Feeling Good (Tshedza Productions) • 6. Kendrick Lamar Bitch, Don’t Kill my vibe (Aftermath Entertainment) • 7. Lolo - Hiyo Hiyo (Soul Candy) • 8. Kutlwano Tselane (DJ Davic Productions) • 9. Mizo Phyll - Put On (Madhouse Entertainment) • 10. CoolFelo Nido mu wana gayi (Tshedza Productions)

52 NATIONAL EVENTS

Every Mon | Student night | Mercury | Doors open 9pm | R20 | Loads of drink specials

Every Sat | Disco Safari | Orphanage Cocktail Emporium | Free Entry | 9:00 | Dj's ft: Dean Fuel & Friends | www.theorphanage.co.za

Every Wed | Eclipse Nightclub | Midweek Mayhem | Doors open: 8pm | Ft: Dj Troy, Clint P & Andre | 72 Main Road |Claremont | www.EclipseNightclub.co.za

Every Sat | The Hollywood Club | Soulful Saturdays | Cnr Old Paarl Rd & Jeanette St, Brackenfell | Resident DJ's + Guest DJ's | Bar Specials | http://www.facebook.com/TheHollywoodClub / 021 981 8463

Every Thurs | BoardWalkEmpire | Deep House music | Free entry | Half price tapas | www.hqrestaurant.co.zsa

Every Sat | Hip Hop Take over |Ft: Dj Erwin G, Dj Dazz & Dj Lover | R50 | Comp drinks by Jack Daniels | Boulevard, Durban, 153 Florida Rd | www.gigguide.co.za/1552.html

Every Thurs | The Rendezvous Room | Free Entry | In association with DVM events & resident musical authorities Ian and Malcolm Skene. Come early for dinner before all high-jinx breaks loose | www.theorphanage.co.za Every Fri | Warm Up Sessions | Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! CT | 8pm11pm | Funky DJ nights | with Smirnoff & Red Bull Studios, bring you Warm Up Sessions this winter weekends | www.proteahotels.com Every Fri | UltraNoize – For the love of psychedelic |CT– Northern Sub | banging Sound & lighting supplied by DJ Hookups | Ultra spychedelic Decor | Bar Specials | Some of CT’s finest beat freaks | See FACEBOOK for info Every Fri | Fresh Fridays Party | DBN @ Roccabar | Dj’s: Dynasty, Feel, Teabag, Wobbly, Massimo, Sonic, FunkySoul | Ft: R8 Drink Specials | 21h00 | R50 | BBM 231AE5E9 & Twitter: @FreshFridayDBN Every Fri | Fridays In the Sky | R50 | Doors Open 10pm | DJ Lineup: Sox,Yaron, Jet & Guests | Info: www.thunda.com Every Fri | The Dragon Room | Progressive House, Electro and swing beats | 22:00 until late | 84, Harrington st | CT | R30 | www.thedragonroom.co.za Every Fri | Fired up Fridays | JHB @ News Cafe Bedfordview | Free Entrance | Guest Dj | 6pm till late | 011 450 3337 | Newscafe.bedfordview@gmail.com Every Fri | AfterDark | With Dj Rene | HQ Restaurant | Cape Town | www.hqrestaurant.co.za Every Fri | Cocktail Fridayz | Ft Small Paul, Massive_T & Geusts | Plot 4 Witkoppen Rd | Drink Specials | food Menu | Sushi Bar | 5pm -l late | www.chefandthefatman.co.za / 011 029 4820 Every Fri | The Hollywood Club | Boogy Night | Bar Specials | First 50 Free Before 10:30pm - R30 Thereafter | Cnr Old Paarl Rd and Jeanette street, Brackenfell | http://www.facebook.com/TheHollywoodClub Every Fri | DJ and Dancing | HQ Restaurant | Heritage Square | 100 Shortmarket Street | CT | 20:00 - 2:00 | www.hqrestaurant.co.za Every Sat | Saturday Sounds | JHB @ News Cafe Bedfordview | Free Entry | Guest Dj | 6pm till late | 011 450 3337 | Newscafe.bedfordview@gmail.com Every Sat | The Saturday Swing Cafe | Zula Sound Bar | 98 Long St, Cape Town | Vintage & Electro Swing, Funky / Jazzy / Swing House and Electro and Tech | New line-up of DJ's every month | Starts @ 9 | Info: www.zulabar.co.za / 021 4242442

Every Sat | The Loop | 161 Loop Street | CT | Smirnoff and The Loop Presents - Temptation Saturdays | DJ's: TwinZspin, Newton, Tyrone Paulsen, Codax & EpicSA | First 60ppl get a shot of Smirnoff iced Cake or Kissed Caramel | Info and URL: www.theloopnightclub.co.za Every Sunday | Sunday Vibes | Joe Cool | 2 for 1 Cocktails | No Cover charge until 7pm - Ladies Free | Dj Punch (JHB), DJ Daniel, DJ Mark | 137 Lower North Beach Rd, Marine Parade | DBN | www.joecools.co.za/031 3682858 Every Second Sunday | Cold Turkey | Boogie, Braai and big beats | Electronic music | Amadodas | 1-4 Strand st | Woodstock | R30-R40 | www.amadoda.co.za Fri 5 Jul | Halo & Whatisfiction Pre. Hybrid | Become one with the ‘hybrid’ as Halo & whatisfiction blend for your auditory pleasure| The Dragon Room, 84 Harrington Street 8001 | CT | 21h00 - 4h00 | R50 VIP R70 | Info & URL: quicket.co.za Fri 5 Jul | The Loop | 161 Loop street | CT Legends on deks | | DJ's on Main floor: Four 7, Luke M, Dr Jules, DJ Willy, EpicSA & DJ Ron X Rated | DJ's in Smirnoff Bar: DJ JNR, DJ Ryan Le Sar, DJ NV Funk & KG2Thaax | shooters & body shots | Dress Smart | Tickets: R60 - Pre-Sold R30 | www.theloopnightclub.co.za / www.facebook.com/theloopcpt Fri 5 Jul | IndepenDance Party FT Chris Sen (Soul Candi) & Dr Katz (Zanzibar Knysna) | Bump 32 DC Launch and giveaways | 8:00pm 2:00am | Zanzibar Knysna | 5 Melville Centre, Main Rd, Knysna | www.zanzibarknysna.com / 044 38203865 Fri 5 Jul | MiCasa | National Art Festival | Grahamstown | Guy Butler Theatre | R120 | 7:00pm | Mix of urban house and jazz | www.computicket.com Fri 5 Jul | Heads & Trails presents Phunktechnique Launch | Aruba Lounge | 8:00pm | deep, tech house | DJ's ft: Roger D'lux, Graig De Sousa, Ru de la Vega | Free entry all night | www.arubalounge.co.za Fri 5 Jul | Fahrenheit Friday | Movida | Cnr. Rivonia rd & Witkoppen, Sunninghill, JHB | DJ's Ft: Kyle Worde & Nick Fusion | www.movida.co.za Sat 6 Jul | Pink Punter 2013 Durban July Party in JHB | Posh in Pink | Monte Casino Outdoor Event Arena | DJ Paul Tavares | Prizes for the best dressed | Starts 11:00 | R250-R500 | www.webtickets.co.za Sat 6 Jul | Mercury Live Events | Drum & Bass | www.mercuryl.co.za

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53

Sat 6 Jul | Teknotribe and Psy.ology | A Decade of Teknotribe ft Perfect Stranger (Iboga) Israel | MI HOUSE Selby | JHB | DJ ft: Perfect Stranger, Nick Grater, Switchcache, Stereotype, Bionic, Dre'ama, Killer b, Manifesto, Senjo & More | 8pm | R150 at door / R120 Online at www.webtickets.co.za | www.teknotribe.co.za

Sat 27 Jul | Science Frikshun, Teknotribe, psy.ology | Underground Sound ft Cubixx (Iono) Germany | Townhall & MASH | Dj's feat: Cubixx, RudeOne, Bionic, Benson, Dre'ama, Mr Green, Nick Grater & more | 8pm | R120 / R100 Presale at www.webticket.co.za | www.sciencefrikshun.com & www.teknotribe.co.za

Sat 6 Jul | Afrotainment Durban July Maquee 2013 | Ft: Black Coffee, Donald, DJ Tira, Big Nuz, DJ Cndo, BHAR, Fisherman & Joccy | Imfo & URL: www.facebook.com/events/126190724250583/ | 150 Avondale Rd, DBN | Greyvill Racecourse

Wed 31 Jul - 4 Aug | Mozamboogy | Ponta Malangane | Mozambique | Early Bird tickets from R500 | Located on a pristine tropical beachfront |. Local and international DJ’s | Two dance floors echoing the sounds of psy / prog and chill music | www.mozamboogy.com / www.facebook.com/events/473537442710548/

Fri 13 Jul | SKYY Vodca & Channel O Fst: Dj DRAMA | Icon Sandton | 12 Fredman Drive | http://www.facebook.com/events/250267548418245/ Sat 13 Jul | Herbal Remedy - YING | 7 Loop St | CT | DJ's Ft: Xueno, Humerous, Archain, Killawatt, Glitch, Mr Jack | Free from 7:30pm - 8:00pm | R30 between 8-10 | 2 dancefloors | Drink specials | www.facebook.com/events/138804502963066/ Sat 13 Jul | Nothing But Trouble | The Sideshow | 11 Mechau st | CT | from 6:00pm - 2:00am | Early Bird ticket: R150 | Nothing But Trouble proudly brings to you an evening of Prohibition Boxing in aide of Dare to Share | At 10pm you will be treated to music from some of CT’s finest Swing & electro DJ's | Dress: Guys suit up - Girls dust off your pearls & feather | www.quicket.co.za Sat 13 Jul | uNIGHTing | Reunion of the Rave | DJ's ft:Brooklyn Bounce, Special D, Lady Lea & more | Pre-sale Tickets R350 via uNIGHTing Facebook Page | Door tickets: R450 | www.facebook.com/uNIGHTing Sat 13 Jul | Labyrinth- Alive | Trinity | Trinity Function Room, CT | 9pm | outdoor experience Indoors | DJ’s: SUB6 (HOMega - Israel), Headroom ,Feedback, Deliriant, Stereotype, Danalog | Live Visuals by Frank Latter |Psychedelic Decor | Funktion-One Sound System | 15 Bennet st | Greenpoint | www.webtickets.co.za Sat 13 Jul | Psycho Circus Psy | 255 Long Str| CT | 8:00pm - 3:00am | | DJ's: Nick Birkby, Lamikonic, Hektek Elekrek, Drang3d | Drink Specials | R30 | No Under 18’s | www.quicket.co.za / www.facebook.com/events/137544843115457 Sat 20 Jul | Herbal Remedy - Psyorganised Chaos Presents * Yang * | Ragazzi Live Bar | 7 Loop St | CT | R30 Between 8-10pm / R50 after 10pm | Drink Specials | DJ Ft: The Killians, Sacha, DJ Mad Hatter, Anubis & more | New Venue | Info and URL: www.facebook.com/events/132999983559520/ Sat 20 Jul | Zanzibar Knysna | DJ Mikey & Dj Mello | R20 | 5 Melville Centre, Main Rd, Knysna | www.zanzibarknysna.com / 044 38203865 Sat 20 Jul | DJ Fresh | Movida | Cnr. Rivonia rd & Witkoppen, Sunninghill, JHB | Ft a mini Movida Cabaret Spectacular | www.movida.co.za Fri 26 Jul | Multiverz presents Iono Records – DJ Cubixx | Trinity | Trinity Function Room | CT | www.trinitycapetown.co.za/whats-on.aspx Fri 26 Jul | Fahrenheit Friday | Movida |Cnr. Rivonia rd & Witkoppen, Sunninghill, JHB | Gareth Cliff | www.movida.co.za

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Thurs 1 Aug | Zanzibar Knysna | Cape Doctor Party | 5 Melville Centre, Main Rd, Knysna | www.zanzibarknysna.com Sat 3 Aug | DJ Fresh & Euphonik | Celebrating Womans Month | Vacca Matta | Montecasino | www.feu.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Mercury Live Events | Pressure Drum & Bass | www.mercuryl.co.za Sat 3 Aug | Labyrinth Closing Party | Trinity Funktion Room | Top Local DJ's Thurs 8 Aug | Oppikoppi BewilderBeast- 8-10 Aug | Regular Oppikoppi Facebook Tickets -R800 | tickets from the Standard Bank youth portal - R650 | Info: www.oppikoppi.co.za or www.facebook.com/events/226219480857559/ Sat 9 Aug | SIRIUS |(Public Holiday Weekend – Woman’s day) The creator of LOVE & LIGHT & PACHA Ibiza CT presents SIRIUS Another intergalactic journey from day into night, ft top international progressive trance and Techno artists: Interactive Noise (Mexico) & D Nox (Germany) & top local DJ’s | Day into night (2pm – 2am ) Two Dance Floors, Mind blowing Visuals, Outside Gardens and Bars, less than 20km form the Mother City, Stunning View | Bloemendal (Hilltop) Restaurant | Racecourse Rd | Durbanville | R150 | www.webticket.co.za / www.facebook.com/SiriusCapeTown Sat 24 Aug | Zanzibar Knysna | DJ Mickey & DJ Mello |5 Melville Centre, Main Rd, Knysna | www.zanzibarknysna.com Sat 31 Aug | Pinkie Fest 2013 | Marks Park Sports Club, Orange Rd, Emmerentia | Time 13:00 | R350 -R950 | Pinkie Fest has evolved from a legendary pink cocktail punch in a Houghton house digs party | top bands & DJ’s | Ft: Tom Novy (Germany), Chiano Sky, Lonehill Estate, Euphonic and more | www.webtickets.co.za Sat 31 Aug | Herbal Remedy | For your smaller trance parties | 7 Loop St | CT | Free between 7:30pm - 8:00pm | R30 between 8-10 | Comfy sofas | 2 dance floors | Drink specials | www.facebook.com/events/138804502963066/ Sat 31 Aug | PORTAL: Ft: Dave Mac (BPM) & K-Jos (Vortex) |UMHLALI KZN, DBN | A conscious collective journey through the Portal of Psychedelic Trance | Donations (Animal Food, blankets, Bedding Toys, Old Clothes, School supplies, Kids clothes) - Anything you can think of is welcome | Pre-sale Tickets: R180 - At Door R220 | Camping | World Class entertainment | Info: www.quicket.co.za/events/2175-portal or www.facebook.com/events/413288608785738/

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54 ASTROBABBLE

By Lois Siddhu

CANCER 21 JUNE - 22 JULY ARIES | 21 Mar - 20 Apr | FIRE Tensions increase drastically, but if you are willing to plunge beyond your own psychic blockades to grasp the truths that are presented to you, you can move towards an integration and completeness within yourself.

JULY 2013 THE WINTER SOLSTICE IS ON THE 21ST OF JUNE WITH THE FULL MOON FOLLOWING ON THE 23RD. LEO | 23 Jul - 22 Aug | FIRE You should try to look at what you are attracting in your life. If it is negative and disruptive you can avoid this by being methodical and careful in your dealings and relationships with others.

TAURUS | 21 Apr - 20 May | EARTH Learning to work with the opposites through different levels of consciousness until body, soul and spirit resonate together affects your own attitude and the way you are addressing issues in your life.

VIRGO | 23 Aug - 22 Sept | EARTH Your dedication to using intuition and sensitivity to resonate with can enable a fascinating and comprehensive synthesis to take place. Expansion comes to you but it comes with a price like all good things in life.

GEMINI | 21 May - 21 Jun | AIR Your awareness of the significance of the nontangible or psychological qualities of life is encouraged and forced to develop. Initiation rites, burns off what is no longer relevant, opening your eyes to new possibilities of your own uniqueness.

LIBRA | 23 Sept - 22 Oct | AIR This is a time of learning but to attempt to enforce strict discipline merely reinforces the psychology of the victim and with it the compensatory rebel and liar.

Learning about yourself you need to work through the negative beliefs that you hold.

CANCER | 20 Jun | 22 Jul | WATER You will feel caught between two conflicting feelings the rational and goal-orientated versus the irrational emotions. Your task is to hold the tension between them. There will be an overflow of emotional issues that you will have to contend with and sort out.

SCORPIO | 23 Oct - 21 Nov | WATER A compulsive personality does not turn energies around effortlessly and letting go of that is no easy task unless you recognize that the regressive energy has become destructive and needs to be redirected into new creative outlets.

LEO 23 JULY - 22 AUGUST ARIES | 21 Mar - 20 Apr | FIRE Issues from the past and old debts need to be settled and Karma lived through. There is a release in this process if you are willing to let go of unnecessary baggage and move into a new consciousness.

SAGITTARIUS | 22 Nov - 21 Dec | FIRE You can be prone to rushing into matters that you have not given deeper thought to and this keeps you racing around as if there is some ghastly time limit set upon you. Realize your own personal contribution to bringing harmony in your life and those that you love.

CAPRICORN | 22 Dec - 19 Jan | EARTH If you have not yet realized your capacity to create abundance, direction and opportunities will come your way but it will not come easily and flowing without you putting in the work involved.

AQUARIUS | 20 Jan - 18 Feb | AIR A time of changes in which living wholly in one world, then doing an about turn to live in another, can create an emptiness in your centre unless you hold your own standpoint while attempting to integrate both sides.

PISCES | 19 Feb - 20 Mar | WATER Being true to your desire to pursue your dreams and ideas will literally rejuvenate any flagging relationship/s.

You need to nurture your love through being more steadfast and not abandoning it to the winds of fate

AUGUST 2013 MARS IN CANCER BRINGS ABOUT EMOTIONAL ISSUES AROUND NURTURING. LEO | 23 Jul - 22 Aug | FIRE The inherent strength and power you have is best used to heal and transform your environment in some way, beginning with your own self-image and to remember that what you don't know is always greater than what you do know.

SAGITTARIUS | 22 Nov - 21 Dec | FIRE Your high energy and confidence can result in more harmonious relationships but you could end up making a scapegoat out of your partner and they carry the blame for what is mal-functioning in your life.

TAURUS | 21 Apr - 20 May | EARTH Surrendering to the creative unconscious happens when you are strong enough to submit. Material stability could be said to hinge on the law of infinite supply; which states that in order to keep supply flowing in you must keep it flowing out.

VIRGO | 23 Aug - 22 Sept | EARTH As long as you identify with a collective value system that denies your individual nature, the implied expectations can lead to pretense, masochism and a self-destructive rejection of life in its fullest sense.

CAPRICORN | 22 Dec - 19 Jan | EARTH Flowery language and promises on the wind do not create manifestation and you will be required to put some action at home and do away with old-fashioned roles around the home.

GEMINI | 21 May - 21 Jun | AIR You function best when you are cool and detached from the ego whose bias is towards getting what it thinks it wants. This is difficult for you because your personal aims and intentions seem to be all-important and other factors of less importance.

LIBRA | 23 Sept - 22 Oct | AIR As a compensatory reaction to your cool exterior you attract passionate and even dramatic persons into your life and relationships. The stubborn resistance to change is an attempt to protect the ego from the abject despair of rejection.

AQUARIUS | 20 Jan - 18 Feb | AIR You are inclined to live life as a concept rather than as a living event... You endeavor to relate to one and all in an impartial and pleasant fashion. Remember that it is alright to make mistakes.

CANCER | 20 Jun | 22 Jul | WATER As long as you are unable to find your own identity, your responses will be determined by some combination of complexes as you tend to be judging how they look from the outside to others in order to please them.

SCORPIO | 23 Oct - 21 Nov | WATER You should base and maintain your relationships according to your innate sense of balance and your awareness of what is pleasing or fair both to yourself and to the other party.

PISCES | 19 Feb - 20 Mar | WATER You have the ability and substance to back your dreams and achieve your ideals if you take heed of your emotional needs first. Your tenacity gives you the strength to follow through on what you feel you need to do.

Lois Siddhu lives in a circle of mountains in the Baviaanskloof. For professional Astrological Counseling CALL 049 839-1178 or Email: masonwaspstudio@telkomsa.net | Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/AstroReadings

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