Mirrorshades @ Goodlife, DJ Hype @ Elements, Fens @ Make it New, 12.15.11

Mirrorshades | Goodlife (28 Kingston St, Boston) | NO COVER. 21+. 9PM-2AM.

*********FREE DRINK TICKETS TO EARLY ARRIVERS!!************

THE PARTY: Ice Cream Castles, Acid Thunder, Voodoo Ray, A Meeting in the Ladies Room, that East Street Beat, Love Lights, and ALL NIGHT PASSION.

THE MUSIC: A Time Machine. From New Romantic to Nu Disco. Music Box to Paradise Garage. Italo-disco to SYNTH POP. 80s soundtracks and melodic new wave DANCE.

THE DJS:
:: Dusty Digital ::
:: Colbourne ::
:: Kurt Sloan ::
:: Rufaro ::

VISUAL STIMULATION provided by VJ JAY MEDINA! BODY ART by V.Ka$h! 

The mighty DJ Hype touches down Elements this week!!! Come peep the legend who’s won countless DJ championships since the 1980s. Not to mention his Playaz imprint continues to put out some of the most acclaimed tunes you hear inside Elements every week! To top that off, Hype is bringing along the seminal MC Daddy Earl, who dates back to the principle UK sound system days, and whose vocals have been featured on numerous tracks by Hype and the renowned Shut Up And Dance in the last 20 years. It’s going to be insane!
Opening set by Lenore. 

Phoenix Landing (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) | Cover $12 before 11pm, $15 after.

One of the many new young DJs blowing up the city, Fens takes no prisoners in his DJ sets, which he releases via the internet and his regular radio show at WRBB. A mix of modern bass music, technical house and soulful techno, he’s been priming his way up the scene via Banana Peel Records and now as a Mmmmaven artist. After Elkid, Doctor Jeep and Mzungu, Fens is the last of the BPR family to grace our decks. Also: It is his birthday.

He’s joined by the always innovative Baltimoroder and Mr. DJ Die Young. Join us in welcoming another bold new vision to the Boston scene: Fens.

MAKE IT NEW WITH FENS | Middlesex Lounge (315 Mass Ave, Cambridge) | 9PM/21+/FREE

Embrace Presents Pendulum & Terravita @ The Middle East- Ticket Giveaway!

One of the first groups to ever successfully combine drum and bass with rock is returning to Boston for the first time since 2008! Pendulum has been relentlessly touring on the road, supporting their successful third LP, Immersion, released in 2010. As many know, Pendulum has helped redefine the sound of drum and bass over the past 7 years. Competing producers have sought to emulate their production style, crafting songs that are catchy and accessable to the populous.

With tracks like “Propane Nightmares” and “Witchcraft” dotting music charts around the world, Pendulum have also ensured they have the live show to back up their studio work. Whether it be a large performance like Glastonbury in front of tens of thousands of people, or a DJ set like you’re about to see at the Middle East downstairs tomorrow, you’re going to be in for a treat. And the awesome sound system at the Middle East is the icing on the cake.

I was going to post this on Friday, but work was keeping my free time at an absolute minimum. I’m pretty sure the tickets for this have sold out by now, but don’t fret. Here’s your chance to win a pair, thanks to the Embrace guys. Same drill as always: leave your name and email in the comments section. At 9 AM tomorrow (Monday), I draw a winner. Easy enough, right?

As per the course, you have some of the best drum and bass DJ/producers in New England opening. Terravita will most likely play a set of entirely original productions, while Elements founder Lenore and d.Surge will surely get things moving from the very beginning.

Show starts at 8 tomorrow! Get there early to avoid the line, it’s going to be a big one.
Middle East downstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge. 

Rapidly Rising Drum & Bass Producer S.P.Y. Plays Elements Tonight, 9.15.11

Around a decade ago, drum and bass duo Total Science were considered by many to be the “hardest working producers” within the genre. They were known not only for their new releases that came out on an almost weekly basis, but also for the fact that they were signed to literally dozens of different independent labels (something almost unheard of in dance music). Although Total Science has since settled down, another producer has slowly but steadily been taking their place: S.P.Y.

A Brazilian native, it’s obvious that S.P.Y. developed connections almost instantly with DJ Marky and XRS, two of the most popular drum and bass artists from that country. It’s also no coincidence that S.P.Y.’s music was picked up early on by Total Science themselves, who have released several of his tracks on their Advanced Imprint. Beyond this, S.P.Y. has a resume loaded with releases on almost all the big stables: RAM, Innerground, Critical, Metalheadz, Spearhead, Renegade Hardware, Hospital, Subtitles, the list goes on. Even Claude Von Stroke has tapped him several times for remix duty, resulting in releases on Dirtybird too.

Much of S.P.Y.’s music is very soul-oriented, not abrasive at all. If you weren’t lucky enough to attend the Metalheadz sunday sessions at Blue Note in the UK in the mid-1990s, the work of S.P.Y. is essentially a rehash of what was played there. Only with the slickness of today’s current production stylings. Pretty fitting that one of the first tracks released by him was on the Metalheadz’ “Winter of Content” compilation in 2005. They still work together today, in fact his rerub of Rufige Kru’s iconic “Terminator” (released circa 1992) has been hammered by a number of A-list drum and bass DJ’s since its release earlier this year!

S.P.Y. plays Boston for the first time tonight at Elements. Opening set by Lenore, visuals by VJ Bonk. Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 19+. $10.

DJ Friction Makes Debut Boston Appearance at Elements, 8.11.11

Another drum and bass legend makes his way to Boston tonight to play Elements at the Phoenix Landing (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge). DJ Friction will be reporting for duty, with three turntables to show everyone what some of the next cutting-edge tracks on his label, Shogun Audio, will sound like.

Friction, based out of the U.K., is no stranger within the genre, and therefore remains a busy man even in dubstep-dominated world in 2011. Although initially garnering credits for his production work on top shelf labels such as 31, Renegade Hardware, and True Playaz, he was equally revered for his flawless DJ skills. Often playing on 3 or even 4 turntables, Friction has been known to incorporate all sorts of mixing tricks into his sets, satisfying even the fussiest listeners. He plays across a very wide gamut of the genre as well. He is best known nowadays for his label, Shogun Audio, which has worked its way into the A-list for dnb imprints over the last five years. 

Friction - Minimix (June 2009) by DjFriction

With running Shogun and DJ-ing all over the world, it’s no wonder he only has time to only make 1 or 2 tracks of his own each year!

Also, Dynamite MC will be landing his skills on vocal duty.

Cover: $15 before 11, $20 after. Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, 10pm-2am, 19+

15th Annual Phoenix Landing Boat Cruise, 7.31.11 @ Rowe's Wharf

I will unfortunately be missing going to/shooting pics at the Phoenix Landing cruise this year, a summer fiasco I’ve had penciled into my calendar every year since 2006. Ah well…if you’re in town and you dig house, drum and bass, or dubstep music, I recommend checking this out. All of your favorite residents who throw events at the infamous cambridge bar will be on the decks, and tickets are still available if you call them at 617-576-6260 (or Hugh O’Neill’s, 781-338-9977). Info below, and JSB/Jeff Gil will be hosting the afterparty via The Drop at said bar! (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge)

Rowe’s Wharf is near the giant archway and the New England Aquarium. If you can’t find it, just follow the docks until you see the large line of people you probably know. Get there early, boat takes off at 6:30 sharp. Info below:

All boats depart from Rowes Wharf in Downtown Boston at 6:30 PM and return by 10:00 PM. Everyone 21 years of age or older is welcome with a valid I.D. $20 per person grants admission to cruise party as well as free admission to post party celebration at the Phoenix Landing. Tickets may be purchased in advance in-person or by phone with any major credit or debit card at the Phoenix Landing or Hugh O’Neills. Tickets purchased over the phone may be picked up at the boat the day of the event.

Music provided by resident DJs:
Casey Rankin
Crook
D-Lux 
Lenore
Gil-T
JSB
Patrick Barry
Randy Deshaies
and MC Josiah Scribes

Sound & Lighting:::: True 

Drum & Bass Legend Dylan Makes First Boston Appearance in Years, 7.14.11

British-by-way-of Philadelphia producer/DJ Dylan, one of the pioneers behind some of the darkest, most abrasive drum and bass in existence, is making an appearance at the Phoenix Landing for tonight’s installment of Elements. I believe his last appearance in our neck of the woods was in 2006, and if the pattern holds water, who knows when the next time we’ll get a chance to check him out in the convenience of our own backyards.

But get this: he will be playing a vintage, old school set! In his own words:

“Hmm expect me obviously, the whole no u turn crew, dillinja, source direct, photek, Danny breaks, lemon d, j majik, blah blah…..plenty of not so obvious tracks too, a few obvious ofcourse but I want to bring out some tracks that need to be heard! So yessss gonna be a good time! Get the old heads back out!” 

Sounds good enough for me.

Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge. 19+, 10pm-2am. Cover: $7 | Facebook event page 

Happy Hazard Featuring Skizz & The Statesmen, Church Boston, 5.18.11

On May 18th, The Statesmen with MC Josiah Scribes, Skizz, Matty B, and Proper English are going to tear up the stage at Church starting at 8PM! They will all be playing some mind blowing Drum & Bass so make sure to mark your calender!!

May 18th - 18+ - $10 - Live @ Church
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/36907

11PM - The Statesmen w/ MC Josiah Scribes
(Point 9 Audio / Variant Audio / Music Ecology) 

The Statesmen-Smile by The Statesmen

2011 exclusive dnb mix - Statesmen by temporalfusion podcast

10PM - Skizz
(Happy Hazard Events / Dirty Events)
http://soundcloud.com/skizzdnb
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skizz/171833732866376

9PM - Matty B
(Flood Cru / Dinobot)
http://soundcloud.com/mattyb-2

8PM - Proper English
(Unprotected Decks)

Photographer: Kelsey Gallagher
May 18th - 18+ - $10 - Live @ Church

Drum & Bass Producer TC Makes First Boston Appearance, Elements, 3.24.11

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/reasons2share

If you’ve listened to drum and bass for more than two years, you know TC. And if you’re one of the few who don’t, you would probably instantly recognize his songs, which have proven themselves to be cornerstone pieces of many a DJ’s set over the past five years.

The height of TC’s activity was during 2006-08, where he was literally a hit-making machine, churning out anthem after anthem: Rock Star, Jump, Where’s My Money, Get That Girl, his remix of Crookers/Kid Cudi’s Day and Night, Borrowed Time (with Sub Focus), the list goes on and on. In fact, his debut album “Evolution” from 2007 is such a tough act to follow that it doesn’t surprise me he’s been quiet over the past two years: he’s ensuring the second album he is about to release raises the bar a step further!

TC’s debut appearance in New England takes place at Elements (Phoenix Landing, 512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) tonight. Cover is $10, and be sure to get there early to avoid what will surely be a long line. He will be packed to the teeth with exclusives from various other A-list drum and bass producers, and if we’re lucky, possibly get a sneak peak of his sophmore album in the process. See you there.

Drum & Bass Pioneer Goldie Plays Elements Tonight, 2.10.11

Image credit: http://www.freewebs.com/brokenbeatarena/goldie_mk.jpg

If you have been listening to dance music for longer than the last 5 minutes, then you probably should have come across the name Goldie at least once in your musical explorations. Originally a well-known graffiti artist who resided on both sides of the pond, his return to the UK in the early 1990s allowed him to witness the early days of their exploding rave scene. He hooked up with members of the Reinforced crew, released a couple of seminal 12”s (such as “Terminator”), and by the time he finished his 20-minute opus “Timeless (Inner City Life)” in 1994, the rest was history.

The title “Timeless” says more about the endurance of both that song, as well as the same-named debut LP, than anything else. Goldie doesn’t just ride trends or make songs that people want to hear now then forget about six months from now. He has a knack for making such a bold statement in his work, both musically and lyrically, that enables much of his music to stand the test of time. And that is aside from the fact that he introduced a number of people, especially in America (such as myself), to drum and bass for the first time with many of the mainstream channels he had access to (MTV, Columbia Records, Stussy, etc.)

Never ONCE did Goldie compromise his artistic vision in order to achieve mainstream recognition; this isn’t something you see from an artist every day.

And let’s not forget all of Goldie’s other endaevors outside of music production and DJing. Acting. Dancing. Writing. Painting. Even conducting a classical orchestra. Goldie also founded the Metalheadz record label, which is one of the most enduring labels in drum and bass, releaing almost 100 singles and a dozen albums since 1995. He’s done it all.

Goldie plays Elements (512 Mass Ave, Cambridge) tonight. Cover is $15, it is a 21+ night (as opposed to 19+). This is going to sell VERY quickly. Get there early, like 10pm. It is the first time Goldie has played Boston since 2006, and the largest scale DJ to ever be booked at this specific night. It’s going to be a rager for sure!

Elements 12-Year Anniversary Party Pics Are Uploaded

Respect to Bill and Lenore for doing their thing week after week! 

Elements 12-Year Anniversary :: Phoenix Landing :: 1.27.11

The B Is Back! John B Plays Elements, This Thursday, 10.14.10

I’m a little bummed that this will be the SECOND time I’ll be out of town and unable to catch John B touch down at Elements, but he’ll keep the floor jumping regardless. In case you’re unaware, John recently signed local drum and bass producers Terravita to his label, Beta Recordings! Look out for tracks from them soon there, along with plenty of top quality business from Xilent and Camo/Crooked. 

In the tradition of other John B posts I’ve done here, I’m posting a mix of some of his recent work, followed by a video of Double J one of his early/lesser known/forgotten pieces from years past…strictly for the drum and bass heads!

John B Podcast 070: September 2009 ElectroTechno Studio Mix by JohnB

19+, 10pm-2am
Residents: Crook & Lenore
Visuals by VJ Bonk

September and October 2010 Elements Lineup is Released

So I decided to cut back during the month of August posting events on here just to temporarily take a break. Now that school is back in session, the Fantasy Football drafts are over and all my favorite shows on FX are rolling new seasons in high gear, it’s time to get back to work!! 

Let’s start with Elements. There’s no question they have a solid lineup for September and October (no surprise really, when don’t they?)

Basek and Fes tore it up last week, and if you weren’t there, check out the pics I took in the gallery.

This Thursday (Sep 9) is DJ DARA, who will kick off his set with some London ‘Ardkore from circa ‘93-‘94 at around 160bpm, and work his way up to present-day drum and bass. And Pete Dev/Null is opening, who also happens to have plenty of records from the early years of drum and bass. Will definitely be a full house so get there early.

Following DARA, here is the schedule for Sept/Oct:

9.16: Terravita
9.23: Residents Crook & Lenore
9.30: Klute
10.7: The Statesmen
10.14: John B (Phoenix Landing 15 Year Anniversary)
10.21: Ross Tiefenthaler
10.28: Residents Crook & Lenore 

Beautiful and the Damned, Make It New, and Elements Pics Posted

Tons of pics have been uploaded from the parties I was at this weekend. Dig in!

Move D @ Make it New :: Middlesex Lounge :: 8.5.10

Original Sin @ Elements :: Phoenix Landing :: 8.5.10

The Beautiful and the Damned :: Buskers Lounge :: 8.7.10

Phoenix Landing 2010 Boat Cruise and Elements Summer Lineup

Boston drum and bass heads will have a scorching lineup to look forward to at Elements all summer long! Although I personally missed liquidfunk veterans the Insiders after being out of town last weekend, I had a blast at the BelTek pre-game the other day. Elements photographer Stryknyne and BelTek founder Psydways were at the helm; you can check some of my photos from the event here. Now here’s what is to come:

July 15th: Andy Fess has been around for a minute, and has the record collection to prove it. He can easily navigate his way through a decade-and-a-half of drum and bass (across multiple styles), and it’s pretty much a guarantee he will do just that next week. 

July 22nd: Fresh (of Bad Company UK fame) last played Elements right before the holiday week last December. This time around, he will have an entirely different selection of music in his CD wallet: components from his heavily anticipated forthcoming LP “Kryptonite”. The album is slated for release later this month.

July 29th/August 19th: Residents Crook and Lenore- they’ll always have brand new tracks with them, on vinyl, every single time they play!

August 5th: Original Sin are probably my personal favorite jump-up producers at the moment (along with Heist and Zen). Their “Grow Your Wings” LP released last winter has been a staple of many a dancefloor-oriented DJ since then. But it isn’t just all wobble business either; Original Sin have the knack for incorporating soulful pads and rhodes, along with vibe-heavy amens in much of their original work as well. Pretty sure this is a first appearance in Boston for Original Sin.

August 12th: The quarterly throwdown returns to the block; expect to hear six or seven DJ’s lay it down. All of the throwdowns pull good numbers, as each participant brings out their friends to hear the play their favorite bits on the Phoenix soundsystem.

August 26th: Outrage has been experimenting a bit over the past few years with a sound called J-Tek, which is essentially slowed down jungle at around 160 bpm. It incorporates today’s pristine production aesthetic with many of the characteristics of breakbeat hardcore music that were the cornerstone for what ended up becoming drum and bass several years later. Not sure if he’ll play his slower, J-Tek work as opposed to the more sped-up drum and bass, I guess we’ll have to go to find out!

And without further ado, on to the Phoenix Landing BOAT CRUISE!

Unfortunately, I have been unable to track down a high res version of this flyer, so this will have to suffice for now. But here’s the info you need to know:

Cruise is Sunday, July 18th.

Tickets are $20. 21+.

The boat leaves from Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston (near the New England Aquarium) at 6:30 and returns by 10pm. Advance tix are sold at the bar or by phone: 617-576-6260 (all credit cards accepted). Cash bar.

Not sure who is playing, but if I were to put my money down on it, I would say Pat Fontes, Crook, Lenore, and Randy Deshaies.

There will probably be an after party at the Phoenix until 1am. The Rebound guys (Benny Blanco and friends) will probably spearhead this. Usually $5 cover and I think this is 19+. 

I’ll have my SLR and will be taking pics as per usual!

Here’s an old school Boat Cruise video from back in the day:

Pics From Throwed/Laidback Luke and Noisia/Elements Uploaded, 3.18.10

Last thursday was full of awesome, not only due to it being the first day of 2010 to hit 70 degrees, but also convenient on my end as some of my favorite producers right now played one block away from eachother. Here’s the pics I took at both parties:

Laidback Luke & Hot Pink Delorean :: Throwed (Middle East Downstairs) :: 3.18.10

Noisia :: Elements (Phoenix Landing) :: 3.18.10
**special all black-and-white set!**