This is a place for everything related to Electronic Dance Music! Tracks, DJs, light shows, festivals, news, entertainment, reviews, interviews...this is about Electronic Dance Music Culture and Community.
It's another lazy Sunday, but it wasn't supposed to be that way for NYC festival goers. This weekend marked the fifth year of Electric Zoo, and it was pulling in some huge crowds. Headiners like Above and Beyond, Kill the Noise, Flux Pavilion, Kill Paris, and Big Gigantic were scheduled to perform. However, this morning it was making headlines on all different 'major' news sources like ABC that EZoo has been canceled for it's final day. The sources are saying two people died, and at least four people are in intensive care. The deaths may or may not have something to do MDMA, you know, mollies.
It is more and more common that these people going to events and ingesting any sort of drugs are taking something they didn't ask for. There are lots of bunk drugs going around at events, and unfortunately, a majority of these drug users are not testing what they purchased from that guy that gave them a deal. Usually you can find test kits at some of the vendors. Also keep an eye out for Bunk Police signs. If they just tested a little of what they purchased, they would be able to have a much better idea of what it is, or isn't. After all, white powdery substances are widespread from flour to sugar to whatever bathsalts. The key word here is education, and the key lesson is 'hold true to your community'. Be good to the people around you and always help people out. Not everyone is a seasoned traveler and festival goers, and these folks can be vulnerable.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the two people that lost their lives this weekend. For a many of people, these festivals are sacred places, similar to going to Sunday Mass. Music, spiritualism, love, art, and life all come together and create a beautiful atmosphere. Loss of life at a place such as that is heartbreaking, and it is sure that those people will be dearly missed.
This information was all just released this morning. I took a look on one of the public event invites on Facebook and the initial reaction is less than sympathetic, and quite frustrated. Tickets for today's Sunday show were $179. Even a petition was opened up to reopen the festival.
Will the story end here for EZoo? Of course there are plenty of parties to attended this weekend, especially for the Ezoo crowds. One of our favorite EZoo after-parties is City Lights <----. Let's see how this all pans out.
More recently we've seen new DJs, promoters, photographers, production crews... people trying to make a difference in the scene, popping up. It's become a jaded topic, people saying that all these n00bs want is free entry to a party with the chance to say that they are actually doing something instead of just being a 'raver'. Some of these accusations might be true, but there are those fresh faces that are really moving towards a positive change and that want more than notoriety, they want to help the community move forward and introduce new and fresh ideas as well.
One such group of new producers, is [Space] Flux productions. Last weekend marked their second venture into throwing a party, the first being When Worlds Collide. That was as [Space] Flux, before that existed Peanut Butter Plur and an event that will go down in history, Power Ravers. That party set the tone for [Space], essentially it was all a cardboard art piece, the Megazord.
"I want art and interactiveness at our parties. The things we can do with cardboard, and the art we make with cardboard... I know it sounds funny, but you know what? Even now we'll take some cardboard and make it into something, like a giant Lady Rainicorn." - Mattypoi Flux
And they did deliver. Hanging out at the Electric Warehouse right above the stage entrance was the colorful wonder. And it's all too true. Decorations are a huge part to any event. As a party-goer, you should have fresh sets in similar locations, ever changing spaces for you to explore and check out what's going on. Putting music on in a room and throwing some lights in the mix doesn't cut it anymore (unless you're in the basement [lol]). For Lumpy Space Disco, all the deco was out. Being an Adventure Time theme, there were so many possibilities with such a wild and zany idea to work with. They had cut outs of different candy castle workers, models of Finn and the Ice King with a graffiti type edge to them. They had a disco ball hanging as well, adding to the disco feel. And of course you can't forget about the lights and visuals.
All around the main room of the Lab were Adventure Time projections with some of my personal favorite scenes in the mix. Biggie Stardust also came out out as the digital hostess to introduce DJs. Behind the visuals was none other than Morgan Freeman (Bluecrash). On lights and lasers was Paradox Productions, and they did the rooms up really nicely, as always. Also on it was Kevin Carpet, lying down by the smoking exit for most of the night. It's always such a pleasure to see him at a party, and you can expect to see him at any [Space] Flux party.
"Kevin Carpet! Every time I go to a party I look forward to seeing him. It's not a party unless Kevin is there! I won't have a party unless he comes, I really consider him family." - Maria Flux
Any Adventure Time fan would've felt right at home, so many people came in costume! There were so many Finn's, a BMO, a nice mix of Jake, and many different princesses (my favorite was the Fire Kingdom Flame Princess). It was so many people's first or first-five event. It seems to be a trend with [Space]'s parties, they attract the constant new breed. This is defiantly a positive with the way the Flux family is trying to put a positive spin on the scene.
"We've (the NY scene) had raves that are advertised as 'theme parties' but then at the party nothing is really themed. That's when I started thinking to myself, how can we make it better? The first thing I thought of was deco. Deco makes people happy, it's half the fun of going to a party, being emmersed in this new world." -Mattypoi Flux
"It used to be that you couldn't go to a party without cops bothering you asking you if your doing drugs, asking if you're getting into trouble, riding on you whether you're doing something or not. This scene should be a safe haven for party-goers. Our parties are a place where people can come together and just be accepted, not get judged, as long as they don't ruin everyone else's time." -Maria Flux
The music was blasting all night, with a good amount of dubstep, drumstep, and plenty of hard beats. In town for the first time ever were both GRiZ & Prototype Raptor! GRiZ was actually chilling with everyone in the beginning of the party, he's a mad chill person. For people here in NY, we are not too familiar with him. Anyone would have thought he was the man at the party, having a good time with everyone. It was awesome hearing them spin, brought a whole new flavor to the NYC scene.
The party was great, as usual, the post on the wall after the party were raving about how good of a time they had, it's always a positive to see. There was a lot of work that went into this party, and nearly turned into a migraine for [Space] Flux, but in the end, everything was pulled off nicely at the Lab. I can't wait until their next party, looks like it my just be the continuation of Power Ravers... which to you a say [duh].
There are music festivals happening all over the country and world, especially during the summer time. With Electrik Graffiti quickly growing on the East Coast, Mufasa and Koyote decided it was time to head south and introduce their styles down there. We took the opportunity to check out a local music festival in Virginia, called Camp Glow.
Silo-ffiti
This was my official first festival, complete with setting a tent, cooking in a bonfire, and sleeping amongst a few hundred people that I would get to know pretty well by the end of the weekend. All the attendants were supporting autism awareness, and they were donating with ticket price as well as with canned food. Being surrounded by thoughtful, friendly and colorful souls was one of the best parts of the weekend for me. It was awesome being able to walk around to just talk to people and see who they are. The grounds were pretty large. Essentially the property was a farm surrounded by woods. There were horses roaming the fields, random wood creatures peering out from the woods, tall grasses, plenty of earth and open space.... it felt millions of miles away from the suburbs of Long Island.
Setting Up Shop
Tractor Ride Anyone?
Meme Me
There was a full line up of DJs, ranging from VA locals like Jynx and Conduktor, to out of towners like Fattie Fatz and Unicron. It was awesome listening to the filthy sounds of the south, they give a whole new feeling to dubstep, and don't even come close to touching the hardstyles of New York. Different areas different swag... it felt good and culturing. There were three stages to pick at any time. Main stage was in the largest field, there was a forest stage (in the forest [duh]), and another stage on the other side of the forest. All three were technically connected through a path in the woods, although the direct path was meant for staff and devoid festival goers.
Styling Hooping
Stage in the Woods
I Like that Stick
There were so many vendors on site too. It was awesome meeting everyone, shout out to Neon Black clothing, their stuff is on point! There was massaging with Giggle Box, fresh food and drinks, jewelry, glass blowing and so much more! Seeing everyone out doing their thing was great, so many people had so many skills. Electrik Graffiti also had the opportunity to set up shop right at the entrance to the woods and the forest stage. One tent served as a canopy leading to the woody path, and at night this canopy glowed brighter than anything in that field. It was almost like walking through a portal for festival goers, from music and open space into light and then in the darker woods emmiting differents tunes to dance and throw lights to.
Into the Fields
Mufasa and Koyote Repping with Dirty Dub
Yessssss Hand Massages
Gogo and Glover!
Gloving was awesome. Almost needless to say. Friday was my gloving day, and VA has some sick glovers. I was so happy to get an awesome reception down there, I can't wait to wave my hands around in the air with them again ;)
And then came Sunday morning. There had been thoughts among us of something going down, because on Saturday there was a guy walking around asking lots and lots of questions. Turns out he was undercover, and him being there warranted the state police to come in and break up the music festival. They rounded everyone up around 5am, some reportedly were dragged out of tents and some said they were even physically hurt by the officers. Once they had everyone together in one of the fields, they searched every tent with a drug sniffing dogs and of course manually. There were several arrests and narcotics found. There are two sides to every story, and this is one that is a continuing story. The owners of the property are not happy with the way they and the situation was treated.
You can reach the articles out on the situation HERE and HERE. To add to the story, I've taken a direct quote from one of the women that live in the house about the story that came out in the news: "It
just makes me so mad. But no. That was real. We all saw it. They
searched our house as well. Took all our computers and other sh*t from
the house. Notice they don't show any of that. But they did bring us a
copy of the warrant the next day and
scratched a bunch of sh*t out that hadn't been [there] when they showed us. It
was flawed and you can bet we're not backing down. Orry's mom already
has a meeting with a GOOD lawyer. About everything that went down too.
Not just the house. They broke so many rules." I also suggest reading into the comments below the articles as well.
Love <3
Love <3
Tagged Banner, and Posing Galore
Lesson of the day? Make sure all your legal obligations are covered as well as be prepared to deal with situations if they arrive. Everyone was extremely well behaved, having an amazing time and fun, until it got torn apart. It opened my eyes to festivals though and I'll tell you, I need more.
Two weekends ago was the mark of what's was very well the biggest event here in New York City this year, and every party I've been to last, 'cept City Lights. Hell, I knew about it before even going to a rave. I actually got the inside scoop from the one and only Sam Froond (Urban Adventures), on Halloween 2011, as he showed me the video and pictures he took from Mario Party 3. He told me I had to be there, and that it was going to blow my mind. Sam was right, this party was thrown bigger than any party I've seen to this day, and it wasn't even done by bringing out the biggest banger DJs, it was done with love.
Corny right?! It's so true though. Imagine I have this map in front of me. Tight Crew would be up here, about 5-6 hour drive from us. It felt like they brought the ENTIRE coastal north east to a warehouse in Brooklyn. That the first thing I noticed at this event, I didn't know 3/4's of the people. While totally not a bad thing, the vibes change from laid-back to adventure. I found myself constantly asking where they were from, and if they said NY and I didn't know them, I felt totally silly. But it was amazing to see so many people coming from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut... and so on. They came out to party with their people and favorite promoters/producers.That's family, that's love.
The party was held at The Lab. Even though I've been hearing people complain about this place since December, I've seen some amazing parties go down here, and this one blew them all away with decorations. Oh my god. The moment you walked in was like color everywhere. And you walked in from the front gates, so your in the smoking area outside from the get-go. There was a giant mushroom bouncy castle, about four different vendors including Electrik Graffiti with their tents lighting up. In the back there was even a wacky-wild-flailing-inflatable-arm-tub-man.
Once you walked inside, now that was wild! They had the Mario World coin boxes everywhere, coins, Mario decals, projections, coins, ghosts, balloon fish, and a big balloon Mario (keg included).... deco was everywhere. The way the rooms were split up was pretty cool too. You had the main stage with the bar in the back (they had a shy guy flying around!), the smaller room to the side (where you use to walk in) with not only a DJ spinning, but Nintendos set up with games and bean bag chairs to lounge in, and of course, up stairs with more talent rocking out. So many people were dressed up! You had your ravers in raver gear, and tons of Mario related costumes. I saw Bowsers, Marios, Luigis, Boos, Peachs... Diddy Kong! Always a fun time when people are dressing up and contributing to the atmosphere.
I was really excited to catch Subsonik spinning! that was a great treat. I got turned onto him the second I heard a track. Check him out, set were amazingly live! Gotta love Soundcloud!
Did I mention the volume of people there? The spot was alive with tons of energy, and people of all shapes and sizes and from all over... I think some people really wanted that to be like a festival. It would have been pretty interesting camping out with all these people, especially if it were at The Lab in Brooklyn... right. I mean there was full body painting going on, a guy on stilts, a drum circle (normal for any party That Guy is at!), tons of kandi and love going around and lots to do.
That's why I have Camp G.L.O.W. and Camp Bisco on my radar! This weekend is G.L.O.W. so I will be updated you on it... and it'll be a first for me, so cross that off the bucket list and get ready to have some good old fashioned camping out fun!
Playing catch up can be fun, especially if it means reliving my adventures! Last weekend (18th-20th) was one of those adventures! It all started out in Jersey with my Electrik Graffiti peoples. We had to get ready to go to two locations for Friday. We were in New Jersey for Subground PromosMagik Factory and that night was also Kataparti, Biggie Stardust's birthday party!! So we chilled and got everything together for the long days ahead, after all, Magik Factory was an all day event!
I stayed in Jersey with Koyote and Purple Panther for the festival. The day was GORGEOUS outside. The Pavilion in Budd Lake, 75 degrees outside, tents and lots of color and colorful people, all the right ingredients to have an awesome day... minus this being the day all the major festivals hit the NY/NJ area. We're talking EDC and Bonnaroo. Because of the big names in town, many people were not coming out the the underground. Aside from not having a ridiculous number of people come down, the day was awesome. We had the music playing outside for a while, some kandi making, photos (by the awesome guys at Triple Threat Productions), tents, candy and body painting. The people were really awesome and down to earth as well, I must have had eight really meaningful conversations with people... I appreciated that a lot. The music was really good too, there were some DJs there that were spinning some sick tracks. Hopefully next time around this one-day festy will get some more publicity and more people down, everyone there had a blast!
Day two of the weekend included me working a full day and then heading out to what was probably the most visually stimulating party of the year thus far, Rageland! Eddie and Kat (Heart of Brooklyn Tattoo) went all out for the sequel of Adventures to Raveland. I say visually stimulating because the decorations were like none I've ever seen by any "smaller" productions company. We're talking the entire main stage covered in cut sheets and glowing, little kandi trees, digital mapping on the walls by Bluecrash (Do yourself a favor and look him up, Morgan Freeman), Kevin Carpet by the rooftop doorway ("Never a party without him!!" - Maria [Flux]), live painting on canvas and on bodies by Firsty's Visual Paint Experience, the roof had an entire wall covered with projections on it from lasers and all sorts of lights everywhere (all thanks to Audiolust), cutouts all over the walls.... it was all truly an amazing sight to see.
The talent brought in was some of New York's finest playing all sorts of genres. You had hardstyle, elctro, psytrance, house... anything you could think of mixed into the night and people were raging out to it! You had glovers everywhere, people spinning poi and some sick fire poi too. I saw some sick light shows at the Electrik Graffiti tent, I felt like I was a magnet for them. So many new glovers are getting good really fast. It was exciting to see...and made me want to level up too. Also at the tent you had Triple Threat set up taking photos and video, doing what they do best!
It was a great party with some great vibes, everybody was friendly and raging out together, twas truly a great sight to see. I can't wait to see what's next for the owners of Heart of Brooklyn Tattoo!
