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Camp Bisco 11 starts tomorrow! All throughout the weekend we will bring you different artist spotlights from an awesome guest writer who was just returned from a 6 month festy tour. I am pleased to introduce you to the very well cultured and well traveled Fitz!
Alpha Data on the Grind
Alpha Data is an artist who struck me by surprise when I saw
him open for the Polish ambassador this past March. I was first struck by his
inventive sampling, in particular his use of clips from the early days of internet
meme culture, in songs such as “I'm a computer” or “WTF, mate”, and then by the
tasteful and hard hitting choice of remixes ranging everywhere from cherished
album tracks “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” by the Flaming Lips and cultural
standards like Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky Music White Boy”, to breathing
new life to such recent hits as the Red Hot Chili Peppers “Snow” or Muse’s “The Uprising”. His most recent release “ADHD” shows a good portion of his range
from upbeat glitch hop like the aforementioned “WTF, mate” to heavy electro-house
like the title track “ADHD”.
If this
promising young producer has managed to craft these beats while finishing his
law degree, I cant wait to see what hes been able to do on his summer vacation.
Be sure to catch his set at 12:30 to 1:30pm on the label stage for a chance to
catch one of the most talented up and coming producers playing this festival.
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].
Our local Jersey boys (and girl) from Triple Threat Productions took a step outside Amazura with DJ S3RL to see what was on his mind... it may or may not have been little kandi ravers...
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!
Gahhhh I have some awesome news for the East Coast and anyone who is a fan of amazing events! Earlier today, Marc Brownstein and Aron Magner
of The Disco Biscuits and Conspirator let facebook know some awesome news. Camp Bisco is NOT the only Bisco event happening this year. That's right...get ready for City Bisco!
October 5 and 6, The Disco Biscuitswill be headlining this two day festy in their hometown of Philadelphia, PA aka known as City Bisco.The event will take place at Philadelphia's The Mann Center and a full lineup and details will be announced soon.
The Disco Biscuits' official website also says, "In addition to the
four screaming Biscuits sets, you can expect a healthy dose of the best
bands and DJs from around the world." I bet we can! You bet your ass this event will kick your ass. I mean, look at Camp Bisco! The 11th one coming up and one of the most amazing lineups to date. I'll admit I wanted to see Snoop and Wiz on this one...maybe they'll pop up for a cameo.... who knows? The lineup is absolutely stocked full of TALENT, also really excited to see the local talent spinning there!!
More on 'Bisco' events and other events soon! Check out this INTERVIEW about Camp Bisco! Get your tickets HERE. Stay tuned for more awesomesauce!!
Firstly, I apologize for the title, I want this article to be found and caught in SEO.
Now onto the interest: New Jersey has been coming up on their parties and events. Little by little, Jerseynites don't have to travel all the way into NYC to enjoy the scene. Early in the week, there was a small event (comparatively to what we are used to) held in Hopatcong. From what I've heard, the party was popping and a really good time.
Then the cops showed up. Did arrest anyone at first, claiming they were there for a noise complaint. They continued to hold everyone there, taking everyone's info, and onto finding illicit drugs on a few kids after searching a bunch of them. Now, Jersey laws are changing. People are upset about this happening and a lot of different commentary and controversy is coming out on the topic.
And now the rub. Triple Threat Productions was there and captured the police coming in. These guys have a great message to all ravers and viewers alike, not to mention kick-ass videos and pictures. Here's the footage:
Jersey deserves good events. Hell, Electric Daisy Carnival is coming there soon and even Insomniac stripped them from the title. Aight, comment below and let me know what you think about all this.
This past weekend was completely unbelievably... mad. It all started on Friday as I made my way into Jersey in the early afternoon. From Jersey all day and night, and then back to the city to go down the rabbit hole in Brooklyn for Saturday night, I was basically in no-sleep non-stop mode. It was insane and well worth it. Here's what went down at Nightlight Neverland and MADworld.
The Jersey rave scene is kinda lacking is existent at all. The majority of ravers come to Brooklyn to rage, and they are dedicated to coming out to at least two events a month. There are groups that want to bring the Jersey scene to a new level, one where the parties get just as wild and crazy as the ones we have here in New York. One of these groups is Subground Promos. Constantly on the prowl to find spots that would accept parties with open arms, and grinding the pavement to promote, Subground is up and coming in Jersey. These was their second event (I believe) and it was held in a venue unlike any I've ever seen. It was a bar that was once a strip club. Low ceilings, checkered white and light brown tiles, a pool table, gumball machine, huge full bar, and a stripper pole; the spot was very interesting.
Electrik Graffiti with Gloves and Schoodiez
Dancing on a Pole... Yes.
Gum Ball Machine FTW
After the lights were in place, DJ's booth was set up, and Electrik Graffiti was all set up, people started to slowly make their way to the spot. It started off small, with about five locals at the bar and 10 glovers jamming to the music. As the night went on, more ravers came out, and so did more locals, about 300 people came in to party with us that night. It seemed that everyone was digging the music, but there were a bunch of technical problems that forced the music off a couple times. That's when I noticed the dudes (bros) at the bar. It was a weird mix of people, considered that it was a rave held in an open bar helped with that. I was extremely happy to hear Rockman spin again, that was a treat, as well as meet the boys from Triple Threat Productions. They are similar to 314 Media here in NY, and their work is amazing! Check them out and show them some love!
After driving home at 5am on no sleep and onto a full work day, I didn't know if I'd survive the next event at night. I've been waiting for MADworld to happen since D3b told me of it's conception. DJs from all over the country. Brand new Brooklyn spot. A rave by ravers for ravers. I was pumped and needed the be awake for this. As the night crept closer, I began to get more tired. This wasn't good...I would not let me body shut off on me for this. I got to the spot fairly quickly after getting off the Williamsburg Bridge. Not sure if I was at the right place, I walked inside and BA-BAM... I was in the right place. About 9,000 square feet, an enormous stage, second floor and roof the same size as the whole building, VIP area nicely secluded overlooking the dance floor, full bar... this spot is awesome! There were a bunch of people there already and once I got to shmoozing I was awake again with excitement. Only problem was my brain had become so cloudy I had the hardest time remembering names... no matter, time to do this!
Alice is Not Home Right Now
Mad for the Mad Hatter!
The Queen's Personal...er...Rabbit.
This was D3bst3p's first party, and you can tell there was a lot of effort put into making her vision a reality. The deco was awesome. They lined the entire second floor with cut up sheets and trippy tapestries to hang from the balconies. The lighting was pretty good with a nice boost from Morgan Freeman working on the projectors. With all the white walls, and sheets, he had a lot to play with, and was a big help in making the room come alive. With Electrik Graffiti in the house, you know there were tons of glovers, and a nice addition for this party was fire spinning (rooftop FTW)!
The music was AMAZING. The set-up was all sorts of jimmy-rigged, but it didn't really seem to matter. Haters gonna hate and everyone is going to dance. There was mixing off an ipad at one point, I heard an ipod came into play at another point... the fact of the matter is that there was hardly any technical issues, which is amazing considering the gear they had to set it all up. Huge kudos to you guys, seriously, I had such a blast with everyone's sets. And big shoot out to the dudes coming in and showing NY what they got! (iNexus, Trigga Happy, DJ Conduktor[Dirty Nitrous])
For all you glow freaks out there, a two-tiered gloving competition sponsored by Electrik Graffiti went down, beginners and advanced. This was new and worked out really well! Beginners tier was taken by Sammy, and Sick Noley took the title for advanced. Mad skills were being thrown down, it's insane to watch so many new glovers come on the scene and how quickly they are getting better. Keep practicing guys! I want to shake the west coast, killing it!
Here's all my pics from the night, with a little spice of video!!
Once the night was over (at 7am), I got my well deserved 2 hours of sleep, and went to work the next day a zombie. It was well worth it. Thank you so much to Subground and D3bst3p for doing what you do, I can't wait until the next ones!!
