Earlier this month, Los Angeles’ highly anticipated HARD Summer took place in its new home on the radically expanded grounds of the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. Outdoing themselves not only in the amplitude of attendees, but with the mind-boggling lineup, Gary Richards (Destructo) and his crew delivered one wild party.

Notorious artists such as the Jack U duo, Nero, Dillon Francis, A-Trak, and Disclosure headlined the overwhelmingly distinguished lineup of artists, although all of the talent could have been headlining acts. Each headliner delivered a wild, main stage primed set, capping off each night of the weekend with a bang. Of course we could not miss the rare union of Skrillex and Diplo coming together to form Jack U, nor could I have passed up on crowd-pleasing funnyman Dillon Francis.

However, since the day the lineup dropped back in April, I was beyond enthusiastic to see the amount of funky deep house and techno house talent that was represented. Don’t get me wrong, witnessing the Jack U closing spectacle the first night in the rain, playing banger after banger, setting off flames and lasers was incredible, but what really got me going was the intense funkiness that characterized this summer lineup.

Watching A-Trak do what he does best on his turntables in complete awe was unforgettable, and Disclosure’s all-out, strictly business live set won’t soon be forgotten either, however, I was mostly grasped by HARD’s heaping dose of groovy garage funk. The acts I boogied down at were marked by surprisingly small crowds in HARD’s multicolored tent stages where I spent most of my time out of the dust and getting sweaty in the massive awnings from group-session groovin’.

Saturday kick-started the funk in the Pink Tent. Representing the badass ladies taking over the scene, JNTM favorite J.Phlip had the Pink Tent going off with her infectious, deep bass lines meshed with bouncy disco elements. J.Phlip throws down a party, never a moment of monotony, and she effortlessly makes the crowd dance as hard as they can as everybody gets down to her bootylicious house. I stayed right where I was in the Pink Tent as J.Phlip came to an end for my most anticipated set of the weekend, Tchami.

This Paris native is conquering the states with his uncanny, groovy take on what he is calling “future house.” Tchami flaunted his melodic, deep basslines making anyone and everyone boogie down, whether they were in control or not.

The Pink Tent was booming and what seemed to be a smaller sized crowd was now a roaring crowd of people reflexively dancing in unison, almost as though Tchami was robotically controlling the entire Pink Tent.

From the visuals and the grooving to his exotically catchy take on deep electro house and addictive hit remixes, Tchami tremendously exceeded my expectations and upheld my every reason for anticipation. I headed over to the Purple Tent for the infamous British OWSLA duo, Jack Beats, initially to catch a quick glimpse of what their hype was about.

It quickly turned into me becoming hooked by their incomparable sound blending everything from hip-hop to drum and bass to dubstep to electro/deep house. Their captivating originality makes Jack Beats’ set one I will not soon forget either.

Sunday’s staggering schedule of performances had me restless before I even entered the festival’s gates. My day started early and I soon realized the incredible inflation in attendees, dust, and intoxicating performances. Australia’s Danny Blanc, known as Wax Motif, brought his fresh and unique mixing technique to the Green Tent.

Wax Motif’s techno house sound had crowds flocking from every direction to get down and dance. His set showcased elements of hip-hop throughout his distinct techno dance style and was the perfect prelude to the Green Tent’s next electrifying star, Hannah Wants.

As one of her premiere US appearances, Hannah’s garage-house sound that incorporates familiar hip-hop and R&B tracks had the crowd boogying down. Her use of heavy bass creates a toxic sound that had me goggle over her and her groovy deep house style that impressively stimulated the entire crowd. Hannah Wants got me and the rest of the crowd so pumped for the style she was creating as well as ceremoniously showcasing the success of women artists across the dance music spectrum.

I moved from the Green Tent to the Purple Tent to experience a different take on deep house by Pittsburg’s own Kastle. His sunset performance brought a soulful edge to grime and garage style dubstep. The crowd was disappointingly small considering Kastle’s love to party that is represented by his accomplished development of underground electronic music fused with hip-hop.

His sound is so clean and precise due to his background as an engineer you can’t help but wonder when people will catch on. Kastle effortlessly warmed up the crowd for Wave Racer to take the decks, flipping the party upside down.

The crowd was immediately hypnotized by Thomas Purcell’s, a.k.a Wave Racer‘s, playfully distinct sound. His mix of bouncy, animated synthesizers, electro house, and samples of 90’s gaming systems are compiled into an unmatched blend of sunshine that intoxicated the Purple Tent. Wave Racer’s unconventional and whimsical take on future bass and warping of party jams had everyone boogying down.

The final night of HARD ended with a rapid fire round-robin of sets, as we checked on Gary Richard’s funk-laced techno set as Destructo, Disclosure‘s absolutely jaw-dropping live showcase at the main stage, alongside R&B maven Mary J. Blige, DJ Mustard‘s rowdy hip-hop shakedown, and Nero’s festival-ending return to the American festival circuit.

My weekend ended with some of the best sets of the festival, where I got to see some of the freshest talents dance music has to offer. Nero’s set wound down with their famed “Must Be The Feeling,” artfully mixed with Justice’s pounding magnum opus “Genesis.” I let the goosebumps take over as I put my hands in the air, let my head tilt back, and I took a moment to take it all in.

I had survived HARD Summer. As I joined the mass exodus of exhausted fans still buzzing from the festival’s finale, I realized I had seen every set I wanted to see from the lengthy weekend lineup, while also turning myself onto some brand new sounds I had previously never heard before.

Known for their ultra-diverse roster each year, HARD had me at hello, and now the waiting game begins with anticipation soaring high for next year’s big event.

The post HARD Summer As I Saw It: Fresh, Feisty, and Funky appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Like any festival, decisions and sacrifices will be made. With five stages spanning across a much wider venue (Whittier Recreational Park — just north of the Downtown LA area), it’s almost vital to have some sort of personal schedule to follow. Or not…

HARD SUMMER 2014 MUST-SEE ACTS

With this being my fifth HARD Summer (not bragging, just establishing some background), it’s easy for me to say that HARD always brings the most talented DJs and producers around. This year, however, it almost goes without saying. With a multitude of genres occurring across the park, it’s going to be difficult to watch everyone you want, so here are some of the ones you should make an effort to squeeze into your schedule.

Brillstein — HARD always likes to bring some Los Angeles natives into the mix, giving the festival its own home-grown vibe. This time it just so happens to be Thee Mike B‘s most recent and funky project. Since the festival starts so early this year, there’s no reason why you and the homies can’t show up and get things started properly with Brillstein. If you’re into deep, rump-shaking funk, Brillstein will be delivering some serious grooviness that you should not miss out on.

Trippy Turtle — This one is brutal because it lines up with Dillon Francis, but if you’re trying to see one of the best up-and-coming producers live and in action, this is the dude to see. Trippy Turtle has been making some remarkably huge waves as of late, and HARD will be the perfect stage to see him strut his stuff.

He has been instrumental in the rise of the Jersey and Baltimore Club sub-genres and this young gun’s skills are creatively reflected in every live performance he puts on. Trippy Turtle will definitely be a wise choice for anyone looking for bouncy, out-of-the-box goodness.

DJ Mustard — If you were able to watch the live stream of Skrillex’ Mothership Tour at Red Rocks (or even better watch it IN PERSON), you most likely caught DJ Mustard. He’s the man behind some of the most infamous pop/ hip-hop fusion songs you hear on the radio and also is extremely mean on the decks.

Mustard’s set will undoubtedly be one wild party, so if you’re craving a hard, trap and hip-hop influenced sound, and you’re trying to get down with everything you’ve got, leave it all at DJ Mustard’s stage.

A-Trak — It goes without saying that this guy is a living DJ legend. So why see him when you can see other awesome DJs instead? First of all A-Trak has been DESTROYING his live performances lately. If you’ve been able to catch any of his recent Instagram posts, you’ll see that the dude is scratching better than ever and playing out one of the most diverse set lists you will ever see. Fact.

Coming off the recent GoldGoneWild tour, the Fool’s Gold Records boss is white hot, and with HARD coming up, you can most certainly expect this renown veteran to put out an amazing performance this weekend. With a handful of DMC championship titled under his belt, as well as production credits with some of hip-hop and dance music’s biggest names, A-Trak is a marquee act that you absolutely should not pass up on. Trust me.

Jack U — Another fairly obvious choice but, come on. Who would give up the chance to see Skrillex and Diplo share the stage together? They haven’t played a festival this big since Ultra and that was just a shit show (the good kind).

These are arguably the two biggest, most dominating American DJs and producers in the game right now, and I’ll bet the house of the fact that these two are going to deliver a larger-than-life performance at HARD. Not to mention that LA is Skrill’s hometown, so you know he will be putting out for his city in impeccable fashion. Sonny and Wes onstage for an hour and a half? Yes please. Move over Carnage. Go stage dive some more…

HARD SUMMER 2014 SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Both days are packed to the brim with talent, so naturally there are some pretty major scheduling conflicts. This obviously all depends on what you’re into and who you’re trying to see, and thankfully, HARD is the festival that can deliver a completely unique festival experience to all of its attendees, because of its incredible diversity. Some of these conflicts might not even exist for you because you’re only going to see Tiesto though. Hey, that’s cool too, bruh.

Saturday:

GRiZ vs Bro Safari — Does one get funky as fuck or so turnt your face hurts? This is a toss up because I’m a huge GRiZ fan but I also love making that “who just shat in my lap?” face when Bro Safari drops something too nasty. With GRiZ making sweet electro-soul laced with sexy saxophone, and Bro Safari bulldozing masses with waves of head-crushing bass, taste plays a big part in making this tough call.

Tchami vs Alex Metric — The real question here is, “how much booty shaking do I want to do?” Either way you’re making a great choice. Are you going for that future-house sound Tchami has mastered over the past year or that silky, ultra-soulful, funky kind of booty shaking only Alex Metric can provide?

Flosstradamus vs Dusky vs What So Not vs Oliver — Woof. Turn up or boogie down? If you’re a ratchet bitch, go to Floss, obviously. But, if you’re into What So Not’s ambient, yet party-fueling sound, it’ll prove to be another tough call up against the likes of Oliver’s unmatched funky, nu-disco finesse. To make this even more difficult, Dusky will be serving up hot, fresh booty-house vibes right at the same time. This one is about to be a doozie.

Baauer vs Justin Martin vs Jack Beats — Good Christ. First off, after the “Harlem Shake” phenomenon, Baauer chilled out for a little bit, and now has returned with some pretty incredible tracks. On the other hand, Just Martin killed in the Dew Lab at this year’s Coachella, and he is one of the unparalleled masters of the booty bumping goodness that is DirtyBird Records.

But then there is Jack Beats. The UK-bred OWSLA duo is known to spin a wide variety of different sounds, but are always known to bring a good time, as well as a raucous set. These two vets are definitely a force to be reckoned with too, making this triangle of heavy-hitters an incredibly difficult call to make.

DJ Snake vs Kill The Noise — Another tragically difficult decision to be made here, although it really once again comes down to taste. Kill The Noise is going to offer his OWSLA/Slowroast Recs hybrid sound; a mix of head-splitting dubstep and wild electro-house. KTN will surely deliver the one-two punch with his veteran experience performing at HARD, and will undoubtedly put on one of the grimiest sets of the weekend.

Next, consider DJ Snake. The Parisian Mad Decent superstar has taken over the world this year with a handful of twerk-inducing collabs and originals that turn dance floors into saunas instantly. Taste remains key, but for those just looking for a good performance, this one is nearly impossible to call.

Seth Troxler vs The M Machine vs Jack U — This one might be the most difficult call on Saturday. Diversity, as welcomed and appreciated as it is on a lineup this large, is coming back to bite us in the ass as Saturday’s final sets pose this incredibly tough decision. Off to party with forward-thinking beat maker Seth Troxler, or will you make your way to one of the biggest, most anticipated headlining sets of the entire festival circuit over at Jack U? 

And as if that wasn’t hard enough to call, throw the M Machine into the discussion and it becomes all the more difficult. The OWSLA championed trio will be throwing down their brand of futuristic, fresh, hard-knocking bass music at the same time. 

Sunday:

Milo and Otis vs. Wax Motif— Sunday afternoon offers its first conflict as Wax Motif and Milo and Otis take the decks at the same time. To choose between the up-and-coming trap duo who are fresh off Skrillex’s Mothership Tour, and funky, techno guru who frequently collaborates with Destructo will prove to be a difficult test of tastes.

Mercer vs. Hannah Wants– Both of these performers have some serious talent to showcase at this year’s HARD. Both bred in the house genre, these two have respectively taken club music to their own realms, and each pack some noteworthy talent.

For the type looking for an immerse, deep house experience, look no further than Hannah Wants (who is making her first US appearance this weekend). However those looking to party down to some of the hardest electro-house out there, Mercer will absolutely be the set for you.

Clockwork vs. Shiba San vs. 2manydjs–  This conflict might be overlooked, however, with some thought, you’ll find this one to be just as tough as most of the others. Shiba San is going to take his crowd through a variety of different deep and funky soundscapes, while Clockwork is going to do what he is best at. Clockwork is going to deliver a mind-bending, teeth-grinding set that will be an absolute party from start to finish.

Then there is 2manydjs. The Belgian duo have been around forever and have produced some of dance music’s most creative outputs in the last two decades as either 2manydjs or their live collective Soulwax. Anyone who appreciates where all of this came from should definitely give 2manydjs a gander, I promise it’ll be worth your time.

Trippy Turtle vs. Dillon Francis– Probably the hardest toss up of the whole weekend here, folks. Cat master and festival headliner Dillon Francis is slated to play at the exact same time as on of the most promising up-and-coming names in all of dance music, Trippy Turtle. Both will surely deliver amazing bouts from behind the decks, however unfortunately this painstaking decision will have to be made.

Trippy is going to offer a bubbly, light, bouncy experience, complete with dripping synths and bedroom-rattling remixes. Dillon is going to bring the party like only Dillon Francis knows how. Who knows, DJ Hanzel, or even DJ Rich As Fuck might even make an appearance at Dillon’s set. Either way, this one will most likely be a game-time decision.

Maya Jane Coles vs. Tiesto vs. Nero vs. Brodinski– Oh, brother. We have the return on UK-trio bass masters Nero, going on at the same time as Bromance authority Brodinski throwing down his own meshing of deep, dark techno and filthy hip-hop.

As if that wasn’t difficult enough, you also have to choose between one of the biggest DJs who ever lived, Tiesto, playing at the same time as Maya Jane Coles. Tiesto will bring the world-celebrated house and club sounds that he helped create and popularize over the last twenty years, while MJC will bring her meticulous brand of silky, sexy deep house to the mix. This four-way talent cluster caps off the festival, leaving one of the hardest calls for last.

HARD SUMMER 2014 VENUE LAYOUT

One of the best things about this year’s HARD Summer is the new venue. Whittier Narrows Recreation Area is almost three times larger than the Los Angeles Historic Park (HARD’s former home) and offers guests a much GREENER atmosphere. I think I speak for most of the HARD ticket-holders when I say I’m very much looking forward to leaving the festival sans dust and wood chips.

The new venue offers guests a TON of strolling area compared to the Historic Park’s high-traffic try-not-to-run-into-people areas. My hopes are that with so much additional space, the festival will be able to accommodate attendees with plenty of bathroom areas. Although last year was fine (for me at least) there still seemed to be an alarming number of drunk white girls screaming “I’M GONNA FUCKING PISS MYSELF!”

TRAVELING TO HARD SUMMER 2014

As always, HARD makes it incredibly easy for you and your crew to get to the festival. By train, cab, uber, or hooves, you can get to Whittier Park for next to nothing. Or absolutely nothing. Take a look at this dope ass pic:

Welp, that about sums up everything you need to know about this year’s HARD Summer. Have fun, be safe, and dance your little tush off!

The post The Ultimate Guide to HARD Summer 2014 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Bass fans rejoice. Some of the biggest names in the game are heading out on an exclusive North American tour. For those out of the loop, Night Bass is a regularly occurring show in Los Angeles featuring the best of the best garage/future/booty house all-stars like AC Slater, Petey Clicks, Bones, and many more.

With one of the most STACKED lineups for this genre, the Night Bass North American Tour features Kry Wolf, AC Slater, Hannah Wants, and Jack Beats. If your brain isn’t melting already, wait until you go to the show.

The Night Bass North American Tour will be a twelve-stop tour hitting cities like Denver, Albuquerque, and Brooklyn, where the Night Bass show was originated.

Night Bass North American Tour

Wednesday, October 1st // Montreal // New City Gas

Thursday, October 2nd // Denver // Beta

Friday, October 3rd // Brooklyn // Verboten

Saturday, October 4th // Toronto // Tattoo***

Sunday, October 5th // Miami // Grand Central***

Monday, October 6th // Boston // Royale

Tuesday, October 7th // Austin // Republic

Wednesday, October 8th // Vancouver // Celebrities

Thursday, October 9th // San Diego // Fluxx

Friday, October 10th // Los Angeles // Lot 613***

Saturday, October 11th // Albuquerque // El Rey

Sunday, October 12th // San Francisco // Mezzanine

***Indicates no Kry Wolf

The post Night Bass North American Tour feat. Jack Beats, Hannah Wants, AC Slater & Kry Wolf appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

This morning, HARD Summer released a bit of news that will get festival-goers all giddy. OWSLA will take over one of the stages for this year event, and will include artists Jack Beats, Kill The Noise, What So Not, Alex Metric, The M Machine, Henry Fong, Valentino Khan, David Heartbreak, Alesia, and Etnik. Damn.

Not sure what the other stages will look like, but I for one think that the OWSLA Tent is worth the ticket price alone.

The good people at HARD also released an official OWSLA Tent Mixtape by none other than Alex Metric. 

Alex Metric Mixtape Jun 2014

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TRACK LIST:

Alex Metric & Oliver – Galaxy
Tensnake – Love Sublime (Ewan Pearson Remix)
Appleblim – Silencio (Prins Thomas remix)
Soulphiction – Mind & Body
Duck Sauce – Chariots of the Gods (Alex Metric re edit)
Sonic Future – Bring it on
Riton – ??? (Aeroplane remix)
The Alexanders – Pwoin Pwoin Pwoin
DJ Wank – 106 miles away (Amine Edge Remix)
Little Dragon – Paris (TEED Remix)
Arveene & Misk – Don’t Stop
Alex Metric & Oliver – Hope
London Grammar – Hey Now (Alex Metric Remix)
Klaxons – Love Frequency (Tom Rowlands Remix)
Alex Metric – Spiritism
Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Soul Clap Remix)

For more info on HARD Summer, check out their Facebook, Twitter, and Website.

The post HARD Summer Releases OWSLA Stage Lineup + Alex Metric Mixtape appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Earlier this morning, Gary Richards aka Destructo began posting clues about the HARD Summer 2014 lineup. After heading over to hardsummer.com, we found nine boxes with spinning question marks.

We’re not sure if all the artists are going to be announced today or as the week continues, but stay tuned! This is going to be big!

UPDATE: Cashmere Cat has been the first artist to fill one of these boxes.

Norwegian musician/producer Cashmere Cat will be making his second appearance at HARD Summer in 2014, and has already been added to multiple festivals across the globe this summer.

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Cashmere Cat

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UPDATE: Shiba San has been added to the lineup (4/3/14)

A member of the Dirtybird players, Shiba San will be bring some SUPER deep house to this year’s HARD Summer. With a combination of hip hop influences and ghetto house, Shiba San is definitely an interesting addition to the HARD Summer 2014 lineup.

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Shiba San

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UPDATE: Seth Troxler has now been added to the HARD Summer 2014 lineup (4/4/14)

Some think he’s an alien, some people think he’s God’s gift to techno, but everyone knows that Seth Troxler is one of the dopest DJ/Producers of the last few years. Having played in venues across the entire globe (and universe?) Seth Troxler will be bringing his funky/deep/weird-as-fuck styling to this year’s HARD Summer. AND, he is the first artist to release a mixtape for this year’s festival:

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Seth Troxler

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UPDATE: DJ Snake has been added to the lineup! (4/7/14)

Parisian producer DJ Snake has been making incredibly huge waves this year with collaborations with Dillon Francis, Mercer, and Diplo, and had one of the best sets of Ultra 2014 in Miami. DJ Snake has been blowing up the mainstream media with his tracks “Bird Machine” featuring Alesia and “Turn Down For What” with Lil Jon.

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DJ Snake

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UPDATE: Julio Bashmore has been added to the HARD Summer 2014 lineup

Born and raised in one of the original birth places of bass music, Bristol-native Julio Bashmore has been making music that would eventually lead him to releasing on Claude VonStroke’s Dirtybird label since 2009. Since then, Julio has been mixing live all across the world, becoming as influential as the VonStroke himself.

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Julio Bashmore

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UPDATE: The Chainsmokers are not performing at HARD Summer 2014! (4/9/14)

After years of producing and touring the globe, The Chainsmokers have found recent success with chart-topping track “#Selfie,” along with other remixes and an awesome Ultra 2014 set. The New York duo is definitely one of the biggest acts HARD Summer will be hosting this year, and we’re excited to see how they are integrated with the rest of the somewhat “underground”artists.

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The Chainsmokers

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UPDATE: Rustie is now part of the HARD Summer 2014 fam! (4/10/14)

Best known for his tracks “Slasherr,” and his most recent collaboration with Danny Brown, “Side B (Dope Song),” Glasgow producer Rustie is by far and away one of the most underrated DJ/producers of our time. Inspiring artists like Cashmere Cat and Wave Racer, Rustie will bring his unique and emotional set filled with everything from wonky to hip hop to HARD Summer this year. This will be an act you do not want to miss!

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Rustie

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UPDATE: Pusha T has been added to the lineup! WHAT!? (4/11/14)

Just when you thought this announcement couldn’t get any crazier, Pusha T gets added into the mix. Keeping up with their history of being a diverse music festival, HARD Presents adds one of hip hops biggest artists to this year’s show. Recently on tour with 2 Chainz (who appeared at HARD Summer last year), Pusha T has been killing the game with his newest album “My Name Is My Name” featuring artsist like Kanye West, Pharrell, and Swizz Beatz on the prodcution team.

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Pusha T

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UPDATE: Six more question boxes and J. PHLIP have been added to the HARD Summer 2014 lineup announcement.

One of the original members of Dirtybird Records and by far one of the hippest producer/DJs on planet Earth, J. Phlip, will be playing at this summer’s biggest festival. With a quiet and shy off-stage persona juxtaposed by a heavy hitting live set, J. Phlip is definitely going to be one of the coolest acts to catch at this year’s HARD Summer.

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J. Phlip

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UPDATE: Wave Racer will be making his first HARD appearance this summer!

Time to bring some Fofofadi to Los Angeles! Wave Racer, who has been added to the Mad Decent Block Party and Mad Decent Boat Party has been having an insane past few months, needless to say. This young Australian talent is a rising star with his signature “Fofofadi,” Jersey Club style that is sure to blow minds at this year’s HARD Summer.

Wave Racer

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UPDATE: DJ SLiiNK added to HARD Summer 2014 lineup (4/16/14)

One of the most creative and influential producers in the Jersey Club/Baltimore Club scene, DJ SLiiNK has officially been added to the HARD Summer 2014 lineup. Best known for his remixes of Kanye West, Major Lazer, Dog Blood, as well as his most recent collaboration with Flosstradamus, DJ SLiiNK is a young gun that will definitely be on our do-not-miss list this summer!

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DJ SLiiNK

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UPDATE: Jack Beats returns to HARD Summer! (4/17/14)

No strangers to HARD, Jack Beats will return to this summer’s festivities. Also known as Niall Dailly and Ben Geffin, Jack Beats is known for their unique sound that marries deep house club favorites with bizarre guttural wobbles. Having toured around the entire world, JB has also released records on monster labels like OWSLA, Fools Gold, and Mad Decent. You can catch them on tour right now.

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Jack Beats

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UPDATE: Sub Focus has been added to the first round of the HARD Summer 2014 lineup announcement. The page also got rid of extra “?” gifs, so I’m assuming this will be the last announcement until the full lineup is released. (4/18/14)

The lineup for HARD Summer 2014 continues to diversify as Drum n’ Bass legend Sub Focus joins the fam. London-native Sub Focus is known around the world as one of the biggest and most influential artists in the realm of DnB music. One of the hardest working producers in the biz, Sub Focus will surely bring his cult following to the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area for what is stacking up to be one of the coolest HARD Summers I’ve ever been to.

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Sub Focus

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The post HARD Summer 2014 Lineup Announced (Round 1) appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Fresh after the release of their Beatbox EP (OWSLA) and their FABRICLIVE74 compilation, UK duo Jack Beats is setting out on the road for a North America tour with stops in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Starting off in Austin, TX and ending in Vancouver, Jack Beats will be accompanied by Brooklyn bass sensation AC Slater.

Jack Beats – Beatbox EP

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Jack Beats – Beatbox Tour

April 24th // Kingdom // Austin, TX

April 25th // Prime // Boston, MA

April 25th // Therapy // Providence, RI

April 26th // Grand Central // Miami, FL

April 29th // U Street Music Hall // Washington, DC

April 30th // Republic // New Orleans, LA

May 1st // Ruby Skye // San Francisco, CA

May 2nd // Smashboxx // Phoenix, AZ

May 3rd // Great Saltair // Salt Lake City, UT

May 4th // TBA // Mexico City

May 6th // The Observatory // Santa Ana, CA

May 7th // Sound // Los Angeles, CA

May 8th // Fluxx // San Diego, CA

May 9th // Foundation // Seattle, WA

May 10th // Imperial // Vancouver, BC

Jack Beats

Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

AC Slater

Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

The post Jack Beats – Beatbox Tour Dates (North America) appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

The tune is a vibe-setting, bouncy cut that is dripping wet with bubbly synths and mellow bass-lines layered throughout.  JB’s latest tasty treat incorporates an ultra-catchy hook that will surely continue to bounce around in your head, after one quick listen.  The video, premiered via Thump features everyone from Skrillex to veterans like Skream and Benga. Nadastrom’s Dave Nada, bass-maestro AC Slater, as well as Dirty Bird‘s Justin Martin all lend a hand too, featured in some candid footage of the modern-day rock star life. Appearances by BBC taste-maker Annie Mac, Flux Pavillion, and Mad Decent‘s mad scientist Diplo, all help make for an enticing music video as well.

Jack Beats gives us a quick glimpse of what life behind the decks is like with the official video for “Beatbox.” Quickly hopping between frames, the viewer is taken from packed clubs to festival tents, on the road, and into green rooms with this fresh, immersive new video.

Check out the video for “Beatbox” and get down with some of your favorite DJs. The bumping new video should hold you over until “Beatbox” is officially released on March 18th via OWSLA. Cheers.

Jack Beats

Facebook//Twitter//Soundcloud

Preorder “Beatbox” here!

The post Jack Beats Release Star Studded Video for ‘Beatbox’ appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

I was planning on writing another “Top 5” post, but there are so many trap artists and sub genres I think a simple retrospective of the genre with suffice. Let’s take a look at what 2012’s top trap producers are up to and the future of the genre.

Looking Back at our Top 5 from 2012

Baauer

Since we profiled Baauer in 2012 his career has skyrocketed. However annoying “The Harlem Shake” phenomenon was it did help bring Baauer and trap into the public eye. Since his breakout success Baauer has feuded with Azaelia Banks, collaborated with Jay-Z, and embarked on tours with Danny Brown and RL Grime.

Most recently, the Brooklyn transplant collaborated with RL Grime on the massively popular “Infinite Daps” If there is a face to the Trap movement it’s probably Baauer.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46527740″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75409800″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bro Safari

Bro Safari also had a successful 2013.  He headlined the Animal House tour with other trap mainstays, ETC! ETC!, CRNKN, and Brillz. Additionally, Bro Safari had a short run opening up for EDM wunderkind Skrillex on his Fall Club Tour 2013.

The young producer has produced remixes for Kill the Noise, Steve Aoki, and Skrillex. In June he released the collaborative EP “Animal” with UFO!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108830586″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93264846″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Flosstradamus

The duo has a had a killer year delivering one of the best sets at Hard Summer and producing remixes for Flux Pavilion and Major Lazer.

Flosstradamus has fully embraced their identity as trap artists and will continue their success going into the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111133727″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/43784798″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

UZ

The enigmatic producer has enjoyed moderate success in the past year. He has continued his “Trap Shit” series and released tracks through Boys Noize Records and OWSLA. Additionally, UZ has crafted remixes for Jack Beats, Zeds Dead, and Alex Metric.

It’s still a mystery who is behind the mask, but I think we will see more of the gilded masquerade in 2014.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/5781173″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/10929926″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kid Kamillion

Looks like we can’t predict them all! Kid Kamillion has virtually fallen off the map in 2013. After releasing his massive remix to A-Trak‘s “Heads Will Roll”, Kid Kamillion has slowly been releasing tracks throughout the year.

Kamillion never made it on the festival circuit and it appears he is only performing in his hometown of New Orleans. I just listened to his newest EP, it’s not bad but it’s nothing special.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/118881995″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Artists Who Blew Up in 2013

RL Grime

What began as a side-project of hard house producer Clockwork has quickly become the more recognizable name in EDM. RL Grime’s popular Halloween mixes are some of the best in trap music as the young producer intuitively mixes contemporary trap with 90’s hip-hop staples.

Earlier this year RL Grime embarked on the “Infinite Daps” tour with Baauer and Ryan Hemsworth. Additionally, he performed some of the hardest sets at Hard Summer and Hard Haunted this year. Remixes of tracks by Chief Keef, Rihanna, and Benny Benassi indicate we will be seeing more Grime in the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/117852346″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119987732″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TNGHT

Artists Hudson Mohawke and Lunice had been producing hip-hop tracks for years before joining forces to form TNGHT.

The duo’s 2012 debut ep “TNGHT” garnered critical acclaim and has been used in everything from shoe commercials to being sample on Kanye West’s “Blood on the Leaves.” Stellar performances as Hard Summer and Coachella cemented their status as trap innovators. Several artists have adopted TNGHT’s use of “brass” synthesizers.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/55499783″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Brillz

Brillz rose to fame after releasing an insane remix for Kill The Noise’s “Roots”, and he has been releasing track after delicious track since.

Brillz debut release “TWONK” puts a new spin on traditional trap utilizing elements of moombahton and jack swing.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116372880″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101526780″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

What So Not

Hailing from Australia, What So Not has been making waves after releasing The Quack EP with OWSLA records. The record features tracks with Action Bronson, D Mac and Blood Diamonds.

What So Not, utilizes crunchy synthesizer and a heavy style that isn’t seen often. Their remix of Major Lazer’s, Get Free has attracted over 500,000 hits on Soundcloud.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/118905056″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/43723548″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TROPKILLAZ

Based in Brazil, TROPKILLAZ make some seriously huge trap anthems utilizing the brass style made popular by TNGHT.

TROPKILLAZ have collaborated with another one of my favorites Yellow Claw as well as gLAdiator. They have not been producing tracks for a long time but hopefully we will see them stateside in the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120303964″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119196995″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Honorable Mentions

These producers are just as good as the last five but I thought of them later!

Yellow Claw

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/112025881″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111090225″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

gLAdiator

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/54228089″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/105291251″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CRNKN

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/107707383″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111209951″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

GTA

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/82522529″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108031501″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mayhem x Antiserum

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74163931″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86961861″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Djemba Djemba

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/103900272″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86298134″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ETC! ETC!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/58641304″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/114284736″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L D R U

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93608566″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/76800509″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Obviously, there are other trap artists out there and this article just goes to show how much the medium has evolved.

The post Top Trap Producers: 2013 Recap appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

We caught up with Zak to find out a little bit more about one of our new contributors.

JNTM: Who are some of your favorite producers right now?

Zak: I’m really into GRiZ right now, Breakbot is a favorite of mine, [as well as] Oliver.  Anything with some funk in there.

JNTM: If you could see any DJ/artist perform live, who would it be?

Zak: I missed Gesaffelstien at HARD Summer, and I’ve been getting into him lately. So, that’s the first thing that comes to mind.  Wouldn’t mind seeing Dillon Francis again soon either.

JNTM: What’s the last show/festival you went to? Who was your favorite artist there?

Zak: HARD Day of the Dead.  And this is a tough question; with so many artists, it’s tough.  However, Pretty Lights really vibed with me in a surprising way.  The groovy subtleties in his set really got me moving.  Jack Beats was also surprisingly heavy.

JNTM: What are some genres you really like and some you really hate? Any that you hate you like?

Zak: For a long time, I was the guy who fully denounced electronic music.  I saw a lack of live instruments as a huge weakness in the music, like so many people do.  It wasn’t until I discovered the emotion and creativity that can be unlocked with the limitless sort of potential that EDM provides that I fell in love.

That being said, I still have an affinity for live instruments fused with electronic music.  GRiZ’s Rebel Era is a perfect embodiment of this.  Funk, groove, soul.

But hey, who doesn’t like to go hard?  Dog Blood, Bassnectar, Zomboy, ect…

Hate?  I’d have to go with trance.  I can stick with it for a few minutes, but 8 minutes into the same beat, and I get bored.  Maybe that makes me an uncultured neanderthal, I don’t know.

Hate that I like? I’ve heard it called “brostep”; That slow, 1-2 beat that Skrillex is all about.  Entry-level? Maybe.  Dope? Probably.

JNTM: If you could produce a track or DJ with any producer who would it be and why?

Zak: As far as him musical prowess, I’m not sure, but It’d be an absolute riot to spend a day with Dillon Francis. Ooh, or Gary Richards (Destructo).  That guy knows everything.

Want to join Zak on the JNTM team? Send us a message on Facebook and we’ll be in touch!

The post Welcome to the JNTM team, Zak! appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

HARD has just released the stages for this year’s Day of the Dead taking place at the LA Sate Historic Park, November 2nd – 3rd.

From the looks of it, HARD has set up the stages pretty much the exact same as last year’s event, with the addition of the Underground stage which was birthed from this year’s HARD Summer.

As always there will have to be some pretty tough decisions made by concert goers, as the stages are all pretty equally stacked, depending on what type of genre you’re more interested in.

Check back soon for set times and more!

The post HARD Day of the Dead Stages Announced appeared first on Just Noise To Me.