Osheaga starts at 1:30 am (Alan Walker at New City Gas event review)

Credit: New City Gas FB

By Dominic Wren

After a massive day of concerts and good vibes, Osheaga Music Festival kept the party going at one of the hottest nightclubs in Canada with one of the most acclaimed DJs in the world. Alan Walker, formally known as DJ Walkzz, pulled off a raging show after partying on stage during his Osheaga set earlier that evening.

The venue quickly started filling up at around 11:30 to midnight with he very best of partyer's. Most of the crowd came straight to New City Gas from the festival to close the night out properly. At 1:30 am, the long awaited DJ came to stage with an immensely emotional intro. I particularly loved the way Walker slowly brought the crowd into his music; even the bouncers were starting to dance and enjoy themselves. After an opening full of powerful songs, Alan Walker brought the crowd to a deep house/bass house groove for the first half hour of his set. Aware of the crowd’s energy level, Walker slammed back the intensity by dropping Brooks and GRX’s somewhat new hit single “Boomerang”. At that point, the temperature inside the venue became so hot from a full house of people jumping and dancing that even the dj had to remove his renowned face mask. Now that’s a sign of a crowd enjoying themselves.

At about 2:30 am, the light show took a right turn and became the main entertainment for a brief moment. These massive LED screens went from regular flashing lights to an amazing 3D journey through rough seas and flying between massive rocks and cliffs. It really captured everyone’s attention; even the owner of New City Gas was amazed. Feeling that the crowd wanted more, the restless DJ finished his set with a dirty but deadly trance vibe. The crowd loved it, the VIPs loved it and I loved it. Now that’s the right way to finish a day saturated with music.

This afterparty was nothing but good vibes. Alan Walker crushed a jaw dropping set that left everyone incredibly satisfied. Personally, I’m nope a massive fan of his music, but I must admit that he nails his raves. Again, New City Gas hosted another fantastic night and I hope to see many more like these in the future.

5 ways to steal the show - Kygo’s Kids in Love Tour review

By Sinejan Ozaydemir (Photo cred: Wendy Wei)

Last week, Toronto had the pleasure of a visit from Kygo on his Kids in Love Tour. It was a night filled with dancing, singing, and blinking lights at the ACC. Here are some ways Kygo showed us how to steal the show: 

1. Cool stage design with plenty of pyro

X marks the spot! The stage was made up of multiple sections with raised elements and moving parts, not to mention a soaring screen at the back of the stage. There was a mirroring X shape to the stage, as an X shaped piece hung from the ceiling. As you can see in the photos and videos (here and on our instagram page), this design had crazy pyrotechnics coming from the base of the stage as well as the ceiling echoed this mirroring effect. They did use plenty of these FX throughout the show, it wasn’t just the one-off explosion of fire during the last song type of thing, which was impressive. The visuals up on the huge screens were of high quality and the camera angles from Kygo’s main control centre made us feel that much closer to the action. We were able to see him play multiple instruments close up and also had the pleasure of seeing fans' reactions on the big screen throughout the show as a live camera captured moments of joy. Overall extremely pleasing visually. 

2. Play your own extensive catalogue of well known songs that the crowd expects

One thing we see more and more with artists who are not only producers but also instrumentalists, is the extensive catalogue of their own songs they play live. It creates a show that is less full of remixes of top 40 tracks and more full of songs the Toronto crowd knew oh-so-well. Kygo primarily played his own tunes, which I think the crowd was wanting an expecting. In fact, his fans were highly familiar with his work knowing lyrics to older songs as well as new releases. Did I mention they were also dancing non-stop? 

3. Bring on phenomenal artists that know how to perform live and get the crowd pumped up

If you didn’t know, Kygo has been bringing live acts on tour with him for a long time now. He especially made headlines as he brought out numerous notable guests at Coachella. At the Toronto show, we were blessed with a few of those guests who were all great live performers. Parson James (’Stole the show’), Bonnie McKee (‘Riding Shotgun’ & 'This town’), Justin Jesso (‘Stargazing’ ‘Firestone’), and Jason Walker (’Sunrise’) lent their talented voices live and really knew how to work the stage! (We have posted short clips from each of the performances on our Instagram so make sure to check them out!)

4. Dont forget about the “live" aspect

A big complaint I hear from people, especially from people who don’t primarily go to EDM shows is that “nothing is really 'live'-the DJ/Producer is just pressing play on a track they have recorded ages ago and that we have heard on the radio hundreds or thousands of times”. Well, not that this is always true, this was definitely not the case on the Kids in Love tour as Kygo played every type of virtual instrument possible while recreating each song live. Also, as if that wasn’t enough to please any EDM lover, why not just go ahead and get a branded light-up piano and a live string section to “mix things up”. It definitely isn’t what most DJs do.  We saw him on the big screen playing which ever instrument (whether it be one of the keyboards or pad boards, or the drum pad) and truly recreating the sound live. I thought that it was quite enjoyable to see him interact with the audience, switch between instruments, run up and down the stairs to get to the piano and the keyboard on the lower stage. It showed off his talent on and love of playing the keys.  Definitely better than solely jumping up and down to music which would have been especially boring in the arena setting. Plus, that is our job! 

5. Fun for everyone

One way to make sure that you get every one in a giant arena excited, is to ensure that they are all involved in every moment. Why not have a stage that is raised or that moves so every seat in the house is a great seat? The main section of the stage where Kygo resided for the majority of the show was raised up high above the main stage so that the 300 level seats were also the best seats in the house, as they had a direct view of the Kygo control station. The front of the stage where he had his beautiful branded piano was on an elevator so it raised up during the two songs he was down there, so that everyone got a great view. Another fun feature that kept us in-the-moment was the light-up bracelets we were provided. Not only did it create a visually pleasing atmosphere showing the grandeur of the room but also kept us excited as to when the one on our wrist would be on and which colour it would turn next. A fun little addition to the show which I think more artists, (especially in EDM) should use to add that extra little spark to a show. 

Overall, the Toronto Kygo fans really enjoyed their time at the ACC with Kygo. The show had the best of both worlds: The live aspects of a non-EDM show and the crazy visuals and pyro elements we EDM fans know and love.

Contact Festival 2017 Sinejan's Top 6

By Sinejan Ozaydemir

B.C Place hosted the Two-day Contact Festival this past week and we had the great opportunity to rave with the Vancouver crowd during the holidays! Here are my top performances of the festival:

1. Cash Cash

The most melodic, dance based set of the festival. Cash Cash chatted with the crowd during their whole set, encouraging them to get ready for the drops, get ready to jump and checking in with them to make sure they were enjoying the party. 

They played a lot of their originals but also did not disappoint us with the remixes played in between. A great range throughout the set, we did not get the opportunity to tune out. The anticipation of what’s coming up next was really there! The set was pure energy and joy with people head banging and dance walking with hands up all throughout the arena floor. The great use of lyrics up on the screen allowed the Vancouver crowd to have a taste of karaoke breaks amidst the dancing. Cash Cash’s flashing vividly colourful visuals which included their logos and cartoon style drawings of their faces were quite entertaining without taking away from the focus- the music. Cash Cash really shook up the room, jumping around the stage, chanting, waving flags and sharing their energy with us. They got the ladies up on shoulders creating a second group of dancing fans that were literally on another level. 

Fantastic energetic set with great music = my favourite of this two-day west coast party! 

Songs/remixes the crowd loved:

All my love (feat. Conor Maynard) – Cash Cash

Millionaire (feat. Nelly) – Cash Cash

Take me home (Feat. Bebe Rexha) – Cash Cash

Surrender – Cash Cash

Aftershock (Feat Jacquie) – Cash Cash

2. Armin Van Buuren

Great headliner, spreading the love and positive energy throughout his whole set. 

It was hard not to be aware of the reciprocal appreciation between the concert goers and Armin on night two of Contact. The ravers who had been enjoying a second full day of dancing did not slow down, and frankly, Armin would not let them! As soon as he started his set, we were all into the state of trance right away. Throughout his set, he encouraged the crowd to feel the moment and the love-he told us how much he was feeling the love and well, we couldn’t agree more! 

Besides the love fest between Vancity fans and Armin, the steady flashing of the light show dazzled, as we felt like we were in a European dance club rather than a big arena. He had great control of the music, especially accentuating with volume to really keep us on our toes. Armin’s fans excitedly reacted to his songs as they lost themselves in the moment. We raised our hands up and waved them around without restraint as the deep bass and flashing lights moved through our bodies and Armin reached out towards the crowd. All aspects of the huge stage were utilized with the use of an echo between the lasers and the main screen video, which fit in quite perfectly with the music. There was a great moment of suspense where he (almost) got us thinking the party may be over when an error message came up on the screen.

Happily the error message was followed by an awesome “test” of the systems on stage along to his track “This is a Test” which felt like a large scale version of the sound system check you would witness at the movies before a 3D movie in the big theatres with the surround sound. The ability to feel so in sync with each other as fans, made this set a great closing statement to the two-day festival. We were all there to have fun after all! 

Songs/remixes the crowd loved:

Adelante (Bobina Megadrive Remix) – Sash!

I live for that energy (Asot 800 Anthem) – Armin Van Buuren

You are (Asot 823) Armin Van Buuren and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

I need you (club mix) – Armin Van Buuren & Garibay Feat.  Olaf Blackwood

Heading up High (First state remix) – Armin Van Buuren feat. Kensington

3. Destructo

The stadium floor was already full and ready to continue the dance fest when Destructo took to the decks. Henry Fong did a great job of holding down the fort and keeping people moving until Destructo arrived. He started off the set with a “we made it!” and began the party. You could really tell that he was in fact very excited to get up there and perform for the crowd, his excitement and energy came through as he looked up, pointed across the crowd at groups of people dancing and jumped up on top of the DJ table several times during his set to jump around and be one with/closer the crowd.

“Let me see that Bass Face BC style!”: The “Bass face”s were in the house as they jumped and nodded along to his popular track. We also thoroughly enjoyed many other Destructro originals through some flawlessly smooth mixing.

His visuals were active and easily distinguishable from any other artist – I mean no one else had the bass melting off their face, only Destructo can do that! It seemed the crowd was in awe because every time he looked up they would react without being asked to! Just and overall great vibe in the room throughout the set. I dare you to try not to move to the beat at a Destructo concert – not possible.

Songs/remixes the crowd loved:

Bass Face – Destructo

Loaded – Yo Gotti

Catching Plays – Wax Motif, Pusha T, Starrah

Party Up – GTA Remix

4. Alan Walker

Great follow up to Ekali, Alan Walker really read the room well as his bright and unique visuals along to the great discography made this a set very enjoyable.

Stunning futuristic (at some points almost looking like a video game and at times almost apocalyptic looking) visuals included sections of music videos, lyric videos, artwork of a glowing globe/earth view from space, industrial scenes, geometric shapes (some exploding like fireworks up on the screen), as well as the AW logo in different colours. Not to mention sweeping lasers that were so well done that they looked like they were dancing along with the crowd rather than just flashing, when seen from the back of the stadium. Although he wears his mask, he did use the stage camera so everyone in the stadium could see his reaction to the music and feel like they are right next to him up in the booth. Large parts of the crowd were full of ravers excitedly dancing around, making way for each other all spread out across the floor. He also played a lot of his originals like many artists at the festival, but also included some popular remixes like (Sia’s move your body) with transitions that kept the crowd moving throughout the set. Great transitions and overall flow from slow to fast tracks throughout the whole set. His songs also allowed the crowd a great opportunity to sing along- we just couldn’t stop ourselves!

Songs/remixes the crowd loved:

Drop the Beat- DJ Kuba & Neitan ft. Nicci

Sing me to sleep- Alan Walker

Sia – Move your body (Alan Walker Remix)

Need you (Brillz&Trav Piper Remix)- Dillon Francis & NGHTMRE

Alone- Alan Walker

All falls down – Alan Walker

Faded- Alan Walker

5. Marshmello

“Everybody know me, Everybody know Marshmello”- Marshmello started off his set full of his originals with his song “Know me”. The day one headliner seemed to be ready to entertain the crowd as he stepped up to the decks. There were tons of Marshmellos in the crowd dressed in the classic Mashmello head and all in white. The Marshmello army clearly appreciated the originals that he played almost fully through (played most of each song). This was the moment they were waiting for all day and they gave it their all. I think that he was one of the artists that really delivered what the crowd was expecting which made him the perfect headliner for day one. His fans were also not disappointed by the visuals. I personally really enjoyed the visuals for “Wolves” and the bubble style lyrics he used for his song “Alone”. I think the familiarity of the songs and the cartoon-like visuals brought out the kid in all of us and it was a great pleasant set to close off day one of the festival.

Songs/remixes the crowd loved:

Know me - Marshmello

Congratulations (Bkaye X Telykast Remix) – Post Malone

Silence – Marshmello

Hello – Adele

Wolves – Marshmello

Alone – Marshmello

6. Tails

Tails’ set contained some well known top 40 tracks and a lot of great throwbacks.

Very cool, colourful visuals that had his logo and also, from time to time, incorporated the use of the stage camera set up on the FVDED stage which was amplified on the screen behind him.

He was very natural with the crowd and had great crowd engagement throughout the set. The crowd seemed to be enjoying starting off day 1 with his throwback remixes as well as Rap/RnB base of songs, Kanye seemed to be one of his go to artists, the crowd really reacted to the can’t tell me nothing remix.

The beautiful “aliens”/“spacewomen” of contact came in near the beginning of the set and excited any who happened to turn around (usually while dancing).

The vibe was chill but there was a lot of movement with the crowd slowly pouring in. It was a great opener to the FVDED stage. The design of the stage allowed the fans to get real close and have a clear view of Tails and engaged with him when he looked up. The lights were few in number but set up very well at the front of the stage and near the middle of the floor. When all were going at the same time, it really felt like you were possibly being abducted (which went along well with the whole theme of the festival).

All of the lights (Nitti Gritti Remix)- San Holo

Wolves- Kanye West

Murda- Snavs

Riot Call (Snuf Remix)- Quix

Honorable Mentions: 

Tchami - For letting his music speak and being able to keep the crowd moving without saying a word

Henry Fong - Starting day 2 off with a bang and holding down the fort for Destructo

Say My Name & Parker - For moving with us and engaging with the crowd non-stop 

---

Sinejan is Toronto's correspondent for EDM Canada. You can follow her on twitter: @Sinejantweets.

Read Ryan's Top 6 of Contact Festival 2017!

Contact Festival 2017 Ryan's Top 6

By Ryan Hayes

Contact 2017 was a festival interwoven with surprises, and upsets. I attempted to go to the event with an open mind, nonetheless I couldn't help head in to day one with a curated list of my favourite acts already picked out. By the end of day two however the majority of my preconceptions were proven false. Originally anticipating a day one blowout, four of my top six acts played during day two and the biggest letdown of Contact was formally a front runner for the festivals number one slot.

1. Cash Cash

Going in to Cash Cash I literally had no expectations—their set time was initially my planned food break. I knew I would recognize a handful of their tracks, but there wasn't a chance I could identify a single one by name. Despite my obvious disinterest I walked away a huge fan. Their set was energetic, accessible, fun, and packed full of catchy original productions. The duo never fell pray to the generic festival trope of dropping popular banger X right after announcing they were about to take the festival up a notch. Instead Cash Cash stuck to their arsenal of anthems (which I now know) including “Matches,” “Take Me Home,” and “All My Love.” Transition tracks were fun, light-hearted throwbacks the likes of Nelly's “Must Be The Money,” and Eiffel 65's “Blue.” I didn't leave to get food, and smiled the whole way through.

2. Rezz

Initially I was worried that Rezz would fall victim to the mountains of hype surrounding her rise; fortunately for all in attendance her set did not disappoint. Often her sound seems to be polarizing, with audiences either clambering for more or missing the party entirely. Luckily for Contact, Vancouver gets it. From the opening seconds “Relax” Mass Manipulation introduction edit I was transfixed. Slow, grinding, and oddly melodic—her hour on stage melted away in a mesmerizing daze. Selections from 2016's Somethings Wrong Here, and The Silence Is Deafening EP's including “Purple Gusher,” “Selector,” and “Edge” were standouts. But, it was “Diluted Brains” that really floored BC Place drowning a packed house under torrents of thick relentless bass. Rezz was at home on the big stage, and she surely left Contact with new fans. The Cult of Rezz is strong in BC.

3. Destructo

A coherent, well built set consisting predominantly of originals goes a long way. Much like Rezz, Destructo's set was a trip through a very specific soundscape, and the artistry that takes is always appreciated. With strong west coast G-House vibes Destructo took Contact through his aggressively laid back bass filled productions. From “Dare You 2 Move,” to “Catching Plays,” and “4 Real,” Destructo cruised through his set, spanning the breadth of his discography. Finishing with “Loaded,” his new single featuring Yo Gotti, Destructo left the stage easily elevating day two of Contact to an early high day one never attained.

4. Tchami

Having just come off a back to back tour with Malaa, Vancouver was treated to a very special set by Tchami. Not worrying about pandering to main stage pressures Tchami took his time and warmed up Vancouver with about thirty minutes of proper club music, keeping his heavy hitters for the second half of his set. Initially dropping tracks in line with “The Sermon,” Tchami worked his way towards a higher tempo, transitioning to,”Prophecy,” and “Summer 99,” vibes before delving into monster hits like “Promessess,” and “After Life.” His timing and progression were impeccable, solidifying day two of Contact as a platform for real dance music artists. Finishing with an extended cut of “Adieu” cleansed the audiences palate and was a perfect send off for his set.

5. Ekali/Alan Walker

There is one simple reason for the tie between Ekali and Alan Walker; of the entire festival these two sets felt most at home following one another. Ekali set the tone for Contact, filling the stadium early and eliciting a great reaction from the crowd, with his slow tempo, driving as it built a narrative. Alan Walker then took to the stage to knock down what Ekali had set up for him. Offering up a proper main stage set with loads of sing-along worthy originals. This was probably the most consistent two hours of both days of Contact.

6. Carnage

Let me start by prefacing Carnage spent most of his time on stage simply pumping his fists in the air and screaming nonsense into the microphone. His transitions were often awful, and sections of the set were borderline indistinguishable noise. That being said, I can't stop thinking about his set. He worked the crowd into a frenzy the likes of which I have never seen. From start to finish the entire stadium collectively lost their mind. After announcing that he was there to deliver “some loud ass obnoxious music,” that was exactly what he did. At times his set was nearly paint by numbers, but at other times it was genuinely surprising. It was jarring, abrasive, and arrogant—but that's what made it good? The crowd’s energy was infectious, and if you suspend all sense of musical taste, the set was loads of fun. Carnage left the stage with one final proclamation, “Contact 2017 RIP, I just murdered your ass.” I honestly don't know what to say...but I think he did?

Honourable Mention: Armin

Armin showcased the harder side of trance for his Contact audience, maybe because he was following up Carnage, or simply because he wanted to do something different. Either way, melodic trance is more my speed meaning this particular Armin set did not really sit well with me. Running through tracks like “If It Ain't Dutch,” and “You Are,” Armin dialed up the energy and hammered Contact. While it may have not been my style I recognize the artistry of a set expertly woven together. As always, Armin knows how to take on a main stage.

Biggest Disappointment: Marshmello

Because of the endless hype, my expectations for Marshmello were high, and sadly his set fell victim to over inflated promise. Keeping my disappointment in check, Marshmello did deliver about forty five minutes of music that plastered a smile on my face. He played his originals and that's what people wanted to hear. Outside of his trademark sound there was a lot that could have been trimmed from his set. It was evident that he was attempting to hype the audience up with a banger or two, but it was generic. It wasn't woven together particularly well, and it didn't fit the happy-mello persona I had come to know and love. Ultimately, for me, Marshmello fell short and left me wondering if his set was more suited for a one hour time slot.

Ryan Hayes is a Vancouver based writer who has contributed to many EDM publications over the past few years. You can follow him on Twitter: @VanCityDanceNrd.

Read Sinejan's top 6 of Contact Festival 2017! 

9 questions for Alan Walker answered (Interview)

Alan Walker is a rare talent. At only 20 years old he's created not only one, but multiple mega hits that have generated over a billion views, massive Soundcloud appeal, and hundreds of millions of Spotify plays. With a regular release schedule and a focus on bridging the gap between EDM and pop music, Alan Walker has all the makings to be one of our next biggest stars in the scene. 

EDM Canada caught up with the Norwegian artist at ÎleSoniq in Montreal where he played on the mainstage to a packed crowd in early August. We talked in depth about how he created his hit tracks, future releases, and who's at the top of his wishlist for a future collaboration. 

Your tracks are emotional and more on the chill side, how do you translate them into your festival sets? 

I play a mixture of playing my tracks in its original form and doing live edits of my own songs or playing a remix of them. I try to mix a bit of my own songs so they can get a taste of Alan Walker and playing up tempo, harder tracks, so they can get a different vibe. I don't play constantly down tempo because people may get bored so I would say my shows are like a wavy experience. I play a mixture of BPM's of down tempo, up tempo, and melancholic songs.

What is the process that you use to make your tracks, especially your latest single 'Tired' and using a new vocalist like Gavin James?

“Faded” was a song I have written back in 2014, and “Sing Me To Sleep” was a follow-up to that track. I had both of these melodies just laying around and never used, but then we got the vocalist in the studio and wrote the lyrics along with a few different songwriters. We had her sing both tracks and she absolutely nailed them, so we used the same vocalist for both songs.

With “Alone”, that was the first time I started and finished a song in a studio on the same day. We worked the lyrics on the same day and everything came together. Usually I write the entire track as an instrumental and then I send it to a vocalist. The vocalist then makes their adjustments and then I go back and change the song to fit the vocals.

With “Tired”, it was my music lawyer who introduced me to Gavin James. His manager told my lawyer that he had already done the lyrics to “Tired” and was looking for a producer to create the track. My music lawyer then sent the track to me and I just tried it out.

"I'd love to do a remix or an original track with any vocalist or artist, it's just a matter of timing and everything needs to come together."

How long did it take you to create the instrumental to “Faded” and your newer track “Tired”?

With “Fade”, the predecessor to “Faded”, it took months because I couldn't figure out what to do with the second drop. I really want to create my tracks to have a 1st drop and then have a variation on the 2nd drop. When it came to “Faded”, we combined the melodies into one drop.

For “Tired”, I tried to evolve the Alan Walker sound to try to show a new side but felt it was maybe a bit too much for the mainstream.

Do you have any new songs that you're ready to talk about? You've had a steady release schedule and it's been a few months since you've released “Tired”.

I have a couple songs coming out, one is called “The Spectre”, which is similar to the story of “Fade” to “Faded”, where I take one of the old songs, re-create it, give it a vocal and a brand new mix.

The other track is with a new French duo called Y&B. It's called “Diamond Heart”, and it's kinda like a Faded 2.0.

When will both of these tracks will come out?

“The Spectre”, hopefully very soon. With “Diamond Heart”, sometime later this year.

You have remixed so many major stars like Sia, Miley Cyrus, and Bruno Mars. When do you think it will be time to sit down with one of them and create an original track with one of them? 

I'd love to do a remix or an original track with any vocalist or artist, it's just a matter of timing and everything needs to come together. I'm always up to working with a new one.

If you had one artist on your wishlist that you'd love to work with, which one would that be?

If I had to pick an artist, it would have to be Ellie Goulding. A lot of people thought she was the vocalist on “Faded”, so I think having an actual song with Ellie Goulding will be pretty cool.

With the festival season winding down, do you have any plans to release any EP's or LP's, or more touring announcements?

Nothing yet, I have thought about it, but nothing 100% yet. I did 53 shows this summer, and in the Fall I'm going to Asia tour. It's a busy year but I think me and my team are handling it quite well.

Why the mask and hoodie for your live shows?

The mask and hoodie was a style that was inspired by my personal habits and interests. I wanted to find a unique way to put out Alan Walker and then myself and my team discussed my personal interests. The hoodie came from those discussions and also from inspiration from the video game Watchdogs, and the TV series Mr. Robot. Mr. Robot was a big inspiration for the music video for “Faded” because in Mr. Robot you always saw a guy in a backpack, same as in the music video.

We wanted to use the hoodie and mask as a symbol of unity, and that anybody can be a Alan Walker, no matter who you are, your ethnicity, what you've done, or what you do. I think that's a pretty cool image to have.

I don't want to hide myself, it's for the artist image. I've done pictures with and without the mask, and if you search, you can find me.