The Evolution of EDM: Here & Now Quarantine Set Edition

Source: David Guetta’s FB page

By Ryan Hayes

In the second iteration of The Evolution of EDM we take a small detour to focus on the present. With the global entertainment industry coming to a grinding stand still and millions around the world undergoing self-quarantine you'd think the constant flow of music we are used to may turn to a trickle of releases and live sets. Artists around the world have risen to the occasion and taken the opportunity to provide their audiences with premium live content. In some cases debut artist sets, in others mixes years in the making—regardless here are 12 essential sets from the last seven days of quarantine.

First up—David Guetta. Currently experiencing a massive renaissance, he was supposed to close out this year's Ultra, and he came through for fans with a new mix for SiriusXM Virtual Ultra Music Festival. If you are expecting pop Guetta this isn't it. The set leans towards his Jack Back alter-ego and his current collaborative efforts with Morten. It's worth listening to for the intro edit of Titanium alone. A new main stage Guetta, taking inspiration from his roots, for a new house focused generation.

Drezo

Last weekend Insomniac gifted ravers with a Virtual Rave-A-Thon featuring artists from the postponed Beyond Wonderland. While there were a slew of artists worth listening too Drezo stands out with his pulsing dark bruting version of house. It's all consuming and the perfect mix to drown out the world for just a little while.

Madeon

His inaugural Ironing Board Session (he hinted it may become a weekly fixture for the time being) is just something you have to experience. Genuine to the core and immensely talented. The stream will put a smile on your face and turn you day around...it is that simple. Just listen to it.

Corona Sabbath (Diplo)

Diplo has been hitting quarantine life hard, bringing music to the people multiple days a week. Last Saturday for his weekly Corona Sabbath he had Dillon Francis swing by for a back-to-back set. The two have obviously played together before, but a new mix from them is always welcome. The entire stream is over two and a half hours long and focuses on house music. It's laid back, and perfect to have on during the day while you attempt to be productive.  

Destructo

All My Friends head honcho Destructo blessed fans who have been following ship adventures for years—Holy Ship through Friendship—with a six hour long Sunday Sermon from his living room. Usually we get a live Sunrise Sermon set once a year, so this was a very welcome journey for fans. If you are looking for a quarantine musical pilgrimage, this is it. 

Calvin Harris - Love Regenerator Livestream

We don't typically get anything live from Harris these days. Outside of his Vegas residency and a handful of headlining festival spots, none of which are streamed, he keeps to himself. So the inaugural live performance by his Love Regenerator side project was a very welcome surprise. This isn't the sticky pop Harris that fans have come to know over the last decade. This is a departure, a deep dive that mixes the past and present to revive rave sentiments of old with a modern twist.

Morgan Page

Page's Quarantine Sessions have been hitting in full force for the last week. With regular broadcasts, always accompanied with a different wine pairing, Page has been showing audiences he is capable of spanning numerous genres/styles. This particular mix is more of a deep dive and a deviation from Page's more regular big room focused sets.

Disclosure

Live from Self Isolation F.M. this is Disclosure's first Kitchen Mix. After many year's of relative obscurity the brothers recently returned from their hiatus with a slew of new tracks. The mix showcases their current frame of mind and may be an indication for what we can expect moving forward.

Odesza

The long awaited NO.SLEEP Mix.12 has finally arrived. It has been over two years, before the release of A Moment Apart, since the duo has released a mix. Atmospheric and ethereal, the mix showcases Odesza's signature sound and it is the perfect rainy day escape.

Paul Van Dyk & Chris Bekker

Live from Berlin, as part of DJ Mag's House Party series, these two trance producers are bringing quality long form trance sets to the masses. Their DJ Mag stream came in at just over three and a half hours. They also have a  PC Music Night back-back that lasted for over five hours. Don't miss one of the god fathers of trance doing his thing—perfect for getting you through long days.

Purple Haze (Sander van Doorn)

A true Purple Haze set—in my opinion—is always a treat. Sander is a world class technical DJ and although his style has drifted over the years Purple Haze is pure unfettered trance at its very best.  Fast paced, enthralling, and seamless...don't miss this one. Click here to watch it.

Oliver Heldens

Why? Because the man has fun. This is his Virtual Ultra set, and to be honest the announcer and set up of the SiriusXM stream provides a sense of normalcy to these uncertain times. But mostly, its just fun to listen to. Give it a listen, it will give you a jolt or energy and put a smile on your face when you may need it the most. 

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! 

Vancouver is THE place to be next week thanks to these incredible Contact afterparties

Early next week Vancouver becomes one of the centres of the electronic dance music world thanks to the Contact Festival which for many will be the highlight of their holiday season. Contact is stacked as it features established producers like the trance godfather Armin Van Buuren along with Marshmello, and other DJs that are changing the game like Tchami, REZZ, Alan Walker, Malaa, and more. Thanks to the recently unveiled Contact afterparties (Pictured above), the event hype has gone to a whole new level. 

Not only do fans get a chance to do a double take on their favourite acts, but also allows them to see what else these top DJs have to offer in an afterparty setting. Usually DJs like to change it up for the afterparty: to dig deeper in their discography and showcase tracks not big enough to make their mainstage set, or get to preview a top secret ID that they want to test infront of a smaller crowd. Afterparties are a way to keep the party going but for many music lovers, it's a way to experience their favourite acts in an intimate setting at a cheaper cost. 

This year's Contact afterparties are on point as it features one headliner (Marshmello), and a few established acts that have been selling out venues across the world like Tchami and Malaa from the successful Redemption Tour. Pay special attention to Ekali as he will no doubt deliver a memorable hometown afterparty set. 

Tickets are on sale now, click on each individual poster above to get your tickets today! 

For those that haven't bought your Contact Festival tickets yet, check out the link below. 

Check out this must-see video created by Funny Or Die starring Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Ryan Hemsworth, Desctructo and more

Funny Or Die created a must-see video starring some of the biggest names within the scene. The concept is a spoof on the CBS drama NCIS appropriately called "NCIS: Ibiza". The list of artists included in this project is long as Steve Aoki, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Borgore, Brazzabelle, Crookers, Destructo, Martin Garrix, Gladiator, Ryan Hemsworth, Keys N Krates, Moby, Ookay, R3hab, Nile Rodgers, What So Not, and Alison Wonderland are all involved. We see our fair share of bad acting and cheesy plot lines in this video which makes it a perfect Funny Or Die production, enjoy: 

NCIS: Ibiza from Funny Or Die

It's fair to say that Ryan Hemsworth is the real MVP of this video.