The Resonant Vibes Electronic Music Blog

Review: Rootwire Music Festival

johng — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:21:50 +0000

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of attending the first annual Rootwire Music and Arts Festival in Logan, OH. The festival, which was put on by the fine young champs in PAPADOSIO, was an absolute blast! I have been to festivals of all sorts and sizes and let me tell you this baby was extremely well organized! From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed there was not a single thing that did not run smoothly. The guys did not spare any expenses when it came to production either. When you think small music festival, you think small stage, limited light show, and minimal PA system. Rootwire could not have steered any further from those pitfalls. With a set up much like that of ALL GOOD music festival, Rootwires main stage and side stage were both situated side by side, allowing the music to be continuous with no overlapping sets and no down time in between acts. The main stage had a light rig and sound system that were stunning! No joke, everything about the main stage screamed major music festival in the making. It was done up big which made it really special to see these up and coming acts on such a large scale. The property was also pretty much damn near perfect. The camping was great, hiking, amazing main/side stage area with a natural bowl shaped hill, and the weather was so refreshing at night, but I failed to bring a coat which was a bad call
.
Now lets talk music , I can honestly say this line up already had my knees buckling before I even arrived, but I had a whole new appreciation for this truly diverse selection when I left. The festival boasted a spectacular line up of only up and coming acts through out the region. In particular there was a cool array of “livetronica” acts such as Zoogma, The Malah, EP3, and of course our friends in Papadosio! The nights were carried on by a variety of DJs in the late night tent which would keep the party going into the wee hours of the morning. On top of all the electronic tones there was a strong group of funk rock bands. My favorite acts with were unquestionably the more funk rock oriented acts such as STRANGE ARRANGEMENT, MACPODZ, and UV HIPPOS. While these acts were less on the “untz untz untz” side of things they still used their impressive jazz/funk chops to bring a absolute raging dance party that changed it up for a bit.
.
As always Papadosio brought the heat, but this time it was on a whole new level! This being their festival the guys really ramped up the DB on the sound system and pretty much shell shocked the crowd for 2 hours. I saw for the first time where this band will be in just a short few years, playing huge stages on a thunderous PA with an outer space light show! Make no mistake these guys are going to be the next big band that dominates the scene. They are growing so big and really doing it right.
.
The Macpodz took the crowd on a tripped out journey through a creepy cosmic atmosphere in a different galaxy! Pretty much an acid jazz odyssey, that was not only wacky but extremely funky! I have been a big fan of these guys for the past year, and they always crack me up with their stage presence, in particular the bassist Brennan Andes, who makes jokes, voices, and faces at the crowd for the entirety of the show. These guys put on a very interesting performance fueled by crazy instrumental skillz executed in their own way. Trust me if you like a lil bit of humor in your music and love dancing, then these guys will treat you well.
.
I had never seen or heard UV Hippos until Rootwire and it blew my mind. This band was just freaking awesome. They had great song writing, amazing musicianship, spectacular build ups, solos, pretty much the whole package. They also had the great opportunity of having Alex Herm (one of the best Light Designers around) run and design the lights during their performance! Needles to say they killed it and I would keep a close eye on these guys, because they put on a truly remarkable show
.
When all was said and done my hands down favorite performance of the weekend was Strange Arrangement! These guys have been on my radar since last summer and let me say they are getting better every time I get to see them. This weekend was no exception. The guys were armed with a group of new tunes and have started expanding a lot of their material live. With only about 2 years under their belt, I truly believe it is only a matter of time before these guys are playing sold out shows and travel with a massive production. They are incredible song writers, and absolutely insane musicians who create super sophisticated pieces of music with multiple layers / sections that revolve around some extremely catchy hooks. The band has such a diverse and refreshing sound that really works well in the scene. If it was not obvious by me singing every song during the bands performance, I am a huge fun of everything they are doing right now Do not pass these guys up when they come near your area!
.
What a weekend it was! The best of the best in unsigned / regional small acts, put on the large stage with a massive sound system and light rig as they all truly deserved. I hope this festival continues for many more years to come. Thank you to Papadoiso, and all the friends we met over the weekend.
.
John “The Grizz” Grisanti

Rootwire Music and Arts Festival

johng — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:23:27 +0000

I thought I would let the Resonant Vibes community know about what I consider to be one of the most exciting and forward thinking music festivals to hit this nation in several years. ROOTWIRE music and arts festival, which will take place August 6 – 8, 2010 in Logan Ohio, has been created by Papadosio and is not your regular massive corporate festival with mega headliners and high priced entrance fees. Quite the opposite! This festival has focused on bringing together the best of the best up and coming performers in the live music scene! In particular there will be a large slew of Livetronica acts such as Papadosio, Zoogma, EP3, The Malah and a whole bunch of my favorite bands to see live right now, including my good buddies Strange Arrangement! On top of the stellar lineup this festival only cost $50 dollars for 3 days of camping and access to all stages. Let it be known there will be no skimping on production elements either, these guys are taking this very seriously and truly going to give the fans a most epic experience that will be hard to forget
.
A STATEMENT FROM THE FESTIVAL:
ROOTWIRE Music and Arts Festival is all about shifting focus. From the mundane and nihilistic viewpoints of large corporate festivals that only exist to make profits, we have put in the effort to avoid all the common pitfalls of today’s modern music festivals. To bring about ideals of enlightenment, community, and social change that is real and tangible.
.
In our travels we have met amazing artists, who are sending the very same vibrations we work so hard to recreate on a daily basis. We have collected a lineup that will not only deeply move and impress fans, but serve as a reminder that real good underground music and art exists today in full swing.
.
As for the musicians, we have shared stages with them, witnessed their shows, and made sure that each performance will be a unique and captivating experience. We are confident these are the bands you will see emerge from today’s thriving underground scene as tomorrows headliners.
.
Another way ROOTWIRE is shifting focus is through featuring visual art, in the same way we feature music. We have searched far and wide for live artists who wow and inspire people with a “here and now” approach to their work. In addition to live performances, the will be a large scale tent which will act as a walk through psychedelic gallery displaying finished pieces and prints.
.
Hoopers, poi artists and other performers will rejoice when they see our raised stands located right in front of stages, allowing them not only to be featured but also allowing them to be part of the show. So in the spirit of ROOTWIRE, we encourage you to bring whatever you do, be it juggling, hooping, uni-cycling, etc and be an inspiration to everyone.
.
THE LINEUP:
Papadosio
Zoogma
The Werks
The Malah
The Macpodz
EP3
UV Hippo
Jimkata
Moon Taxi
Sci Fi
Silo Effect
Super Massive
Freepeoples Frequency
RoeVy
The Floozies
Shank Bone
Elemental Groove Theory
The Twin Cats
Strange Arrangement
Garganta
aFugate
Nala
.
Make sure to check out http://www.rootwirefestival.com/ to get your tickets! This is an event you will not want to miss, trust me
.
Look for reviews of ROOTWIRE from me and Matt “Eldo” Eldridge to hit the blog after we return from what I anticipate to be one of the most fun and interesting weekends of summer 2010!
.
John “The Grizz” Grisanti

Camp Bisco 9: July 15-17, 2010

johng — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:21:31 +0000

Hello to the RV Community. I’m Matt Eldridge, “Eldo” , a new writer with Resonant Vibes. I’ll be keeping you updated on and covering many electronica/livetronica shows and transporting you into my own experiences at the events. Look for “Where’s Eldo?” in the coming future to find out where the excitement is at.
.
In just a few weeks, I’ll be traveling to Mariaville, New York to get down at Camp Bisco 9, an electronic festival with perhaps the most exotic and exciting lineup of the summer. The ninth annual 3-day music and arts festival, taking place July 15-17 2010, hosts an array of artists, including: The Disco Biscuits, LCD Soundsystem, Ween, Thievery Corporation, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Break Science, The New Deal, Papadosio, Telepath, Major Lazer, Diplo, Rusko, Eskmo, Future Rock, Big Gigantic, Mimosa, and MANY MORE! The festival takes place on the scenic 200-acre Indian Lookout Country Club, and will have numerous stages, as well as a late night dance tent. If you have the chance to get to this year’s Camp, I HIGHLY recommend it. This will undoubtedly be a weekend event of epic propotions! Don’t miss it!
.
Tickets are available online at: www.campbisco.net
.
-Eldo
.

Gallery: Bisco Inferno with The Disco Biscuits, Booka Shade and The Crystal Method

johng — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 03:38:29 +0000

The second annual Bisco Inferno kicked-off at 5 pm on May 29th at Red Rocks, in Morrison, Colorado. The Disco Biscuits were joined by Booka Shade, Aeroplane, The Glitch Mob, The Crystal Method, and The Pnuma Trio in providing 10 hours of dance music catering to fans of the DJ and jam scenes alike. The night was truly incredible. It’s encouraging to see so many different people coming together just to have a good time in one of the coolest venues in the world. I hope to see you there next year.
.
Words and photography by Eli Becker
.

Ricardo Villalobos cancels Movement 2010, Hawtin to sub in…

Sam — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:26:58 +0000

Well, that TOTALLY sucks. Here’s the scoop:
.
Ricardo Villalobos’ scheduled performance this weekend at the Movement Electronic Music Festival Powered by Ford Fiesta has been cancelled, but Richie Hawtin has agreed to perform in his place on the BeatPort Stage Sunday, May 30 from 9 pm until midnight.
.
Goetz Guse of Cocoon Agency out of Frankfurt, Germany informed festival organizers today that Villalobos will not be able to perform at Movement. Guse said, “Ricardo did not receive his Working VISA back in time due to US immigration Authorities at abroad consulates. Even with precocious legal support from the US as well as from Germany he still wasn’t able to obtain the Working VISA due to unexpected bureaucratic obstacles.”
.
Movement organizers expressed disappointment about the news regarding Villalobos, but are optimistic festival-goers will enjoy a Richie Hawtin performance as the replacement.
.
“We are disappointed Ricardo is not able to make it, especially with it being so close to the festival, but the show must continue,” said Jason Huvaere, the executive director of Movement. “However, we are very grateful Richie agreed to fill in. Nowhere else will you get to experience Richie Hawtin presenting Plastikman live one night, and then the next night see an original Richie Hawtin DJ set, it’s going to be truly amazing.”
.
The Plastikman live performance will be the headliner on the Vitaminwater Main Stage the first night of the festival, Saturday, May 29. It is scheduled for 11 p.m. to midnight. After Hawtin performs a three-hour set on the Beatport Stage, he will be aboard the sold out Voyage Royal: I’m on a Boat 2 after party to perform with DJ Magda in place of Villalobos on the second floor of the Detroit Princess.
.

Exclusive Interview with Pretty Lights

Sam — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:38:14 +0000

Brandon Bass had a chance to catch up with Pretty Lights (AKA Derek Vincent Smith) for a great interview to talk about his new record, giving it away for free and his creative process. For anyone who wants to check him out live he’s performing at Movement 2010 in Detroit this weekend.
.
For more information on Pretty Lights or to download some of his music visit prettylightsmusic.com.
.

Ida Engberg stops in for a chat with RV

Sam — Mon, 24 May 2010 02:43:20 +0000

If you keep an eye on the line-up for this years Movement Festival you’ll notice only a handful of females on the bill. There are several smaller female artists and then this years front ladies like Cassy and Magda and also Ida Engberg.
.
Engberg, a Swedish blondeshell and highly talented DJ has enjoyed a sudden rise over the last couple of years thanks to her skills behind the decks and the game-changing success of her track Disco Volante. (See, it can be done kids!). Now she features regularly at Adam Beyer’s Drumcode nights, and is establishing herself as a worthy international headliner. We thought we’d catch up with her before her show at Movement to find out a little more…
.
You’re from Stockholm. Can you explain how you got your first gigs there, and for anyone visiting Stockholm what clubs do you recommend?
.
When I started to DJ in Stockholm I was just 18. It was a friend who was running a bar, and the DJ called in sick so he didn’t have one so I just jumped in for somebody else.
.
That was my first gig and I finally got the residency there and they fired their old DJ so they apparently liked it a little. Then I played in smaller bars and clubs and then larger clubs, then I moved to Spain and I was living in Ibiza and I was playing there for a while.
.
Now I’m not really here so much because I’m traveling every weekend, so rarely go out in Stockholm anymore but I would recommend if anyone comes here in the summer time a place called F12. It’s an outdoor venue on some stairs and they have really good house and techno bookings. Then there’s another club called Berns which is a really big venue. But it all depends on the promoters so you have to keep your eyes and ears open I think. It’s not like London or Berlin but there are always parties going each weekend but you have to know where to go I think.
.
Like you said you travel around a lot DJing and you have the opportunity to play in the States and play in Europe. How would you rate the scene in the States compaired to Europe?
.
The time I played in the States I’ve had a really good time. I played Washington DC in The Muse, which was a really amazing great party and in New York. The parties I’ve played in the States were amazing actually. Miami has a fantastic scene which is a little but open-minded and you can party for 24-hours there so there are really long parties. Europe, I don’t know. It’s a little bit different I guess; for example in Germany there are so many parties and clubs and DJs, and the underground scene is really huge. I didn’t play that many times in the states so I can’t really say but so far I really like it.
.
You’re playing at Movement in Detroit which will be your first time playing at the festival, It’s a massive electronic event in the States so you must be getting excited about it.
.
Absolutely, yes. I wanted to go last year as well to visit but I didn’t in the end so it’s going to be really nice, I’m looking forward to it. A lot of friends of mine are going as well.
.
Which stage are you playing on?
.
Good question… I think I’m playing on Saturday on the Beatport stage and then I’m playing the Drumcode party on Saturday night. So two gigs on Saturday.
.
So are you planning to play your gigs and then spend the rest of the weekend relaxing?
.
No, not really. We’re playing Chicago and Toronto before Detroit and then we go to New York to stay there for a few days. Then I’m going to South America, to Lima and to Miami and then one more date but I can’t remember where.
.
Sounds like a hectic schedule. Any mid week routines to help you relax when your at home?
.
When I’m here in Stockholm on the week days first I have a horse, so I’m at the horse stable riding, and training and spend time in the forrest and outside so it’s like the opposite to the nightlife and the traveling and it’s very relaxing.
.
Let’s talk a minute about your track Disco Volante, which became a bit of an anthem. How much did it help you get international recognition?
.
So when I released it and the guys who had the label also had a booking agency, so exactly when we signed the tracks they also signed me to the agency (it’s a German booking agency). I think the track helped a lot, yes it’s a lot. I was playing for 5 years before, and I think it’s quite hard to go international and to reach out it you don’t have an agency. And it’s quite hard to get a big agency unless you release something.
.
I noticed than you don’t get many bookings in the UK but I see you’re booked to play at Matter later this year, but not much else…
.
I was booked to play at Ministry of Sound actually, but I was already playing somewhere else so it was impossible to move, and I think it’s like a different market. At first I got a lot of bookings in Germany because my booking agency is in German. Then it went to Holland, to Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and to some other countries. But so far I didn’t really play much in the UK so I don’t really know, it’s a different market I think.
.
Have you had a chance to use the new Pioneer CDJ 2000s then?
.
I did actually, yes. I think I used them only once because not many clubs have them, but I thought they are amazing, actually. It’s still early, but if all the clubs start to buy them I think it will be amazing.
.
And also so many DJs play with Traktor so maybe it’s not really necessary to buy them, I think now there a lot of different options you can use to play, but I hope they’re going to be conquering a little bit.
.
So do you just play from CDs or do you use a laptop set-up?
.
At the moment I just play with CDs and I haven’t started to play with a laptop or anything. To me I’m so used to playing with CDs it’s quite comfortable and I have my little routine; I burn the CDs when I’m in the hotel and I write out the track list but I think I’m probably going to start to play with something else sooner or later.
.
And what producers are really doing it for you right now?
.
Hmmm. A lot of producers are really doing it for me right now. Paul Ritch is amazing, Paco Osuna, Marco Corola, there’s so much good music out there right now. Kaiserdiscos productions are amazing, they’ve just release a new album on Drumcode that’s fantastic.
.
Thanks a lot Ida, and good luck with your shows in Detroit.
.
You can catch Ida and all the other DJs at this years Movement Festival in Detroit the weekend of May 29-31.
.

Essential Road Trip Listening: Chris Liebing’s 10 Years CLR

Sam — Mon, 24 May 2010 02:10:23 +0000

Next weekend we’re driving up to Detroit for Movement Festival. Each ways it’s 5 hours or about 3 mixes worth of driving. One of those mixes will be Chris Liebing’s latest offering on his CLR label. Hopefully it’ll help us get in the mood for his set at the festival which, like his label, also enjoys it’s 10th anniversary this year..
.
I’ve listened to the mix a couple of times and I can definitely recommend it; if it’s balls to the walls techno you’re after. Unrelenting techno—did you expect anything else?—is delivered on a plate by Liebing. Unfortunately I haven’t given it a full review but instead I’ve included a few words I was sent about it:
.
The 10th anniversary compilation of CLR contains 10 tracks by some of the finest artist in the world of techno and defines the current sound of the label. The very supportive attitude of the artists involved and the fact that all tracks were specifically and exclusively produced for this purpose, add a unique character to this project.
.
Musically, we dive into a universe of relentless, high tech beats and soundscapes. Big bass drops unveiling sexy grooves, hypnotizing patterns and reverb rooms that surround pounding beats with sudden high range attacks. These tracks work like crazy on the floor, and that‘s a proven fact. This is what Techno sounds like on a 2010 technology level, big room and tough but ballsy and slick, functional yet innovative: Let all hell break loose.From classic to new, that fits the list of people who contributed, that fits the formats the project is released on.
.
It includes classic techno protagonists from the last 10 years like Adam Beyer, Alex Bau, Speedy J, Chris Liebing vs. Green Velvet, Function vs. Jerome Sydenham and new faces no less talented, such as Dustin Zahn, Brian Sanhaji, Monoloc, Pfirter and of course Tommy Four Seven.
.

Movement 2010 Update – Villalobos and 31 Others Added to Lineup

Eddie — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:35:12 +0000

The Movement 2010 Electronic Music Festival in Detroit just got better! Yesterday, Paxahau announced that Ricardo Villalobos will be performing at the event, along with 31 other newly added acts like Booka Shade, Derrick May, Marco Carola, and Ghostland Observatory. Paxahau also announced the addition of a fifth stage, sponsored by Movement Torino.

Renowned minimal techno DJ/producer, Villalobos last performed in Detroit in 2002 when he played at the Paxahau Electronic Music Festival (PEMF), a four-day party that was held at the now closed Panacea Nighclub.

“Ricardo is looking forward to coming back to Detroit again after all these years,” said his agent Goetz Guse of Cocoon Agency out of Frankfurt, Germany. “His return to the United States and Detroit for the Movement Electronic Music Festival is exclusive to Paxahau. He isn’t booked to perform at any other venue in the States, and we don’t anticipate he will be this year.”

In addition to Villalobos, the contemporary dance music duo Booka Shade from Berlin has been scheduled for a live performance, along with electro, rock, and funk duo Ghostland Observatory who will also perform live.

“We are feeling very good about how this year’s Movement lineup has come together,” said Jason Huvaere, Executive Director of Movement Electronic Music Festival. “With today’s announcement of Ricardo and the other 31 artists, the response we are getting is extremely positive.”

To see the full, talent-studded lineup for the Movement 2010 Electronic Music Festival, go to www.movement.us. You’ll find 97 acts, including the likes of Richie Hawtin (Plastikman), Agoria, Cassy, Chris Liebing, Claude VonStroke, Derrick Carter, Jamie Jones, Josh Wink, Magda, Michael Mayer, Paco Osuna, and Radio Slave.

For tickets to this epic shindig, visit www.movement.us.

Eddie B

Monochronic – A Solid DJ in the RV Network

Eddie — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:24:57 +0000

The RV Network has given me endless enjoyment since we launched it last year. One of my favorite job perks is randomly discovering good music on our site from DJs who are flying under the industry’s radar.

Back in March, a new mix in the RV Network caught my attention. It was uploaded by a DJ named Monochronic. The mix is titled, “Wide-eyed 001,” and I’ve really been enjoying it! As of now, it’s been downloaded 161 times and streamed 43 times, which means most folks haven’t even checked it out yet…just a nice little progressive gem resting in the RV Network treasure trove. I wanted to write this quick blog post to give Monochronic some props and to thank him for his contributions to our community.

I did a little research on Monochronic. His real name is Stoyan Dafov, and he was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He started listening to electronic music during the 90s, and his influences were artists like Jay Dee, Faithless, Funky Green Dogs and Sven Vath. In the early part of this decade, Monochronic developed a strong interest in tribal and tech house, especially in the artists Dimas, Simon & Shaker, Eddie Richards, and Mastiksoul. Since 2005, his primary genres of interest have been deep and progressive house music.

While I just discovered Monochronic in the RV Network, he’s actually gotten some visibility on dance music radio stations like friskyradio.com, PureFM, Tribal Mixes Radio, and Eilo.org. Monochronic is playing gigs in various clubs in his hometown, and he’s holding a residency on PureFM with his own radio show, “Stereotype.”

Monochronic’s profile page in the RV Network is loaded with good music, and I’d suggest checking out some of his mixes. If you want to hear the “Wide-eyed 001” mix that caught my attention, just go here. For those interested, I’ve provided the tracklist for the mix below.

01 Antix – Manta
02 Lank – Twinge (Quivver Remix)
03 Shabu Vibes – Obscene Calls (Dyno Remix)
04 Shiloh – Landmine Hopscotch (Cid Inc Remix)
05 16 Bit Lolitas – Personal Space
06 Greed feat. Lesley – Gentle Rain (Soliquid Remix)
07 Jay Lumen – Surface Reborn feat Panoptic (Ormatie Remix)
08 Inkfish – Traser (Strings of 95 Mix)
09 Quivver – Sludge (Final Mix)
10 Innate – Parabolic Curve (Beat Factory Remix)
11 Eelke Kleijn – The Way That You Are (Davi Remix)

Eddie B