Frequency New York

New Album: Beyonce - '4'

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:51:46 -0400

Rocking wild blonde locks again, Beyoncé emerges with a wistful tone in her fourth album, 4, released June 28. Within a few minutes of hearing the first tracks on the album, fans will detect a noticeable change in momentum from Beyoncé's last album. 4 is very much a ballad-filled album overflowing with sentimentality and a heavy sense of self-induced maturity.

While I Am… Sasha Fierce also showcased a mature sound, it featured both firm ballads and a handful of up-tempo chart hits that possessed as much emotion as they did spunk. That spunk is what gave Beyoncé that “diva” moniker in the first place. This album, spunk muted, falls somewhat flat in both of these regards.

Beyoncé’s vocal quality is the most mature thing about the album, as she balances both crooning and belting within ballads and introduces sometimes dissonant, unexpected tones for the R&B genre. This is no doubt a mark of Beyoncé's ‘new sound.’ When discussing the album’s direction, Beyoncé told MTV News, “Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre. I'm mixing every type of genre that I love and I'm inspired by every type of genre...I'm not putting myself in a box. It's not R&B, it's not typically pop, it's not rock - it's just everything I love mixed together.”

If Beyoncé's intent is contemplative, vulnerable, and somewhat ethereal, she does this especially well on “1 + 1,” a track on two lovers coming together, “Start Over,” “The Best Thing I Never Had,” an empowering post-breakup song, and “I Was Here,” which is reminiscent of Beyoncé's “Halo.” “Countdown” is also an easy crowd pleasure, showcasing boldness in its R&B and southern soul influences. Tracks such as, “I Care,” “Love on Top,” and “Rather Die Young” seem superfluous. After awhile each ballad seems to blend into the next.

The harder, party-driven tracks are few and far between, but make it much more of a dynamic project. Beyoncé's first single off the album, “Run the World (Girls),” is a Major Lazer-sampled track that speaks to female self-empowerment. It leaked early and fans were divided on how it may have or have not met expectations as a follow-up to Beyoncé's hit record, “Single Ladies.” Beyoncé only carries this same high energy to “End of Time” which also features hard-hitting beats. But then you have tracks like “Party,” the Kanye West produced track that also features Andre 3000. It’s not what fans would expect – as it’s much more of a cool, slow jam than an in-your-face bass-slamming anthem, but is still very danceable.

Beyoncé still delivers and shines in exactly what she should: her singing. Every track boasts consistency and a solid, if not developed and impressive, vocal quality. What’s missing is Beyoncé's youthful, spark within those ballads, which presents itself in only bits and pieces throughout 4. Her MTV special, "Beyoncé: Year of 4," was filmed during her year off while she sought inspiration for the album. It premieres Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/PT on MTV and BET; 7:30 on VH1 and Palladia. Additional encore airtimes will be available on MTV.com, MTV Hits and MTV Jams.

Fourth of July Jams

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:45:00 -0400

When you hear the word “patriot” you think of the following: Tom Brady, Mel Gibson, and US soldiers (hopefully not in that order). Include yourself in this list by suiting up in red, white and blue this weekend in order to dance in your own little space. (Your scrap-book making grandma will be proud.)

You are more than capable of cramming the two-month British "holiday" into 72 hours because you bear arms and contribute to the greater good (better known global warming and national debt.) In a time where the Motherland is the main birther of DJs, let’s take a moment to remember the American-made artists who fuel your weekends and give you something more important to spend your hard-earned paycheck on than cheeseburgers-- memories made by music.

From hard tech-house to deep soulful, below are some of the best tracks to get you going this July 4th:

6. Jonathan Peters- Going Thru it

You need an explanation.

Not only does that build-up sound like incoming drone planes about to attack, but yes, you are going through it right now, struggling to make your biceps meet your sides and keep up your oompa-loompa-orange glow. Just don’t look up, they might be coming to take your ‘roids.

5. Cedric Gervais' remix of George Morel, “Let’s Take Drugs”

He's technically French, but the French Revolution was what inspired Americans to revolt from the British in the first place. Let’s consider Cedric our ally not just because he’s French, but because this song is awesome. Sampling the voice of George Bush is simply brilliant; the Texan embodies American greed, ignorance, mispronunciation and all that makes us proud to drive gas-guzzling SUVS, fund two pointless war, and continue to belittle educators. That’s right Bush, let’s roll into democratic enlightenment!

4. Terrence Parker’s Spirit of Detroit Remix: Octave One, "Blackwater"

Enlightenment which apparently does not include equality for all. With bans on gay marriage still existing in various parts of the country, as well as disparity between male and female pay, we all need to be reminded of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream.

3. Richie Santana's "Music is Freedom"

Francis Scott Key knew how important music was to freedom, although unfortunately he didn't think up Richie Santana's lovely metaphor. Instead, he wrote the Star-Spangled Banner and coined (pun intended) our national motto "In God We Trust."

2. Timmy Regisford's remix of REM, “Losing my Religion”

But isn't America all about the separation of church and state? Let's hope some DJ will close out your July 4th party by slipping this track onto the decks, reminding you just how much you'd hate for those scantily-clad chicks by the back bar to be covered with Burkas.

1. Peter Presta featuring Mc Roby Rob “Where is Osama?”

Released on AppleJaxx records just in time for the holiday weekend, the bassline of this dark track captures all the sleaze and scandal behind Osama Bin Laden’s death.

Celebrate the freedom to be wary of your government.

Friday Nights: Summer Concert Series at the Pavilion!

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:31:00 -0400

Looking to get your Dave Mathews fix? Then march your way to Martha Clara Vineyards this FRIDAY to catch a show by Ants Marching, a six-piece cover band representing Eastern Long Island and New York City. Most of the time, cover songs are used by bands that may not necessarily have the talent or resources to produce their own material, or that simply lack in the creative department. However, there are occasions when a band comes along that produces some amazing covers that are especially unique, yet still nostalgically pleasing. Since 2002, Ants Marching has been taking their road show to tri-state venues up and down the east coast and their fans have been following suit. Ants Marching is comprised of Mark Verdino (bass), Tom Brown (saxophone), Brian Chabza (violin/acoustic guitar), Brian Hall (guitar), Andrew Rella (drums) and Craig Knapp (vocals). They strive hard to replicate the sound and music and the Dave Mathews Band as authentically as possible and their gig has proven to execute high quality performances.

Venue: The Pavilion – Martha Clara Vineyards, 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead

Time: Doors open at 8pm

Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door// Admission includes one glass of wine!

Purchase tickets here.

Other Performances:

July 15th -- Quadralove

July 29th -- Sixteen Tons

August 12th -- Knock Na Gow

August 26th -- The Jon Divello Band

Consumption Junction

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:05:00 -0400

Pepper Rabbit

“At the root of each song is something simple, whether it be the chord progression, the instrumentation, or the lyrics. But the most important aspect of this record is the freedom we gave ourselves to experiment and construct something that’s easy to get lost in,” says Xander Singh, one half of the explosive duo, Pepper Rabbit.

The thing about these fellows – Luc Laurent taking on the percussive position - is that they don’t want to limit their building capabilities because of a small toolbox. While integrating some 11 instruments into their sound, Pepper Rabbit have carved out a niche all their own that lies somewhere between psychedelic-pop and folk. Horns, snyths, ukuleles – they’re all in there, which is why P Rabbits debut album, Beauregard was such a unique success.

Having, several times, extensive toured North America, Pepper Rabbit has been able to create a show as distinctive as their music. While they incorporate a third musician to man the synths and bass during live performances, Singh and Laurent find a ideal balance between campfire tenderness and aggressive showmanship (Singh often picks up several instruments during a single song). With their second LP, Red Velvet Snow Ball, set to be released August 9^th, there is no doubt Pepper Rabbit is going to be sticking around for a long time.

Local Natives

You hear it all the time, “they’re such a hard-working band”, but how often does that mean anything more than playing a few shows in a weekend or opening one venue each night of the week (if you want music to be your job, this is the barest minimum). Local Natives redefined the meaning of hard-working¸ as they so poignantly displayed at 2009’s SXSW festival. The Austin, TX indie rock (mostly) party week saw the Natives literally running from venue to venue with instruments in hand, trying desperately to turn the heads of…anyone. Well, it worked. After SXSW, Local Natives got the attention of several U.K. labels, which ultimately lead to Frenchkiss Records taking them aboard for the long haul.

It was under the Frenchkiss bosom that Local Natives released their first LP, Gorilla Manor – the name paying tribute to a house all five members lived in back in Silver Lake, CA. The Natives native sound comes from a place where Afro/tribal-beats and floating, dreamlike, three-part harmonies swoon even the toughest off their feet. There songs are playful, yet matured, weighty, yet freeing. Local Natives have brought hometown loving and loneliness to the same dinner table to discuss new and brilliant ways to be alive. They’ve truly created their own version of what it means to be indie.

Lower Dens

Jana Hunter is no stranger to the music scene but she may be a stranger to you. This “weird-fi” songstress has been recording tracks for the last 16 years. She has been dubbed as possessing, “spooky, twee harmonic weirdness” by the Chicago Tribune; as “haunted” by The Portland Mercury; and as having a “quietly radiant voice with its own strange, feverish luster” by Pitchfork Media. Her wistful drone and mysterious voice balance somewhere between nostalgia and insight while her lo-fi, post-punk guitar (acoustic and electric) has been featured on albums with far-reaching musicians and bands such as: Devandra Banhart, Coco Rosie, Indian Jewelry, Matteah Baim and more while having toured with the aforementioned Banhart, Deer Tick, Castanets, Marissa Nadler, Rasputina and many other.

After two solo albums and several compilations (including a split LP with Banhart), Hunter is now the front woman of Baltimore, MD based indie group Lower Dens. The Dens’ reflective combination of throbbing drums, pulsing bass and atmospheric guitars creates a homesick weariness worthy of Hunter’s voice. She’s soft and methodical with a humbling melancholy murmur. Get to know Hunter and the Lower Dens with this video from their NPR performance in October, 2010.

Dance.Here.Now Festival in New York City

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:39:00 -0400

Dance. Here. This Weekend. With the 4^th of July and a three day weekend ahead, New Yorkers can enjoy some of the best DJs in the business without sitting in treacherous holiday traffic. The Dance.Here.Now. Festival will be held July 1^st-4^th on the 172-acre grounds of Governor’s Island. Popular NYC promoters Rob Fernandez and Benny Soto teamed up with the city’s dance music big-wigs such as Pacha New York, Cielo, Massive Event, AG Light and Sound, and Glo Friday to bring their brain-child to life, showcasing various genres of electronic dance music from deep house to uplifting trance at the first ever Dance. Here. Now. Festival.

Grammy nominee and International Dance Music Award (IDMA) winner Paul van Dyk returns to New York for the first day of the festival, giving fans a six-hour long DJ set on July 1st. PVD left fans wanting more after his Terminal 5 appearance this past February and not to disappoint, the mega DJ will take center stage solo as the only headlining artist for Friday’s Dance.Here.Now. lineup. With a new album EVOLUTION due to be released this year, fans can expect to hear his newest tracks such as his collaboration with Armin van Buuren and Paul Oakenfold, “Remember Love”, made for the victims of the 2010 Love Festival. Sounds of classic PVD tracks such as “For an Angel”, “Home”, and “New York City” are sure to fill the air as the night sky turns from blush to black this Friday.

Saturday, July 2^nd, festival headliner and big beat legend Fatboy Slim will take the stage at Governor’s Island. Working simultaneously under alias The Brighton Port Authority, Fatboy Slim has been drawing in large crowds since the early 90s and will attempt to bring the same ambiance to the festival as he would for a 250,000 crowd at hometown venue Brighton Beach, UK. Jam along to some of his timeless tracks such as “Praise You” and “Right Here, Right Now” and watch the master work. Along with Fatboy Slim, is Beatbreak DJ James Zabiela. Known for his turntable skills, the UK based DJ will actually be playing his set completely through his iPad, truly a sight worth seeing. This solid Saturday schedule would not be complete without versatile EDM duo, Sleepy & Boo. Michael and Begoña Gwertzman are NYC local DJs with such a diverse style, spinning everything from trippy synthesizers to funky bass-lines. With Sleepy & Boo, every set is something new and exciting!

Benny Benassi is quite familiar with the grounds of Governor’s Island. After a massive performance last summer packing the island to capacity, the Italian born “Godfather of Electro” will give New Yorker’s some “Satisfaction” on Sunday July 3^rd. With a Grammy Award under his belt for Best Remix in 2008, Benassi has earned international accolades for his contribution to the electronic music scene. After last year’s performance, the New York Times raved over Benny’s epic event in NYC. Benassi is sure to make a repeat performance this year alongside fellow electro DJ, Laidback Luke. With a very upbeat, hyper tech house vibe, the Dutch DJ has had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music including The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Diplo, Ferry Corsten and Moby. Between Benny Benassi and Laidback Luke, it should be reminiscent of a karaoke night for house music lovers.

Last but not least, celebrate our countries independence with Victor Calderone for a second year in a row as he headlines the final day of the Dance. Here. Now. Festival. Known for his New York and Miami residencies throughout the years, Calderone has released official remixes for superstars such as Madonna and Sting. Brooklyn’s own Victor Calderone will bring the drums and bass with Lady Liberty watching on the horizon. All you have to do is bring your dancing shoes!

Tickets for the Dance.Here.Now. Festival are still available through www.danceherenowfestival.com, and includes a ferry ride over to Governor’s Island during festival hours of 4pm-12pm. With only days until show time, be sure not to miss out! Can't make the festival? Check out www.pachanyc.com for all afterparty details!

If know what's good for your ears, check out these top emerging rap/hip-hop artists of 2011

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:16:00 -0400

BIG K.R.I.T.

Big K.R.I.T. hit the rap scene big time with the release of the critically acclaimed K.R.I.T. Wuz Here mixtape in 2010. He's got a soulful, gritty, southern sound and an impressive resume of collaborators, such as Ludacris, David Banner, and Bun B. K.R.I.T. stands for "King Remembered in Time," and if the Southern rapper's creative camp and superior lyrical skills have anything to show for his longevity in the game, he will undoubtedly be remembered. K.R.I.T.'s second LP, Return Of 4eva, was named #6 on SPIN's 25 Best Albums of 2011 (So Far), and ultimately cemented his reputation as one of the more promising talents in the industry. With his official Def Jam debut in the works, Big K.R.I.T. is about to be one of the next biggest rappers to touch a mic.

LAWS

Michael "Laws" Maldonado is a Brazilian-born, Florida raised hip hop artist who signed with the Grammy award winning producer trio J.U.S.T.I.C.E League in 2009. Laws started rhyming when he was 16 and made his way into the rapping realm by competing in and winning lyrical face-offs. He eventually elevated from battler to songwriter and crafted music that caught the attention of Rook, a member of J.U.S.T.I.C.E League's production team. After conversing via AOL Instant Messenger, the two met up, hit the studio, and produced Laws' first mixtape that earned him comparisons to iconic rapper Eminem. Earlier this month LAWS released his third mixtape, Yesterday's Future, hosted by DJs Con Cannon and Mick Boogie. The project was entirely inspired by the legendary Paul McCartney, in which Laws took 13 of McCartney's songs and remixed them with hip-hop infused renditions. LAWS raised the bar with this creative compilation and is an artist on the watch.

YELAWOLF

Yelawolf made impressive headway onto hip-hop's radar last year with the release of his Trunk Muzik mixtape, hosted by DJ Burn One. The two set out to create a project that listeners would "really fuckin' love or really fuckin' hate," an attitude that proved to a successful strategy. Trunk Muzik is all about that dirty Southern sound and critics and fans everywhere have been eating it up. The New York Times raved about one of Yelawolf's live performances and the LA Times declared he was "as safe a bet for stardom as anyone out right now - the rare rapper capable of earning respect from both Kid Rock and Kid Cudi fans." The mixtape showcased Yelawolf's vocal range as he explored different flows throughout the tracks, as well as his creative mind, with his impressive story-telling skills in songs like "Love Is Not Enough." What is unique about Yelawolf's sound is that he infuses hip-hop with classic rock. Originally from Alabama, he grew up listening to the likes of Lynard Skynard, Pink Floyd, and The Allman Brothers. Whether he is rapping over the beat for Cypress Hill's "Ain't Goin' Out Like That," Gucci Mane's "Lemonade," or The Doors' "Waiting for the Sun," Yela has an incredible talent for adapting his style to represent and personalize each song. His versatility is unparalleled and he can go any direction. With his signing to Eminem's Shady Records and highly anticipated Radioactive LP dropping in September, the only trajectory from here seems to be up.

MAC MILLER

The young, fresh, recent high school graduate from Taylor Allderdice High School, is well on the road to hip-hop stardom. With the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Boaz, this fun-lovin' Pittsburgh teen is making some serious noise on the national hip-hop scene, grinding relentlessly to make his way to the top. He started off as a Twitter sensation, self-promoting himself and gradually gaining over half a million followers and counting, and is currently preparing for his first international tour in September. His mic skills are on point, his style is savvy, and his vision is authentic. Sharing the same creative management team as Wiz in Rostrum Records, Miller is carving out his own niche and making a name for himself as one of the youngest, most promising prospects on the mic. He's got a lighthearted energy about him and while most of his songs thus far have been about getting high and making it big, he's got major plans for the future, with an already outstanding outline of experience under his belt.

Download his mixtapes here.

SOL

Sol has been a player in the PNW music scene for more than eight years, but has recently dominated the stage alongside artists such as the Wu-Tang Clan, Zion I, RZA & GZA, Mistah F.A.B., Big Sean, Andre Nickatina, Mac Miller, and The Pack. Sol's signature Seattle sound is a perfect fusion of hardcore hip-hop and mainstream sensibility. His first two EP's, Dear Friends, Vol. I and Dear Friends, Vol. II sent Sol soaring high on the charts on New York based blog tracking website, Hype Machine, reaching #1 above the likes of Kanye West, DeadMau5, and Kings of Leon. His music has an irresistible, infectious groove and his particular brand of hip-hop flow combines smooth beats with clever wordplay. As a recent University of Washington graduate with Honors, his skills shine through as both a student and an evolving artist. Sol has his third EP on the way, Dear Friends, Vol. III, and ambitious musical dreams that we will unquestionably take off. His next shining moment will be at this summer's Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival in Seattle during Labor Day Weekend.

Video: Yacht

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:06:00 -0400

Yacht have released the first two videos from their fifth album (sophomore with DFA), Shangri-La. The seven minute companion pieces of “Utopia” and “Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)”, is more like a short film rather than a music video. Part one is a vision of an expansive and geometrically captivating universe with mountains, water, and plenty of space to dance – sort of Tron meets Lord of the Rings. Superstudio was the group that created this alternate state, the "geodesic grid"; their take on utopia wasn’t of an idealistic world where everyone is equal, but rather, according to the Yacht website, “it was a world without buildings, a life without objects. [Superstudio] dreamed of nomadic communities living the warm and human aspects of life on a vast, impersonal grid.”

If that is their vision of Utopia, than what is the Dystopia? As Yacht say it’s “a world of shards and memories.” Once one takes on the task of attempting to create a structure or existence of structured architecture within the Utopia, the mere essence of that ideology is destroy and one is left with, “perhaps just an island of your own design, cut off from the world.

Visionary director Renee Daalder merges stunning visual effects of a digital universe with the striking presence of Jona Becholt and Claire Evans, the dace collective Body City and the Straight Gaze in this video for “Utopia / Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)”. Check it out below.

Morrissey's New Album is Fully Conceived...

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:11:00 -0400

Morrissey has already cemented a long and strong career. He's spent the past two decades crooning like a blood thirsty Sinatra while putting a friendly British face on the posters of PETA. From Your Arsenal to You Are the Quarry to Years of Refusal, his hair slowly silvers as his relevance refuses to fade. He also futzed around back in the eighties with a band you may have heard of, but he's more concerned that you forgive and forget his history and focus on his solo career.

Having just swam through a rain-drenched set at last weekends Glastonbury festival, Morrissey shot some words across the pond to the Pitchfork.com offices that alluded to his new album and his grumpy frustration with the modern music industry. Mozz says his follow-up to 2009's Year of Refusal is all written, but he's just looking for someone to pay him to put it in the can and release it. He played three songs earlier this month for the BBC as an offering to fans and bait to producers, but according to him labels are about as hungry for his new album as a vegetarian at a bacon buffet:

"I think labels for the most part want to sign new discoveries so that that label alone is seen to be responsible for the rise of the artist. Not many labels want bands who have already made their mark, because their success is usually attributed to some other label somewhere else at another time."

Mozz also bemoans artistic growing pains in trying to escape the legendary status of his former band (whose name rhymes with the Piths):

"Most artists are remembered for the albums that introduced them, or that made their success. For this reason, the press only write about me in terms of the Smiths story, and the fact that I've had three solo number one albums-- or even 25 years of eventful solo activity-- is never mentioned anywhere. Odd."

His jaded but romantic view of the industry permeates the interview, castigating the internet and refusing to take matters into his own hands as Radiohead and countless indie acts alike have.

"The music press has died because of Internet People Power-- everyone is now their own expert critic. As a consequence there are no risks taken with music anymore-- no social commentary songs, no individualism. This is because everyone is deemed instantly replaceable."

"I am still stuck in the dream of an album that sells well not because of marketing, but because people like the songs."

It's a curious time when veteran labels refuse to invest in past giants. Morrissey has lost none of his classy stature, and yet he claims to be forsaken by the modern industry. Maybe he should strategically give the album a name that begins in 'Y' as it seems to be the immutable mark of quality for all his other solo outings. So if you have a couple million dollars fluffing up your mattress making you uncomfortable at night, give the man a call. Just don't tell him how much you love the Smiths. He'll get angry. And hungry. You won't like him when he's angry. He just may forget he's a vegetarian...

Want to be on BLACK TAXI's new record?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:00:00 -0400

Since recording their debut album 'Things Of That Nature', BLACK TAXI's video to the catchy opening track 'Shoeshine' has been featured on Virgin America's in flight entertainment network, alongside The Black Keys and Duran Duran. The Brooklyn based quartet have also been interviewed by MTV, NBC, ABC and PBS. They recently bolstered their profile by supporting Third Eye Blind at the opener of Stamford's Alive @ Five concert series in Connecticut.

It was only a matter of time before the fine foursome combined their creative minds and conjured up a whole bunch of new songs to share with the world, but they need your help! In order to make this happen they are counting on fans both new and old to pool their monetary resources until July 13 through the artist's innovative funding platform, Kickstarter.

BLACK TAXI sure as hell have not disappointed with the incentives that they are offering on the site. For a meager $10 you can get a digital copy of 'Things Of That Nature', or for a bargainous $20 you can get the signed CD. More wacky incentives include being allowed on stage with them to smash a guitar, choosing a tattoo for Krisana or becoming the proud owner of Ezra's chipped tooth in a vial, accompanied by a lock of his hair, a poem and a CD. If you fork over enough change, you can even pay for Kris or Ezra to marry you.

Even more awesome than having a wedding to plan or receiving not one, but two, of Ezra's personal paraphernalia, is getting the chance to have a music lesson one of the band, guest list to their shows for the rest of 2011, or singing group backing vocals on their brand spanking new record.

So have a mosey on over to their site, dig deep, and sit back and bask in the smug glory of helping to get what is sure to be an astounding record out on the shelves.

Get Familiar: Up and Coming NYC DJs

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:05:00 -0400

You can’t help it. You leave state and everyone gawks. No, no booger in your nose. Is it your high top Dunks? Your blow-out? Your puma-like walking pace?

Whatever it is about you, it’s decidedly New York. And you can’t escape it. That’s why at the Winter Music Conference you share dance space with the same people, attend the same parties, at the same places. (The following can be combined for all plausible possibilities: Danny Tenaglia, marathon, Space Terrace, Victor Calderone, Boris, Surfcomber, Shelbourne.)

But hold on. These names are at the very end of a long line of local NYC DJs-- Exacta and Merritt, Sleepy & Boo, Tedd Patterson, Cevin Fisher-- who’s local residencies have led to (inter)national success.

Below is a list of the top 5 upcoming New York City DJs. Support your local scene and go see them while they still play for free before midnight.

1. Michael Anthony

Prophetic even in name, Michael Anthony sees himself as “herding an eclectic mix of wolves of sheep.” Revolutionary and brash, he explains how he got into house music; “I thought it was fascinating how some DJs just made the crowd straight up blow them for hours on end. I kind of thought to myself, wow, I want a crowd to blow me too. Then, it all kind of meshed together.” (Sex, music and Michael Anthony).

Influenced by many DJs, Michael Anthony also cites producers Roger Sanchez (from way back), Basement Jaxx, The Advent, Samuel L. Session and Dennis Ferrer. In case you couldn’t tell, his sound is “very hard, in your face.” Creating tracks with “seamless rhythms which accumulate psychotic amounts of energy over time as to have the power to detonate a small vehicle” has paid off; Michael Anthony’s productions have been played by big-room DJs like Boris and Danny Tenaglia. Such recognition is the ultimate high, “otherwise this would just be some kind of nomadic hobby,” he explains. “It keeps the drive alive.”

Michael Anthony’s raw attitude conveys the best bass element you can hear: heart. He clarifies his moniker, "The Unknown Artist," by returning to his beginning metaphor: "If one wants to be recognized and not stuck among the mass herds of sheep, they need quick escapes throughout the pastures, maybe a bush hidden as a trap door to get you to where the new feed was just placed."

2. Rizzi

In 2006, when his friend Rebecca (owner of HouseNY.com) took him to Crobar for Victor Calderone, the decision to DJ was almost a done deal. Deeply inspired, Rizzi (who’s first name is Daniel) made Crobar his second home and started to pay attention.

“I saw how music can bring so many people together,” he says, “It really moved me to see how one person’s artistic expression can have that kind of impact on such a diverse crowd.” After seeing how much Daniel enjoyed jumping on the decks at a friends house, Rebecca took matters into her own hands and made the executive decision to purchase some CDJs and a mixer. “ ‘Get to work!’ she told me,” Daniel laughs.

Although Victor sounds much different than he did in 2006, Daniel continues to be inspired by him, along with the “chuggy techno” sound of Danny Tenaglia. “You can’t be from NY and not mention Danny Tenaglia,” says Daniel. Coupled with a love for the funky, soulfulness of Quentin Harris, these influences have created a versatile DJ who describes his sound as “techy but with a soul.” (Just like your pet robot.)

Rizzi has rocked the basement of Pacha NYC on multiple occasions, providing that dirtiness the regulars love. This past month, Rizzi debuted in Pacha’s “funky room,” spinning sleazy beats that far surpassed the headlining talent who played downstairs. He also has opened for Superchumbo at Dream in the Hamptons.

3. Steven Cox Jr.

You weren’t sure if you could take this young kid seriously after his friends posted “Weiner” photo of him on the toilet at Winter Music Conference two years ago. And you still are sure if you can take him seriously because he plays mostly in New Jersey. But, Steven, who started out DJing at Sweet 16s and baby showers has proved that he can hold his own in New York City, spinning at Water Taxi Beach, Pacha, M2, Green House’s after hours and even last year’s Black and White Festival at Governor’s Island.

Just like The Martinez Brothers, who he’ll play alongside on July 2nd at Merge in Seaside Heights (click here if you’re willing--and know what it means-- to venture DTS), Steven’s main influences include his father, who introduced him to the likes of Louie Vega and Erick Morillo. “Dude was a great DJ in his day,” Steven says, “ and can probably still hang with the big boys with straight vinyl.”

A DJ that “plays for the crowd,” Steven’s brings an energy and personality to the decks that has lead to a large local following. He describes his sound as a mixture of deep house and deep tech, “and a bunch of other sounds.” Not afraid to throw a cheesy vocal from a pop song over a track, Steven says he gets “goosebumps” when its just “an acapella over a heavy bass line.”

Ah, house music, 20-somethings and goosebumps.

4. Terry Nova

Speaking of goosebumps, Halloween anybody? Three years ago, this young man wore a Jabberwocky mask and showed the dance circle how it was done to Danny Tenaglia. Now, 2011 is destined to be one of the biggest years of his career. Teaming up with Damien Ford & Mike Riley, Terry has joined Shackarone Entertainment, a company that manages local DJs who really want to “preserve real house music.” (If only Shackarone could preserve faces of those who listen to the music... Now that’s something fit for Halloween.)

Jokes aside, Shackarone may be on to something, staying true to the fundamentals of house music at a time when other DJs are jumping on the abrasive electro trend and deafening the ears and scrunching the faces of those who have been venturing out of their caves since antiquity, (better known as the Sound Factory era.) Terry Nova himself is not a stranger to other genres of music; “I remember one of the first records I bought was Busta Rhymes’ Put your Hands Where my Eyes Can See,” he says. Inspired to “cut up records like DJ Qbert” (who won America’s Best DJ contest last year), Terry would practice on his Numark Battle Pack for hours. Years later, in 2005 while attending SUNY Albany, Terry’s friend introduced him to house music on a whole different level than “that Sound Factory type techno.” Before he knew it, the club lifestyle and music became his addition; “every day was filled with making new sets and perfecting the art of the mix,” Terry explains. Soon, he was so in love with the music, he started cutting class for long weekends at Pacha. (Don’t shake your head, we’ve all been there.)

Terry began to school himself in the craft of DJing, and today takes conscious consideration in the various elements that compose a DJ set. “Progression,” he names as the first ingredient that goes into the making a perfect set. Humility and humbleness is next: “The point is set to set the mood, not to outshine the headlining DJ,” Terry recognizes. Track selection and mixing finalize the DJ recipe for Terry, but most importantly is soul. Terry's motto: “If there’s no soul, then there’s no vibe, no feeling, no purpose.”

Check out Terry Nova on the decks (and the dance floor) Sunday, July 3rd, on the rooftop of the Castlebraid, Brooklyn. For more party information, click here.

5. J. Dee

On a slightly different club circuit than the previous artists, J. Dee, better known as Joao Daniel spins "high heel house," the kind loved by the beautiful, bottle service crowd, the kind of crowd where you have to watch your girlfriend very, very carefully. (Or, better yet, leave her at home).

Starting out as a VIP host at Pink Elephant in 2008 Joao Daniel’s crazy antics, good looks, and lively vibe soon landed him a front door spot at Juliet Supper Club. Last year, Terry Casey from Le Royale gifted Joao two turntables and a mixer, knowing that Joao’s passion for music and innate knowledge of energy-building aurals would create a fantastic DJ. From there, Joao was hooked.

Inspired by Laidback Luke, Beny Benassi, Chuckie and the other mainstream nightclub Djs, Joao’s sound is progressive with lots of vocals. He believes that “people need music in their lives,” and always tries to take the crowd to the point where they feel like they are going to “explode, 100% high energy all the time.”

Currently, Joao works a VIP Host at the prestigious 1 Oak. Recent DJ events include Nikki Beach Brunch in Midtown and Ravel Rooftop’s Sunday Sunset Sessions, the ground of other local talents, Jason Ojeda and Steve Amoroso.