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Available at all Spec’s Locations in Texas
www.tequilatorodelidia.com
CONTENTS - ISSUE 04 - 2016 FEATURES Q&A: BRILLZ #TRIPLO: THREE TURNT NIGHTS OF DIPLO
6 14
GALLERIES TOMMY TRASH
8
RUBY ROSE
9
RL GRIME
10
ANDREW RAYEL
11
FLUX PAVILION
12
DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S LETTER
5
10 BEST 2015 ELECTRONIC ALBUMS
7
TOP 8 VALENTINE’S DAY/EDM GIFTS
16
UPCOMING EVENTS, STAFF PICKS, DJ BIRTHDAYS!
18
NEWS: TECH + MUSIC
19
SURAIN’S TOP TEN
20
AUDIO SPOTLIGHT: AIAIAI
21
VENUE SPOTLIGHT: STEREO LIVE HOUSTON
22
2016 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS
23
MASTHEAD Owned by NightCulture, Inc. Publishers Mike Long Surain Adyanthaya Editor-in-chief/Graphic Designer Danny Clemons Managing Editor Kerry Toorcana Staff Writers Julia Davila Brittany Slipko Graphic Designer of Galleries Brian Murcia Photographers Diego Acevedo Julian Bajsel Sam Hickey Rukes Jean Velez
Cover photo by Julian Bajsel
FOLLOW US ON
/NightCulture
Contributors Carlos Castillo Anna Marie Cavitt Parker Clark Demi DeMas Jules Durel Peter Hoang Will Matthews Jonathan Oram Martin Prendergast Babar Rizvi Canaan Starnes
/NightCulture To advertise with us contact at: advertising@nightculture.com
/NightCulture
1LJKW&XOWXUH2IʈFLDO NIGHTCULTURE, INC. 6400 Richmond Avenue Houston, TX, 77057 832.251.9600 www.NightCulture.com
NightCulture Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to NightCulture Magazine belong to WKHP DORQH DQG GR QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHʉHFW WKH YLHZV RI NightCulture Magazine or its staff. Copyright 2015 © NightCulture, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of NightCulture, Inc.
EDITOR’S LETTER February 2016
Welcome to the 4th issue of NightCulture Magazine. In this issue, Brittany Slipko covers 3 days of Diplo at Stereo Live Houston, and gives us her thoughts on the top 8 gift ideas to give to your EDM-loving sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. Julia Davila shares her opinion on the best electronic dance music albums of 2015 and the 2016 Grammy nominations. We have a Q&A with Brillz. And we take a look at the great things AIAIAI is doing with headphones. This month’s venue spotlight is on Stereo Live. Stereo Live is NightCulture’s home base. If you’re in the Houston area, come visit us and enjoy a show. ~ Danny Clemons Editor-in-chief danny@nightculture.com
NightCulture Issues 1-3
www.NightCulture.com
NightCulture February 2016 5
Q&A:
Photo courtesy of Brillz Brillz has been showcasing his Mad Decent material on a 40+ date TWONK di NATION Tour, which kicked off on November 18 in New York. Brillz will be making another appearance andperforming at Stereo Live on January 29th, 2016.
NightCulture: What are you plans once the tour is over? Are you going to take a break or head out on another leg? Brillz: We don’t take breaks! After the tour were going to head out to Miami for Ultra and for our Miami Twonk Di Nation party. NightCulture: Most EDM artists don’t tour with merch but Twonk Fashion is huge. What do you feel you do differently that make your clothing stand out. Brillz: I think our gear stands out because unlike other merch out there, we collab with aliens and other extraterrestrial intelligence on the designs. We have secret codes and knowledge embedded within the designs.
6 February 2016 NightCulture
NightCulture: <RX DUH LQʐXHQFHG E\ UDS DQG hip-hop music. Are you familiar with Houston rap music?
NightCulture: The last time you played for us, you headlined at Stereo Live in 2014 and absolutely crushed it. What can we expect from this tour?
Brillz: Game cube nintendo haha! ..and fuck with Maxo Kream.
Brillz: Obviously another crush fest, except this time we have our own production, and I’m bringing out some amazing producer / djs to make the whole night epic.
NightCulture: $ JHQUH \RX DUH PRVW LGHQWLʏHG ZLWK is Trap. Are you comfortable with that and where do you see the sound going?
“...when I started making trap I didn’t know it would be this movement within the dance scene. I was just making it cause I was inspired.” Brillz: I’m more than comfortable with it. Not sure where it’s going to be honest, I’m just out here making my music, I can’t predict the future!! Even when I started making trap I didn’t know it would be this movement within the dance scene. I was just making it cause I was inspired.
NightCulture: For the Texas dates, you have Party Favor, Ghastly and Party Thieves as tour support. Why did you chose those artists? Brillz: They are murdering the game right now. So much respect for these guys, personally and professionally. NightCulture: Do you have anything else coming up you would like to mention? Brillz: We’re going to be doing a bunch of meet and greets at local vapes throughout the tour for the launch of our vape e-liquid - TWONK JUICE! (@twonkjuice on IG) Also be on the look out for more remixes coming out for the GEEKIN EP. |
www.NightCulture.com
10 Best 2015 Electronic Albums Written by Julia Davila
A variety of electronic dance music albums were released this year ranging from techno to deep house. While festival favorites are just that, releasing
an album is important for the electronic dance industry because it allows DJs and producers to shine outside festivals. Here are our top 10 picks for the best electronic dance albums of 2015:
1. Disclosure Caracal
2. Avicii Stories
a. Why We Love It - Disclosure’s sophomore album, Caracal LV VPRRWK ZLWK 5 % LQĘ?XHQFHV Most critique the siblings work EHFDXVH LWČŠV XQOLNH WKHLU Ę?UVW DObum with the UK garage and pop sounds, but that’s because as human beings, we are afraid of anything different. Sure, tracks on Caracal aren’t similar to “Latchâ€? or “You & Me,â€? but that’s what makes this full-length album unique.
a. Why We Love It - If you’ve listened to Avicii’s past work (“Silhouettes,� “Wake Me Up,� “Hey Brother,� “Somewhere In Stockholm�), you’re in for a treat with Stories. It’s a further deviation than what Avicii fans are used to, incorporating jazz and reggae elements. Swedishborn Tim Bergling’s sophomore album explored sounds outside of the electronic dance genre with vocals from Zac Brown Band, Gavin Degraw, Chris Martin and b. Listen To - Good Intentions Wyclef Jean. and Omen b. Listen To - Gonna Love Ya, Broken Arrows and City Lights
6. Bob Moses Days Gone By
7. Years & Years Communion
a. Why We Love It - Vancouver duo, Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance released their debut album with deep house rhythms and smoky vocals that instantly draw you in. Capturing a sense of hope, the melancholy sounds and lyrics are personal to Howie and Vallance but are also relatable to listeners.
a. Why We Love It - The British trio’s debut album is beautifully decorated with whisps of pop-house backed by a powerful synth-pop and topped with captivating vocals. Their single, “King,� is a prime example; it topped the billboard charts and went platinum. Winning the coveted BBC Sound of 2015 prize, Years & Years frontman Olly b. Listen To - Talk, Days Gone Alexander artfully combines By and Too Much Is Never emotional and confessional lyrics Enough leaving listeners with an ethereal yet powerful punch. b. Listen To - Shine, Worship
www.NightCulture.com
3. Purity Ring Another Eternity
4. ODESZA In Return
5. Jaime xx In Colour
a. Why We Love It - The dreamy yet creepy sounds and lyrics from the electro-pop duo’s sophomore album paint a strange image in listener’s minds. The fresh combination of producer Corin RodGLFNČŠV KLS KRS DQG WUDS LQĘ?XHQFH with Megan James’ celestial vocals are meant to be built up before exploding through speakers. Their debut album, Shrines, was about the search for something within while Another Eternity was a representation of the changes James made in her life over a three-year time span.
a. Why We Love It - In Return (Deluxe Edition) is the sophomore album from the Seattle duo that makes one want summer to be year-round. The refreshing electro-pop sounds have been compared to Purity Ring, Tycho and Bonobo, but the collaborations with up-and-coming artists is what makes this American duo stand out. Throughout the deluxe edition album, vocal and instrumental tracks alternate with UHĘ?QHG OD\HULQJ RI HOHFWULF GUXPV DQG LQĘ?XHQFHV RI KLS KRS DQG R&B.
a. Why We Love It - Jaime xx’s full-length solo album is whimsical and imaginative. In Colour is different from his work with The xx apart from the genre because it’s new and personal. He is a sampling artists and a memory artist meaning as a listener, you will be listening to his listening and hearing his hearing. b. Listen To - Sleep Sound and Loud Places.
b. Listen To - bodyache, begin b. Listen To - Say My Name again, sea castle and heartsigh (feat. Zyra), Light (feat. Little Dragon), It’s Only (feat. Zyra)
8. Panda Bear Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper a. Why We Love It - Ranging from serene to insanity, Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper isn’t your typical electronic dance album. A member of Animal Collective, Noah Lennox, took this album to a deeper level with his experience of becoming a parent and his fear of protecting his own from death. The psychedelic, HDUO\ KRXVH LQĘ?XHQFH WKDW FDQ EH heard in this album is his funkiest yet.
9. Nero Between II Worlds a. Why We Love It - Electronic dance music has changed since Nero’s debut album four years ago. The dubstep meets bass with headbanging hits is a thing of the past, but Between II Worlds is just that. Topping the UK charts with WKHLU Ę?UVW DOEXP WKH WULRČŠV HOHFWUR rock sounds remain. Alana Watson’s magnetic vocals on “Into The Nightâ€? and “Two Mindsâ€? prove one thing, her talent still remains.
10. Major Lazer Peace Is The Mission a. Why We Love It - Peace Is The Mission took over the summer and even the year including Spotify’s most streamed single, “Lean Onâ€? with DJ Snake and MĂ˜. A festival favorite due to its infectious chorus, the trap and PRRPEDKWRQ LQĘ?XHQFHV UHVRQDWH well with festival-goers. Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire place listeners on a beach with their reggae sounds in the group’s third album.
b. Listen To - Circles, Into The b. Listen To - Come To Your Night, Two Minds and Tonight b. Listen To - Light It Up (feat. Senses Nyla), Roll the Bass and Lean On
NightCulture February 2016 7
TOMMY TRASH Vulcan Gas Company - Austin, TX
Photos by SAM HICKEY
RUBY ROSE Lizard Lounge - Dallas, TX
Photos by DIEGO ACEVEDO
RL GRIME StereoLive - Houston, TX
Photos by JEAN VELEZ
ANDREW RAYEL
Photos by JEAN VELEZ
FLUX PAVILION
Photos by JEAN VELEZ
#Triplo: Three Turnt Nights of Diplo
Photos by Julian Bajsel Written by Brittany Slipko www.Diplo.com
W
alking through a sea of snapbacks, led lights, and twerking ladies seemed like an everyday occurrence during one of Stereo’s biggest music marathons in NightCulture history. Diplo was in town and every Millennial in Houston was attending. In case you hadn’t heard, Diplo was only supposed to headline one Saturday night show. That sold out so fast that NightCulture decided to bring him in for a second night. When that sold out in record time, they contracted him for three full nights of Mad Decent festivities. The people of Houston had spoken--Diplo was King.
Day One Diplo is known for his over-the-top antics at his festivals and shows (remember Free Press ‘15?), but H-town has never seen the wrath of Diplo’s private shows until now. A few things were stacked on D’s hype including being NYE weekend, selling out three full shows, and just his party vibe in general. Arriving just after midnight, Diplo took the stage with the power of the Gods. Starting his set off
14 February 2016 NightCulture
with Migo’s “Look at my Dab,” there was no denying that this show was about to turn up. His set sampled tons of late 90’s and early 00’s throwback music including “Sugar” and “A Milli” that entranced the crowd to dance like their lives depended on it. His invitation to all the ladies to get up on stage created a twerk-a-thon that erupted the stage. The crowd was eating up Diplo’s energetic vibe. 2I FRXUVH 'LSOR UHSUHVHQWHG + WRZQȊV ʏQHVW with samples of Chamillionaire and Lil’ Troy. He brought up Trae Tha Truth as his special guest WR UHSUHVHQW RQH RI +RXVWRQȊV ʏQHVW UDSSHUV 7KH crowd went crazy over his rap-turned-EDM set. The show had a general reggae and hip-hop vibe which heated up a very chilly January night.
Day Two With the hype of day one behind us, Sunday was expected to be just as wild. After showing up to see Diplo right on time, the crowd seemed to be even more energetic than Day One. Diplo started off strong with a hard-style sound that quickly turned into a banger after banger set. This performance was more like a Major Lazer festival set,
www.NightCulture.com
which created the tone for the rest of the crazy night. He sampled the same popular tracks from the day prior such as “Sorry� by Justin Beiber, “I Will Always Love You� by Whitney Houston, and “Ragga Bomb� by Skrillex as well as many others.
his hip-hop-meets-hard-style proved to contribute to Sunday’s success. Special guests like Paul Wall and Slim Thugga gained popularity within the crowd. Stereo became the place where Houston rap and LA EDM harmoniously brought people of all ages together.
crowd came out to celebrate one last night with Diplo. The fans, the staff, and Diplo himself were ready to get lit one last time in Houston. Diplo sampled everything from reggae to hip-hop and everything inbetween. Diplo broke the genre boundaries by mashing up so many unconventional tracks. It was a match made in musical heaven. 5RXQGLQJ RXW 'LSORČŠV Č?Ę?UVW WKUHH QLJKWV LQ DQ\ cityâ€? show series was completed with the greatest crowd and never before heard collabs and originals. The energy was insane. Diplo’s three nights LQ +RXVWRQ YHULĘ?HG +RXVWRQČŠV ('0 VFHQH LV PRUH popular than ever. This was the best way to kick off a brand new year and now we’re excited about what’s in store for the rest of 2016.
It may have been the crowd, his faster bpm, or the fact that it was the last hurrah of Christmas %UHDN EXW 6WHUHR/LYH ZDV RQ Ę?UH IURP WKH PRment D touched his CDJ’s. The twerk-a-thon on stage was packed with crop top, booty short laden gals that even the crowd could not resist. Diplo’s combination of tropical and colorful visuals and
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Even Diplo himself could feel the magic.
Day Three
Houston asked and Diplo delivered on what will probably be one of NightCulture’s most talked about series of shows in the history of the company. Diplo set the tone for elaborate collaborations and the ability to light up a venue even on a Monday night. Here’s to seeing a lot more of Diplo, Major Lazer, and Jack U in Texas from here on out. |
If you thought the party had ended because it was a Monday, you were very wrong. H-town’s rowdy
NightCulture February 2016 15
Top Eight Gifts to Give Your EDM-Loving Sweetheart for Valentine’s Day Raveolution Recovery Formula
Written by Brittany Slipko
H
ow do I love thee? Let me count the ways. As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, you sure as hell don’t want to be the partner that didn’t give your sweetheart the best V-day of 2016. Don’t get put in the dog house this year, make your honey love you even more with these top suggestions for Valentine’s Day gifts if your lover is into EDM.
Something Wonderful Tickets Housed in an area very similar to EDC Las Vegas, Something Wonderful this year is going to be epic. Located at the Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas, Something Wonderful will be the best way to kick off your spring. The lineup is TBD, but it will aim to please. Grab these tickets for your sweetheart to earn bonus brownie points in the months ahead.
www.somethingwonderful.com
Raveolution is something every raver or festival attendee should have. This WURSLFDO Ę?DYRUHG ZDWHU SDFNHW FRQWDLQV WRQV RI DQWLR[LGDQWV YLWDPLQV DQG HQergy boosters to happily help you rave the night away. Simply dissolve into a water bottle or glass of water for an extra shot of late night energy. This comes in a 6-pack for you and your honey to share. You’ll have tons of extra energy during the show, and even after.
www.raveolutionrecovery.com
High Performance Ear Plugs
Portable Speaker
If you haven’t been protecting your ears from shows yet, you need to do this now. There are so many brands of high performance ear protection that you can customize exactly what you’re looking for. The HD plugs will give you the precise sound of a live show, without all the noise pollution that hurts your ears every time you attend an event. Try Dubs, Etymotic, or EarPeace for the perfect sound harmony. Your ears will love you and so will your partner.
Portable speakers are convenient and can be taken anywhere. Used to pregame for festivals or even used during your daily routine, a portable speaker can get any EDM lover in a great mood. With hundreds of styles and designs to choose from, you’re lover will be forever grateful.
www.getdubs.com
www.jawbone.com
16 February 2016 NightCulture
www.NightCulture.com
University Customs Flag
Light Up Fur Hood
<RXȊYH VHHQ WKRVH FRRO FXVWRPL]DEOH ʐDJV DW IHVWLYDOV DQG VKRZV DQG always wondered where they got them. University Customs is one RI WKH EHVW VFUHHQ SULQWLQJ FRPSDQLHV WR JHW WKDW SHUIHFW XQLTXH ʐDJ Upload any design or choose from one of their own and you’ll be on your way to promoting your tribe at any festival.
Spirit hoods may be top festival swag within the last couple of years, but Electric Styles’ light up hood takes it to a new level. Swoon your darling with this color changing light up animal hood. This hood is perfect for showing off your wild side while still keeping warm at those outdoor events. Choose your color scheme with the advanced color changing modes or let Electric Styles choose for you. Either way, this will be one of the best gifts you receive all year.
www.universitycustoms.com
www.electricstyles.com
Flow Toys
Diffraction Glasses
Flow toys are in and if you haven’t played with one yet, you’ll soon be hooked. Toys range from poi, hoops, whips, and even staffs that enhance your dance experience. Earn extra points from your lover by SXUFKDVLQJ DQ /(' ʐRZ WR\ ZLWK WRQV RI SDWWHUQV DQG GHVLJQV 7DNH WKHVH WR\V WR D IHVWLYDO DQG VKRZ RII \RXU SDUWQHUȊV VNLOOIXO ʐRZ
If you’ve ever wanted to take your show experience to the next level, these diffraction glasses are the perfect way to take it all in while still being stylish. Available in various colors and styles, GloFX has you covered.
www.flowtoys.com
www.glofx.com
www.NightCulture.com
NightCulture February 2016 17
Upcoming Events AUSTIN
HOUSTON
US / CANADA
Madeon 02/05/16 Emo’s East
Madeon 02/04/16 Stereo Live
Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 03/04/16 - 03/06/16 Okeechobee, FL
W&W 02/11/16 Vulcan Gas Company
Excision 02/05/16 Stereo Live
Buku Music & Art Project 03/11/16 - 03/12/16 New Orleans, LA
Anjuna Beats 02/18/16 Vulcan Gas Company
W&W 02/13/16 Stereo Live
SXSW Music Festival 03/16/16 - 03/20/16 Austin, TX
Audien 03/03/16 Vulcan Gas Company
Michael Brun 02/18/16 Stereo Live
Ultra Music Festival 03/18/16 - 03/20/16 Miami, FL
Feed Me 02/19/16 Stereo Live
DALLAS Audien 03/05/16 Lizard Lounge
INTERNATIONAL
SAN ANTONIO
Sonar Stockhold Music Festival 02/26/16 Stockhold, Sweden
Andrew Rayel 03/12/16 Lizard Lounge
W&W 02/12/16 Club Rio
Electric Daisy Carnival 02/27/16 - 02/28/16 Mexico City, Mexico
Da Tweekaz 03/19/16 Lizard Lounge
Audien 03/04/16 Club Rio
Lollapalooza 03/12/16 - 03/13/16 Sao Paulo, Brazil
Jauz 03/31/16 Lizard Lounge
Andrew Rayel 03/11/16 Club Rio
Ultra Music Festival 03/26/16 - 03/28/16 Cape Town / Johannesburg, South Africa
NightCulture Staff Picks Downlink & Twofold Darkside (VIP)
Armin van Buuren & W&W If It Ain’t Dutch (Extended remix)
Blanck Mass The Great Confuso Pt. 1
Wave Racer Bubble Wrap
The Chainsmokers ft. Rozes Roses
Point Point All This
WISH HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THESE ARTISTS! FEBRUARY 1, 1995 - OLIVER HELDENS FEBRUARY 3, 1975 - MARKUS SCHULZ
Chvrches Mark Kinchen Leave A Trace (Goldroom remix) Bring Me To Life
Rogue Perfect Views
Chalie Boy x DJ Snake I Look Good x Propaganda (Little Martin edit)
ProleteR April Showers
FEBRUARY 7, 1975 - MARCO CAROLA FEBRUARY 25, 1971 - KASKADE FEBRUARY 26, 1973 - ATB
DJ Cassidy ft. Chromeo & Wale Future is Mine
FEBRUARY 27, 1980 - DON DIABLO FEBRUARY 28, 1979 - SANDER VAN DOORN
18 February 2016 NightCulture
www.NightCulture.com
NEWS: TECH + MUSIC
The Annual SXSW Conference announces early schedule
E
ach March, thousands head to the annual South by Southwest Music, Film & Interactive Festival taking place in Austin on March 11 thru 20. It’s still very early but already the festival has announced some preliminary artists to be featured such as EDM favorites The Chainsmokers, house legend Mark Farina, french scratch trio Birdy Nam Nam, and the return of Crystal Castles featuring new lead woman Edith Frances to start with a few. As always expect there to be a slew of day, evening and night parties happening in a myriad of clubs, theaters, warehouses to wherever the imagination and an available open space can take you. Keep your eye out for special pop-up events and week of announcements because you never know who will end up stopping by. There are hundreds of resources available online as well as dedicated individuals who can guide your way through a relentless week even if you’re not there as a conference attendee but it makes things much easier if you are.
www.SxSW.com
Photo by Rukes
Something Wonderful returns to DallasFt. Worth at Texas Motor Speedway
C
ome April, electronic music fans can rejoice as Something Wonderful returns to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to the Texas Motor Speedway. Tickets are now on sale at SomethingWonderful.com with lineup details to follow soon. Expect an all-stellar cast with a level of production and visuals to enthrall and delight even the most discerning dance music fan. The festival will take place on Saturday, April 23 on property large enough to host over 100,000 dance music enthusiasts. With a limited launch last year, the teams behind the sophomore edition promises to deliver on all cylinders whether it be rain or shine. Our advice if a little biased is to lock in those Spring travel plans now and join one of thousands who are ready to experience Something Wonderful.
www.somethingwonderful.com
Introducing the Mixfader Creating the party while on the go
DJiT, the company behind the software Edjing that allows any smartphone or tablet user to turn their device into a turntable recently debuted the Mixfader at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas back in January. The Mixfader is also wireless and can connect to any applicable GHYLFH UXQQLQJ WKH (GMLQJ VRIWZDUH DSS ZLWK WKH EHQHĘ?W RI EHLQJ VPDOO HQRXJK WR Ę?W LQ \RXU SRFNHW :KLOH QRW PHDQW WR UHSODFH SURIHVVLRQDO WRXULQJ DUWLVW VHWXSV WKLV 0L[IDGHU Ę?WV SHUIHFWO\ IRU WKH IDQ DW KRPH ORRNLQJ WR get a party started.
www.mixfader.com www.NightCulture.com
NightCulture February 2016 19
TOP TEN
Surain is a DJ, and co-founder of NightCulture, Stereo Live, Something Wicked and Something Wonderful music festivals.
1
6
Dirty South ft. Rudy Find a Way
99 Souls The Girl Is Mine
2
7
Kaskade We Don’t Stop
Bright Lights & 3LAU Runaway
3
8
HI-LO Ooh La La
Jessie Ware Say You Love Me (Alex Adair Remix)
4
9
ZHU & Aluna George Automatic
Malaa Notorious
5
10
Metrik Want My Love
Treasure Fingers Koolaid (Landis Lapace Remix)
Surain picks his current 10 favorite tracks.
www.facebook.com/i.is.surain www.twitter.com/surain
20 February 2016 NightCulture
www.NightCulture.com
Audio spotlight:AIAIAI
AIAIAI is an audio design company that is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. AIAIAI’s headphones are modern and minimalistic. THE TMA-2 MODULAR HEADPHONES The TMA-2 headphone system is an update on the TMA-1 family of headphones and it allows a user to create their own personalized AIAIAI product. There are four parts that build up the TMA-2 modular headphone system - the headband, speaker units, ear-pads, and cable. There DUH RSWLRQV IRU HDFK DQG KXQGUHGV RI FRQĘ?JXrations possibilities. A user can combine the parts to create their own custom-designed headphones. MODULAR PARTS Speaker units There are four options for the speaker units and the prices range from $65 USD-$100 USD. The speaker units generate the overall tonality of your headphones.
www.NightCulture.com
Headbands There are three headband options and the prices range from $30 USD - $60 USD. You can choose either a light weight Polycarbonate headband or reinforced nylon headbands. Earpads There are seven options and the prices range from $25 USD - $50 USD. You can choose eiWKHU PLFURĘ?EHU 38 OHDWKHU RU YHORXU Cables There are four options and the prices range from $20 USD - $40 USD. The Thermo plastic cables are either straight or coiled. The TMA-2 headphones offer a unique modular approach and experience. The customization aspect offers an advantage over the TMA-1. NightCulture recommends the headphones to any DJ or casual user.
aiaiai.dk NightCulture February 2016 21
Venue spotlight:Stereo Live Houston
IMushroom t’s Friday night and the second date of a 3 city Texas run by Infected is about to go down at Stereo Live. Very few places in Texas and even in the South can lay claim to producing consistent electronic dance music shows and Stereo Live easily ranks in the top tiers. The L’Acoustic sound system installed in mid 2015 can satisfy the appetite for any dance music audiophile on a night out. +DYLQJ KRVWHG LWV Ę?UVW FRQFHUW ZLWK 'DYLG *XHWWD LQ 6WHUHR /LYH has since played to a host of luminaries such as Calvin Harris, Nervo, Afrojack, Above & Beyond and many others. For many electronic music fans, there’s no better home for electronic music than Stereo Live and it shows. | Andrew Rayel NYE 12.31.15 - 01.01.16 Photos by Jean Velez
22
February 2016 NightCulture
www.StereoLiveHouston.com
www.NightCulture.com
2016 Grammy Nominations
Dance/Electronic Music Stripped from Four Major Categories Written by Julia Davila
D
ance/electronic music has come a long way since the 1920s when European Futurists explored sounds with devices such as the theremin and sound synthesizer. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that electronic music dominated popular music, and today, there are numerous forms including techno, hardstyle, tropical house and trance. Considering electronic music has captured the attention of music lovers for almost ten decades, one would think music’s most tuned in night would have added an electronic dance category years ago; however, that wasn’t the case. Since the founding in 1959, it took 39 years for the Grammys to notice the phenomena of dance music with Daft Punk’s “Da Funkâ€? nomination for Best Dance Recording in 1998. Five years later, Dirty Vegas’s “Days Go Byâ€? won Best Dance Recording. Year after year, the Grammys failed to deliver and commercial sensations such as Madonna, Cher, Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears won Best Dance Recording stripping “properâ€? dance artists of the award. 7KLV \HDU LWČŠV QR VXUSULVH FRPPHUFLDO KLWV Ę?RRGHG WKH major categories for the 58th annual Grammy Award nominations with LA rapper, Kendrick Lamar, leading the way with 11 nominations including Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Rap Album, while Taylor Swift and The Weeknd aren’t too far behind with seven nominations each. As an avid electronic dance music listener, I wasn’t terribly shocked that this genre was missing from the four major categories this year.
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Skrillex took home six of the industry’s most prestigious prize in 2012 and 2013 and he has an opportunity to go home with a few more thanks to his nomination for both the Jack Ăœ album with Diplo and the LP’s popular hit “Where Are U Nowâ€? featuring vocals by Justin Bieber. The Chemical Brothers are also a familiar name with their two Grammys for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2006 and 2008. Indie frontman, Jamie xx’s solo debut In &RORXU UHFHLYHV D SDW RQ WKH EDFN IRU KLV Ę?UVW *UDPP\ nomination and will compete against Disclosure’s underestimated Caracal and Caribou’s sixth studio album, Our Love. One of the most remixed tracks I’ve seen in awhile, Galantis’ hit “Runaway (U&I),â€? is in the running for Best Dance Recording along with Above & Beyond’s “We’re All We Needâ€? and The Chemical Brothers “Go.â€? I wouldn’t dub Flying Lotus as a dance artist and his single, “Never Catch Meâ€? as a dance recording; however, I’m interested to see this collaboration with Kendrick Lamar compete against the Jack Ăœ collaboration with Justin Bieber. Missing from this year’s nominations was Spotify’s most-streamed song of all time, “Lean On,â€? Major Lazer and DJ Snake’s single with MĂ˜. With over 500 million plays worldwide, the mainstream single is undoubtedly a colossal snub.
Best Dance Recording We’re All We Need Above & Beyond Featuring ZoĂŤ Johnston Go The Chemical Brothers Featuring Q-Tip Never Catch Me Flying Lotus Featuring Kendrick Lamar Runaway (U & I) Galantis Where Are Ăœ Now Skrillex And Diplo With Justin Bieber Best Dance / Electronic Album Caribou, Our Love The Chemical Brothers, Born in the Echoes Disclosure, Caracal Jamie xx, In Colour
)RU WKH Ę?IWK FRQVHFXWLYH \HDU // &RRO - ZLOO KRVW WKH 58th annual Grammy Awards telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, February 15, 2016.
Skrillex & Diplo, Skrillex & Diplo Present Jack Ăœ
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