Why You Need to See Beardyman Live

@ Coachella...or any other place.

If you haven't heard of Beardyman by now, he's a Beatboxer that creates his own DJ set whether it be Techno, House, Hip Hop or Drum and Bass through his own voice and a few FX pads... It's pretty damn cool... check it out.



Beardyman on BBC Radio 1

Coachella Sold Out... How Do I Get Tickets?

8 ways to get tickets to a sold out Coachella.

What's the best way to get Coachella tickets, now that the famed music event has sold out? Well, here is some advice.


1) Have lots of money
Because if it is sold out, then quite possibly, a lot of scalpers have gotten a hold of Coachella tickets and are already selling them online for way more than the asking price, when Coachella is still far away. Also, Coachella isn't handing out tickets anymore, but wristbands... so beware.

2) Stubhub
Granted tickets on here are probably scapled... making prices super high... but Stubhub guarantees it is a safe place to get tickets, so you won't be buying a fake.

3) Craigslist
The ultimate in classified ads... just beware that there is a higher possibility than Stubhub that you will get a fake ticket.

4) eBay
Of course the other place where tickets are available from (scalpers) ahem, sellers...

5) Listen to the radio and win.
Radio stations like KROQ, 98.7 or KCRW in Southern California, or any other "Coachella touting" radio station will probably start giving away Coachella passes as prizes if they haven't already.

6) Scour the Web and win
Big music blogs and websites (or even smaller ones) also tend to have contests to boost their readership, and a great way to do that is giving away Coachella tickets. (Sorry, I don't have a Coachella contest this year)

7) Wait
Sometimes Goldenvoice does release another batch of tickets later on... sometimes to deter scalpers.

8) Wait Again... till the last minute (or the last week)
Sometimes people (for whatever reason) cant make it to Coachella and have to sell their ticket, most of them want to get rid of them as soon as possible, before they lose $300. Scalpers with extra tickets may also suddenly get a tight wad, and have to drop their prices.

How much is Coachella Worth to You? Beware of Scalpers!
If you're an Artist, You could win VIP Tickets to Coachella

Music Video: Wolfgang Gartner - Illmerica

Ever wondered what the music video would be like for Wolfgang Gartner's hit Electro dance song Illmerica?

Well, your chance is finally here...

Illmerica gives you a history lesson of a slightly violent, shall I say sick... America. Political... you think? I guess that's what you get when the title of your song is Illmerica...

Anyways, the music video does have really cool graphics and animation that must have taken them a while to create.



Purchase song: Illmerica

Coachella 2011 Already Sold Out?

Yes... According to the Coachella's ticket webpage, it says,

"Festival passes no longer available."

A week goes by since the release of the lineup, then Bamm!!! Tickets are sold out. This must be a record Coachella sell out. Wow! I don't think anyone saw that coming. I checked ticketmaster to be sure, and yes, tickets aren't available... Stubhub has tickets, but the cheapest one I found was $900... ouch! You can now expect the lax ticket buyers to head on over to Craigslist or eBay and pay up the ass for the 3 day pass.

The only other hope is if Goldenvoice decides to release an extra batch of tickets, which they have done in years previous... but who knows, they might already be content.

SOLD OUT... How do I still get tickets to Coachella?

Are VIP Tickets to Coachella Worth It?

Have you ever wondered about doing Coachella in style... VIP style? "Screw this general admission crap. I'm going all out this year." All out, meaning about double the price of general admission(it's actually $799 including fees for 2013 and $150 for VIP parking)? Anyway, I interviewed a Coachella VIP veteran to see what the hell is the difference, and how much better it really is in the VIP area... and this is what he had to say:

*Update: come to find out, my friend actually got Artists passes, so this interview is much more luxurious than it sounds. I attended VIP recently - and my take is at the end of this post.

So what's so good about Coachella VIP?
More shade, much nicer water fountains… They opened up the Fairgrounds' pond so you can chill and get under trees… definitely more relaxing… Although, it is getting over run lately, that's probably why they opened the pond, which was reserved for just owners of the polo field. At night, the trees and area is lit up nicely so it feels Summery and warm.

VIP also has more food choices.

Is the food free?
Nope… but they have sponsored drinks, like free Redbull and Vitamin Water. But every year is different so you don't know before hand what's going to be free.

It's also dusty as hell. You should bring a handkerchief to cover your mouth and nose. If it's not dusty you are covered in mud, because the tires will be splashing mud all over you.

I've heard the bathrooms are much better?
Yes, bathrooms are much better. They have the regular port-a-potties, but also a few have sinks and running water, the more upscale port-a-potties.

I heard there is backstage passes too, what's the difference?
Well, there's a VIP area and then there's an artist VIP area, and that's for the people who are playing, family, groupies. you know.

Press gets them… Photographers too.

How many wristbands do you need to wear?
I think I had four by the end of the night. They hand out special wristbands for the big bands like Daft Punk or whoever the headliner is… These big bands have secret wristbands and no one, not even the band, knows what kind of wristband (like cow printed dots, or dragon something) they are before hand.

Because of security reasons?
Yeah that's what I'm guessing because of security and crowd control; to make it safer. Sometimes they only give you 10 minutes before the bands come on.

Do you get your own personal golf carts? To go from stage to stage?
They are very difficult to come by, and you're constantly giving people rides, like Paris Hilton. If you get one, guard it with your life. It is best if you get a mascot, like from a thrift store and put it on, to claim your cart. There are a lot of carts back there and you can lose yours easily, plus people will steal them, yes... Lock it, take your key with you, because it will definitely be gone for sure.

Is it cool being onstage when someone like Prince is playing?
Its awesome, the only place I'd want to be.

The artists... can you randomly chat them up, or are they pretty much standoffish?
Nah they're cool… bands are just there chillin' out, drinking, wanting to have a good time when they're not playing… They're just like you and me, talking about what other bands what they want to see… I've never seen any band turn a fan down.

You say you've run into Paris Hilton, do you run into a lot of Celebs backstage?
Well, all the bands drive golf carts so you'll see them whiz by you all the time.… Occasionally, when some band members might have to be onstage soon, they'll just jump on your cart for a ride if you're headed that way.

Who was the coolest you've met?
Orbital was cool, they invited us over for beers. If you meet a band and relate to them they sometimes invite you over, definitely a better place to network, more so than the regular field.

Would you ever go to Coachella as general admission now that you've experienced VIP?
NO.

Picture above from YoGabbaGabba! Production Blog

Update: Part 2011

VIP Pass does not equal God Pass

So, I attended VIP for Coachella 2011, and it wasn't all that my friend built it up to be... They had the same bathrooms as general admission and the VIP by the Mainstage was pretty damn crowded. However, the getting in and out is great... as the walk to the car isn't that far. And there's a lot more to look at (if you know what i mean). The downside is that there are different levels of VIP (which my friend has), so don't think you can go everywhere you choose, especially backstage... you need a different wristband (Artist pass). However, with that said... once, you go VIP, yeah... like my friend said, I don't know if I can do general admission again (though, they are starting to oversell it).

So Are VIP Passes Worth it?
Well, if you have the money.

Now, Artist Passes... that's a whole other level.

Cool Video Game Inspired Art @ 1988 Gallery

Multiplayer @ Gallery 1988

What: Video Game inspired art.
When: Jan. 15th to Feb. 4th
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm
Where: Gallery 1988, 214 Pier Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405 MAP IT
Price: Free

Gallery 1988 Website.

Hey if you like art and you like video games, well, what better gallery to check out than Gallery 1988 and their showcase of video game inspired art.

Cute, Funny Music Video: Riva Starr - I Was Drunk

How I managed not to see this music video from House music producer, Riva Starr, until now, is unfathomable (I know!). It features a baby with a mustache. What??? Yup.

11 Coachella 2011 Bands/Artists I'm Excited to See

With the Coachella 2011 Line-up just released, I was immediately making notes of which bands/artists I'd want to check out. However, like most "Coachellas," I'll probably be catching only a few songs from every artist then moving on to the next... hopefully the time slots work out.

Which Coachella artists are you most excited to see?


Friday

Robyn
I've heard she's good live, and she's Swedish(yah, that's it).



Magnetic Man
Awesome debut album released last year... Dubstep for those that aren't really into Dubstep.


Cut Copy
I missed them the last time they came around here...


Beardyman
One of the most amazing things I've seen... His whole set is Beatbox and FX... even sings the lyrics... no turntables or songs. Sick!!! Must See Live!


Skrillex
I'm more curious than excited... as to why this guy is soo popular with the kids these days, and why Deadmau5 is championing this Electro Bass DJ. (okay, so the more I hear about him, the less I want to see him... but still curious)



Other Friday curiousities:
Kings of Leon (hey, curious)
The Black Keys
The Chemical Brothers (I've seen them quite a bit, and they're awesome!)
Crystal Castles
Sasha (don't know what style of music he plays now)
Ms. Lauren Hill
Brandon Flowers
Afrojack
Erick Morillo
Cee Lo Green
Sander Kleinenberg
Moving Units
Klaxons


Saturday

Empire of the Sun
Missed them when they came through the last time, and oddly their show(s) sold out quickly here. I didn't know they were that popular.


Other Saturday curiousities:
Animal Collective
Steve Angello
One Day as a Lion
Fedde Le Grand
Paul van Dyk
Scissor Sisters
Gogol Borderllo (because they're weird)
Laidback Luke
Two Door Cinema Club
Daedelus
Chuckie
DJ Marky
Joachim Garraud
The Twelves
Andy C
Mary Anne Hobbs


Sunday

Kanye West
Before you get all snippy... I am very curious to see if he falls flat or if his show is as grand as his ego, and plus maybe Daft Punk might make an appearance... they live in Los Angeles now (you never know).


The Strokes
I've kinda always wanted to see them live... now here's my chance.


Duran Duran
F*ckin' 80's yah! I'm surprised they are a bit higher billed.


Death From of Above 1979
I'm not their biggest fan but curious... and this may be one of the only shows they have left since... well, they disbanded, and JFK is part of MSTRKRFT now.


High Contrast
One DJ I've always wanted to see, but never have... mainly because he rarely makes it over to this side of the States.


Other Sunday Curiousities:
PJ Harvey
Ratatat
Axwell
Sven Väth
Bloody Beetroots Deathcrew 77
Duck Sauce
The Presets
Leftfield
She Wants Revenge
Plan B
Riva Starr
Trentemøller

Coachella 2011 Rumored Add-ons

So the Coachella 2011 Line-Up was just announced, and it's now time to start the rumored Add-ons list. Previous late additions to the Coachella Line-Up have included Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, Kanye West, Madonna, and Prince... so who knows what Coachella has in store this year. However, I do think this year's line-up is pretty packed solid; there really isn't room for much more. Anyways, here are some of the rumored late additions to Coachella 2011:

Daft Punk
Supposedly were offered to play in 2011, but turned it down due to not being ready from a production standpoint. Many Daft Punk fans were wishing they play at Coachella again, so I'll just keep this on here in the hopes they might change their mind.

Underworld
Hasn't played Coachella since the first one.

David Bowie
Umm... more wishful thinking than anything.

DJ Shadow
New album out this year and a planned 2011 tour.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Live
Danny DeVito on Jimmy Kimmel last year, just chattin...

Queens of the Stone Age
Working on a new album this year... and from Palm Desert... they can literally bike to Coachella.

Röyksopp
They are headed through Southern California in late March... so possibly not... but still a possibility.

Fenech-Soler
They have tour dates listed up till early April... then a break during Coachella weekend, then back on tour in late April...???

Coachella 2011 LINE UP
Are Coachella VIP tickets WORTH IT?
8 Ways to get Tickets to a SOLD OUT Coachella

Coachella 2011 Line-Up Announced

They just announced the Coachella 2011 Line-Up:

Some of the Names:
Friday:
Kings of Leon, Black Keys, The Chemical Brothers, Robyn, Brandon Flowers, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Magnetic Man
Saturday:
Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, Mumford & Suns, Steve Angello, Empire of the Sun
Sunday:
Kanye West, The Strokes, Duran Duran, The National, Death From Above 1979.

Coachella.com

Awesome Video: Underworld on KCRW

The electronic music pioneers, Underworld, recently recorded a live performance and interview with KCRW with host Jason Bentley... If you are at all an Underworld fan you will definitely enjoy this...

Deadmau5, David Guetta Working on Britney Spears' New Album?

I heard this Deadmau5 Britney Spears rumor late last year... And thought that would sound amazing if it were true. So I decided to do a little research and the result?

I have yet to find any real evidence of this.

The most I could find out about this rumor is "supposedly" someone was at a private event in which Deadmau5 threw down the track in question that happened to have Britney Spears vocals on top of it (it could mean a lot of things like a mash-up, remix, for her upcoming song). . Anyways, finding this track has been impossible online, as most streaming websites like Youtube and others have deleted this upload because of copyright infringement. Has anyone else heard this rumor?

As for David Guetta working with Britney... A lot of people were speculating that they would be working together because he is in hot demand and it would probably make sense. But this rumor also came up short... However, I have read that David Guetta wouldn't mind working on a Britney Spears track, only if they can manage the time.

So my conclusions to these rumors?

Currently false...

But we'll know more information while the release date of her supposed March 15 album creeps up. As for now, her first single off that album, Hold it Against Me, is produced by Dr. Luke (Ke$ha Tik Tok; Katy Perry California Gurls) and Max Martin, and they have been said to be working on more than just one song for the album.

Update: It's been said that, Max Martin, Dr. Luke, Darkchild (Rodney Jerkins), Stargate, Fraser T. Smith, and Bloodshy & Avant will all be producing songs on the album... so that pretty much leaves little room for Deadmau5 or David Guetta. Maybe in the future perhaps.

Awesome Britney Spears 3 vs Deadmau5 Ghosts N Stuff mash up

Andy Samberg and Pee Wee Herman get Drinks...

Andy and Pee Wee's Night Out.

Another funny Andy Samberg video for Saturday Night Live, this time teaming up with Pee Wee Herman...

Music Video: Tiesto vs Diplo ft Busta Rhymes - C'mon (Catch Em By Surprise)

Here's a kinda cool video (especially cool if your a dancer, like pop lock and roll, or whatever those kids are doing now days). It's a music video for Tiesto and Diplo's song C'mon, this time feature Busta Rhymes doing the vocals. And yes, like a music video, it doesn't make sense at the end. But who cares, there's cool dancing.

Awesome Video of the Day: Minnesota Death Star

This Star Wars fan had a lot of time on his hands during a blizzard. This is an awesome video because it is very short and random. Oh, George Lucas would be proud...

15 Celebrity Sightings at Coachella

And you thought the Coachella Music and Arts Festival were just for regular folks. Celebs enjoy music too (esp Deadmau5, what??? Danny DeVito does anyhow, what again???)... and they are walking about the Empire Polo Fields along with you. Some of you may have run into them, some of you haven't. You would most definitely have a better chance if you got backstage passes or VIP passes to Coachella to hang with the celebs. I for one couldn't care less, because I am not the best person to notice a celebrity, even if they could be standing right in front of me. Seriously, the only reason I'd get VIP passes is for the bathrooms and the food. Oh yeah, and to be backstage when your favorite artist is playing, although it sucks when your favorite artist is everyone else's favorite artist - then it's a madhouse. Anyways, here are 15 Celebrity sightings at Coachella of course not including the musicians playing (that would be a given):

Who else have you seen?



Danny DeVito Rockin' to Deadmau5 at Coachella

Is Britney Spears' New Song Hold it Against Me Good for Dance Music?

Upon first listen of Britney Spears track, Hold it Against Me, you'll notice the upfront House and Techno beats and vaporizing Synth. There's also a little Dubstep thrown in... Dubstep what??? I was actually a bit excited, but at the same time wished they pushed it further; it's kind of a nice clean version for the uninitiated, but seriously, could have gotten dirtier. On the flip side, it is a pop song after all.

Yes indeed, Hold it Against Me, is a catchy pop tune with up front techno elements, and I expect it to play well in clubs... well maybe not soo much the clubs you and I go to, but nonetheless. I also expect good remixes to come out of this song, since it does have a pretty heavy Synth that sounds like concoction from Benni Benassi's laboratory.

As for it being good for dance music (even with Techno's over-saturation of the pop market), I'd say, "Bring it on. Move out of the way Black Eyed Peas..." This makes way for more underground Techno producers to come to the forefront, thus pushing for more creative music production (hopefully they do push the creative side of things unlike the last, ahem... BEP song)... and making artists like you and me become more accessible.

What are your thoughts?

I wonder how long this clip will last till youtube takes it down?

Movie Review: Tron Legacy

Tron Legacy

Synopsis: Sam Flynn goes into the Tron grid to find his long lost father from the original Tron.
Pros: Visual design, Music.
Cons: Dialogue, story.
Overview: After all this Tron talk I finally got around to seeing this film... and I'm going to have to agree with critics that this is an Audio and Visual masterpiece. Definitely, something people will test their HD TVs with. However, with that said, the dialogue is pretty cornball, and the story is well... yeah. So don't expect much in that direction. If you can make it through a trite story, then you must see this in theaters, because this is definitely a theatrical movie. The 3D is good, but oddly, it really isn't noticeable, or "in-your-face" 3D like other movies. Daft Punk also makes a cameo in the movie too, but in the part of the movie that kinda blows. And Olivia Wilde seems like she's just in the movie so that there could be female character, but who cares, she's good to look at. Anyways, I set my limits low before seeing this movie, and I didn't come out hating this movie like some others did.
3 out of 5 clapboards





Tron Legacy Soundtrack Review
Cute 8 Bit version of Tron Legacy

This Should Be Coachella's New Commercial!

Danny DeVito rocking out to Deadmau5 at Coachella!!!

What? Hell yeah. Danny DeVito throws his hands in the air to Deadmau5's song Ghosts N Stuff. Complete awesome!!!

Unfortunately, TMZ is the only place that has they video and they don't let embedding. Bastards!

Click the Link below to view the video:

Danny DeVito Rocking to Deadmau5 at Coachella

Ghostbusters vs Inception Mash Up Trailer

It was about time somebody mashed up a trailer for Ghostbusters to Hans Zimmer's Inception score. Kinda funny... just reminds me of the Up vs Inception mash up trailer, which I think is much cooler. Enjoy anyway... before it gets taken down.



Up vs Inception Mash Up Trailer

When do They Announce the Coachella Line-up?

Updated 2012

Either mid to late January, with the latest being the first week of February.

In 2012, it was actually bumped up to the second week in January... and tickets went on sale the following Friday.

All I know, is that if Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is coming up, and no announcement has been made yet, then it's very, very right around the corner. You should start hearing buzz on radio stations like KROQ or something prior.

5 Best Albums of 2010

5 Best Albums of 2010

There were a lot of good albums in 2010 and of course, don't be surprised if this list primarily consists of a electronic music (that shouldn't be a surprise). I like a lot of types of music... However, these are the top 5 albums that caught my interest the most this past year.


5) Grum - Heartbeats
80's disco dance cheese. Grum's Heartbeats is a pretty fun listen from beginning to end.

Purchase: Heartbeats


4) Delphic - Acolyte
If you're into Phoenix and indie-dance-rock type of music then Delphic's Acolyte is probably your best bet of 2010. This album is also produced by electronic DJ/producer, Ewan Pearson.
Purchase: Acolyte


3) Groove Armada - Black Light
A surprising new sound from Groove Armada by trying to keep their style fresh. Collaborations from Bryan Ferry, Fenech Soler and Jess Larrabee.
Purchase: Black Light [Amazon Exclusive]


2) Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man
A really good album for you Dubstep fans, or listeners that want to get into Dubstep.

1) Underworld - Barking
Of course... The electronic pioneers change up their sound with co–productions by Mark Knight, D. Ramirez, Sharam, Paul van Dyk, and High Contrast, make for a very good album.Purchase: Barking


Album Review: Underworld - Barking
Album Review: Magnetic Man
Album Review: Groove Armada - Black Light
Album Review: Delphic - Acolyte
Album Review: Grum - Heartbeats

Album Review: Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man

Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man

Style: Dubstep
Pros: Better than most Dubstep albums
Cons: not much
Overview: If you're not really into Dubstep, but you want to develop an ear for it, Magnetic Man (created from the likes of Benga, Skream and Artwork) is the perfect crossover album to do so. I, personally have reservations about all the Dubstep music going on out there, but this Magnetic Man album shows Dubstep can be a strong contender in the world of electronic music. I'm still not sure how people dance to this type of music (just bobbing their heads I presume).
Top Songs: I Need Air, Perfect Stranger; Getting Nowhere
4 out of 5 vinyls


Magnetic Man website

Purchase: Magnetic Man

Cute 8 Bit version of Tron Legacy

An 8 Bit version of Tron Legacy, yes... all in 8bit graphics even with an 8 Bit remix of Daft Punk's Derezzed... Check it out it's only 24 seconds.



Tron Legacy Movie Review

Song of the Month: January 2011

Robyn - Indestructible (A-Trak Remix)

Let's start the new year off with a fun upbeat Robyn song, remixed by A-Trak. Yah!

The Chemical Brothers Scoring A Feature Film?

Yes... it's true. Along with their electronic pioneer brethren, Daft Punk (Tron Legacy), Air (The Virgin Suicides), and Underworld (Sunshine), The Chemical Brothers are set to score the upcoming movie Hanna, a movie about a girl who becomes an assassin. What? Yes, it stars Eric Bana, Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Lovely Bones) and directed by Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement).