A collection of inspirational and thought provoking quotes to send you off into the beautiful weekend; xx!
Category: Music
[Doing it Right] Markus Schulz and the ‘Scream 2’ Album Release Party
Last night, I joined forces with the concert collective known throughout social media as the ‘Schulz Army’; the occasion? Markus Schulz is releasing his fifth studio album – Scream 2 – and is celebrating the LP by bringing his unicorn slaying sounds to Sound Nightclub in Los Angeles, Mansion in his home town of Miami, and then to Pacha in New York City for his first extended solo set. Last but not least, Markus is heading out for a very special Valentine’s Day set at The Gallery inside England’s Ministry of Sound where he’ll be starting his Spring Residency. During his epic three hour set, he wove through fan favorites from both Scream albums like ‘Dancing in the Key of Life’ and my personal favorite, ‘Towards the Sun’ with Rex Mundi as well as epic remixes like Delerium’s ‘Silence’ and ‘Safe & Sound’ from Capital Cities. As always, Schulz’s infectious energy and expert ear reminded the crowd both why he’s been a household Trance name for the past ten years ; keep your eyes on his socials for future shows – this is one DJ set that you don’t want to miss.
[Track of the Week] Kiesza – Hideaway
Back when I was geeking out over The Magician’s latest mixtape, my infatuation turned to a specific moment of the mix – minute 26. Somewhere, between a delicious disco rhythm and empowered female vocals, my feet started sending out unknown Morse code messages throughout my office and my head began to slowly sway to the delicate beat drops. What was this magic and where do I find more? As I scoured through all my social media resources trying to piece together a track list, I found myself rewinding the mix in an incessant fashion. I feverishly tried to find out everything and anything I could about my addiction. Originally from Calgary, Canada – Kiesza has been hopping all over the globe – first to New York City and as of this week, London. Her first mark on the scene was ‘Oops’ back in ’12, but with ‘Hideaway’ she’s sure to make a more memorable splash.
The track begins by ushering in a rumbling beat and sultry vocals, with deep and open notes and slowly, progresses into a powerhouse Deep Disco vocal anthem. Featured last Friday as Annie Mac’s BBC show as the track of the week, this infectious earworm is guaranteed to leave the dance floor grooving. Think Disclosure with a soulful female vocalist (much like the addition of Mary J Blidge on ‘F For You‘ or Duke Dumont with a little sass and that’s exactly what you’ll get from Kiesza. With support from The Magician, Tenesnake and Route 94, there’s no doubt that ‘Hideaway’ will get plenty of play this year.
Follow Kiesza on her socials and don’t forget, the Hideaway EP releases in the US this March on Lokal Legend!
Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter
Photo Cred: Arjan Writes Music Blog
[Doing it Right] Armin Van Buuren’s Post-Grammy Award Show
Being a California native, it takes me a little more than the average bear to get ‘starstruck‘; but, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Back when I was working in El Segundo for Internet Brands, I saw Gary Payton at the local dive bar and started shaking in my boots I was so excited! It’s not everyday that you’re standing in front of a childhood idol, and there I was – jaw to the floor in front of ‘The Glove’ and I couldn’t even muster enough syllables to form a coherent sentence. When I worked at Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles, I hugged and interviewed Christian Audigier of the infamous Ed Hardy clothing brand. Now, no – I don’t ‘love‘ his clothes, and you might have to pay me to wear about a third of what they produce – but absolutely nothing can compare to meeting an idol, fashion mogul and exceptional business brain. A year ago this weekend, I started writing for The DJ List’ – an internationally respected, EDM webzine, and the number of opportunities I’ve had that take my breath away are simply magnificent. What started as me wanting a ‘hand in the EDM cookie jar’ has catapulted to me with a foot in the door in the EDM world. I’ve had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with the best and brightest, and have amazing memories to show for it.
Last Spring, my boyfriend and I met Markus Schulz and covered the details of his Scream 2 Album and Bus Tour. Then, to throw a cherry on top of my musical ice cream sundae – this past December as a little belated birthday present from the world at large: I got to meet, touch and hug the #1 Trance DJ in the world, Armin van Buuren at an exclusive Press and Fan meet and greet opportunity at the House of Blues in Hollywood where he dished about his latest one man tour, Armin Only: Intense, as well as his first Grammy nomination for the smash single ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ featuring vocalist Trevor Guthrie. Fast forward to last week and I’m churning through my emails, trying to find a ray of sunlight in my bleak inbox – and stumbled across an email from his PR agent who I simply adore: Sound Nightclub was pairing up with Armin and Trevor to celebrate their Grammy nomination for ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ and they wanted me there. What?! This is one of the first, and only moments, that’s left me laughing historically, wondering who in the world I am and exactly how I’ve gotten so lucky? Granted, hard work and dedication have paid off – I’ve penned almost 60 articles for The DJ List, which isn’t anything to sneeze at – especially when you consider my full time job, and penchant for wild and crazy fun, and inherent need to basically do everything under the sun. I want it all, and somehow, I’ve managed to get it.
Last night, three of my favorite people in the world – my wonderful boyfriend, one of my best gals that I started Beatnet EDM with and my friend who pioneered the amazing EDM Event site ‘Music Alerts’ – strutted into one of the hottest, and newest Hollywood clubs for our first time to see the man, the myth, the Trance Legend – AVB! The venue was small enough that it’s an intimate setting, and the party was small enough that there was room to shake your groove thing and get down with your trance arms wherever you felt necessary. Most parties at Sound pack the place to the brim, but since this was Armin’s party – no real tickets were sold; the show was invite only and the crowd, as plastic as 80% of them looked, was having the time of their lives. Unfortunately, Armin didn’t take home the Grammy for ‘Best Dance Recording’ but the category was chalk full of amazing singles, and could’ve easily been anyone’s ball game. The rest of the category played out like this – This Is What It Feels Like was up against Clarity from Zedd and Foxes, Kaskade’s Atmosphere, Calvin Harris and Florence Welch for Sweet Nothings, and last but certainly not least, breakthrough smash ‘Need You (100%)’ by Duke Dumont, MNEK and A*M*E. At the end of the night, the award was much deservingly given to Zedd and Foxes – and I couldn’t be happier with the choice. As much as I was rooting for Armin, if I had to pick a single of his to be nominated – that would not have been it. In and Out Of Love, Fine Without You, Virual Friend – they each have an immense depth, heavy layers and ethereal vocals that build throughout the track and IMO, were much more deserving of a Grammy nod; but that was a different world back then. I’m more than interested how EDM effects other, more mainstream genres and infiltrates both Pop Music, and our Pop Culture; Dance Music has been on the rise over the last ten years, and I can’t wait to see how EDM pushes the musical boundaries next.
[Artist Spotlight] MNEK + Sam Smith
There aren’t many male vocalists that get me choked up, but over the past year a handful have popped up on my radar much to my excitement. Each time I hear a new song featuring Sam Smith or MNEK, my heart stops until I press play – and what I’ve found with each artists, is that I’m addicted to their soulful sounds.
Sam Smith, named the BBC Voice to Watch in 2014, has slowly but surely etched a permanent place in my heart. I first heard his breathtaking vocals when he lent them to Disclosure for the feel good crooner ‘Latch’; if that single doesn’t take your breath away, try your hand at the acoustic version:
Then, he does it again on the Nile Rodgers x Disclosure Collaboration ‘Together.’
So far, you’ve gotten an earful of Electro – but Sam Smith’s original work is something closer to Indie Rock with a sexy, bedroom twist:
Not to mention, his voice just remixes so pretty! MK does the jam ‘Money on my Mind’ excellent justice by infusing his remix with some signature deep house grooves.
This morning when I jumped on my mandatory morning music safari, I found a new singles under the man’s belt and I’m beyond excited to share. ‘Make it To Me’ – has me wrapped up in all of the feels and almost in tears; his vocal prowess is so beautifully honest and refreshing, and that high register – hot damn that sounds phenomenal:
Stay up to date with Sam Smith across his socials: Webpage | Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter
Another vocalist that I can’t get enough of is MNEK. Every time I find a new MNEK (pronounced Em-En-E-Kay) cover on Hypem, I’m absolutely enthralled by how he refixes the song by ignoring the original format and laying down his own, silk smooth notes. There has been a host of singles over the past year that I’ve heard MNEK re-do, and each and every one is beautiful and unique in it’s own right. 19 years young, MNEK has the vocal power of an old soul; time after time, he infuses his sultry R&B vocals into deep house rhythms to perfection and I simply can’t get enough. One thing I really enjoy with the singles he’s released, is playing them back to back with the original; if you want to understand the man’s genius, it’s a great jumping off point – so I’ll get that party started for you:
[Original]
[Re-Fix]
[Original]
[Re-Fix]
[Original]
[Re-Fix]
[Original]
[Re-Fix]
And then of course, there are the original tracks he’s lent his stellar pipes to – like with Rudimental, SubFocus and DEVolution – proving that his voice is so much more than just [Deep] House, it’s an instrument that producers across the genres love playing with.
Keep tabs on MNEK across the interwebs – Webpage | Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter
[Friday Fun]
Laughter, wonder, shock, awe – there all parts of our everyday lives and sometimes, I feel like these slip to the wayside during the week because we’re so engulfed in the 9-5, corporate world. This section is my way of celebrating the world around me and preparing my brain, heart and soul to let it all go at 5pm today so I can enjoy this wonderful Los Angeles Winter weather (yes, it’s 70 – and yes, I am bragging).
“Every year for a few days in the month of February, the sun’s angle is such, that it lights up Horsetail Falls in Yosemite, as if it were on fire.”
Fun With Graffiti
“The Piano House is located in An Hui Province, China and there’s an escalator into the building in the transparent violin.”
“Hong Kong Apts from the Ground Up”
[Workin’ It] The Interview Questions You’re Not Asking
When I became part of the ‘working world’ after college, one thing that my parents incessantly drilled into my head is that even though I’m out of school, the schooling is never done. Every day is a fresh opportunity to learn and I should always be looking to evolve on a personal level and improve my employable skill set. And even if you’re not looking to get out of the enterprise you’re currently in, it’s always important that you’re fresh on your interview skills.
As it currently stands, a lot of high level positions that took people lots of time, sweat, energy – and not to mention tuition and housing – to achieve are the ones being taken away. These jobs were considered redundant based on new technological equivalents that cost significantly less than manual labor. On a personal level, over my last three years working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, I’ve seen a fair amount of turnover just at the Walt Disney Studios; in just 2 years, I’ve seen thousands of coworkers get laid off.
An interview is a two-way street; the interviewer is simply directing the traffic. For as many questions as you’re answering, make sure you ask the interviewer some back – not only is it demonstrating that you’re paying attention, but it shows genuine interest in the role as well as the conversation. Before you ask, be prepared! Do your homework on the company and make sure you can’t answer any of the questions through a simple Google search. Finally, when you do get your opportunity to shine – remember that yes and no answers don’t facilitate an evolving conversation, so make sure you build your question to create an open-ended inquiry that moves things along.
The 9-5
Get the basic 411 on the position
What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
Keep in mind that these skills might not be part of the job description; for extra brownie points, ask about the personalities of the team that you’d be working with. Are you a good fit in all fronts?
What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
Everyone in every position faces challenges – what makes us unique are the ways we choose to conquer them. Keep an open ear to the problems offered and see if you can donate a solution during the interview.
How has the position evolved over time? If it’s a new position, why was it created?
This is an essential question in my book, to understand where you’ll sit within a new company it helps to understand the history and importance of the position within the company.
Development of Professional Skills
How will this position help you evolve?
How will I be trained?
Who’s going to train you and are you going to be part of a training group? Are there initial classes you’ll be required to take? Extra credit points for this one: are there courses you can take during your time at the company that you can get accredited for?
Are there opportunities for advancement within the position?
Not saying you should be thinking of leaving this position (that you haven’t gotten…) already, but it helps to know the trajectory of a position – it especially helps to know right off the bat if there’s no room for growth (a deterrent for someone like me.) On the flip side: can you become a group manager or even reach the director or Executive Director position? All good things to take into account.
Why is this position available and where is the last person who held it now?
It helps to know the turnover rate of a job: do people in this role have high visibility across the company and get hired on in another department? Or, did they get fired for doing something foul?
Get To Know Your Interviewer
Time to flip the script and get to know your interviewer.
How has the company and your role within it evolved since you’ve been here?
Has the company branched out into new verticals or have they been stagnant? This is a great way of determining how the company, as well as other positions besides the one you’re applying for, have evolved over time.
What gets you most excited about the company’s future?
I don’t know about you, but hearing someone excited about the company they work for makes me excited about the prospect of working with them as well. If they’re not excited about the company, that could be the red light you need to get yourself out of there.
Your Teammates and Company Culture
There might not be an i in ‘TEAM’ but as colleagues have told me, there happens to be one right in the middle of the ‘A’ hole so it helps knowing the personalities you’ll be interacting with on a daily basis. And then there’s the company culture itself – is it laid-back or high-stress? It helps to know exactly what you’re getting into on all fronts!
How’s the team rapport?
Remember how strong teams are and realize that they might have just lost a pivotal player. You might want to understand how close-knit the group you’re about to infiltrate is and how well they get along; this will preemptively prevent you from stepping on people’s toes. And then there’s the chance that your soon to be colleagues are social butterflies that Happy Hour like no-one’s business – this is nice to know as well and might get you excited about an otherwise mundane jo
Who will I work with most closely and which other departments work most closely with this one?
One thing I like knowing is how many people I’ll directly be interacting with on a daily basis – maybe I’m going to be a self-started and micromanage my own tasks, but maybe my daily schedule is riddled with team-meetings and conferences and there are specific people that I’ll want to build special work relationships with. Simply put, how self-sufficient is this position and who will you be interacting with.
What is the company and team culture like?
I’ve never been one to hang out with work associates outside of campus, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want that – I’d love to take part in team building workshops, volunteer opportunities and work related courses and it helps to know off the bat if those are available.
What are the Next Steps?
When you step out of the door, the interview is over – so make sure you wrap things up with your interviewer and ensure they have everything they need to move forward effectively.
Can I answer any last questions for you?
This is your final shot – so ask away. A few of my favorite questions are how I can make myself more competitive for the position and if they would keep me in mind for additional openings within the company.
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Maybe there are additional forms to sign, or other people to talk with once you’re out of the interview – but you won’t know unless you ask. I always get in touch with the team that orchestrated the interview to let them know how it went and double-check that I’ve crossed my T’s and dotted my I’s.
The Bouncy Kitty 
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