[The Audiofiles] Worthy Urges You to ‘Disbehave’ with Debut LP on Anabiatic Records

June 4, 2014June 5, 2014Leave a comment

– Cross-published in The DJ List–

Pre-order your copy on iTunes today

Beyond the release of the two track EP ‘Hit Me’ this past April – 2014 has been awfully quiet for Dirtybird frontman Worthy; thank goodness that’s all about to change. Worthy’s highly anticipated, full length debut album ‘Disbehave’ hits Beatport and iTunes on 6/10. The experimental, 15 track LP comes dance floor approved thanks to BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac, complete with praise and parallels to fellow Dirtybird producer Justin Martin’s ‘Ghettos & Gardens’s’. In 2001, the two paired up with Martin’s brother Christian Martin and legendary Claude Vonstroke to form Dirtybird Records in San Francisco with a constant creative vision to break the mold of ‘mainstream’ house music. Between their ample shared success, busy touring schedules and almost cult like following – there’s simply been no looking back.

Whether it’s original singles or collaborations, over the course of the past decade, Worthy has made a definite imprint in the scene and has been instrumental in establishing the label’s signature booty shakin’, bass heavy underground tech house sound. In 2011, he linked up with beloved UK deep house producer Eats Everything on the grungy, underground tech house jam ‘Tric Trac’ which landed firmly in the Beatport Top 10 for Tech House. worthy

The two year project comes out on WORTHY’s label Anabatic Records (formerly Katabatic Records), but the breadth of his genre defying LP – from soulful vocals layered between seductive bass lines to industrial, tech house breakbeats befitting of a warehouse party – is an homage to late nights, dark dance floors and the entire Dirtybird family.

Starting with the intro ‘All our Souls’, the listener embarks on an emotive journey into a dreamlike oblivion, melting into the sultry, bedroom house jam ‘The Words’ featuring the ethereal Audio Angel expertly layered over a grungy bass line. The haunting, often ominously booming ‘Dark Bridges’ and ‘Burned’, a moody track with gripping vocals, turn the album towards the mysterious. All of this leading to the title track ‘Disbehave’; an eerily rhythmic, often dissonant tech house adventure that borders on industrial drum & bass.

As the name implies, ‘On the Floor’ featuring Kevin Knapp (Off, Hot Creations) begs the listener to boogie down, deep into the heart of the dance floor. ‘Infected’ guarantee’s you’ll stay there and the garage-infused ‘Dusted Smoke’ atmospherically wobbles in an equally delicate yet spooky fashion. ‘I Get’ and ‘Damn Fine’ both throw seductive spins on booming, deep house bass lines. The LP forays back into the grungy, warehouse beats starting with the gritty tech house banger ‘Handle It’ and then again with ‘Stars Attack’ a jarring, ominous and often times musically deranged journey strung together by a music mastermind, perfect for afterhours. Equally dark, ‘Luna’ is a bass ridden and otherworldly, leading into the anthemic ‘Free From The Night, and back into an outro of ‘All Our Souls’, which embodies the same relaxing trancelike state the album began with.

“I want to push my new sound, which is leaning more toward a breakbeat old-school vibe, but still want to keep with the fact that I play house and techno. My focus is to stay innovative and authentic and to continually reinvent myself as an artist.” – Worthy

The official release party is this Friday, 6/6 at The Mighty in San Francisco; this is one Dirtybird affair you’d be crazy to miss out on. Following the show, Worthy will embark on a tour across North America.

–Upcoming Shows–

6/6: San Francisco @ Mighty (Get Tickets Here:DISBEHAVE RECORD RELEASE PARTY)
6/8: Beldon, CA @ Raindance
6/14: Weldon, CA @ Native Springs Oasis
6/28: Boston @ Prime
7/4: Driftpile, Cananda @ Astral Harvest
8/1: Brooklyn @ Verboteen
8/2 – LA @ HARD Summer
8/15 – Kasota Park, Idaho @ Heyburn

Keep tabs on the Dirtybird crew, the upcoming North American tour and all things Worthy through their websites and socials –

[The Audiofiles] Silent Frisco Set to Takeover the Nighttime Airwaves at Lightning in a Bottle

April 16, 2014April 16, 2014Leave a comment

From the US inception of the Silent Disco in 2007 at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this novel idea would become a bonafide hit at festivals and parties nationwide. This goes doubly so for Robbie ‘Motion Potion’ Kowel, founder of San Francisco’s famed Silent Frisco and Co-Founder of SunsetSF – not to mention the premiere Silent Disco DJ in the United States. Until 2011, Kowel spun the Silent Disco alongside DJs LOGIC, QUICKIE MART, and MEDI4 using one channel headphones manufactured by KOSS; now in 2014, you’ll find the Silent Frisco footprint at over 100 different events year round.

In the last two years alone, they’ve hosted monthly residencies in Los Angeles and San Francisco, had their hands on events from clients like Dos Equis, MacWorld, Yahoo and the L.A. County Museum of Art – not to mention the eye-opening experiences at music festivals nationwide like Electric Forest, Treasure Island Music Fest, Gathering of the Vibes, Camp Bisco, Ghost Ship Halloween, High Sierra Music Festival, Hornings Hideout, Sonic Bloom, Another Planet Entertainment, Insomniac Events, Madison House Presents, NoisePop and so much more.

Now, they’re pairing up with longtime friends and fun makers The Do Lab to bring their amazing energy, positive vibes and Silent Frisco-ing down to the hills of Monterey County for this year’s Lightning in a Bottle festival, held over Memorial Day Weekend. The Silent Frisco will broadcast for four nights over two channels with an exceptional roster of talent from all over the nation for four nights. On Thursday night, you’ll hear the tunes of Talking Heads vs LCD Soundsystem and the next night it’ll be Radiohead vs Daft Punk. This hefty portion of eclectic music has been meticulously schemed to ensure a sublime morning for all.

“After years of welcoming The Do Lab to produce stages at our greatest annual creation, Sea of Dreams, it’s only fitting that we should do the same for them at their incredible festival,” said Silent Frisco/SunsetSF director Robbie Kowal. “The Do Lab are among the finest of event producers and giving us “the keys to their sunrise” is an honor we do not take lightly.”

Silent Frisco will broadcast in our upgraded and expanded HushZone late night on Thursday, Friday, Saturday (that’s Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings) from 12:30am until 7am. The eclectic lineup will feature nufunk legends FORT KNOX 5 and drum & bass innovator Thunderball, (both from D.C.) as well as LA/NYC Moombahton trailblazer Sabo. SoCal will be well represented with electro-swing producers THE GENTLEMEN CALLERS of Los Angeles, eclectic electronic stalwarts ROMY ACONA and PATRICIO, and two sets from AARON CASTLE, including his patented LCD Soundsystem set. NorCal will represent as well with remix aficionado Zack Darling, mid-tempo hero Malarkey, and downtempo producer INI. Silent Frisco’s residents will keep the trains on the tracks with sets by including resident DJs MANCUB, MATT HAZE and SHOUTS and Motion Potion’s patented Radiohead and Talking Heads sets.

Adds Kowal, “Silent Frisco creates a direct connection between the listener and the artist, which enables more creative, explorational sets. We pride ourselves on curating experiences that allow DJ’s to truly stretch and take the listeners on a journey.”

For additional Silent Frisco events in the San Francisco and Los Angeles area, head over to their website, Facebook or Twitter pages.

Keep up to date with all things Lightning in a Bottle and Do Lab with their socials –

Lightning in a Bottle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

For festival coverage, keep your eyes on The DJ List

[Doing it Right] Markus Schulz and the ‘Scream 2’ Album Release Party

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014Leave a comment

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.

[Artists Spotlight] Something Different with Banks and Tech N9ne

October 25, 2013October 27, 20131 Comment

If you’ve been following this blog since its inception, you’re more than aware of my affinity for all things EDM; from festivals to intimate clubs, amazing remixes to fresh artists I can honestly say that I love it all. However, one thing that’s been driven into my head lately is that there really is too much of a good thing. One of my favorite quotes goes ‘Everything in moderation, including moderation‘ and I should have been more willing to apply that to my taste in music. Over the course of this year, I’ve found myself with more than just a hand in the music industry’s ‘cookie jar’. Back in January, my good friend and I co-founded Beatnet EDM to provide a fun forum for EDM fans and concurrently, I began penning articles and reviews for The DJ List, one of the largest Global DJ resources since ’97. Suffice it to say, I’ve essentially over-saturated this precious brain of mine in untz, driving basslines and the sound of sweet synths and I’ve been yearning for something more.

Now, I haven’t always been an EDM junkie – once upon a time I listened to everything under the sun; not that I don’t still appreciate all of it, but I do have a method behind my madness. Back in the late 90’s and in early 2000, I’d just discovered Trance and House – DJ Encore & Angelina, Tiesto, Benny Benassi – but spent most of my time listening to acts like the Dixie Chicks, Yellowcard, Eminem, New Found Glory, Montgomery Gentry, TI, Outkast, 50 Cent. Over time, the Pop lyrics were simple and the melodies repetitive; the Alternative guitar shrills, Punk drum snares and Emo noises blended together; the lyrics coming out of the Hip-Hop and Rap camps were overwhelmingly misogynistic, drug fueled and money hungry. Needless to say, at the time I wanted something more – and that something more was Electro. I was sick of people dictating my emotional state with every quarter note and EDM gave me the opportunity to feel something absolutely different each and every time I listed to a track like Tiësto’s ‘Flight 643’.

Little did I know that I was more or less creating a bouncing, breathing EDM monster; there’s no way around it, I was hooked….but like I said earlier, everything in moderation – including EDM. I’ve gotten to the point that I’ll listen to five or six songs in a row and they all blur together – artists that are completely unrelated sound absolutely synonymous and my worst fear has actually come true: I’m bored. No, let me extrapolate – it’s far more than that: I’m not being mentally stimulated or driven to feel a profound emotion like I was before; I don’t get lost in the music – I simply find myself wanting more. More than those monotonously repetitive chord progressions, more than beats that bombard you with bass , more than music that inspires the people around me to rage face and get plurnt. I like music with a message – whether it’s telling me one or I can derive one – I like music with a purpose, music with meaning. And lately, it’s been harder and harder to find it.

And let’s face it, it’s not just me – my boyfriend is a shining example of a faithful festival goer who loves his dirty beats and vocal trance, but over the course of the past year he’s become fed up with the monotony of the music industry and has more than begged me to diversify my tastes and branch back out into other genres. A few weeks ago, we went up to San Francisco for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and I was immediately reminded why I used to love acoustic music, crystal clear vocals and real instruments. So, I thought it’d be the perfect time to branch back out into the genres I’ve formerly loved and see what else is out there. I’ve been doing some prowling over the past few days and I’m excited to share what this bouncy kitty has dragged in.

Her Name is BANKS

I literally just stumbled on her today and already have to confess something: I have the tinniest little girl crush on her! Her sultry voice feels like silk on my eardrums and her seductive r&b infused indie rock sound is absolutely refreshing. I’ve been riffling through her discography and she’s worked with an all star production cast including two of my personal favorites, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Jamie Woon. Yes, there’s admittedly an electronic influence – but it’s just that, an influence – an afterthought. Banks reminds me of Jesse Ware, Landa Del Rey and Fiona Apple – but with more of a bite.

Tech N9Ne

Little known N9ne fact for yea: you might know him for his ridiculous flow, but the veteran rapper is gaining recognition in the business world as being the mogul of the Hip-Hop Industry. Between his record label, Strange Music, tours, merchendising company and recording studio – he came in as the 18th highest paid rapper in the business last year. Tech N9ne has been around as long as I’ve been listening to rap, and based on the sound of his new album – Therapy – he and I share similar feelings, just about different industries. He’s reached out to several people in the Rock and Metal scene including Limp Bizkit frontman Wes Borland and the multi talented producer behind the likes of Slipknot, Korn and At the Drive In – Ross Robinson. His vocals still pack the same powerful punch as when I first started listening to him – but now, with the combination of the 808 and live instruments I’m completely enthralled and drawn in. I’m impatiently counting down the days til November 5 when Therapy hits iTunes and can’t wait to hear what he does next.

[Doing it Right] Krewella’s Get Wet Tour with Candyland + Seven Lions

September 17, 2013September 26, 20133 Comments

This is the face of a girl who’s been battling the most ridiculously annoying cough and cold combination from hell for a week. I’ve sneezed more times than I could count and essentially coughed up my body weight; so, why’s she smiling, you ask? Oh, because she gets to do her second big show review in the history of ever. Whether you’re a new follower or you’ve been around the block with me a few times, I’m sure you’ll come to notice sooner or later that the passions I have in life are what makes my world go ’round. Music, writing, cats, beauty in the world, my boyfriend and our friends, sunshine and the good life – in any and every combination possible.

A few years back I was talking with a good friend of mine who continually maintains two jobs – one job being a pain in the ass but money in the bank, and the other the exact opposite: the only richness she got from the job was a feeling of pride. And my, oh my…isn’t that enough? Ever since then, I’ve thought about a two fold approach to what “work” is supposed to be. “Work” is what you do to support your dream job and as a writer for the renowned EDM Web-zine The DJ List I’m now a walking, talking example of it.

I’ve gone to the Palladium at least fifty times in the last two years, possibly over 100 times in my five year span in Los Angeles; but never have I ever stammered when I talked to doormen, and been so confused at a simple press ticket – what I kept forgetting was I got this job by being an avid and energetic EDM fan, not by letting my nerves get the best of me. Thank-fracking-goodness my boyfriend knows how (and when) to take control of a situation that’s slipping through my anxious little fingers. After stopping by the wrong booth, I finally heard the magic words I’ve been waiting for: Here’s your VIP wristband and your photography pass. What. If I died at that very second, which is in fact what my heart felt like it was doing, I would have died the happiest little bouncy kitty on planet Earth.

When we walked in, Candyland was rocking the stage with their OG swag and EDM style; their fusion of grimy Hip-hop, dubstep and electro house got the crowd jumping like crazy. From the rafters, it honestly looked like popcorn just going off in every direction. Not to mention, the duo – better known to their friends as Ethan and Josie – hail from Santa Barbara and know some of my college buddies; small, talented world, right? After their set was another 805 local, Seven Lions. There aren’t even appropriate words to describe how his music moves me – he takes chilled out trance and indie rock, pairs it with some of the most stunning synths and rumbles I’ve ever heard and simply put – the man makes musical magic. His set was effing phenomenal and after seeing him be the opener for Porter Robinson and Krewella I cannot wait to see him headline his own show; shit’s gonna get real!

Finally, after a palpable intermission where we refused to leave our spot on the dance floor – the house lights dimmed, the Volcano was unveiled and Jahan, Yasmine and Rainman took the reins at the DJ Booth; it was all uphill from there! Churning through hit after hit, the sisters interchangeably jumped to stage level to interact with their immensely diverse fanbase and feed off of each other’s electric energy. They went through their entire repertoire – Come and Get It, Live for the Night, Candyland even came out to perform their OG remix of Legacy – their song with Nicky Romero. This Chicago trifecta has worked with some of the greatest across all EDM genres and paid homage to many others that I’ve considered incredibly influential. Pendulum, Knife Party, Gareth Emery, Skrillex, Adventure Club, Nicky Romero, Fall Out Boy. No doubt this list is going to get exponentially longer as their careers catapult – and they’re still fresh on the scene!