All Mine

Our first Guest mix of 2016 is here courtesy of Mad Decent favourite, AQUADROP. As Italy's most valuable export, Aquadrop's going to take you on a 40 minute journey through his favourite tracks of the moment, but before that, peep our interview with him and get to know him a little more. Guest mix and Tracklist below.

Interview:

How long have you been producing?

I started producing when I was really young, but it became a proper work 5 / 6 years ago.

How would you describe your sound?

Like a mad chef in a kitchen with loads of ingredients, tryin' to put 'em together and make that delicious and unknown recipe.

Why the name Aquadrop?  A love of water or moisture?  

"You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend." (Lee Jun-fan)

You've been a sound designer for Diesel, Discovery Channel, and MTV.  How does sound design production differ from working on one of your own tracks?  What’s your approach?

It's not so different if you're able to speak your client's language, cause 80% of 'em is obviously not a producer nor a music "expert". You have straight deadlines and artistic "limits" that you can't trespass, even if you think your idea works better than their one. You don't need particular inspiration - which is essential if you're producing something for yourself -, just follow their guidelines, give 'em advices and find a good middle way that's perfect for the requested project. Sound design production gives you another type of music experience that I find very useful in my personal work too.

Who or what inspired you to produce?

My uncle was a good double-bass player, my father's a vinyl collector. I won a shitty Casio keyboard when I was like five years old and I soon realized music was my thing.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Jazz and Funk by my father, Rap and Metal by my brother, Pop by my mom and sister.

What was the first album that you owned?

It was the original Warren G tape of his LP "Regulate", but I remember I bought some crazy vinyls like "Ramirez - El Gallinero" before that.

Currently who are your favorite producers/artists?

I honestly listen to new music when I work on my set only, but there's a flood of great producers everywhere. My favourite jam is still "GoGo!" by Baauer.

What's your funniest or weirdest touring story?

I was touring with an Italian rapper and we were rockin' the party so hard that my glasses literally flew over the crowd - I'm like blind without my glasses -. Our tour manager had to crowd surf the club to get'em back. This is funny story, the weird ones deal with on-stage porn.

Where in the world would you most like to play next? 

I would really like to play in NY.

How does the Italian dance music scene differ from the rest of the world? Is the Milan scene different from the rest of Italy? 

Italy has always been a little slow to understand new waves of music and labels have to deal with this problem everyday. We have a lot of great producers, but if you're not smart enough to export your project overseas - I'm not talking about that horrible Italian Pop music -, you're stuck. Italians talk about Dubstep, but they don't know who the **** is Mary Anne Hobbs. They talk about Trap and they think it's Lil' Wayne... ok, I'm a bit drastic right now, things are getting better, but majors and some producers are victims of big hits like "Lean On", for example, and they make really bad copies just for selling. This is not good because majors will trust you only if you make something they already heard and they already know it's gonna work, even if it's a bad copy, but I'd like to emphasise that things are getting better. No, Milan scene is not different from the rest of Italy. Yes, it's a big city, but the internet is everywhere.

Italians are known for their great food.  What's your mother's signature dish? 

Pasta al forno and gnocchi al sugo!

Love or hate Silvio Berlusconi?

I don't know basically anything about Italian politics - I'm beautifully detached from everything that's not work and relationships - but sure I'm not in love with Silvio.

Any forthcoming shows, collaborations, or an album in the works?

I just started a big collab right now and I have a lot of singles to release soon. I'm more focused on studio time than shows in this period.

About the Artist: Aron Airaghi aka Aquadrop is a producer and dj from Milan, Italy. He worked as sound designer for Arena, Custo Barcelona, Diesel, Discovery Channel, GoPro, GoodYear, Le Coq Sportif, Forever21, Nivea and T-Mobile. He produced soundtracks for TV shows like Skins (MTV US) and Sirens (Channel 4). He played live and dj sets with Dillon Francis, Stateless (Ninja Tune), Benga, Felix Cartal, Artwork (Magnetic Man), SGT. Pokes etc. and he won the 2012 Sziget festival dj selection together with his friend The Golden Toyz. His discography has received support from Diplo, Skrillex, Flosstradamus, Mau5trap, Baauer, Crookers, RL Grime, Dillon Francis, Crystal Fighters etc. and aired on radios, shows and channels such as Fabric Live, Boiler Room, BBC 1, Ministry of Sound, Solid Steel – Ninja Tune, Mary Anne Hobbs Xfm, Trap and Bass etc. He recently released tracks on Universal Music, Mad Decent, Ultra Music, Main Course, Top Billin, Trap and Bass, Borgore's Buygore and Wiwek's Rimbu. Crystal Fighters called him for an official remix of their hit “Love Alight” and he made the music for a Forever21's ad starring Iggy Azalea. His song “Favelas”, re-edited by RL Grime, is one of the most played tracks in Trap dj sets and "Back and Forth" is the official soundtrack for a GoPro's viral video which reached 3 million Youtube views in less than a week. He also co-produced - together with Big Fish - the Italian platinum hit "Maracanã", singed by Emis Killa and remixed the biggest Italian artists such as Jovanotti, Max Pezzali, Club Dogo and Gemitaiz & MadMan. He recently made a mix for Diplo and Friends on Radio BBC 1 / 1Xtra and he's one of a few Italians called to play at San Siro Stadium.

Tracklist: 

Aquadrop - Higher (Unreleased)

Gammer - Nostalgia (Rustie edit) Kito - Get Faded feat. Tara Carosielli Hudson Mohawke - Scud Books Diplo - Express Yourself feat. Nicky Da B (Tanner Viteri re-work) KOLAJ - The Touch (Indiginis remix) Disclosure feat. Sam Smith - Omen (Dillon Francis remix) Zhu X Dj Snake X Dj Mustard - Faded 2.0 Herobust - Dirty Work NGHTMRE - Street Tkay Maidza - Ghost Boombox Cartel feat. Ian Everson - B2U A. G. Cook - Beautiful (Rustie edit) Baauer - GoGo! Mike Will Made-It feat. The Weeknd - Drinks On Us (Salva remix) Oliver Heldens & Shaun Frank feat. Delaney Jane - Shades Of Grey (Ephwurd remix) Drezo - Guap Valentino Khan - Deep Down Low (Moksi remix) Pep & Rash - Red Roses Lucky Charmes feat. Wiley - Skank (Skank Out) Jauz - Deeper Love Future - Sh!t

Follow Us                                                  Follow Aquadrop

This month's mix has come to us all the way from Russia, with love. Our homie 813 answered some questions and put together a hype mix full of his signature Hypercolor R&B sound. Press play and peep the interview below to get to know him better.

Tracklist

1.Sophie - EEEHHH / Nothing More To Say 2.QT – Hey QT 3.Martin Solveig & GTA - Intoxicated 4.Funkin Matt - America 5.SIROJ - Run away ( Alizzz edit ) 6.Sleepy Tom - Pusher feat. Anna Lunoe 7.GTA X Wiwek Ft. Stush - What We Tell Dem 8.Kapi Rodriguez – Side Fx Boom El Culo 9.Rae Sremmurd - No Flex Zone (Remix) Featuring Nicki Minaj & Pusha T [Prod. By Mike WiLL Made-It] 10.O.T. Genasis - CoCo 11.Flosstradamus - Mosh Pit 12.Flosstradamus - Yellow Claw - Pillz feat. Green Velvet (Original Mix) 13.Waave Racer - Rock U Tonite / Stoopid 14.Pa's Lam System - I'm Coming 15.Untitled 16.DJ Funk - Three Fine Hoes (Sinjin Hawke Remix) 17.Falcons - Flame feat. Stush 18.Major Lazer - Original Don (Flosstradamus Remix) 19.Rustie  - Big Cats 20.Flosstradamus - Prison Riot

Interview

How long have you been producing?

I was a really young kid when I heard 2pac’s “Changes” for the first time.  After that I started to make rap songs but it was weird ‘cause I was young, I’ve never done rap songs before or music.  Later I started to learn more about music but anyway it was just the first steps and it was nice time but far from professional.  Many years later a started to do only music stuff , it was something like Portishead and Tricky. This is pretty long story , but I guess my serious period of producing it’s last 4-5 years.  Moment when I started to learn more about sound , release some stuff , traveling a lot with my live shows worldwide. And I’m rly happy

Why’d you choose the name 813?

These are personal numbers and this is my secret.

How would you describe your sound?

I love to do weird but funny dance music with lot of details and melodies.  Some time ago I decide to call my style “Hypercolor R&B.”  I think this is the best name for my style :)

 How do you like to work on a track?  What’s your process?

Usually for me it’s the idea first!  So first of all I need to record the main idea—main melody and lead.  Only then can I work farther.  Usually the best tracks are the tracks which you do in one breath.  When you record a track and you feel it’s nice and happy, then you can spend your time on sound quality.  For example, my track “Crying Flute” or my recent stuff like “Walking” I recorded in a few hours.  Of course then I spend some time on the right mixing and mastering ‘cause I do the process myself.  Idea first!  That’s the main rule for me.

What or who inspired you to produce? Was there a moment that made you want to make electronic music?

As I said before, I was inspired by 2pac’s song “Changes” many, many, many years ago.  Many years later I heard Flying Lotus, some wonky stuff, and Hudson Mohawke.  I understood music can be so different.  I must say I listen to small amounts of music.  Usually when I’m doing my own stuff I’m just happy to be inside so I can make music without any outside influences (artists, music, etc).  I’ve made music a long time and I understand that the best music is what you feel, honest music from the soul.  Of course I sometimes listen to some stuff and now there’s so much music in the world.  But so much that can’t inspire, sounds the same, same drops, etc.  I can try to do some commercial music and probably get a much larger fan base, but I don’t feel it.  Really, I can’t do trance or house stuff or shitty trap.

You were a firefighter, what made you want to pursue that profession?

This was a crazy and big moment in my life.  For me, it’s one of the best professions.  When I was 18 I got offered to join the firefighters; it was cool for me because I was a young guy and I studied, and it was best job at the moment ‘cause you work 24 hours, then you have 3 days off.  I had enough time to work on music and travel to shows.  Also it was cool for me ‘cause firefighters in Russia are a bit like army soldiers and you get a great experience and gain character as a man.  I was a firefighter around 6 years, then I left because I decide to find another job or only work on music.  It’s a pity but firefighters in Russia get really small pay and lot of them who have families need to do something else, but we love our job anyway.  It was a crazy time, really.

What kind of music did you grow up listening to?

A lot of hip-hop/rap, downtempo, Ninja Tune stuff, Warp, Def Jam, etc.  Later I started listening to Brainfeeder music and some similar, wonky stuff.  I don’t know why, but now I don’t listen to music as often but I still can find something fresh; there are many young (or not so young) cool producers.  I always try to find something special.

What was the first album that you owned?

Hmmm…difficult question.  When I listened to rap music I bought lot of cassettes and they grew.  At one point I had a cool collection of different cassettes; now I need to find them and listen again now haha =).  But which album was the first…I really can’t remember. 

How’s the EDM scene in Moscow and other parts of Russia?

EDM Scene is good in Russia as in other parts of the world, but it’s mostly house,  trance or trap music.  We have lot of nice parties with future bass, jersey club and generally bass stuff, but these genres aren’t as big as trap, for example.  Many young guys and girls don’t know any types of bass music, only trap.  Not all, but most of them.  But generally the scene looks good; I guess we just need a bit more time.  I often meet people who listen to rock for example, but after my shows or my friends’ shows they come up and say something like,  “Man, I don’t know what it is but I love it!” and then they ask you to give them more info about this kind of music.   Funny story by the way: as you can understand, security and bartenders everyday listen to music in clubs and sometimes I want to hug them because they hate the music, it’s too much in their life =) But few times they give me respect because they’re interested in mine.  So probably it’s because people still listen to the radio and watch TV, and our radio and TV are 99% shitty pop stuff.  I’m sure if one day we get channels or stations with bass music and other different genres we’ll get more people who are ready for our sound.  Anyway, generally the EDM scene is pretty nice now.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in Russia?

Hahaha cool question, but don’t know how to answer.  I’ve been trying to answer this question three times but I have so many thoughts about this.  If you’re talking about people, you see a lot of crazy things they can do haha, and this isn’t stupid drunk behavior.  Some Russian guys have conquered Shanghai Tower (the second tallest building in the world), climbing 650 meters.  Also we have crazy beautiful places like Lake Baikal.  Difficult to say, really.   When you live here at some moment you see so much and some things don’t look as crazy :)  By the way, this is one of my favorite videos; it’s a firefighter joke (not kid or dwarf),  this is a man : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4JjcxGUxFw

Who are your favorite producers/artists at the moment?

Lido; I love his chords progressions and how he can put academic music into electronic music.  Also Australian guys Wave Racer, Cosmo Midnight and Sable.

Just recently DJ Mag came out with their Top 100 DJs poll.  Who do think you think truly deserved to be on the list that wasn’t?

Honestly can’t say anything about this.  I never heard of most of them, and not sure I know enough to give any opinion about this.

Any forthcoming shows, collaborations, or an album in the works?

Grades is making a grand entrance into the dance music world with his debut single King. Check out the official music video featuring an adorable but equally badass little Major Lazer/Mega Girl, played by Takasu Raika, who fights to defend her school from monsters.

There's already been a few remixes made of King but our favourite so far is by a guy name Boney. This kid added his on sax, piano, and drums!

Summer is officially right around the corner and celebration is in the air. While most of our classmates were burning textbooks and trying on their caps and gowns, we kicked off our massive fourth installment of HomeSchool in the heart of the city.

Shouts out to our special guests, CRNKN, Tasty Treat, and Planet Rock for coming through and taking it to another level. Also, a special thanks to CFG Rental Group for the killer light installation. Hope to see you all next semester, be sure to stay in School!

#GM005 is here courtesy of our friends 2ToneDisco! Right off the heels of their debut EP, Shojo, which is out now on Play Me Records, these boys put together a very versatile mix of 8bit sounds, trap bangers, and emoji music. We asked our friends a few questions to welcome them to their new home of LA, so while you're listening to our new mix, get to know them better!

Your live show is fantastic. Do you think the live elements are something more people are going out of their way to see?

James - Thank you haha, yea I think you don’t see much live integration in DJ sets, it’s either mostly live or DJ. I think you definitely leave an impression when you mix the two.

Omni - I think whether or not more people are going out of their way to SEE them, artists are definitely going out of their way to CREATE them. I feel like there are 10x more intriguing live shows now than there was even a couple years ago. People are really trying to up their game which is cool.

*Tracklist at the end of the interview.

Any future wishes to take 2toneDisco overseas?

O- Yeah, Definitely Japan since that's where a lot of the influence from the music comes from. I'd also really like to go over to Europe to play to. Music has allowed me to travel to places I would have never seen otherwise so I really wanna continue that.

J- I think we both feel the same about Japan, it would be cool to see the rest of Asia as well.

Are you nervous or excited for the new Star Wars films?

O- I'm excited. There are some people that are treating it like the approach of the antichrist, but people felt the same way about The Phantom Menace and that movie, still had arguably one of the best lightsaber fight scenes in Star Wars history.

J- I am excited, especially with the track record of the new director. Also the fact that Boba Fett actually survived the Sarlacc pit. Fingers crossed for that second appearance. 

What's your favourite gaming franchise of all time?

O- It's a tie between Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear Solid. I'm a sucker for a long, convoluted, dramatic narrative and those 2 series have kind of mastered that.

J- Same.

We know you guys just moved to LA recently, What do you think of the city so far? 

J- So much opportunity and if you are in great company you will meet so many motivated and nice individuals.

O- The city is amazing. I mean it's definitely not a place I want to grow old, but it's kind of a paradise for anybody who's young, active, and trying to do something with their life.

Do you guys miss home at all?

J- I think it’s the family/gf etc and financial comfort, but I feel like I am working on dreams here.

O- I definitely miss the affordability and my family at times, but that's about all I miss.

Your new track "Sakurai" is stylistically, a lot different from your EP. Were you guys just having fun with this track or pursuing new avenues of interest?

O- Well I'm constantly starting songs and producing them at different paces (some get wrapped up in a month, others can take up to 10 months) and as time goes on, I think my production style gradually changes. So I may start a song when I'm really feeling "trap" and not finish it until 6 months later after I've started taking some influence from "jersey club" or "future bass". The end result is a lot of really stylistically mixed up songs haha. That's the long explanation for why Sakurai sounds different from Shojo.

J- I think the styles evolve as new stuff comes out and we get inspired, even if it’s not by a piece of music.

James, do you feel any pressure to keep up with your incredibly dapper partner?

I used to dress up and try but now I have settled for leather jackets as my thing. Occasionally I will try but it’s hard to keep up with that extensive bow tie collection.

Any other claims to fame?

O- I dunno. I'm pretty good at DDR. 

J- Almost went to Korea to compete in an MMORPG Competition for “Ragnorak”. 

#GM005 Tracklist:

2ToneDisco - Shojo

Grant Bowtie - Vivid

instupendo - all choked up.

Kaskade x Adam K x Soha - 4AM (JayKode Remix)

Kan Takahiko - NRG

Fan Fiction - l0st

Sable & Promnite - OMG

8Er$ - Indestructable

Sophie - Lemonade (ESQ Remix)

2ToneDisco - Do Your Thing (IOWA Remix)

2ToneDisco - Games

Ryan Hemsworth - Cold & Tempted

CAV3DIGG3R - Love when you can.

Hitmane - Better Friends

Sushi Killer - Trap Your World

2ToneDisco - Wana

813 - XOXO [GOOD INTENT + YOSHI EDIT]

Hannah Diamond - Every Night (Lil Mystic Edit)

Coyote Kisses - Ferrari

2ToneDisco - PBR

R. Kelly - Cookie (Mace Remix)

三毛猫ホームレス - そばが食べたい

ILOVEMAKONNEN - Tuesday (Blackbird Blackbird Remix)

2ToneDisco - Catnip

fazerock - Bring me back

Trippy Turtle vs Geek Boy - Light of Trippy (2ToneDisco Mash)

Meek Mill - Levels (Baht Remix)

Wayvee - Plain Sight (Zuper Edit)

tdoyle - Face 2 Face

Behold the Mercedez Benz C111. The experimental vehicle broke new ground, and set several speed records when it was first introduced in 1969 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Set against the Hugh Stubbins-designed building, the car’s bold and expressive design successfully illustrates the German car manufacturer’s seasonal sartorial intentions. The colour, orange metallic, originally described as “rosé wine” was a trademark to the C111 concept car series. Less conspicuous, but no less unusual, were the technical innovations; The body consisted of fibre-glass reinforced plastic which was riveted and bonded to the steel frame-floor unit, and was the means by which mercedes tested their then-new Wankel engine. The Wankel engine, was a three-rotor unit, developing 206 kW (280 hp), which provided the propulsion power and permitted a top speed of 260 km/h – quite remarkable for its time. Little more was heard about the wankel engine as the advent of diesel technology rendered it obsolete. The C111, even today, continues to be a beautiful reminder of the timeless design and innovation of Mercedes Benz.

It was announced Friday that Gorillaz, the celebrated mixed media band, would be returning soon. The declaration came with the predictive subtlety of the age when co-founder and illustrator of the raggedy foursome, Jamie Hewlett, posted some new images of band members Noodle and Murdoc on his Instagram feed. It was only when a fan inquired after their meaning that he answered simply: "Yes, Gorillaz returns."

 The cartoon band formed in 1998, helmed by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, who respectively provide the music and illustrations for the band, and share credit for the concept and character formation. Gorillaz first entered the popular stream with their debut hit, "Clint Eastwood," and its subsequent music video, which matched bombastic beats with moody, tonal characters apropos to their role in the song. Over the following decade and some, they would continue to delight fans with forthcoming albums and singles, accompanied with an array of DVDs, visual projects, and music videos that were unburdened by the common plights of real world limitations, each era marked by thematically named Phases. Albarn, already well-learned from his role as frontman for Britpop act Blur, and Hewlett, whose luminous past includes co-creation of the Tank Girl comics, excelled not just in crafting delicious, vibrant music but in world-building: 2D, Russel, Murdoc and Noodle occupied a strange and often symptomatic landscape, which explained their own individual fleshed out oddities.

The toothsome foursome disbanded in 2012, due to a fallout between the two creators. Tensions had allegedly been building since Phase Three: Escape to Plastic Beach. Over the next few years, both parties remained tight-lipped regarding the band's return, though both made separate, multiple hints at the consideration and willingness to contribute towards new material for Gorillaz. This latest update from Hewlett seems to be the most promising implication of their impending return yet.

Even at their most electric, and despite (or, perhaps, in spite of) being cartoons,  Albarn's pop-friendly past has always nurtured an intimacy of the characters and the story Hewlett is drawing them into. The elasticity of being able to invent a band solely through an animated storyboard means that an individual song's motifs can be enlarged upon, and even become literal elements of the video, meaning long after digital media killed the video star, Gorillaz' videos were still able to reign supreme in the cybersphere. Whether stomping the dubious foregrounds of some remote factorial setting, or cruising the barren belt of a wasteland with Bruce Willis, rife with insinuations of a shady destination, or frittering time away in an earthen sky-ship, Gorillaz have proved that you don't necessarily need rustic good looks, form-fitting outfits or other frivolous aesthetic to keep your fanbase glued to the screen.

Over this last weekend, the moguls behind the young but credible Wobbleland festival announced Phase 1 of their 2015 lineup. The event, which will take place in San Jose, California at the City National Civic, put tickets up on sale last week, but are only now revealing the first few headliners of the two day EDM palooza. Until the actual event, new artists will be added every Tuesday and Thursday; today, the first handful arrived!

The added acts include San Jose native bass musician Getter, and local future bass act Trollphace. The initial roster (check out the flier below!) featured up-and-comers like Jackal, who we spun on a mix just last year, and other exciting dubstep and bass artists.

The Wobbleland festival launched only back in 2011, but at its inception featured present day high-profile acts such as Nero and Skrillex, and manages to come back every year with exciting artists. They eagerly promote back to back sets of your favorite new acts, and an electric atmosphere to match the ever-playing soundtrack.

Be sure to follow their official Facebook page if you are so inclined, so you can stay up to date with who you're most excited to check out at the festival. Wobbleland will take place over the weekend of February 28th and March 1st, and it's definitely a wise and welcome way to end its awkward, short predecessor of a month.

-JS

What happens when two superstars collide? It causes a warp through space and time itself, capable of erasing any evidence of a pulsar scientists had been studying for five years now--- sorry, wrong story. What actually happens when an iconic celebrity creates a collection for an iconic sneaker line is probably just as exciting for the high street fashion community.

Celebrated music producer and all around pundit Pharrell Williams has teamed up with the sneaker culture monolith that is Adidas Superstar, to unveil his upcoming line of footwear, the Originals Consortium Superstar collection. This month, he previewed the collection in the Italian publication, L’Officiel Hommes Italia. The Consortium sneakers will be a continuation of the Originals line that Pharrell has already established with the Adidas brand, and it seems they will carry Williams' distinct, vibrant style in a multitude of colors.

It is that same distinction that has made Pharrell such a recognizable tour de force in the world of music production and beyond. Likewise, the familiar, time-proven idiosyncrasies of Adidas Superstar brand - fondly dubbed "shelltoes" by the common plebes - have cemented the style all throughout society. The Superstar line was introduced in 1983 and has been adorned publicly by basketball champions, Run DMC (they even wrote a song about it!), and people of every shape and bend.

This is not Pharrell's first foray in the fashion world. His company, Bionic Yarn, specializes in transforming used materials into durable, fashionable material, yielding a result that is both trendy and ecologically advantageous. Last year, Bionic Yarn collaborated with denim legends G-Star Raw last year to create a collection called "Raw of the Oceans." The man is an unstoppable tsunami himself, after all. Nor is it Adidas' first partnered effort to share their well-crafted footwear with the visionaries of the contemporary fashion world.

The Originals Consortium Superstar collection will not be available until March, but from what we've already seen, it promises to be as explosive as two galaxies ripping each other apart so they can finally be together as one. Or, at the very least, worth checking out this spring.

 -JS

It is a low, sad blow for our community to report that Alex Omes, original co-founder of the iconic annual Ultra Music Festival, has passed away. Omes, 43, died late Monday night, reasons not disclosed. Despite the departure from his post as festival organizer in 2010, it was his and co-founder Russell Faibisch's vision back in 1999 - nearly two decades ago! - that helped to reshape and reform the authenticity of the genres of music we so cherish today, and deepen the bond between fans and producers through live events.

Ultra Music Festival has a well-earned reputation of boasting the current and forthcoming top-notch acts in the EDM scene, and the lush, balmy beauty of its Miami location has never been taken for granted. What has been dubbed "Phase One" of the 2015 Ultra Music lineup was announced two weeks ago. Despite the anticipatory energy that must be simmering at Ultra headquarters, they of course released a statement via Miami New Times expressing their sadness and condolences over his death, adding, "We will continue to remember and celebrate Alex for his love, passion, and contributions to the Electronic Dance Music community."

Although he will be missed, we can lift ourselves up knowing that Omes has inspired a generation of music fans to carry his ideals toward future endeavors. Since its inception, Ultra Music Festival has prompted the growth of other EDM festivals worldwide; in the last two years, Ultra debuted events in Europe and Africa which respectively took place in Croatia, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. These and other adaptations of such festivals continue to flourish, and unite countless fans and artists through the best medium possible. By that, we honor the legacy of Alex Omes and those who aspire after him..

-JS

(Source: Miami New Times )

It isn't always easy to remember how fortunate we are to live in an age where technological development is used just as much to enhance the human experience as it is to improve it. Many aspiring engineers, artists and innovators work within parameters that are both creative and necessity based, and while very few can vouch for ever needing a technology like face hacking, there are plenty of people who want to experience that kind of visual trip.

 Japan-based projection artist Omote, whose real name is Nobumichi Asai, recently released a series of videos revealing his newest performance piece, called face hacking. Armed with a team of artists versed in 3D mapping and CG visuals, as well as intricate data scanners and projection technology, Omote brings new depth to the notion of an uncanny valley by morphing the facial features of two men. Since this is an art piece and not a mere demonstration of skill, the visuals are accompanied with sharp, rising cliffs and zigzagging electronic music.

Preferring to keep the precise methodology behind his art private, Omote's audiences are enticed by the sight of morphing shapes, masks and animal faces being installed onto a human visage with profound accuracy. Because of the mastery behind the visual mapping (you see the scan occur briefly in each video), the men are able to move their faces and retain the images as if their features had been actually transformed. It is a spectacularly cool sight to witness, and hopefully a craft that will eventually ignite and help reform the visual dimension of music. Check out one of the the videos below, and be sure to stop by Nobumichi's own website.

One thing that most every American enjoys is good, strong denim. Our shared, near-universal love for the textile has carried its use from the late 1700s, where its durability popularized it amongst blue-collar, manual labor workers, to today, where its versatility makes it a valuable material for the fashion world, to anywhere in between due to its insane adaptability.

So, of course we are excited to share the news that Stampd, a local favorite high street fashion brand here in LA, will be re-releasing their "Stampd Moto Denim" line of trousers beginning today. Moto denim, or motorcycle denim, is produced by inscribing details directly into the jean: ribbing, premeditated rips, and most notably embedded patterns and designs.

Many manufacturers have made jeans, jackets, skirts and similar garb in this style, but Stampd's version adheres to its iconic style that has helped maintain its reputation as an "avantstreet" brand. With its basic, high-brow style that has made it a cherished acumen amongst high street fashion, the challenge of incorporating such clean, exquisite design into a fabric as multifaceted as denim certainly makes this limited release worthwhile. Head on over to stampd.com, starting today, and check out this exclusive line before it sells out

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope everyone is enjoying a safe and festive holiday season! Last Sunday night was the Winter Solstice: an important date in Pagan tradition, a point of controversy for some theologians, but for most of us it is memorably the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. If that sounds unseasonably gloomy, just remember that it means we will be blessed with a little more sunshine every day from here on out!

In the spirit of the holidays, we are excited to release our fourth guest mix with Vices, a future bass duo from Orlando, Florida. They are members of the Moving Castle collective, an inspiring group of young and hungry producers the world over. Indulge your ears in this genre-blending mix below:

TRACKLIST

PARTYNEXTDOOR - Recognize ft. Drake (Vices Remix)

Mariah Carey - Shake It Off (Wuki Club Remix)

Camp Lo - Luchini (SLUGGERS WMC Remix)

Mace & Coko - Sunshine

Mishon - Luckiest Man (Tatsuro Remix)

Trey Songz - NaNa (Trippy Turtle Remix)

Vices & Jailo - Know Y I Came

Zhu - Faded (Vices & Jailo Remix)

Astronomar - Thot Process (DVST DEVIL Remix)

ID - Shwoop

SPF666 - Scorpion Cache (Neana ‘Val Venis’ Mix) (Vices Vocal Edit)

Sonora - Count the Bodies

M.I.A. - YALA (Falcons Remix)

OG Maco - U Guessed It (Durkin Rework)

ScHoolboy Q - Studio (Vices & Yung Wall Street Remix)

Vices & Tatsuro - Don’t Stop

Dolphin Tears - Pregnant 

Dugong Jr - In Love

Alina Baraz & Galimatias - Fantasy (Vices Remix)

Mariah Carey - You’re Mine (Hunt for the Breeze x Manila Killa Edit)

LIZ - Turn Around

Kid Ink - Body Language ft. Usher & Tinashe (Dolphin Tears Remix)

Bamf - 99

Ed Sheeran - Sing (Trippy Turtle Remix)

Dougie F & DJ Fire - Back Up On It (eSenTRIK Remix) (Ft. Mark Johns)

Be sure to check out our other post for a fun interview that the gents of Vices were gracious enough to grant us. We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming new year as much as we are; 2015 promises to be a big one for All Mine.

Vices: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

All Mine: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter