Can you tell us about some of the parties/venues that shaped you as an artist and a performer?
Diego Camejo: The first venue I started DJing at consistently was Mokai. Being the resident here has taught me so much. Because it is a small boutique club, it is naturally a very intimate setting. It is a venue where people are not necessarily going to focus on the DJs performance; they’re their to have a good time, which makes it more difficult as a DJ to craft a set that gets people’s attention.
"When am I in a state of Trance? When I listen to a good track, a track that I really like. One that's energetic, euphoric, uplifting," said Armin van Buuren on the latest episode of UMF TV, which brings fans on a special revisit to 'A State Of Trance' at Ultra 2012 with none other than, Armin himself.
The feature focuses heavily on Trance music. The genre has exploded over the years and you can hear how it has grown from Armin, Dash Berlin, Sander van Doorn, Ferry Corsten, Cosmic Gate and Gareth Emery who all played at the arena.
Word has spread that Armin will be joining the festivites again at Ultra 2013 on both weekends but you can catch him first when he plays the show of a lifetime at Pier 36 in NYC on New Year's Eve! For tickets and more information click here.
The year was 1967 when the world saw its first music festival. It was The Monterey International Pop Music Festival that took place over three days on June 16-18 in Monterey, California. The fest has become known as the first major American appearance of Jimi Hendrix and The Who. It put Janis Joplin on the map in the rock world and saw Otis Redding perform and break traditions. Monterey would shape the mold for future music festivals such as Woodstock in 1969 and every other music festival to come after. It's been years in the making, but the music festival continues to be ever evolving.
Meet John Hamilton – a 23 year-old DJ making his way through the ever-present dance music scene. He’s opened for the likes of Steve Aoki and TV Rock and most recently turned heads at The Belvedere Music Lounge at the W South Beach during Miami Music Week. Like most, I was there to check out the event and see the heavy hitter lineup that featured Sander Van Doorn, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and Tiesto, among others. But it wasn’t Tiesto nor Sander that had everyone talking. Instead, it was Sacramento native John Hamilton that got everyone's attention. He has the stage presence that resembles some of the greats, a talented ear, an ambitious attitude, a humble personality and a great look - a lot of qualities that could potentially result in superstardom. I sat down with the NYU senior to find out how it all began and where it’s going.
Take it from me, it’s hard to find an oasis in the middle of Collins Avenue on the busiest week of the year in Miami, that is, unless of course you were invited to the exclusive Belvedere Music Lounge at the W Hotel in South Beach.
Past the bevy of sunbathing 20-somethings at the guest pool and through a winding grove was a lush space filled with plush white lounge furniture, bars that served three different complimentary Belvedere drinks and a refreshingly attractive and sophisticated crowd. Oh, and not to mention some of the biggest names in dance music as well as fresh talent behind the decks.
Slovenian DJ and music producer Uroš Umek has been wooing crowds with his unique techno/tech house style since the '90s. Umek is considered to be one of the founding fathers of Eastern European electronica, and his record label, Sixteenofive, is one of the world’s fasting growing techno labels. In 2011, he earned the title of Beatport’s Best Artist and was ranked 29th in DJ Magazine's "Top 100 DJ’s". Umek's music continues to top Beatport’s techno charts, and he's been remixing major artists like Carl Cox, M.I.K.E., and John Digweed.
It’s been five months since world-famous DJ Bob Sinclar helped reopen Amnesia nightclub in Miami Beach. And in those five months, Amnesia has taken back its previous title as one of the hottest clubs in Miami, ranking alongside LIV, Arkadia and Mansion. Yes, with the help of co-owner Bob Sinclar, Amnesia has regained its heart, soul, and spirit to once again bring blasting music and luxury experiences to guests.
In every genre of music, there are artists who stand out and shine amongst the mainstream public. Like the “popular” kids in high school, these artists' names are known by everyone and enjoy industry royalty and limelight. Their name alone is enough to help their songs top the charts and their albums to sell out again and again, deeming them the flavor of the week, month, year…
So behind every superstar DJ who’s tearing up the nightclubs and venerated by fans during ULTRA and Electric Zoo, stands thrice lesser known producers with material sure to tear up your speakers and contend to take over your Spotify Playlist…if given the chance.
Get ready Miami, this weekend is not only bringing us Ultra and Miami Music Week, but it is also bringing us several food events!
Tomorrow, two food festivals will fill our streets: the Taste of Brickell and the Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival.
The Taste of Brickell Food and Wine Festival is a significant annual community outreach event, with the goal of providing a fun-filled day of music, outstanding food, and fun for the community of Miami and South Florida. More than fifty restaurants, sponsors, and non-profit organizations help bring thousands of people together to experience a diverse exchange of food and music in the heart of Brickell Miami.