REVIEW: Nicole Moudaber @ Footwork Nightclub (05/10/2013)

The last time I saw Nicole Moudaber (Click Here) I hadn’t taken many pictures or videos because I was so mesmerized and entranced by her sound that I danced the night away without realizing I hadn’t really taken my phone from my pocket for most of the night. I was determined to get better footage and photos this time around, regardless of how good of a time I was having, in order to share with you all just how amazing she is live. I’m glad to report that I was successful in my quest…..somewhat. I still didn’t take many pictures or videos, but the ones I did manage to get, seemed to have done the job in capturing the moment and vibe inside Footwork.

The UK based, Nigerian born Lebanese and Queen of Techno, with her wild curly hair has catapulted to the top of underground Electronic Dance music charts all over the world since her last visit to Footwork. However, her spectacular rise to success shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s followed her career. Steadily releasing some of the best tracks of the past year, it’s no wonder Adam Beyer’s record label Drumcode snatched her up. Just like the last time she was here, it was a packed house from start to finish for her Believe Tour this past Friday night inside Footwork Nightclub. The masses came out in full force to dance and sweat, and sweat they did! So much so, that the ceiling and walls were dripping from condensation. Now I realize that sounds gross to many, but that’s when you know that a party has hit ‘Next Level’ status and moved well into the Epic category. It’s also important to note that this past weekend was Footwork’s 8yr anniversary celebration, and what better way to celebrate than to have Nicole lay down some proper techno. The moment of the night is when she was handed over a Maple Leafs jersey to wear, and the crowd started chanting “Go Leafs Go!”.

Nicole has been unstoppable this past year, and her recently released debut album already has certified chart toppers. Her next big step is starting her own label called MOOD, and I eagerly await to see in which direction she takes that venture. For now, check out her current stuff at the following links, in the event that you haven’t yet taken the plunge and exposed yourself to some dirty, filthy techno. You’re welcome.

● Twitter – http://bit.ly/TMCFeg
● Myspace – http://mysp.ac/TMCPlP
● Facebook – http://on.fb.me/TMEwzN
● Soundcloud – http://bit.ly/TMCYG0
● Resident Advisor – http://bit.ly/TMD0hb
● Beatport – http://btprt.dj/TMD5kN
● Youtube – http://bit.ly/TMDdRs
● Mixcloud – http://bit.ly/TMDmUV
● Google+ – http://bit.ly/TME8RZ
● Official FM – http://bit.ly/TMDILa
● Beatport DJs – http://btprt.dj/TMDm7s

Until the next event, see you on the dancefloor.
-Stilez

Warm-Up Sessions: A New Kind of Pre-Party Event Emerges In Toronto

For those who don’t know by now, there’s a new exclusive weekly Dance Music event that has people talking in circles that frequent the underground Electronic Music scene here in Toronto, it’s called The Warm-Up Sessions. If you are familiar with the Boiler Room format and concept, the guys behind The Warm Up Sessions took inspiration from it, DanceTrippin and Ibiza pre-party culture to create their own underground Dance Music show. What separates these events from all other Electronic Music events in Toronto, is that they stream the entire event LIVE online from beginning to end, using various cameras strategically placed in and around the dj booth so that those who are not in attendance can get a bird’s view of the dj, the crowd, and the venue.

Warm Up Sessions is a weekly forum where DJs, promoters, and industry people will gather to share, inspire, and promote.

This past Saturday I attended my third Warm-Up Session since it began. Located deep in the heart of Toronto at an undisclosed location (an empty industrial underground loft space located in downtown Toronto). It was their seventh edition, and was in association with Ozmozis Productions and bringthebeats. It was the official pre-party for Eelke Kleijn‘s Canadian debut at Toika Lounge, alongside Toronto’s own Andrew McDonnell,
who’s recent production has been garnering much hype and play by huge internationals such as Hernán Cattáneo.

Warm Up Sessions are currently not open to the public, but on an Invite Only basis. The venue has a 400-person capacity, but is capped at 100 people to allow for an intimate and exclusive vibe. For me, this week’s event was the best one yet. The music was absolutely phenomenal. I had never heard of Eelke Kleijn before Saturday, needless to say, he has a newly found fan in me. Even though I knew it would end early and that the party would be heading to Toika Lounge afterwards, I just could not get enough of the sounds that he was playing. In case you missed the Warm Up Session, this is what you missed, the full three hours recorded for your listening pleasure. Including opening sets by Cesar Caballero and Andrew McDonnell:

Warm-Up Sessions – #7 (Click link)

This has quickly become a favourite of mine, and I’m always looking forward to the next one. Until the next event. See you on the dancefloor!
-Stilez

I got featured on: BlogTO’s – 10 Photographers to follow on Instagram

via BlogTO.com

Last week Toronto’s premier website/blog – BlogTO, which focuses on all things Toronto, kindly featured me (@Stilez) as 1 of 10 photographers to follow on Instagram. Aside from being extremely humbled at the inclusion, I was, and still am, shocked. Mainly because I am by no means a photographer, professional or otherwise. I don’t own and have never owned a DSLR or have any formal training whatsoever. All my pictures are either taken with my iPhone 4S or new Samsung Galaxy Camera (recent addition). I have always had a keen eye for design, patterns, or general artistically aesthetic subjects, and I suppose my Architectural background plays a part in my love for symmetry, design, and is reflected in the types of pictures I post, but surprisingly it’s not those pictures that caught the attention of the editor Dereck Flack. What caught his eye were my pictures of djs, clubs, parties, and concerts throughout Toronto.

Please feel free to follow me on Instagram if you are so inclined. I’ve included the link to my account above. I have an idea for a series of photographs that I’ll be starting soon, so keep an eye out for those. A huge shout out to BlogTO for the mention. Greatly appreciated.

-Stilez