REVIEW: Dj Sneak Bday Beats @ 794 Bathurst #Toronto #HouseMusic

Last weekend I was invited to, and finally visited, 794 Bathurst – the new venue for Footwork events in Toronto.  Having a long stint in the entertainment district just off of King West, last month we saw Footwork close its doors and were anxious to see what would come next.  Situated across the street from Bathurst subway station, and just a few doors south of Toronto landmark, St. Peter’s, 794 Bathurst is the venue formally known as the Annex Wreckroom.

What a great venue this is.  To put size into perspective, it’s probably double (if not slightly more than) the size of what Footwork was.  It’s large enough for people to move around and not interrupt those who are punishing the dancefloor, yet small enough to maintain that intimate setting the old Footwork was known for.

I caught most of the birthday boy’s (Dj Sneak) back-to-back set with Mark Farina, and really enjoyed the sexy house, with a touch of tech – it was the perfect combination for the seasoned clubbers that were in attendance. If you’re planning to hit this place up, take note: it’s not the kind of club where phones or cameras are out taking blurry pictures of djs, and there’s definitely no shoulder riding. The people were there for the love of the music.

Overall, I had a fantastic time in the new space. As was expected from the Footwork team, a great venue at a great location. I’m still curious to see what they’ll be naming it, as 794 Bathurst, while different, just doesn’t have that “Footwork” ring to it.

Until the next event, see you on the dancefloor.

@Stilez

World famous @BoilerRoomTV comes to #Toronto

UPCOMING BROADCAST
RBMA X 3024 DOVERCOURT TAKEOVER
1900-2300 (EST)  TORONTO

This show is private.

Everyone else, you get to watch amazing live music from home for free

http://boilerroom.tv/session/rbma-x-3024-dovercourt-takeover/

@Stilez

BPM Festival 2014 Teaser Video

If you haven’t seen this video yet, here you go! Already getting people excited and planning their trip, the official BPM Festival 2014 teaser video is just a taste of what’s to come. Seems like most of Toronto heads down to Mexico for this amazing festival. A lot of local djs also make it on the bill, and so it manages to have a uniquely familiar vibe, but in an exotic location. I hope to make it down this year for what is sure to be a good one.

Stilez

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