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 @ RYZE. Grand Opening #Toronto 2013

Once again the queen of techno graced us with her presence, this time for the grand opening of Toronto’s newest venue – RYZE Nightclub. Different venue, same result…Slaughterhouse.

Here’s the video proof:

Until the next event, catch you on the dance-floor.

Stilez

So the first ever Electric Island with Seth Troxler happened. What’s next?

The Victoria Day long weekend always marks the unofficial start to the summer and outdoor party season here in Toronto. It also marked the beginning of something new in Toronto (not entirely new, it just hasn’t happened in a very long time). Dance music made its way to Centre Island, Olympic Island to be exact, and so began the dawn of a new outdoor Dance Music party in the city. Those behind the event are well known in the Toronto club scene and have also successfully hosted several large outdoor festivals of their own, respectfully (Embrace, Footwork, and Platform Ent.).

Rumours have it that the crowd was double the size expected and caught the organizers off guard. I’m not sure what the final numbers were, but it seemed as if the turnout overwhelmed everyone involved, leading to some headaches with lines and services. Another major complaint was the sound system, however, the organizers have personally addressed the issue, acknowledged that it was lacklustre and promised to have a proper sound system in place for the next one. Knowing the parties involved, I have no doubt they will be on top of that.

Here’s a nice little recap video by the folks over at EDMTOR.com

That being said, the day started beautifully sunny and somewhat warm, but once the sun set, boy did it ever get chilly by the lake, lesson learned. Be sure to bring a knapsack with you including sweater or jacket, plus pants, just in case the crazy Toronto weather changes at the blink of an eye. Another great tip is to look outside the festival grounds for food e.g. Pizza Pizza, since the company who was catering the event ran out of food somewhat early in the night.  It’ll be hard to top the talent that was involved in the first Electric Island event on Centre Island (Seth Troxler, Carlo Lio & Nathan Barato (The Roaches), My Favorite Robot,  Jon Jon) but if rumours are true that legendary dj/producer Sasha, Audiofly, and Guy Gerber will be headlining the next Electric Island, well then I stand corrected. 

Fingers are crossed that this is true, because that would mean one of the greatest long weekend’s in Toronto, dance music wise, considering Digital Dreams is taking place on Saturday and Sunday the same long weekend as Electric Island. In the event that you can’t make it down, the boys at Way of Acting will be live-streaming the entire event again. Until the next party, see you on the dancefloor!

-Stilez