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Leading up to Halloween, San Francisco’s iconic venue, The Midway, acted as the perfect backdrop for the two well-known talents, deadmau5 and ZHU, who brought their distinctive sounds to the Bay Area for one collaborative weekend.

One of the days was dedicated to the spooky atmosphere of “Day of the deadmau5,” and the next day, ZHU and deadmau5 performed their traditional styles of outside-the-lines dance music.

Now, what attendees may or may not have realized was not only were they getting to see these artists, but they were also getting to experience their techno alter egos, deadmau5 as TESTPILOT and ZHU as BLACKLIZT, giving a rare look at their underground personas, as well as the roots of their individual sounds.

We’ve seen a rise in many artists creating these alter egos as a way to explore new creative directions while still staying true to their roots.

Getting to experience two big names in the industry coming together to share the duality of their identities made for a memorable weekend. Keep reading to hear our thoughts on the SF takeover of these two iconic artists:

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October 21: “Day of The deadmau5”

With a stacked first day featuring “Day of The deadmau5”, we made sure to arrive early for many reasons.

One is that we didn’t want to miss ZHU’s exclusive BLACKLIZT set opening for deadmau5. Two, The Midway has really great food so we had to fuel up for all the dancing. Chicken tenders and Red Bull in hand we headed into the crowd in the open-air venue.

It was easy to recognize even before ZHU took the stage as BLACKLIZT, the setup was already distinguishable from his regular performance, where he typically has a band alongside him.

For BLACKLIZT he was DJing with empty mannequins scattered around him, all framed by a really gorgeous California sunset. The mysterious ZHU energy was present in the stage design, and throughout the set, there was that additional touch of techno seduction that truly differentiated it from his usual sound.

Once the crowd was hyped, it was time. The moment had come for deadmau5 to take center stage and bring us “Day of The deadmau5”.

The buildup was there and for the first few minutes, there was that tease of techno, preparing us for what was to come at the TESTPILOT after-party taking place later that night.

He then made that transition into the more recognizable deadmau5 sound, with all of its intricate complexities that leave a person feeling transported into a euphoric soundscape only a producer of deadmau5’s years of experience is capable of curating.

Along with the high-level production, visuals, and even an entire drone show to go along with the theme, it was truly an immersive experience.

After a stellar show, in true EDM Maniac fashion we of course went to the afters inside the second room of the Midway. There’s no way we were missing a techno afterparty, let alone one featuring deadmau5’s techno alter ego TESTPILOT.

TESTPILOT’s after-party definitely showcased his creative ability to deliver within a different genre. The show gave off that dark, warehouse energy that had much of the crowd hypnotized.

The true techno lovers were the ones still standing. Even though it was the end of the night, many people were still locked into the visuals and dancing, completely in their element.

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October 22: deadmau5 ZHU Weekender

The next day we were back at the Midway for round two with both deadmau5 and ZHU performing.

It was again a packed house with some of the crowd attending from the previous day. We made it just in time to see ZHU come on stage, and visually it was already a different experience from what was showcased the day before.

On stage was a two-tiered deck with the band set up below and ZHU set above. The set started with some recognizable tracks and then in true ZHU fashion, he really seduced us with his vocals, seamlessly adding the other instruments of the band.

There’s a certain allure that ZHU is able to achieve in all of his live sets, and that seduction was heightened when it started raining in the middle of him singing “In The Morning”.

Finishing the weekend with a bang, deadmau5 showed up with everything he had, kicking off the set with TESTPILOT and transitioning into his more signature melodies. Despite the rain, the energy was still high, with everyone continuing to dance and be immersed in the performance.

Overall, it was a unique experience that not only showcased these two artists’ music, but the creative boundaries they individually continue to push and their ability to curate immersive experiences that create connection between them and their audiences.

All images courtesy of deadmau5.

The post Alter Egos: deadmau5 X TESTPILOT And ZHU X BLACKLIZT In San Francisco appeared first on EDM Maniac.

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By: Dianna Baylor
Title: Alter Egos: deadmau5 X TESTPILOT And ZHU X BLACKLIZT In San Francisco
Sourced From: edmmaniac.com/deadmau5-testpilot-zhu-blacklizt/
Published Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:27:01 +0000

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Teamworx and Yam Refaeli Join Forces on Heartfelt Single ‘Until We’re Falling Down’

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In a remarkable fusion of creativity and technology, a collaborative initiative has emerged, bringing together five individuals from diverse artistic backgrounds to create a poignant musical experience. The team includes the dynamic DJ duo and producers, Teamworx (Ben Azoulay and Saar Lagziel), the renowned singer/songwriter Yam Rafaeli (X-Factor Israel finalist), and the visionary project leaders, Tamir Yeshayahu and Idan Shakorka.

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Their journey took a unique and exciting turn as they delved into the creation of a song that transcends conventional boundaries. Leveraging the power of AI video technology, they artfully reconstructed the events of a tragic massacre, weaving together a narrative that seeks to leave a lasting impact.

The accompanying video is not for the faint-hearted, as the combination of evocative visuals and a compelling storyline ensures that no eye remains dry. The creators acknowledge that not everyone may be able to watch the entire clip due to its emotional intensity.

The genesis of the song lies in heartfelt conversations with survivors and extensive research across various networks. The lyrics encapsulate a range of emotions, from profound sadness and anger to a resilient hope that authentically reflects the human experience in the face of tragedy.

Beyond being a mere composition, the song holds a profound purpose—to inspire people to sing, dance, and engage with the accompanying video. The vision is to spread this musical tribute to dance floors across the globe, fostering awareness and creating a lasting memorial for friends lost on that fateful day.

At the heart of the song’s narrative are the stark events of October 7 at the Nova Festival. The lyrics vividly address a horrific massacre where over 300 attendees, seeking nothing but the joy of dancing peacefully, lost their lives at the hands of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

Yam Rafaeli’s impactful vocal delivery, combined with Teamworx’s masterful production, creates a connection that transcends the auditory experience. For those seeking a deeper connection, a compelling 3-minute video clip accompanies the audio, providing a visceral and emotional visual experience.

As the creators aim for the song to find its place in the playlists of renowned DJs and resonate across global dance floors, “Dance until we fall” stands as a powerful artistic endeavor—a tribute, a call to action, and a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The post Teamworx and Yam Refaeli Join Forces on Heartfelt Single ‘Until We’re Falling Down’ appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Andy Bedhun
Title: Teamworx and Yam Refaeli Join Forces on Heartfelt Single ‘Until We’re Falling Down’
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/teamworx-and-yam-refaeli-join-forces-on-heartfelt-single-until-were-falling-down/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teamworx-and-yam-refaeli-join-forces-on-heartfelt-single-until-were-falling-down
Published Date: Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:08:30 +0000

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Fred again.. Samples Baby Keem in Stellar ‘leavemealone’

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I can’t really begin this article without commending Fred again.. for his insane production and mixing skills. Ok that feels better… Fred Again.. brings out an unique blend of Baby Keem’s ‘South Africa’ and ‘Bullies’ to craft ‘leavemealone’. The Atlantic Records track is a nasty electro journey with Jungle influences and incredible melodies. The result is 3:43 minutes of pure goosebumps.

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A post shared by Fred again.. (@fredagainagainagainagainagain)

‘leavemealone’

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The song introduces a blend of Baby Keem’s original tracks in a masterful positioning, adding reverbs and stuttering that makes transitions seamless. The build up is as emotional as it is sick in the best way possible. It’s so good you just want to cry on the dancefloor as you keep dancing and your tears turn into joy. The hip hop elements fuse with the Electro and UK style in a very dynamic composition. Fred again.. really outdid himself with this one. The repitches and stutters are so well presented it is truly a Grammy-worthy situation.

Baby Keem

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The American Rapper is known for his role on the Black Panther soundtracks, as well as credit contributions for Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. His free flowing style with heavy trap and bass influences made him the right candidate for the UK producer Fred again.. to ascertain his prowess and construct this masterpiece of a track.

Fred again.. and again?

The UK producer and DJ just gets better and better. He worked with Skrillex and Four Tet for ‘Rumble’. Besides, he produced happiness anthems like ‘Delilah (pull me out of this)’ Fred again.. is a force in this era. Alone this year, He managed to book an eight-night residency at the Shrine in LA. And, gave us three nights at Forrest Hills Stadium. Moreover, he is now a nominatee for Best Dance/Electronic Album at this year’s Grammy Awards for Actual Life 3 (January 1- September 9 2022). His ability to develop story like songs and albums that feel like intimate journal entries is such a beautiful ability.

Nevertheless, we present you ‘leavemealone’:

The post Fred again.. Samples Baby Keem in Stellar ‘leavemealone’ appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Jay Seabrook
Title: Fred again.. Samples Baby Keem in Stellar ‘leavemealone’
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/fred-again-samples-baby-keem-in-stellar-leavemealone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fred-again-samples-baby-keem-in-stellar-leavemealone
Published Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:21:15 +0000

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Summer Camp Festival Evolves Into New Concept, Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie

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Summer Camp Festival in Illinois has had an impressive 22-year run. The creators will enter an exciting new era in 2024 with their new festival concept: Solshine: A Music and Arts Reverie. Debuting at Summer Camp’s beloved venue of Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois, the first-ever edition of Solshine will take place from Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26, 2024. There will also be a pre-party on Thursday, May 23.

The festival has expanded from 2,000 attendees in 2001 to over 25,000 attendees in 2023. They present a cross-genre music lineup and experiential programming helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase and inclusive community. Over the years the festival also hosted a wide variety of music acts including Tom Petty, Zac Brown Band, Skrillex, Diplo, Griz, Goose, Pretty Lights, Subtronics, Primus, Willie Nelson & Family, Liquid Stranger, Rebelution, REZZ, Slightly Stoopid, STS9, The Disco Biscuits, Excision, Zeds Dead and many more.

Looking toward the future while celebrating the past, Summer Camp’s organizers will channel their flagship event’s longstanding legacy into their new Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie concept. The festival will host a diverse, cross-genre lineup of musical acts spanning jam bands, electronic, bluegrass, funk, rock, and everything in between. In addition to its music programming, the Solshine will offer a variety of workshops, food & craft vendors, and activities – the heart and soul of what made Summer Camp a ‘home away from home’ for attendees who returned year after year. 

Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie will also retain Summer Camp’s core ethos of building an inclusive community around music. Through its mission of sustainability, the festival will aim to inspire attendees to live a life of intention and purpose to create a positive impact on the world. To capture this spirit, the festival will host the coveted experiential art area The Illumination Woods, and the permanent garden SOULPATCH as a dedicated area to increase knowledge of permaculture and sustainability.  

Tickets are available here!

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The post Summer Camp Festival Evolves Into New Concept, Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Drew Barkin
Title: Summer Camp Festival Evolves Into New Concept, Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/summer-camp-festival-evolves-into-new-concept-solshine-a-music-arts-reverie/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-camp-festival-evolves-into-new-concept-solshine-a-music-arts-reverie
Published Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:17:49 +0000

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