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Portola Music Festival 2023 in San Francisco met many expectations from fans and personalities of the dance music world. The festival, which debuted last fall, just hosted its second edition during the weekend of September 30 through October 1. Portola Music Festival 2023 returned to Pier 80 in San Francisco’s Dogpatch District, which was also the location of last year’s premier edition, and the past two days of the festival were memorable occasions that one will never forget. San Francisco has hosted plenty of awesome music events and festivals over the many decades and this weekend’s Portola Music Festival welcomed the best in House, Techno, Indie, Hip-Hop, and other wonderful artists from diverse genres. Here is the event review of this past weekend’s Portola Music Festival.

*Featured Cover Photo Credit: Portola Festival/ALIVE Coverage

The First Steps Inside Portola Music Festival

The festival’s location of Pier 80 is located a block away from one of San Francisco’s top nightclubs/entertainment venues, The Midway. In fact, from The Midway are two entrances that lead to Portola Music Festival, one from Cesar Chavez Street and one from Marin Street. Once arriving inside Pier 80, fans can see the importance of the pier in global trade since Pier 80 is San Francisco’s only pier that can support direct unloading of materials from ships to railroad cars for further transportation and distribution of goods. Fans will have noticed diverse food stalls and bar booths spread throughout the festival’s grounds and the same goes for other amenities such as merchandise stands, medical tents, lockers, and restrooms.

Portola Music Festival 2023
Photo Credit: Portola Festival/ALIVE Coverage

Stages of the 2023 edition

The four stages of this year’s Portola Music Festival all provided fantastic music from multiple artists of various styles of music. The four stages of Portola Music Festival 2023 were Crane Stage, Ship Stage, Warehouse, and the main Pier Stage. Crane Stage is located in front of the pier’s longstanding shipyard crane and nearby Ship Stage established itself in front of a large US Navy ship. Meanwhile, Warehouse is the stage inside the pier’s large warehouse that many Tech House and Techno fans, especially fans of Dark Techno, are starting to love. Last but not least, the Pier Stage provided fans with headlining acts that performed unforgettable sets and performances.

Portola 2023 Music Festival
Photo Credit: Portola Festival/ALIVE Coverage

The memorable artists at the festival’s Day 1

Crane Stage on Day 1 (Sept. 30) witnessed delightful sets from artists like Chromeo, SBTRKT, Cobrah, and Flying Lotus. On that same day, Ship Stage got to see House, Indie, and Electro-R&B stars like Dom Dolla, Major Lazer B2B Major League DJZ, Jai Paul, Purple Disco Machine, and Underworld excite the fans.

Upon entering the Warehouse on Day 1, it felt like entering top-notch warehouse raves in Berlin, London, and Sydney when listening to gnarly producers like LF System, DJ Koze, and Chris Lake as he did a B2B set with the legendary Armand Van Helden. As for the Pier Stage, Pop and Electronic music stars such as FKJ, Nelly Furtado, Polo & Pan, and Eric Prydz turned up the volume. Regarding Prydz himself, he brought his now-famous HOLO production to the Portola Music Festival crowd as they were awe-struck at the visuals that the production provided on that night.

Portola 2023
Photo Credit: Portola Festival/ALIVE Coverage

Day 2 enhanced the atmosphere

As Day 2 started, many fans reentering festival grounds were still amazed by the music they got to listen live from the previous day. Crane Stage on Day 2 saw artists such as Azzecca, Masego, the old-school lads of Basement Jaxx, and The Blaze uplift the great vibes of that area of the festival. Ship Stage hosted artists like Kavinsky, Kenny Beats, and Little Dragon as they amazingly merged various genres into grand musical styles that everyone definitely enjoyed listening to. The Warehouse stage really provided a world-class warehouse rave atmosphere as top electronic music superstars, past and present, like Bonobo, Belgian techno superstar Charlotte De Witte, and the phenomenal house legend that is Carl Cox played out very superb sets that made the Warehouse shook for hours.

As for the Pier Stage itself on Day 2, music talents who are rising, trending, and/or phenomenally superb with names like Thundercat, Rina Sawayama, Labrinth, and Skrillex himself really completed this 2023 edition of Portola Music Festival. When Skrillex came on for the last set of Pier Stage, the crowd went wild with gleeful delight. When he played tracks like ‘Rumble‘ and ‘Badders‘, the fans went on a joint massive “dance-and-sing-a-along” as they vibed to the beats. Concurrently, standing at the stage area of the Pier Stage when Skrillex performed can make the fans feel like they’re back in 2011 again, listening to Skrillex for the first time.

Portola 2023 Festival Review
Photo Credit: Portola Festival/ALIVE Coverage

Closing statements

The second edition of Portola Music Festival went very well and learned a few lessons from last year’s edition, particularly when it comes to balancing sound levels and ensuring perfect spaces between the performers and the fans. When observing the whole area of Portola Music Festival, one can see the skyline of San Francisco in the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay itself and wondering which new, exciting music festival will establish itself in the “City by the Bay”. Hopefully perhaps in next year’s edition of the festival (or future editions), the food options can be cheaper and/or the festival become a three-day extravaganza, just like internationally-renowned festivals such as Ultra Music Festival and EDC. Listen to the official Portola Spotify playlist to look back on or transport oneself back to this weekend’s very cool festival.

The post [EVENT REVIEW] Portola Music Festival 2023 Met Many Expectations appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Ken Ngo
Title: [EVENT REVIEW] Portola Music Festival 2023 Met Many Expectations
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/10/event-review-portola-music-festival/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=event-review-portola-music-festival
Published Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:49:54 +0000

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Producer Discusses What One Million Spotify Streams Earned Him This Year

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Among many Spotify success stories and the debate on their royalties system going forward, German electronic musician Hainbach adds to the situation. Amidst the echoes of Taylor Swift’s staggering royalties, Hainbach steps forward, revealing the harsh truth of his one million Spotify streams in 2023. This revelation comes in a somber tone, as the composer discloses that his milestone translates to a mere £2,160 in royalties – $2,742.65 in today’s money. This is a sum that, while helpful, barely covers his utility bills. The chasm between Spotify’s glamorous facade and the financial struggles of experimental artists becomes starkly evident.

For Hainbach, the journey to the six-figure year comes primarily from just a few of his tracks. ‘The Guide‘, a 2020 release, hit over half of the sum with 560,000 plays, while ‘The Wooden‘, from his latest album Voice Magnetic, notched up 116,000 plays in only six months. Despite these accomplishments, the financial yield remains meager, echoing the struggle many artists face in the digital music landscape.

The Looming Silence

As Hainbach grapples with the modest returns from Spotify, a looming threat adds to the discord. Reports suggest that tracks accumulating less than 1,000 plays annually will face demonetization starting next year. This prospect raises concerns for lesser-known artists, hinting at a future where their creative output on Spotify may yield nothing in return. In this silence, the producer advocates for alternative avenues to sustain their craft.

“Bandcamp or coming to a live show is still the best way to support me and other artists.”

-Hainbach

Final Thoughts

While the debate continues as to which is the best way to directly support artists for them to make a living out of what they love and are most passionate about, unless you’re already on top of the world and amassing an exorbitant cult of followers, audio streaming giant Spotify is certainly out of the question for the best lifeline for those who we value for their contribution to music.

[H/T] – Music Radar

The post Producer Discusses What One Million Spotify Streams Earned Him This Year appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Matt Sierra
Title: Producer Discusses What One Million Spotify Streams Earned Him This Year
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/producer-one-million-spotify-streams/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=producer-one-million-spotify-streams
Published Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:25:46 +0000

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https://mansbrand.com/event-review-eric-prydz-delivers-3-sold-out-holo-performances-at-brooklyn-navy-yard/

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[Event Review] Eric Prydz Delivers 3 Sold Out HOLO Performances at Brooklyn Navy Yard

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Last weekend, Eric Prydz took over the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City for his HOLO show concept. The demand to see the global dance innovator performing was massive. Fans pounced on this 3 day extravaganza as more than 60,000 tickets were sold over the 3 events. All 3 performance nights were organized by Teksupport, and this was the first time Eric Prydz has brought his HOLO show to New York since 2019. We went to the Saturday show but from what ravers who went on the other days, each show was unique.

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credits:  Michael Poselski//Off Brand Project)

The HOLO show delivered an extraordinary sensory experience with a massive LED screen, cutting-edge lighting, and intricate 3D holographic effects. From the onset of Prydz’s performance, he captivated the audience by seamlessly blending tracks from his extensive catalog into a cohesive and immersive audiovisual journey.

A highlight of the show was the mesmerizing holographic effects that transformed the stage into a breathtaking otherworldly environment. Synchronized perfectly with Prydz’s music, these visuals created a stunning experience that left the crowd in awe, with reaching hands, appearing robots, astronauts, and other life-sized figures. In addition to the visuals, the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s upgrade sound system and lights only added to the top tier production. Beyond the visuals, Prydz’s expert track selection showcased his ability to blend genres, offering a unique sound. The set ranged from uplifting progressive house anthems to dark techno tracks, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. Eric also dished out songs from his Pryda alias with hit tracks such as ‘Power Drive‘, ‘Elements‘, ‘One Day‘, and ‘Allein‘. He also sprinkled in some Cirez D with ‘Evacuate‘. The dancefloor maestro ended the performance with hit track ‘Opus’, met with thunderous cheers from across the venue.

With that breathtaking conclusion, Prydz concluded the roller coaster set. The immersive nature of HOLO truly showcases Prydz’s creative prowess. Few artists worldwide can match the impact of his performance style while continuing to innovate and evolve. If you get the chance to witness HOLO, don’t miss it. It’s a performance that must be experienced firsthand to be believed.

Holo Teksupport November252023 0151 credit@Bryan.Kwon .Photos @offbrandproject 1024x683 1 jpg
credits:  Michael Poselski//Off Brand Project)

Holo Teksupport November252023 0214 credit@Bryan.Kwon .Photos @offbrandproject 1024x683 1 jpg

The post [Event Review] Eric Prydz Delivers 3 Sold Out HOLO Performances at Brooklyn Navy Yard appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Kevin Ng
Title: [Event Review] Eric Prydz Delivers 3 Sold Out HOLO Performances at Brooklyn Navy Yard
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/event-review-eric-prydz-delivers-3-sold-out-holo-performances-at-brooklyn-navy-yard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=event-review-eric-prydz-delivers-3-sold-out-holo-performances-at-brooklyn-navy-yard
Published Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:54:28 +0000

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EDMTunes New Music Friday – Week 48

Ar Roots x Starmode Lift Me Up jpg

Listen to the most flavour-packed tracks we discovered this week.

Music makes the world go round. And in that regard, we’re constantly on the lookout for new, exciting tunes to share with our audience. We’ve found some that cause goosebumps, and make you open your eyes and get up from your chair to dance. So put on your best pair of headphones, or turn up your speakers, and enjoy this week’s New Music Friday.

Here are our top picks for the best music we came across this week, in no particular order.

Ar|Roots & Starmode – Lift Me Up

Genre: Tech House, House

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Lift yourself up with a collaboration of a handful of skilled producers. Ar|Roots, a duo formed by brothers David and Albert with over two decades of combined experience, sees itself against Finnish artist collective Starmode, on their latest, ‘Lift Me Up‘.

Groovy, powerful and refreshing, ‘Lift Me Up’ merges everything you’d love about an old-school House track into a Tech House beat that once simply can’t get enough of. Chances are, you’re going to get some energy after listening to this one.

Synymata, MmmCherry & Leah Culver – Back In Time

Genre: Dubstep, Future Bass

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Prepare for a one-way journey. Bass producer Synymata joins forces with MmmCherry and the voice of Leah Culver for a spectacular melodic voyager, ‘Back In Time‘.

Beautiful ambience takes you by the hand and slowly sinks you into the rabbit hole of this track, and before you even know it you’re right in front of the most drastic change, from a melodic masterpiece to a festival anthem. Make sure to breathe before the drop!

ALWZ SNNY & Robbie Rosen – King of Hearts

Genre: Hardstyle, Happy Hardcore

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Behind a sunshine mask with three smiles, Annapolis producer ALWZ SNNY makes sure to spread positivity through his music every second. The fact he produced this single alongside American Idol finalist Robbie Rosen should tell you all you need to know about its quality.

‘King of Hearts‘ draws your beloved Euphoric Hardstyle progression that makes you lift your hands high up in the air, all while singing along to the melody — without you even noticing how you got to memorise it in just one go.

Nils Hoffmann & Kasbo feat. Vancouver Sleep Clinic – Running In A Dream

Genre: Deep House, Progressive House

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One of Germany’s most outstanding producers of the past years, Nils Hoffmann, just announced his next album, Running In A Dream, to be released via Anjunadeep. Out today is the title track from said album, which counts with the presence of Swedish producer Kasbo, and the special vocal feature of Vancouver Sleep Clinic.

Melodic, dynamic, yet chill and pleasant, ‘Running In A Dream’ presents itself as a beautiful in-between genre-bender. Imagine Melodic Techno, Organic House, and Progressive, all coming together alongside soft piano lines and vocal bliss. That’s it.

CASSIMM – Son De Lo (Tim Cullen Remix)

Genre: Tech House, House

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For a Tech House belter, check out Tim Cullen‘s latest piece of work. An absolute breakthrough in the Industry, Cullen has made headlines for his infectious groove and great skills. Just so you know, the man was hand-picked to be a resident DJ at Ministry of Sound, in London.

Today’s remix is one for CASSIMM‘s ‘Son De Lo‘, a track which, under Cullen’s creative reimagination, comes as a club-ready record, and which has earned the support of many big stars already. Press play and you’ll see why’s that.

Zombie Cats – Flava

Genre: Drum and Bass

Zombie Cats Flava Original jpg

Having been around for close to a decade by now, Zombie Cats, funnily enough, identify more as chameleons than cats: their passion for music knows no bounds regarding styles or genres. Anything from purebred Drum and Bass to Hip-Hop-tinted EDM, you shouldn’t expect anything from them, other than an excellent quality.

Their single ‘Flava‘ has just been lifted from their album Mutation & Reanimation, and through clever Drum and Bass atmospheres and tight percussion, it hopes to represent all the evolution of the Zombie Cats project over the years. And, on top of that, it’s unreasonably savoury.

Final Words

Stay tuned for all the music we’ll be sharing under the NMF and TTT concepts each week. And be sure to follow EDMTunes for all the latest news and reviews that revolve around our beloved Electronic Dance Music!

The post EDMTunes New Music Friday – Week 48 appeared first on EDMTunes.

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By: Felipe Latorre Cabello
Title: EDMTunes New Music Friday – Week 48
Sourced From: www.edmtunes.com/2023/12/new-music-friday-week-48/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-music-friday-week-48
Published Date: Sat, 02 Dec 2023 04:02:01 +0000

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