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As a femme-presenting bisexual woman, I’m not often on the receiving end of much hate and discrimination but I still struggle to find a place where I belong.

But, The Magic Mirror at Sziget Festival made me feel like I was the puzzle piece that they were missing.

The Magic Mirror is the LGBTQIA+ venue at Sziget that has a strong emphasis on queer arts. Hosting drag brunches and industry panels, the Mirror is eager to create a safe space to talk about LGBTQIA+ politics and provide a platform for queer performances to take center stage.

When going to Sziget Festival, I hadn’t done my research and I didn’t know that Hungary had been under fire recently for anti-LGBTQIA+ government ideals. I learned this when I was already at the festival in the Magic Mirror.

With tears in my eyes, I listened to the “Drag Dad”, Stephane Magloire, speak with such a palpable yearning in his soul for the hate to stop.

He shared stories of physical attacks on the women in drag that happened throughout the weekend and even when telling these stories he didn’t have an ounce of rage against the attacker. Instead, he had pride in his voice for the people that surround him and pleaded his desire to spark change in our world.

I was in a tent full of strangers from all over the world that knew nothing about me yet I felt more loved than I ever have in my entire life. To go from that safety and warmth into the unforgiving political state of Hungary was shocking and truthfully very scary.

Prior to the festival, protests had been organized by Hungarian conservatists to ban the Magic Mirror from Sziget. Stephane Magloire (the visionary behind Queens Brunch Vienna) and György Ujvári-Pintér (the driving force behind the Magic Mirror program) fought tirelessly to bring the Magic Mirror back to Sziget and let love win.

Read on to explore the hurdles that these inspiring individuals face time and time again to provide a space for every human to live freely.

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Image courtesy of Sziget Festival Facebook

EDM Maniac: What does it mean to you to bring drag and queer events to festivals, especially in countries that might not be as accepting of LGBTQIA+ folk?

Magloire: For me always, and even the inspiration behind Queens Brunch, is bringing queer art into the daytime. When we started in Vienna I was given the note, “This can only happen once a month,” and I said, “No that’s not enough.”

I have a friend who started crying at the end of one of the shows and said “I have something I can finally bring my grandma to.”

When you have it in the daytime and you can have this laughter, people record information easier. When you’re at a club, you can’t bring kids there, you can’t bring your family there.

When this protest showed up, there were two thoughts: “Omg a protest showed up, we should be scared,” or “Omg a protest showed up, we need to make sure we bring more education.”

Most of the people that showed up [on our side] were friends of Queen’s Brunch, and friends of friends of Queen’s Brunch. In any other circumstance, they wouldn’t have showed up, and that’s where education and numbers come into play.

EDM Maniac: One thing I was thinking about a lot while visiting the events at the Magic Mirror was people with depression or mental health struggles, and navigating their sexuality, I can’t imagine how hard it would be to process that alone and in a country that especially isn’t accepting. Have you gotten any feedback recently about how your shows help the mental health of people who are constantly battling? 

Magliore: Absolutely. I speak often about mental health because I battle with depression. There are so many people dealing with it, navigating it, and processing it.

The first time I came to Magic Mirror in 2019, I had just gone through a break-up. Gaslighting, racism, all of it. There was this Australian group who were doing their thing and at the end, these two queens sang Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand, “Enough Is Enough.”

I cried and I cried. This is how you go from dealing with it to actually processing it because you realize a lot of people are going through it.

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Image courtesy of Lollipop Facebook

EDM Maniac: Can you repeat what you said at the end of the Queen’s Brunch today? That was really moving to me. 

Magliore: Absolutely. The thing about Queen’s Brunch is you may forget who the queens are who were performing. You may forget who you came with. You might forget their names, but one thing you won’t forget is how the experience made you feel.

So if you can take the whole thing, all of the energy, and put it into a ball, I want you to cut that ball into three pieces:

Take one piece and keep it for yourself. On the days you can not get out of bed; can not think, can not speak, can not feel; hold onto that.

Second piece, you find your nearest and dearest; the people that are struggling the most, you hand that piece to them. And you don’t have to do that physically; you just literally have to go up to them and say “Slay! YAS work bitch,” and the energy will transmit, I promise you.

And for the third part, what I think is the most important, go out into the big, bad, crazy world, and you give that piece to someone else. Share it. More joy, more love, please.

EDM Maniac: I think it is so important and special that you spread that message. Thank you. How do you navigate backlash to hosting LGBTQIA+ Events?

Ujvári-Pintér: Back in 2001, when Magic Mirror started, the mayor of the third district wanted to ban the Magic Mirror. There was a protest against the third district, and I was there, and Sziget basically said “No, we won’t ban it.”

So it’s really great that there’s never a backlash from the side of the festival.

Last year the third district’s spokesperson said we should put a sign that says “18+ years old” because we were talking about trans people and strange theories that Jesus could have been a transgender person.

And since it was trans and religion together, and the government is very religious, they said it was propaganda. So they said we should put a sign for 18+ and we didn’t.

We were able to do that because we don’t receive a single cent from the government and that gives us a sort of freedom.

EDM Maniac: What does this program mean to you? What is the best part of Magic Mirror? 

Ujvári-Pintér: For me, it’s the freedom. I’ve realized that freedom is so important, and, for example, for trans people, it’s so particularly difficult.

Even though I’m a cis man, this is the main thing that we can assure freedom to everybody. Experimenting freedom, experimenting points of reference, it’s super important to speak to not only certain societies to help them understand what it is to be queer, but also to speak directly to the queer community and give them hope.

I’ve had tears in my eyes because this is exactly what I want to do. I want to give hope.

Featured image courtesy of Sziget Festival Facebook

The post Interview: How Sziget Festival Fights Against Anti-LGBTQIA+ Ideals In Hungary appeared first on EDM Maniac.

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By: Kaitlyn Katuscak
Title: Interview: How Sziget Festival Fights Against Anti-LGBTQIA+ Ideals In Hungary
Sourced From: edmmaniac.com/interview-fighting-anti-lqbtqia-ideals-in-hungary/
Published Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:06:07 +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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Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/fred-again-samples-baby-keem-in-stellar-leavemealone/

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EDM

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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Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/summer-camp-festival-evolves-into-new-conceptsolshine-a-music-arts-reverie/

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EDM

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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