Spinner http://www.spinner.com Spinner http://www.spinner.com/media/feedlogo.gif Spinner http://www.spinner.com en-us Copyright 2012 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Lal Member Says New Album Was a 'Disgusting Challenge,' Won't Do it Again http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/18/lal-moonstarr-self-titled-album/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/18/lal-moonstarr-self-titled-album/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/18/lal-moonstarr-self-titled-album/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Matt White

Those bleak dystopian worlds we see in dark fictional films and television shows? Toronto electronic group Lal believe we're living those days right now.

"A lot of the media and movies coming out these days are talking about this dismal apocalyptic future, but, I think we are already living in that space," Lal singer Rosina Kazi tells Spinner.

The Toronto-born Bengali frontwoman for the politically charged act says the disenfranchised should consider it an opportunity, though. ]]> brian enoLALLAL bandMoonstarr Jesse Ship 2012-05-18T16:45:00 00:00 Salva, Complex Housing: DJ Cool With Pirating If It Helps Him Tour http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/14/salva-complex-housing/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/14/salva-complex-housing/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/14/salva-complex-housing/#comments Filed under: , ,


SalvaNite Frite Records

"I wish I played piano my whole life but at the same time, I don't think I'd be where I am, coming at it backwards from a post-modern aesthetic shows in my music -- and I'm glad to be where I am, regardless," Paul Salva, creator of the surprise hit 'Complex Housing,' a fusion of abstract hip-hop, funk, Detroit techno and old school house, tells Spinner.

As a Chicago-native and child of the '80s, the former turntablist who goes under the moniker Salva owes a lot of his fan appeal to dissolution of musical boundaries over the past decade. Less stylistic limitations means a potentially wider appeal and a more open-minded audience.

"It's the cornerstone of me being able to be an artist; it's unlikely that I'll get negative online reviews from fans that like [LA] beat music because I write a straight, dark house tune." ]]> frite nite recordspaul salvapaulsalvasalva Jesse Ship 2012-02-14T15:00:00 00:00 Trentemøller Pens 'Abstract Sound Clash' Soundtrack to 15th Century Painting http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/21/trentemoller-reworked-remixed/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/21/trentemoller-reworked-remixed/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/21/trentemoller-reworked-remixed/#comments Filed under: , , ,


TrentemollerCourtesy of Audiomatique

Danish electronic DJ/producer Trentemøller is currently working on a soundtrack to an apocalyptic painting hanging in the Danish National Gallery. The 15th century piece of unknown Spanish origin depicts a scene from the book of Revelations where the angels of God follow Lucifer, rather than the archangel Michael, indicating that enemies of the true faith must be killed.

"The painting is naturally quite dark, and by the looks of it, it seems like Satan might actually win the battle," Trentemøller tells Spinner. "It's very dark and not very positive, but its psychedelic imagery really caught my eye. I didn't have so much art education in school so I will definitely learn something here. The tune is coming out as a bit of an abstract sound clash." ]]> Trentemoller Jesse Ship 2011-10-21T16:00:00 00:00 Amon Tobin is an Innovator and Recycler: 'I Don't Believe in Creating Anything New' http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/20/amon-tobin-isam/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/20/amon-tobin-isam/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/20/amon-tobin-isam/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Amon TobinNathan Seabrook

Ninja Tune DJ and producer Amon Tobin admits that after much thought the best way to tour his new experimental album, ISAM' (Invented Sounds Applied to Music), was to bow out of the spotlight and let his incredible holographic live show take center stage.

"Anyone making electronic music has always had this f---ing problem," Tobin tells Spinner.

"How do we present studio-based music to an audience? I think more so, this record than any other, because it's so weird -- it wasn't about making people move -- so I really had to think of a different way to do it. The first thing that came to mind was to take myself visually out of the equation as much as possible to show more about what the music represented." ]]> Amon TobinAmonTobin Jesse Ship 2011-10-20T16:30:00 00:00 Benny Benassi Proves Himself as 'Electroman' Thanks to Stars Like Kelis http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/13/benny-benassi-electroman/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/13/benny-benassi-electroman/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/10/13/benny-benassi-electroman/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Benny BenassiC Flanigan, Getty Images

When Benny Benassi released his 2002 hit single 'Satisfaction' -- which riffed off of the original Rolling Stones classic -- the mixing of genres was still a novelty in the dance music community.

"Ten years ago I couldn't even imagine a trance DJ playing house or a techno DJ playing electro," Benassi tells Spinner. "But, luckily, the barriers are disappearing and everyone's more creative as a result."

And it's not just rave or club DJs who are opening up their minds to the melting pot of sounds, styles, textures and genres. Chris Brown and other stars of the urban music world have come together to herald a new era of collaboration, many calling on Benassi.

"I think hip-hop is always evolving and looking for new sounds. The same could be said for electronic music, so I guess it was inevitable that they would meet up, eventually," says Benassi. ]]> Benny BenassiBennyBenassi Jesse Ship 2011-10-13T17:30:00 00:00 Plaid Predict the Future of Electronic Music http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/30/plaid-scintilli/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/30/plaid-scintilli/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/30/plaid-scintilli/#comments Filed under: , , ,


PlaidWarp Records

Warp Records' Plaid -- comprised of Ed Handley and Andy Turner -- are back with the album 'Scintilli' (meaning "I am many sparks" in Latin). The disc features signature spiraling beats and chimes from Bjork's former bandmates as well as computer-produced vocals that sound eerily human.

Reproducing human voices opens up debate over the validity of the musical experience and, of course, leads to the possibility of sci-fi scenarios where artificial intelligence assume human roles (it's already started with Japan's 'real-life' virtual pop star Hatsune Miku).

"I think it scares a lot of people," Turner tells Spinner. "Because any kind of intelligence than what we can't classify as natural is going to be alien, disturbing and threatening. But we should obviously make computers our friends, it would be silly not to. ]]> plaid Jesse Ship 2011-09-30T17:00:00 00:00 SebastiAn Blames the Director of M.I.A.'s 'Born Free' Video for Delaying His Album http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/21/sebastian-total/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/21/sebastian-total/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/21/sebastian-total/#comments Filed under: , , ,


SebastianEd Banger Records

29-year-old Parisian electro producer SebastiAn recently irked fans, again, by releasing a simplistic radio-show-style playlist on the popular music sharing site Soundcloud. The quick cuts were a letdown for fans expecting the technical DJ sets Sebastian is known for.

"I'm becoming like an old guy who sits at home with his whiskey and listens to blues -- it's very strange," he tells Spinner. "Everyone is obsessed with me doing a technical mix, but this was never the intention. If fans are not happy, they can make their own, and they should certainly criticize me more."

The artist who's currently touring 'Total,' his first full-length for Ed Banger Records, has a casual and unapologetic approach to releasing albums -- he waited for years before dropping this one for this label. "I won't release an album for the sake of a commercial package," he says. "I would much rather put things out as they come. If they are good, good. If they're bad, well, too bad -- next. But, really, it's all Romain Gavras fault." ]]> M.I.A.mayer hawthorneMayerHawthorneromain gavrasRomainGavrassebastian Jesse Ship 2011-09-21T17:00:00 00:00 Shunda K Takes Her 'Most Wanted' Rap Sermon 'From the Church to the Club' http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/20/shunda-k-yo-majesty-the-most-wanted/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/20/shunda-k-yo-majesty-the-most-wanted/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/20/shunda-k-yo-majesty-the-most-wanted/#comments Filed under: , ,


Shunda KCourtesy of Fanatic Records

Shunda K is one half of the electro-hip-hop group Yo! Majesty. When she's not offering her services with her mobile production studio in 'Itty Bitty' Plant City, Florida, or performing with Yo! Majesty (the duo are touring North America right now), the outspoken lesbian is focused on her solo act where she plays a larger-than-life role model spreading a powerful message for truth-seekers everywhere -- particularly wise women.

"Yo! Majesty is just me and my partner Shon B, and it's more like f----that-s--- and I'm-gonna-say-what-I-wanna-say, let-my-hair-down-and-party music," she tells Spinner. "We spit the truth, but Shunda K is more soulful. My 'The Most Wanted' [solo] album is about taking Shunda K from the church to the club. Let me spit some truth to the soul that's looking to be set free." ]]> Shon BShunda KShundaKYo MajestyYoMajesty Jesse Ship 2011-09-20T14:30:00 00:00 DJ Mehdi Dead at 34 http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/13/dj-mehdi-dead-at-34/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/13/dj-mehdi-dead-at-34/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/13/dj-mehdi-dead-at-34/#comments Filed under: ,


DJ MehdiMichael Tullberg, Getty Images

UPDATE: Reports have flowed in from France that DJ Mehdi died when his roof collapsed. According to MTV News, Mehdi was celebrating his 34th birthday with friends on his rooftop when the accident occured. We are still awaiting an official statement from his label Ed Banger.

Hip-hop and electro-house fans are in shock after news that famed French-Tunisian DJ Mehdi (Mehdi Favéris-Essadi) has passed at age 34. He was reportedly killed in an "accident" Sept. 13, according to In the Mix.

Close friend and collaborator DJ A-Trak tweeted Tuesday, "I have no words. My heart is completely shattered. Not this."

DJ Mehdi was a visionary for urban music as he was part of the first wave of musicians to help bridge the gap between hip-hop, electro and indie rock sounds. He started his career as DJ for the group Different Teep, and found success with the legendary French rap group Ideal J. He was also DJ for Mafia K'1 Fry, a rap collective from the gritty Parisian suburbs. ]]> dj mehdiDjMehdi Jesse Ship 2011-09-13T10:20:00 00:00 Star Slinger Makes Mavis Staples Smile With Remix of 'Let's Do It Again' http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/31/star-slinger-mavis-staples-remix/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/31/star-slinger-mavis-staples-remix/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/31/star-slinger-mavis-staples-remix/#comments Filed under: , ,


Star SlingerCourtesy of Star Slinger

Sometimes unauthorized samples can lead to lawsuits, but in the case of Manchester's Darren Williams, aka, Star Slinger, it's a formula for success.

The twenty-something hybrid hip-hop producer borrowed vocals from the legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples for a song on his much-blogged about 'Volume 1' album and, to his surprise, received praise from the artist herself.

"Her manager played the remix I did of [the Staple Sisters'] 'Lets Do It Again' and she actually liked it!" Williams tells Spinner. "She should be trying to sue me or something, but she's not." ]]> mavis staplesMavisStaplesstar slingerstarslinger Jesse Ship 2011-08-31T17:00:00 00:00 Billy Talent's Ian D'Sa Isn't Discouraged by HeavyTO Backlash, Discusses New Disc http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/29/billy-talent-iv/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/29/billy-talent-iv/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/29/billy-talent-iv/#comments Filed under: , ,


Billy TalentREBEL Media, Getty Images

Getting the hang of being a touring rock musician can take some time -- especially if you're in a band like Billy Talent, who pack-out stadiums in their Canadian homeland as well as abroad in Europe. Despite years on the road backed by major labels like Atlantic and Warner (who are behind the band's upcoming release, 'Billy Talent IV'), guitarist Ian D'Sa insists his ego is still in check.

"Some bands feel they need to keep a wall between themselves and their fans but that doesn't really exist for us," he tells Spinner. "We were independent for the first nine years as a band and are used to crashing on our friends floors. It's allowed us to be really open to talking to fans, and I think that's why we've developed a cult following." ]]> billy talentBillyTalent Jesse Ship 2011-07-29T16:00:00 00:00 James Franco and Drag Queen Art Star Kalup Linzy 'Turn It Up' on Dance-y Debut http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/27/james-franco-kalup-linzy-turn-it-up/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/27/james-franco-kalup-linzy-turn-it-up/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/27/james-franco-kalup-linzy-turn-it-up/#comments Filed under: , ,


James Franco, Kalup LinzyRoger Kisby, Getty Images

James Franco is a man of many trades, his latest being dance music maven alongside unlikely collaborator Kalup Linzy, a video artist drag queen R&B singer. Most of Linzy's work has been in the art world -- his avant-garde opera opens next month at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art -- but he's joined his famous friend in the pop-culture sphere with their recently released experimental, bass-heavy 'Turn It Up' EP.

According to Linzy, Franco approached him a few years ago after seeing him speak at the prestigious Art Basel Festival in Miami. The two became friends, sharing a mutual respect for each other's work.

"There's something different going on with him; he's not just in the movie world," Linzy tells Spinner of his A-list pal and collaborator. "What's funny is that he was painting before his acting career took off and I was acting before my art career took off." ]]> dj ruptureDJruptureJames FrancoJamesFrancokalup linzykaluplinzy Jesse Ship 2011-07-27T14:00:00 00:00 Kaskade Makes House Music From the Heart: 'I'm a Lover!' http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/21/kaskade-identity-festival / http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/21/kaskade-identity-festival / http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/21/kaskade-identity-festival /#comments Filed under: , , ,


KaskadeUltra Records

Ryan Raddon, aka Kaskade, is known for producing catchy and uplifting progressive house songs, but what really sets him apart is that the lyrics behind them are often his. The past few years have seen the DJ and producer join forces with Martin Solveig's muse Martina Sorbara of Dragonette for his track 'Fire in Your New Shoes,' while penning lyrics for Deadmau5's Billboard sensation 'Move for Me', which, in turn, put him on DJ Tiësto's radar for their 'Only You' collaboration.

"When I'm writing and creating music, it's hard to hide from who you are. Even when I make aggressive stuff, it doesn't sound genuine, so I think the music is a reflection of who I am -- I'm a lover!" ]]> Kaskade Jesse Ship 2011-07-21T16:00:00 00:00 John Digweed's New Mix Will Have You 'Mashing Your Head into the Ground' http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/30/john-digweed-bedrock/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/30/john-digweed-bedrock/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/30/john-digweed-bedrock/#comments Filed under: , , ,


John DigweedBen Hider, Getty Images

After more than two decades as a DJ and 12 years as the label manager of Bedrock Records, it can said that John Digweed is a constant over-achiever. He's persistently pushing himself, and crowds, with his signature progressive house and techno sound, which you can check out on the latest release, 'John Digweed: Structures 2.'

"There's always going to be challenges," Digweed tells Spinner. "Once you become successful, you're in the spotlight, and then they expect more. As a DJ, I've always wanted to give 110 percent because that's my nature. The reason I'm still here is because I have that mindset of giving it all; I want to play the best new music that I've got." ]]> bedrockJohn DigweedJohnDigweedsasha and digweed Jesse Ship 2011-06-30T14:15:00 00:00 This Is Head Avoid 'Interfering' With Feelings and Song Names http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/29/this-is-head/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/29/this-is-head/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/29/this-is-head/#comments Filed under: ,


This is HeadCourtesy of This Is Head

This Is Head are an award-winning kraut rock band from Sweden whose music is finally taking off abroad, just in time for the Scandinavian festival season. Though festival-goers may have a hard time shouting out This is Head song requests since the outfit shuns traditional track titles.

"Our tracks were purely instrumental in the beginning," frontman Björn Wiking tells Spinner. "We didn't want to interfere with any feelings by giving them names."

Rather than names, series of digits are used -- for example, their current single is simply '0011' and is from the album '0001' -- to classify the quartet's free-form, instrumental-heavy, guitar rock. ]]> this is headthisishead Jesse Ship 2011-06-29T16:00:00 00:00 Twin Shadow Praises Canadians for 'Moving Past Bryan Adams' at NXNE http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/19/twin-shadow-review-nxne-2011/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/19/twin-shadow-review-nxne-2011/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/19/twin-shadow-review-nxne-2011/#comments Filed under: , ,


Twin ShadowFilmMagic, FilmMagic

Twin Shadow leader George Lewis Jr. (pictured) and his band have been making victory laps across North America, still crafting and evolving the sounds from their brooding, Smiths-inspired, electronic album, 'Forget.'

While Twin Shadow's previous Toronto show, this past January, attempted to replicate the moody sounds found on the album, fans at the packed NXNE showcase at Lee's Palace on June 19 heard versions of a couple of songs that had been run through the indie rock wringer, focusing more on Lewis' emotionally conflicted guitar riffs and fingering skills than synthesizers and romantic self-reflection. ]]> nxnenxneartistTwin ShadowTwinShadow Jesse Ship 2011-06-19T16:00:00 00:00 Diamond Rings Explores 'the Spaces Between' Genders at NXNE http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/18/diamond-rings-review-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/18/diamond-rings-review-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/18/diamond-rings-review-nxne/#comments Filed under: , ,


Diamond RingsGino DePinto, AOL

If there was any one overlying comment about Diamond Rings' (John O'Regan's alter-ego) performance at the public Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto on Friday night (June 17), it was something about how O'Regan has more in common with David Bowie than most people initially thought.

Standing skinny and proud, the skyrocketing electro-pop multi-instrumentalist star sang his heart out for a crowd of devoted fans, casual onlookers and newfound revelers who had come out for the free NXNE performance. ]]> Diamond Ringsdiamondringsnxnenxneartist Jesse Ship 2011-06-18T11:01:00 00:00 Suuns Bring Dizzying Distortion to Legendary Horseshoe Tavern -- NXNE http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/17/suuns-bring-dizzying-distortion-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/17/suuns-bring-dizzying-distortion-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/17/suuns-bring-dizzying-distortion-nxne/#comments Filed under: , ,


SuunsChromewaves

Montreal's Suuns harnessed the power of a charging locomotive as they delivered a jagged and driving psychedelic rock set at Toronto's Legendary Horseshoe Tavern on the second day of NXNE. After such a performance there's no doubt how they landed the No. 1 spot on NME's '50 Best New Bands of 2011' list.

The show started as earsplitting sine waves pelted the crowd, indoctrinating the new, and prepping the already experienced, for a proper Suuns gig. Following a brief introductory piece, lead singer Ben Shemie warmed up to the crowd as he cooed, eyes shut, cradling the mic amorously every time he leaned in for a verse. Kneeling down midway through, he shook his head vigorously to rid himself of collecting sweat only to pop back up without missing a beat. ]]> nxnenxneartistsuuns Jesse Ship 2011-06-17T11:30:00 00:00 Ume's Willowy Guitar Demon Lauren Larson Steals the Show in Toronto -- NXNE http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/16/ume-toronto-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/16/ume-toronto-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/16/ume-toronto-nxne/#comments Filed under: , ,


UmeMyspace, Chris La Putt

Ume (pronounced ooo-may, def: sour Japanese plum) stepped on to the smallish Drake Underground stage Wednesday night (June 15) in Toronto and jumped right into a blazing thrash rock set that didn't let up until their 40 allocated NXNE minutes were spent.

The three-piece band from Austin consists of the blonde and willowy guitar demon Lauren Langer Larson and her husband and high-school sweetheart bassist Eric Larson, with the band's newest addition Rachel Fuhrer on drums.

From Larson's first hair-whipping headbang, it was clear that performing is an act of personal release (perhaps to counteract the bitter ume locked somewhere within her spirit). ]]> nxnenxneartistume Jesse Ship 2011-06-16T11:20:00 00:00 Diamond Rings Spices Up His Austra Remix With Salt-N-Pepa -- NXNE http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/15/diamond-rings-austra-remix-salt-n-pepa-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/15/diamond-rings-austra-remix-salt-n-pepa-nxne/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/06/15/diamond-rings-austra-remix-salt-n-pepa-nxne/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Diamond RingsCourtesy of Secret City Records

Formerly frontman to the garage rockin' D'Urbervilles (now reformed as Matters), John O'Regan has seen his musical career skyrocket upwards with the creation of his glam alter-ego Diamond Rings. Borrowing liberally from both Ziggy Stardust, Ian Curtis and Salt-N-Pepa, Spinner caught up with Toronto-based Diamond Rings while he was shopping for tank tops at Walmart.

So how is the Walmart selection?

It's pretty good. They've got what I need, they have the white ones. ]]> austradiamond ringsDiamondRingsnxnenxneartist Jesse Ship 2011-06-15T23:30:00 00:00