Team Up!

Variety Lab returns with its fantastic new record Team Up!

My first thoughts upon initially hearing it where flashes of a technicolor collage. The seamless blending of genres throughout the album is a masterpiece in it's own right. Variety Lab seems like the perfect name for a project so diverse, spanning tropicalia, electro, indie, acid jazz and disco.

"We Should Be Dancing," the first single off "Team Up" features vocals from David Bartholomé (lead singer of Belgian band Sharko) and is fully successful in creating a captivating track accompanied by a clever whimsical video.

Variety Lab, is the alias of Theirry Bellia. As in the past Bellia, alone, put Team Up! together, but he didn't forget to emphasize his friends' assistance in the process. His henchmen from the French band Orwell(Jérôme Didelot and Alexandre Longo, aka Cascadeur and winner of the 2008 Inrockuptibles CQFD prize) have made considerable contributions along with a host of instruments, weird objects and talented friends.



Team Up! is due out on December 15th, 2009. Just in time for the holidays! In the meantime, support Variety Lab by sending some love to the links below and downloading the free track off the Album!

Variety Lab-Soda Pop Confusion (ft. Kidsaredead)

Official Site
Myspace

Make Me Dance

Just in, a fresh new remix of a track recently released by Brooklyn bass king B.Rich. The Make Me Dance EP is now available on AC Slater's label Party Like Us Records. This is first remix produced by Las Vegas indie/dance outfit Jacuzzi Hi-Dive, and takes a more alternative approach to the track incorporating some groovy synth lines and nicely layered pads to create an atmosphere totally different than the original.

B.Rich - Make Me Dance ft. Reese (Jacuzzi Hi-Dive Remix)

Z-TRIP INTERVIEW

This past Saturday, we caught up with DJ Z-Trip, an impressively humble and down to earth guy. Just recently he placed first in this year's "America's Best DJ" and was in Vegas for the awarding. It was hosted at Ghostbar in The Palms and a great aesthetic fit for the awarding. Luckilly, I got a chance to do a brief interview before he headed downstairs for his set at Rain for Perfecto Saturdays. He spun 2 hours of straight knowledge, his scratch technique totally on point, mashing in and out of so many different styles it really made you appreciate his talent.


Well first off, Congratulations! With this new accomplishment of being named America's Best DJ, what does the future hold?

I plan on taking opportunities as they come, that's way I've always done it and I feel really blessed with all things that've come my way. I'll be heading to Europe in a couple weeks, basically just trying to soak it all in right now. last year I came in 4th, so feel really honored to be awarded this achievement.

So you just recently just finished up a string of dates in Canada, what's your take on their music scene and how it varies with the U.S. or even Vegas for that matter?

Well it's interesting, I think in Canada, people are a little bit more open minded. They really put themselves in a position to be more perceptive and conscious as to what is going on as far as music and art is concerned. I have a great time every time I'm there, I'll be in Vancouver on the 17th of this month. In Vegas, the crowd is really transient ,so as a DJ you kind of have to cater to what the crowds immediate expectation of what they want to hear. With all the casino's and hotels, it more or less dwarfs the local scene which is usually the backbone of any good music community.

Can you think back on all your gigs over the past decade, was there any specific performance you felt was pivotal in helping catapult you to your current status as an International DJ?

That's a great question, It never really was just one performance. I think It was all of them, whether they were for 50 people or 5000. For anyone that wants success in whatever the do, it's not easy, you really have to be ready and committed. I started out in L.A. a long time ago just doing parties with my friends and it kinda just took off from there. I love doing what i do, and like I said before, it really is a blessing. The past few years I've been to all over the place. Europe, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Asia, and obviously there are going to be some places where people aren't going to be as familiar with my music and that's where I just put it out there for people to hear.

Coming from L.A. and having an extensive Hip Hop influenced background, any comments on the current state of Hip Hop?

Currently, A lot of Artist's are lacking the right motives, it's hard to say where it will go. But don't get me wrong, There's still a huge amount of great stuff out there, it's just not as accessible to as what to you would hear on the radio or in most clubs. Overall, think there needs to be more conscious artists and material out there.

In between touring, have you been working on any new projects? Should we be looking out for a new album in the near future?

I've been spending a lot of time trying to reinvigorate myself, when you've been doing things a long time you kind of get in this mode and sometimes it's hard to break out of. I just finished up a 7 day cleanse, lost some weight, stopped eating meat. Basically trying to get a clean perspective all together so to speak. I've been working with Shepard Fairey on a project, updating my website, and looking forward to some dates I've got in a couple weeks in London, Amsterdam and Paris.

For some last words, any advise for aspiring DJ's and Producers?

I think the most important advice I've got is is that your motives have to be right. Genuine motives can get you to the right place if you want them to. I know it seems like a cliche nowadays but Individuality is really important, you really have to take time to develop a sound and style that's yours.

BEACHES & FRIENDS TOUR: LAS VEGAS

French Horn Rebellion, a NYC based indie synth pop duo are currently on tour with Sao Paulo, Brazil based DJ/Production duo Database and are coming to Las Vegas in support of their "BEACHES AND FRIENDS" EP!

Some may not know, but FHR are brothers (Rob & David), and that half of FHR (David) was the producer of MGMT's debut EP that helped catapult them to their current success. Needless to say.. the music speaks for itself, it's amazing and equally as fun. Not only to just listen to, but dance to as well!

As Database, Lucio and Yuri have built quite the worldwide following, and have been rocking parties, shows, and festivals throughout North & South America in the past couple years. Previously they have shared the stage with many highly regarded artists including The Twelves, Kanye West, MGMT, and VHS or Beta just to name a few. This is a group known for its praise of French house, worshiping artists like Daft Punk, Cassius and Les Rhythmes Digitales.

Las Vegas based DJ/Producer, Bass & Treble will also be spinning an eclectic DJ set to get the party started and vibe flowing. Get ready for some funky soulful sounds from generations past and present.

There's no dress code, so come as you are, have some drinks, have some fun and get your photo taken by Kid Scott! Photos will be available on his Site. This will be the first event we've thrown at The Square Apple and we're all crossing our fingers that the party turns out be a success. We all just wanna have a great time. Come hang with us, it's gonna be awesome!

The Return Of Nibiru

It's been over a year since Aily has graced us with a new track but low and behold! She's just finished up her new single Shoes that will be her forthcoming release, tentatively titled The Return Of Nibiru.

I think it's apparent her style has blossomed over the the past 5 years into something a little more experimental as far as her prior work is concerned. This is the first track that she has unveiled that has incorporated a more beat driven structure, with layers of analog synth, vocoders, and a lounge meets afterhours dance floor kind of vibe.

It's been a while since her first single "Comfortably Numb" came out back in 2005 while still based out of Orlando but has since then released a few tracks intermittently over the course of the following years. It hasn't been until recently that she has gotten back on the saddle and has been working with a few different musicians, producers and friends to join her in creating the rest of the songs that will make up her forthcoming release.

Shoes was a track that TL's very own Aram Blassingame (Bass & Treble) produced over a period of a few days back in late May/early June. More or less, it just sat for a while until getting revamped with Aily's vocal tracking with the addition of the backing vocoder tracks that was hammered out in less than 15 minutes, back on one of those late nights in June.

Aily - Shoes (Original Mix)

Weekend In Review

So this past weekend's Hard Summer Fest was a complete failure, getting shut down less than 2 hours in. Only being able to squeeze in opening performances by Ed Banger's Busy P and Crystal Castles. To me, the synopsis was fairly simple. In all reality, they basically just sold way too many tickets. With almost 20,000 people showing up to a venue that had a capacity of 17,800, it was complete mayhem. Kids were jumping over the railings from the second level twenty feet below to the VIP floor section, triggering the fire marshals to halt the show with the LAPD and SWAT eventfully showing up to send everyone home at midnight (after 2 hours of waiting). What garbage! With ticket sales summing up to at least $1.2 million, I'm sure every attendee feels like they were ripped off in a major way. But there's light at the end of the tunnel, refunds are available from Ticketmaster and Groovetickets and should be posted to the credit card they were purchased with.

Start the video from around 2 min


Sunday on the other hand, was a much better day. Started out the afternoon at the High Top Fade Binary Pool Party @ The Standard in downtown Los Angeles. It was the perfect place to hang on gorgeous Sunday afternoon, making me really wish there something like that in Vegas. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of pool parties at the hotel/casinos here but all lack character and subtle aesthetics. A great lineup including France's DATA. played from 2PM - 8PM, keeping the vibe fresh and upbeat.


Made it back to Hollywood just before 9pm to eat some food, nap, and make the 2 block jaunt from our hotel on Hollywood & Vine to Bardot, where Dim Mak was doing the Banana Split party. The place was packed but thanks to a certain someone, totally got to skip the line and the cover. DJ AM, Busy P blazed through really fun sets but I think Paul Devro stole the show as far as repetoire goes. He was holdin' it down heavy. Check him out on Mad Decent. Oh yea, Wil.I.Am showed up, a few ppl got pics with him but for the most part nobody paid him any attention. It was a fairly amusing moment.



Here's a mix to cool you down on this hot and sweaty Tuesday.

Bass & Treble - Sticky Summer Funk Mini Mix

HARD SUMMER 2009

As you can see, the lineup for this summer's HARD Festival at the Forum is a sure success, with some of the biggest names in the electro, house, and hip hop this year.

Last year's HARD Summer 2008 with headliners like MSTRKRFT and N.E.R.D. was a huge hit but this years event definitely raises the bar. With Performances by Underworld, Chromeo, A-Trak, Rye Rye, Crookers, Steve Aoki and others, it's gonna be nonstop beatdroppin' crunk madness.

Ticket's are sure to sell out prior to the night of the party so scoop them up if you plan on attending. Tickets start at $70 per person on GrooveTickets and $75 per person on Ticketmaster. The only difference other than the price is Will Call being the only available way to retain your tickets after purchase with Groovetickets. Ticketmaster has an option for printable tickets but it's approximately $25 more if you are getting anything more than one ticket.

I'll be staying at The Standard on Sunset. Let's hope this week fly's by. Any excuse to get out of the scorching Vegas heat is more than enough to get me excited for a weekend in L.A. partying and squeezing in some much needed beach time.


Underwold - Ring Road (AutoKratz Left Hand Drive Remix)
A-Trak & Armand Van Helden - Duck Sauce
Amanda Blank - Like You Better (Rusko Remix) via RCRDLBL
Chromeo - 100%(Treasure Fingers Remix)
Jack Beats - Annie Mac Mini Mix
Sinden - Beeper (Fake Blood Remix)

Fat Freddy's Drop

I came across this 7 piece soul/dub outfit out of New Zealand a few days ago and cannot get "Boondigga" out of my head.

At first, I was convinced the vocalist for the track was Jamie Lidell but after a closer listen, found that Freddy's main vocalist has a much smoother tone. It really sets the perfect mood for nice chill day or a lazy evening, it's so easy to just listen to. Over the past few years they've secured a worldwide fanbase through sheer hard work and savy independent CD and Vinyl Releases. I feel so behind, I can't believe i've been missing out on them till now.

Nearly four years ago, the Freddy’s traveled to London in December 2005 and were on-hand to pick up the Worldwide Album Of The Year at the Radio 1 Gilles Peterson Worldwide Music Awards 2005, as voted by fans worldwide that tune in to the tastemakers show on the BBC.

Freddy’s dominated the 2005 New Zealand Music Awards, taking Best Group, Best Album, Best New Zealand Roots Group and the Peoples Choice Award. On December 18, 2005 the group were awarded the Worldwide “Album of the Year Award”, as voted for by over 20,000 listeners of Gilles Peterson’s BBC Radio 1 Worldwide show. Fat Freddy’s Drop have now released their second major studio album, Dr Boondigga & The Big BW - shipping GOLD on the first day of release on 26th May 2009. Featuring Art & Design by Otis Frizzell, the album features nine fresh phat tracks that span soul, dub, reggae, techno, blues flavors.

Fat Freddy's Drop - Boondigga

Sat July 25th - Say What?! Makeout Party

Our friends at Indiekrush, Pulsar and Deep Cover will be hosting the monthly Say What?! party tomorrow night @ Beauty Bar. This month's lineup is absolutely awesome might I add, with live performances from Dream Sequence, The Start(L.A), Neon Facade, and The Day After on the back patio. Inside, the dance floor's gonna packed with DJ sets from Vegas Banger, Roccanova, Grimehaus, and a 2 hour set from 10PM-12AM from Bass & Treble. A photobooth will be available to capture your hot drunken celebrity moment with that guy/girl you said you would be never be seen with... so I highly recommend NOT missing out tomorrow night.