SONG OF THE DAY: Bingo Players – “Out of My Mind”

As those of us in the US are being worked with two different vocal versions of their track “Rattle”? (Alexis Jordan’s “Acid Rain” and Far East Movement “Get Up”), ?the Bingo Players have continued releasing big room electro monsters all over Europe.? Two singles singles are popping up in the Euro countries – “Buzzcut” and “Out of My Mind.”? On “Out of My Mind,” the dirty electro beat drops down into a synth line which sounds like an ’80s track is about to come in (maybe “Cold as Ice”), but instead, a husky female vocal comes in with an original song. The keyboard line is strong and the clap brings up the energy until the frenzy kicks in but we are punked. Literally, the squelchy synth hook is so close to Ferry Corsten’s “Punk” that it feel like a sample – not that that is a bad thing, because the track is almost a classic. Overall the track is insanely strong, catchy, and will no doubt go over big on dance floors with the chance of crossover play. The video would make a great commercial if Lady Gaga decided to redesign a Viewmaster for club kids. One thing though, please, let’s stop with the masks on DJs- on Daft Punk and DJs from Mars it’s cute and ironic.? With this new breed of Cazzette and Bingo Players doing it, it seems about as fresh as using a 3 or $ in your DJ name (or using a # in your song title).

Image Courtesy of Hysteria.

SONG OF THE DAY: Alexis Jordan – “Acid Rain”

Alexis Jordan made massive waves with her debut single “Happiness.”? Effectively a topline written over deadmau5’s “Brazil,” complete with catchy humming and powerful vocals, “Happiness” topped charts over the world- including the US Club Chart. ?Her new single sees her delving back into clubland to discover the banging and quirky electro track “Rattle” by the Bingo Players and coming up with the gorgeously powerful “Acid Rain,” beautifully written by Sia.? Alexis’ voice is the rare blend of power and pretty which enhances lyrics with subtle conviction, which is quite a challenge since the backing track features noises that sounds like ducks honking.? It will be interesting to watch how this track develops in the UK, where Happiness was a major pop smash (top 3) and where the Far East Movement version of “Rattle” has already topped the chart (due in no small part to the violent duck video). Of course, the obvious solution is a mash-up, but thematically the two songs are so different that it wouldn’t make sense.? “Acid Rain” showcases both the emotional and vocal power of Alexis Jordan and the strong production skills of Bingo Players, who produced such a unique and quirky track that it inspired two polar opposite vocal interpretations.

Image Courtesy of Roc Nation.

INTERVIEW: Nicky Romero (2013)

Although he’s been producing tracks for a few years, 2012 has been the breakthrough year for Dutch DJ/Producer Nicky Romero.? His massive Beatport hit “Toulouse” was followed by collaborations with David Guetta, Fedde Le Grand, Calvin Harris, Zedd, and Nervo.? Coming in as the highest new entry on the DJ Mag list at #17 was another major accomplishment.? Chatting with Nicky at Amsterdam Dance Event, it’s easy to see why he is achieving all this success – not only is he musically talented, he is a genuinely friendly and passionate, as well as grateful for all of the support he receives.

DJ Ron Slomowicz: So you have had a good week haven’t you?
Nicky Romero: Yeah it?s been crazy, super crazy.

RS: Let?s retrace it, I first saw you at the Jimmy Woo party when you were back in the VIP area. Everyone attacked you and wanted to take a picture with you.
Nicky Romero: Yeah, it was crazy. I wasn’t expecting so many people to be there awaiting my Q&A. It?s insane and a little unreal that so many people want something.
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