Next big Dutch DJ - Chuckie
With original productions being caned by Judge Jules on BBC Radio One and touring support with David Guetta, Dutchman Chuckie has fused a sound that is equal parts dirty electro and hip hop with a respectful nod to classic acid house. Tracks like "Let the Bass Kick" and "Any Noise" will bring the point home. Watch Chuckie to follow in the tradition of Mason and Fedde Le Grand.
Next Big DJ Gear - Tonium Pacemaker
We first reported on the Pacemaker back in March during WMC. The word has spread and several big name DJs have been spotted playing with the PSP sized device that lets you beatmix two tracks off the internal hard drive. The sound quality is really good and the touch pads make it look realistic. Just like I could see mobile/wedding DJs rocking this in the middle of a crowd party goers, I can see traveling DJs switching to the device to make Carryons even smaller. Watch for the US launch of the Pacemaker in 2009 and a review of the device her on dancemusic.about.com really soon.
Next Big International Superstar - Don Diablo
I've interviewed Don Diablo twice for the site and have been a big fan of his music. Signing to a global 365 deal with Sony/BMG is another sign that Don Diablo is being groomed to go international big time. I finally got the chance to see Don perform live and it totally blew me away. Its very rare that I show up at a club event before opening, wait on line and watch a set from beginning to end - Don't incredibly energetic performance left no other option. In my many years of watching DJs, I can't recall another performer who was this spirited on stage. Don opened the show at Jimmy Woo and owned the crowd instantly. You had no choice but to respond to his jumping, live mic skills, expert mixing techniques (on 4 cd decks) and flawless song selection. He brought the crowd up and down -- having them chant and sing along many times. His MCs are top notch but let's face it, Don is quite good on the mic himself. Dancing to Don Diablo tonight was easily one of my top 3 DJ sets ever. It probably helps the fact that Don is exactly the kind of DJ that I model myself after, hiNRG stage performance coupled with leading the crowd. With at least four US labels fighting to sign Don Diablo, it shouldn't be long before the people here in the state get a chance to experience Don Diable. Word of advice, if you see Don Diablo booked to play anywhere close to you.. go. It will be one of the best nights of you life.
Great things I learned today:
1. Vito Benito, who is responsible for several great commercial remixes over the past year (Britney Spears, Mutya Buena, Sugababes), is a pseudonym of Neil Stainton of Chunk Records. Watch out for the upcoming Vito Benito remix of ghana rapper Tinchy Stryder "Take Me Back."
2. Remixes of Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" by Japanese Pop Stars and Audio Bullys are due to be released. Don't bother looking for the rumored deadmau5 remix as it was not submitted.
Great quotes
"I would like you to justify what you do."
- probably the best question ever asked at a panel - this one posed to the members of the Perspectives of Publicity panel
"This is like speed dating, I hope someone will ask me to dance."
- Chanteuse/singer/songwriter Sylvia Tosun describing the often hectic meeting/waiting area at the Felix Meritus
"You can't force a record to happen."
- Caroline Prothero on the Perspectives of Publicity Panel
"My parents will be so proud, I got frisked by two beautiful dutch girls in police uniforms who called me a naughty boy."
- me after a run in with entertainers at Club Panama
"Music has given birth to a way of life. Its the lifestyle."
- Brad le Beau on the Perspectives of Publicity Panel
"Just checking my watch, yes, it's 2008."
- comment overheard when a DJ played one too many classics redone in just under 30 minutes of a set
"Electronic music is best when it doesn't come from the US. The best electronic records come from Europe."
- said on the Perspective of Publicity Panel, source unknown
