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Home , DJ Dan, Don Diablo, Dubfire, Ian Pooley, Maceo Plex, Steve Lawler

EDM: New England’s Top EDM Venue

I’ve been around the world and experienced a lot of clubs and types of nightlife, and I must say we have an amazing nightlife and beautiful people in our own little state.

With more than a decade of experience in EDM mayhem, RI holds one of the most legendary EDM clubs in New England: Club Therapy. Even New York promoters take interest in it. With its heavy scheduling of major worldwide headliners, Club Therapy is not about to slow down.

After the unscheduled closing of its lone afterhours club in Nov 2011, Providence was left with a void. It would be more than 2 years before something would return to fill the 2 – 6am gap that was lacking in Providence’s nightlife. Boasting “New Venue, Same Vibe,” Therapy has returned to Dike St, moving to a newer, cleaner space a couple blocks down at number 62.The club contains an earth-shaking system with 12 subs and eight line array speakers, all custom built. The main room has four large projection screens — two behind the DJ and two on either side of the dance floor. A custom-designed light show and truss layout tie the room together and pull you into the music. The front room lounge uses two subs and two tops from the Martin Audio system that was in the main room at the former location, and there’s a unique 3D mapped visual display as a backdrop for the DJ.Saturdays midnight – 6am; Underground house and with international guests Fridays midnight – 6am; Various scheduled events with a wide variety of acts18+, No liquor EDM: Dominating DJs

Being a city DJ brings the challenge of finding gigs. Working hard and staying fresh with music is the number one priority when labeled as a top-notch local DJ. Working at least three times a week is full time job that very few DJs get to have. Not many DJs meet the standards of a hard-working skilled DJ, and I always say the older you get, the better you understand the platform of music deliverance on the dance floor. Controlling the crowd is a key factor.

At times it’s frustrating when politics get involved. When it comes to promoters and club owners, attendance is key. No matter how skilled the DJ is, if the dance floor is empty and the bars are not making drinks, then it simply does not matter. One DJ I find who is working hard and never seems to find gigs is OG Pauly D. I mean, this guy been in the game as long as I can remember. He’s currently spinning in Providence and Boston at clubs and events, and he’s also entertainment director for In the Biz Entertainment. He’s been spinning on the ones and twos for about 25 years now. He’s formally the only person representing XM satellite radio three days a week from Rhode Island and also worked with many artist and industry people who are personal friends of mine. Being a veteran DJ comes with lots of advantages, from music catalog to massive unreleased materials that become the ultimate testing ground for the dance floor. One of the biggest elements for clubs to add is to employ a resident DJ. Then that club becomes a comfortable setting for club goers. All your songs are played by your favorite DJ and you don’t have to request a single song. That’s one of the reasons why people attend their favorite club many times a month — they just let the DJ take them on a journey. Catch OG Pauly D every Friday night at Kartabar doing video DJ sets.

EDM: Respect the DJ — A Profile of DJ Bruno

When it comes to nightlife entertainment, DJs are the main ingredient. One of the most influential DJs I have ever met is DJ Bruno from Boston. He’s been DJing in New England since 1987 and became known in the college scene in the late ’80s to early ’90s for mixing hip-hop, reggae, RnB, and . Then in 1991 he began a residency at the Boston Loft with , and in February 1992 he started the Legendary Utopia Parties. Utopia still remains one of Boston’s hottest deep house music events.

DJ Bruno won plenty of awards. In 2006, Boston Magazine named him DJ of the Year. In 2007, Weekly Dig awarded Utopia Sundays the Best House Night in Boston. Then, on December 22, 2012, DJ Bruno was forced to retire due to health issues. That same evening politician Tito Jackson gave him an award that said December 22, 2012, was DJ Bruno Day.

After an operation that caused him to lose some of his vision, he enrolled in the Carroll Center for the Blind where he learned to cope with his blindness. Determined to do what he loves, he came out of retirement in July 2013 and released his first mix CD in 14 months titled Blind Fury.

I have the pleasure of performing with DJ Bruno in a Battle of the DJs on October 11 at 9pm at Paris Street Gallery in Everett, Mass. For event info, check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/286162681587141/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

EDM Club Listings

October 4: Electric Haze: An all drum ‘n’ bass night; 29 Milbury St., Worcester, Mass., 9pm – 2am

October 11: Battle of the DJs: DJ Bruno vs. DJ Osheen; 101 Paris St., Everett, Mass.; 9pm – 2am

October 18 (after hours): DJ Chiss Vargas at Therapy; 7 Dike St., Providence.

EDM: Back to School

The summer may be over, but the party doesn’t have to be. Venues anticipate a back-to-school extravaganza to happen and promoters, graphic artists, DJs, bouncers, dancers and bartenders are all geared to make it successful for everyone. Most work to glamorize the night life to its fullest potential and a heavy booking schedule is now available for most clubs.

Tumbling down to EDM beats is one of the most self-indulgent thing you can do when reuniting with your friends because it lets you feel like you’re picking up right where you left off. EDM is definitely mainstream in some aspects, depending on how you define the mainstream techno/house culture, but it ultimately shifts over to the underground side. For instance, if you go to an EDM night club between 10pm and 2 am you will definitely hear music by the heavy hitters of mainstream EDM producers, such as Calvin Harris, , , Skrillex, Tiesto, and versus underground, heavy- hitting, world-known DJs/producers like , Ferry Corsten, Cajmere, Tiefschwarz, Jay Lumen, and Ian Pooley. In after-hour clubs and warehouses, the diversity in music is concentrated into melodic, heavy-base, wobbly beats and lush synths, and club goers feel a sense of unity as the music takes control of mind, body and soul.

Students can podcast or stream EDM digital radio stations from around the globe for the latest in new groundbreaking tracks. This is the best way for anyone to stay current with the culture.

This Months Featured Event: Club Therapy, September 19 with special guest DJs, Jay Lumen, Osheen, Jeff leClair and Bamboora Open from midnight to 6am every Friday and Saturday with occasional extended hours for holidays or special events clubtherapyri.com EDM: Essentials

On the stage is your favorite artist. Behind them their light show bedazzles. Their bass blasts through some of the heaviest speakers in the industry, sending wave after wave through an audience of thousands who know every word and melody.

EDM artists are today’s rock stars. Forget the guitars and drums — everything is a feeling and massive amounts of people bring unity like no religion can. Some of the best fresh unreleased tracks are played during EDM festivals in July and August for promotional reasons. Fans have plenty of opportunities to see the biggest techno, electro, house and dub step acts, and DJs from local to global.

As a fan, the essentials needed for events are pretty simple. Stay hydrated, keep the carbs and protein at a constant flow, and let the baseline melodies take you away. DJs creatively evolve during events, from setting up stages to proper sound check. As a party goer it’s very important to be aware of your favorite DJ’s time slot. It’s the best feeling when you’re up close to experience your favorite track dropping into melody.

One of my favorite moments in a show is when the song releases from full drum penetration into complete silence. That’s when all the whistling goes across the crowd. All of the sudden, the heavy climbing pluck synths start filtering through the speakers. That’s when all hell breaks loose — hands in the air and smiling faces all jump up and down dancing as the beat kicks back into its maximum peak potential.

OSHEEN’s Top 10 House EDM Picks for August 2014

1. Ruffneck – “Everybody Be Somebody” 2014 remix

2. Mark Night – “In and Out”

3 Don Diablo – “Night Time” 4 Block and Crown – “Inside My Head”

5 Osheen – “Citrus Acid”

6 Federico Scavo – “Colegiala”

7 Rober Gaez – “Dancintz”

8 Haxton Whores – “Move it Now”

9 Mazi, Fomin, Doctor – “Blue”

10 Tradelove – “Around the World”

EDM Adapts to Summer

Okay — I’m not sure how far the US men’s soccer team will advance by the time you read this. I just hope they win. Soccer players love house music. It’s an international musical language we all love, especially when the weather breaks.

EDM adapts to summer by capturing its die-hard underground fans and providing a learning experience for the newcomers as they adapt to the EDM culture. This is the best season to enjoy EDM as a whole package with amazing lighting, booming systems and a diverse crowd. Record labels schedule the release of summer tracks to give them proper play. They tend to be more luscious in production, making them groovy and melodic. Most producers cater to nightlife by following the trendiest tracks being played year round.

Although EDM is accepted in all forms, to capture the best of the season promoters look for the right talent for the right event, from headlining outsiders to local heroes. And every state is different. Looking for a great outdoor event this summer? There are plenty and I’m sure this summer is going to be a very hot one. Recent acts include Benny Benassi, Congoroc, Franki Bones, Boris, Tommie Sunshine, Dj Shiftee, and many more.

Featured DJ Kevin Lepine, aka, DJ Dupe

Born and raised in Germany, DJ Dupe brought his love and passion for the house music culture across the ocean to settle in Maine in the late ’80s. Now a Providence resident, after seeing more than most would dream about, DJ Dupe has become a big part of the scene in New England. Since the mid ’90s, after working alongside some of the world’s best DJs and producers, Dupe has honed in on the true meaning of being a DJ by trade: passion, diversity, and music selection skills. This knowledge has made him one of the most respected and sought-after house music DJs in New England. Bringing a vibe unmatched by many others in the EDM/UDM scene right now, Dupe is busier than ever with countless gigs across the country and music productions with Blinded Records. facebook.com/DjDupe

DJ Dupe’s Top 10 Summer Tracks

1. “Nexus” (Tomy Declerque Full Vocal Mix) –

2. “Hustles Revenge” (Prok & Fitch Remix) – Joeski

3. “Loudastic” (Original Mix) – Ramiro Lopez

4. “Homeless” (Nite Mix) – Ted Nilsson, Errol Reid, CJay Swayne

5. “Relish Your Soul” (Soul Heaven Vox Mix) – Neil Pierce ft Kadija Kamara

6. “Kuzla Prevarantska” (Original Mix) – Umek

7. “Engine No. 9” (Original Mix) – DJ Dan, WhiteNoize

8. “Inside Job” (Original Mix) – 2000 and One

9. “Want You In My Soul” ft. Stee Downes (Original Mix) – Lovebirds

10. “Truffle Pig” (Original Mix) – Tommy Trash

EDM: Providence Is Party Central Club XS : The Newest Hot Spot

Providence is known as party central with club events happening all across town, and the heavily involved EDM scene shows that we’ll be here for generations to come. Every club has its own unique formula that seems to work just fine; some offer a sexy atmosphere, others explore an artsy appearance and let’s not forget the amazing shore nightlife summer offers.

The club phenomena in Providence has been non-stop since the ’70s when NYC was on top of its game and RI was right behind. There were a few very popular clubs throughout the city, like BT Bogarts, one of the first to have a lighted dance floor, and Play Dan and Club 2001 where party-goers could explore their inner souls. Today, Providence replicates the best experiences of big city night clubs, like in Miami and LA. We offer some of the best sound systems around and EDM is a hundred times better when it’s loud with a pulsating base driving through your body. It’s an instant formula for dancing. For party-goers, a memorable night is driven by special guest out-of-town DJs and popular local DJs who carry a hefty schedule.

Providence’s newest club, Club XS, opened to huge success on its first weekend. Local DJs already lining up to be one of first to bless the turntables is a definite sign that PVD gained another nightlife spot to influence an audience and further an agenda.

As we head deeper into the summer, the club action shifts to our amazing beaches and we tend to get a little nervous around the city — unless you’re Sequel Lounge with an amazing outdoor patio sure to please and breeze everyone. But the city is full of fun and excitement with dozens of clubs to explore. And clubs always seem to offer a top notch menu of exclusive cocktails that you may not find anywhere outside of RI.

Club Highlight:

Club XS, 1 Throop alley, Providence; XSLOUNGERI.com

Sequel Lounge, 178 Atwells Ave., Providence; www.sequelprov.com

DJ Highlight:

Osheen Offical Numark Artist/DJ and the driving force behind Blinded Records, Osheen, New England’s own veteran DJ and producer, is no stranger to the music culture and house music scene. He began his career in the early 1980s dosing the dance floors of local clubs and rave events in the northeast. When the rave phenomena hit in the early 1990s, he took his skills and signature sound of chugging tribal proper house music out to the masses and quickly became known as one of the premier underground house DJs in the US. The demand kept growing for his talent as a DJ, leading him to the next logical and creative step, the creation of his own music and record label. Osheen currently has numerous remix and original releases on major and independent record labels.

EDM: The Underground Music Movement and Featured DJ Wil Trahan

Every day more and more party goers are starting to embrace the underground music scene. I come from the early ’90s rave era, and I’ve noticed the new generation of ravers is no different from the early days of underground warehouse events. Everything is exactly the same — unity, love and respect in conjunction with the love of music and the diversity of its perceptual experience. Underground music has always been the admired aesthetic of attitude. Techno and is the perfect of early underground house music to emerge from , and NYC. The minimal programing of electronica dance music is embraced by DJs because they can mix other songs with similar minimal patterns. It’s an ideal formula to indulge and create distinctive, one-of-a-kind live remix sets.

For music to be classified as underground, it usually means that the music is not part of the corporate label music scene. It is not limited to unsigned bands, artists, producers or DJs, but also those signed to independent labels who may not sell millions of discs or downloads, but support freedom of expression in the less mainstream genres of music. There’s no commercial pop cheese here! What began as a counter- culture has now become mainstream. House music originated in Chicago in the mid-’80s at the original Comiskey park, where a rave-like party was thrown for people to burn their disco records. During these years, an underground scene stepped off and began to develop a new music style that was deeper, rawer and designed to make people dance.

As the late-’90s passed and the new millennium settled in, the addictive beats began invading the commercial music world as industry men and women realized that there was money to be made in the underground rave world. Underground events usually are promoted by a street team of die hard party goers that strives to create a memorable event and unity among friends. Like the hippie culture in the ’70s, the underground movement is about freedom of creative expression as opposed to the highly formulaic composition of commercial music. The underground movement appreciates artistic individuality as opposed to conformity to current mainstream trends.

This Month’s Featured DJ: Wil Trahan

Wil Trahan began regularly DJing in 2001 and has held residencies at Club Therapy (Providence, RI), Pulse Afterhours (Providence RI), Moda (Providence, RI) and Bijou (Boston), and plays regularly at numerous other venues throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Wil has played alongside such names as Adam Beyer, , , Marco Carola, Dubfire, Christian Smith, Boris, Victor Calderone, Carlo Lio, Mark Knight, D Ramirez, , , Umek, The Martinez Brothers, Nick Warren, Steve Lawler, Hernan Cattaneo, Chus & Ceballos, Alan Fitzpatrick, Joseph Capriati, Oscar G, Jonathan Peters, Richie Santana, Peter Bailey, Fehrplay, and Jeremy Olander. Wil has released music on Sturdy Recordings, and has other releases scheduled for Slanted Black, and System NYC.

DJ OSHEEN: What sets you apart from other DJs?

Wil Trahan: Probably the experience that I have had playing in front of many different crowds over the last 13 years. Also the amount of time I have spent on other DJs’ dance floors because I feel that is a very important part of shaping your sound as a DJ.

DJO: What can we expect from your live sets?

WT: It all really depends on the party, the room, and the sound system, but for the most party quality, underground dance music. If I had to pick one genre that I enjoy playing more than any, it would have to be techno. There’s nothing better than getting into a great groove. But it’s tough to play that style of music and have it come across the way it was intended unless you have a quality sound system to play it on. At the end of the day, though, i just love to see people enjoying themselves to the music that I select, regardless of the genre!

DJO: Describe your sound as a DJ.

WT: My sound is one that is dictated by the dance floor, and the vibe of the party. One night, if I’m opening for a headlining DJ, I’ll probably be playing deep house. The next night i might be playing techno in a different setting. Sometimes you might even find me playing old school hip-hop. I believe that there is a time and a place for all music and it’s the DJs job to figure out what time it is.

DJO: What’s your favorite site to purchase music and why?

WT: Probably , and the only reason is that I am very familiar with the layout of the site. I’ve recently started using traxsource as well, and I really like the quality stuff I’ve been finding on that site.

DJO: Name your current top 10 track listings.

WT: Joeski, El Jibaro; La Conga, Tracy Hamlin; Home (Ted Patterson Home Alone remix), Danny Smith; Carmichael (m.i.t.a. remix), Philip Bader; Edge of Space, Nathan Barato; Strange Things, Maceo Plex; Conjure Bass, Vinz Exe; AK47, Tom Flynn; Hoochie, Sonic Future; Bring It On, DJ Melee; Reality Check (Wil Trahan remix)

EDM: From Rivet-Gun Bass Lines To Cascading Piano Riffs

DJ Dublin discusses EDM

The term EDM has metamorphisized more quickly than any term in dance music since I can remember. EDM is short for , which could conceivably describe any music with a beat made on a machine. But in practice, it describes something more specific. Everything that’s presented as EDM falls within one corner of the scene, which is generally a more commercialized corner, a corner with more marketing muscle behind it. The term has been adopted mainly by an American audience to apply to things like big tent electro-house and American . It’s difficult to draw a clear sonic line between EDM and other sub-genres of non-EDM dance music, like deep house. Proper house/house was synonymous with older disco music, boogie, soul and funk, formed into sampled repetitive 4/4 beats, off- beat hi-hat cymbals and luscious synthesized baselines in the range of 118 to 125 beats per minute. It’s easy to describe the sound of house music. Much like organic fruits and vegetables versus synthetically grown, the electronic listening music of the ’90s is a prime example of an art form derived from influence. In the early 1990s, the term IDM (intelligent dance music) was born. In America, it was described as art or intelligent techno, while house music displayed several characteristics similar to disco music with an added electronic and minimalistic twist. During the rave era of the early ’90s, there was no radio, social media or any other outlet for that sound of music. It was very underground, and people who knew, knew.

House music venues are endless, from clubs to cafes, restaurants, hair salons and high-end department stores. After its success in the 90s, house music grew even larger during the second wave of sound in the early 2000s with a more aggressive, harder sound with tech and an electro-edgy element. Today, house music remains popular in clubs while retaining a strong foothold on underground scenes across the globe. Deep house music has always been described as the spiritual side of dance music, and it seems logical for deep house DJs to mark the night — or perhaps the sunrise — by ending an event with deep house. I reached out to local favorite DJ Dublin to share his amazing one-night-a-month event at local downtown club, The Salon.

Rob Murphy, aka DJ Dublin, grew up in Providence. He is curator and resident DJ of Soul Teknology and founding member of the Afrosonic Collective.

DJ OSHEEN: What is your favorite classic dance track?

DJ DUBLIN: There are so many greats, but one that comes to mind is Hardrive’s “Deep Inside.” It’s the quintessential classic house track. Mix that vocal intro into just about any song and everyone still goes crazy, and when that bassline hits, it’s over! And the vocals: “All we need is love,” pretty much sums up house music in one line.

DJO: We still very much cherish our vinyl records. Please describe your love for records.

DJD: I still have my vinyl shelved right here in my studio. Just looking at my records makes me want to start thumbing through them! Even though I still regularly buy records through the internet, I miss walking into Skippy White’s and sayin’, “What’s new?” The simple acts of buying, listening to and appreciating music is so different now. No more opening up albums, sitting back and reading the album art and notes as you take it all in. Man this question makes me want to put the needle on the record and fall back into a beanbag with a nice IPA. Yeaaaahhh …

DJO: So what can we expect from your live set?

DJD: Soulful dance music! I definitely steer my sets in different directions depending on the setting, but you’ll always hear something with soul! At my monthly party, Soul Teknology, which I do with DJs MikeDelick and Yummy, you can expect to hear dance music with influences from around the world — Africa, Cuba, Brazil, NY, Chicago — all blended up in the true house music spirit. I also do a party with MikeDelick that we call music of many colors, which is exactly as the name implies: soul, funk, salsa, disco, house and dub. It’s basically a night of really good old and new global dance music, not necessarily electronic all night.

DJO: What’s your current top 10 play list in no particular order?

DJD: Oscar P – “The Drum” (Jose Marquez Remix), Lady Alma – “It’s House Music” (Feel It Mix), DJ Christos & Monique Bingham – “Outta Sight” (Ralf Gum Mix), Quantic – “Duvido,” Hector Lavoe – “Mi Gente” (Ivan Diaz Edit), Juju Christian – “Earth People,” Sonz of Afrika – “Ubuthakathi” (Hand of God Remix), Darque & Black Coffee – “Ready for the World,” DJ Fudge – “Pedogbepa,” Bob Marley – “Redemption Song”

DJO: What sets you apart from your competition?

DJD: That’s a funny one because I never thought about other DJs as competition. I never really cared what other people are playing or how I can be different. I just do what I do — spread my love for music around to other like-minded souls.

DJO: What piece of equipment could you not live without (not necessarily DJ equipment)?

DJD: My snowboard.