Rollin’ & Scratchin’

No doubt that the hype surrounding Vampire Weekend’s latest release, ‘Contra’, has been overwhelming.  Kudos to them Ivy League boys for putting together a fantastic album.

Cashing in on the hype is The Very Best, a much buzzed about band from Malawi by way of Paris by way of…..well you get the idea.  “Warm Heart of Africa” is the first single off the album of the same name and features the warm vocal stylings of non-other than Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend.  What a terrific song.  Now lets see a The Very Best and Vampire Weekend tour this summer at strictly outdoor venues.

The Very Best (Feat Ezra Koenig) – Warm Heart Of Africa

January 25th, 2010 by Craig · Link · Leave a comment

Our favourite Dutch electro-house master, Bart B-more is certainly no stranger to international dance floors having toured the globe and played alongside heavyweights Diplo, Crookers, Tiesto, Erik Morillo and Armin van Buren.

Now, he’s coming to North America and bringing his unique big-room house to a club near you. To wet your whistle, check out Bart B-more’s latest mix!

Bart B-more Mix

Rollin’ $ Scratchin’ was lucky enough to catch Bart for a quick interview.

1. It’s a New Year! What’s 2010 looking like for Bart B-more?

In contradiction to the current dutch weather it’s looking very sunny! The year starts of with tours in North America and Australia where I’ll be able to test out all the new stuff I’ve been working on this winter. Can’t wait!

2. Between your label duties, producing and DJ-ing, how do you keep a balance between all the different responsibilities?

I’m getting better and better at this. Luckily I’m not running the label on my own so I only get to do the fun part, selecting music. I also found a better balance between producing and dj’ing. I’m more organized now which makes dj’ing easier. This is all stuff you learn by experience.

3. Bart B-more’s productions services are in high demand. As the remix opportunities continue to pour-in, are there any artists that you’ve always wanted to work with?

There’s loads! I’d love to do a record with one of the big indie rock bands.. that would be an interesting combination!

4. What’s your approach to DJ-ing? Is there a lot of advanced-planning? Or do you let it happen naturally?

I always just let it happen naturally. Every crowd is different and you never know what to expect. With my DJ sets I can go into a few directions. I try to find out what the people are into and take it from there. Besides I would be very bored if I’d play the same DJ set over and over again.

5. Can you give us your top 5 tracks to spin right now?

That would be

1. D.I.M. & Tai Jason – Lyposuct (Noob Remix)

2. Dj Punish – Meet Her At Boltimore

3. Thomas Bangalter & Dj Falcon – Together (Little Bastard Rework)

4. Boris Dlugosch – Bangkok

5. Mc Flipside – In The Zone (Bart B More Remix)

Bart B-more will be playing the Mod Club (Toronto) on Jan. 22nd.

Check the flyer here.

January 18th, 2010 by Brian · Link · Leave a comment

There’s no question that Nick Diamonds’ pop band, Islands has seen several incarnations over the last five years.  This time around he’s taken their music in glam-rock electronic direction that seems to be keeping with the times in this new decade.

Their newest video features Michael Cera in a tripped out spoof of an anti-drug ad.  This clever collaboration between fellow Canadians comes in perfect time for Cera’s new flick, ‘Youth In Revolt’ as well as Islands cross European tour in March.

Islands – No You Don’t

January 11th, 2010 by Craig · Link · Leave a comment