DJ Teridactyl

Thanks to KROQ radio here in LA, I was able to attend last night's Hollywood premiere of Re:Generation. In the film, 5 DJ's are given the challenge to reinterpret a different music style, either Rock, Jazz, Country, Motown, or Classical, into their own sound. Some are naturally paired, such as Mark Ronson with Jazz, while others found themselves with a larger learning curve, as did DJ Premier with Classical music. All of them however, rose to the challenge and created awesome tracks, the process towards which, is documented in the film.










Immediately following the screening, all the DJ's who participated in the project were on hand to answer questions and discuss their experiences with the project. Each of them expressed that it was a privilege to be able to work with music legends who have come before them and work on this project not for the sake of fame, but simply to make good music. Here is one of my favorite tracks from Re:Generation: Skrillex's Rock contribution, "Breakn' a Sweat" in collaboration with The Doors.

Skrillex - Breakn' a Sweat (RE:GENERATION) by CRUSK

Now this is how I like a debut single off a new album to sound! "Big Mouth" is Santigold's first offering off her upcoming sophmore album, Master of My Make-Believe, due out later this year. Unlike M.I.A.'s track, this one has got me eager to hear more.

After hearing all the criticism of Lana Del Rey's Saturday Night Live performance, I had to find out what all the fuss was about. She may not be the most engaging live performer, but I found her songs off her debut album Born to Die, rather lovely in a stripped down kind of way. Which also just so happens to be the perfect platform for a great remix. Here's one I found of one of my favorite tracks, "Video Games."

Lana del Rey - Video Games (Jussbert Remix) by Jussbert

I didn't understand why Madonna would be performing at Superbowl's halftime show in 2012, but I've now found out why. Looks like she's gearing up to release her new album MDNA next month. This first single's cheerleading chorus doesn't really work for me, but Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. do add to the track, other than to keep Madonna relevant in today's music landscape.

Thanks to this video, I think this track is now growing on me a little. But as a debut single for a new album, I would have hoped for more from M.I.A.

M.I.A. has released a new single onto the world, as a precursor to her 4th studio album, due out this summer. As a fan of M.I.A., I have to say this song leaves me unimpressed. Maybe the music video, set to air later this week, might help to win me over.

M.I.A. - Bad Girls by Interscope Records

I told you Skrillex was a DJ to look out for! He along with 4 other DJ's, including The Crystal Method, are featured in this new film, out on limited release and only playing in theaters Feb. 16th and 23rd. The movie explores music's past, and it's present reinvention. This will be a must watch for me, so I'll be sure to follow up with a review once I get a chance to see it.

I may be new to Skrillex, but at only 24 years old, Skrillex (aka, Sonny Moore) is not that old to the scene. Apparently he has been making his name in the DJ world the past 2 years, by creating remixes of popular songs (which has garnered him 5 Grammy nominations this year). He has yet to release a full length album of his own, but it looks like 2012 will be the year for his official debut. Below is Skrillex's take on Benny Bennasi's song, "Cinema."

Benny Bennassi - Cinema (Skrillex Remix) by Skrillex

I recently was the DJ for my good friend's wedding at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. It was my first time both attending and playing a destination wedding, but I'm happy to report that everything went off without a hitch (well, except for the one between the bride & the groom)!

















It was really great to see everyone, both young and old, celebrating by getting down on the dance floor. Congratulations again to Tiffany & Ruben!

Following annual tradition, I was ready to begin selecting the top 5 dance songs of 2011 this week. But when I was sifting through the releases of this past year, I only came up with rather uninspiring results (which is another reason for my lack of posts in recent months). I honestly had trouble finding five songs I felt worthy of this category, although there was at least one I knew I would be including here. So instead of 5, I present to you my personal favorite song to dance to of 2011: Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel." Hopefully you'll be dancing to this one somewhere at New Year's!

We've come to the last few days of 2011 when it's time to reflect on the year that was. And to help us with that is DJ Earworm's annual mashup of the top 25 hits of the past 12 months...

I've been keeping busier than usual these past couple months which has unfortunately kept me away from posting on here. But I'm delighted to report that I'll be returning to the turntables next month for a friend's wedding. And with that news, I also come bearing a new single by the one and only Sleigh Bells, off their forthcoming album, Reign of Terror. Enjoy!