We don’t care about that. The only thing we care about (That could rhyme with the above saying) is…. <Drum Roll PLEASE>….

Motion Notion!

July 25th-29th heralds one of the biggest EDM festivals Western Canada has ever seen. Over 100 Artists… Are you joking me?

This blogger is most excited about Torro Torro, Downlink, Mat the Alien and The Funk Hunters.

The only thing funny about this entire thing is the name of the location (it’s a a real treasure.): Golden, B.C.

Radio Toxic got our hands on some press passes! Hence our enthusiasm, and it’s not getting curbed any time soon. We are super stoked to bring you guys as much coverage as we can of the event, and to hopefully interview some of the wicked performers. We’re going to blog, take video and some awesome photographs, so keep it LOCKED on Radio Toxic!!!!

If you can get the chance to drop your life for a few days and go on a life changing adventure, Motion Notion would be the prime place to do it. Good weather, amazing people and the best music in the world in one place… Now THAT’S golden!

Information about admission and other important details can be found here.

HUGE THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE AT MOTION NOTION FOR PROVIDING THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR US! LOVE from RADIO TOXIC!

Check the poster

Motion Notion!

Not many people may know the team of Tony Anthem & Axl Ender but with their new emergence within the Rottun family, lead by none other than Dubstep master, Excision, this duo is well on their way to becoming a household name in North America. With their roots set with the UK, 2009 marked a big year as they had massive success opening up ‘Bad Monkey Records‘ and ‘Dub Monkey Records‘ alongside the talented Erb n’ Dub (Now part of the well known banner, Hashtag). Since then, they’ve gone on to pump out numerous releases on bass heavy labels across the globe as well as took the opportunity to work alongside some of the industries most talented vocalists such as; Navigator, Darrison, Harry Shotta and Skibadee.

With half of 2013 in the bag, Tony Anthem & Axl Ender have surprised many with a slew of HUGE sounds coming off their debut Album titled, ‘Nightfall‘. As expected, this aggressive album features a full spectrum of Bass focused genres such as; Glitch Hop, Dubstep, Electro House and Drumstep. With their eyes set on a western takeover, it’s only a matter of time before the rise in fame.

Check out the gnarly preview of the first smash track off the album:

1. Acid Party

2. Invisible 

3. Force 

4. Bring It On 

5. Beast 

6. Fire & Ice VIP Ft. Matyna 

7. Tearing Me Apart [Vocal Mix]

8. Nightfall

9. Smash It

10. Hurt

11. Fire & Ice Feat. Martyna

Buy The full Album here.

Don’t forget to follow Tony Anthem & Axl Ender on Soundcloud so you never miss another one of their releases!

I’m talking about the most amazing plant in the world… Cannibis. Or weed for short! British Columbia has a lot of it. It is one of our most profitable industries, and is just at the heels of lumber and tourism. But hey, I bet some tourists probably come down here for one reason… to get high.

But we live here. Also, it takes a certain kind of personality to work on an online electronic music radio station in your off time… You’ll eventually realize that you’re the kind of person that gets invited to some cool events. This brings us to our main point. We got invited to cover the second annual Vancouver Kush Cup!

For those of you who don’t know what the Kush Cup is… it’s like Lord Stanley’s Cup…. but for weed! Hosted by Kush.ca, the Kush Cup is one of B.C.’s more intimate  pro-marijuana events. A panel of judges gets to review various strains of bud grown throughout B.C., and score them accordingly. We don’t know what the criteria will be yet, but I think it will get a little less hazy (or more hazy, depending how you look at it) at the actual event.

We ‘re ecstatic. We get to check out some of nature’s finest herb and meet many of the wonderful people driving the medical production industry in the province, as well as the activist movement for the cause of legalization. We’re pretty sure there is going to be some live music by Swollen Members.

Kush.ca is run by Mark Klokeid, A.K.A. theweedguy. He was diagnosed with stage four high grade blood cancer in 2003, and since his treatment has become an influential force in spreading the message of the pain relieving and healing properties of our favorite plant. We get to hang out with him as well as many of the wonderful people involved with iMedikate, one of Vancity’s premier medicinal marijuana dispenseries. It’s going to be a great time, and we are really stoked to be a part of it!

-Damdam

We put on the face paint like a mask, but it doesn’t hide our true self, it amplifies it.

“I just love what I do, and that’s the end of it. I’m always on the move, and whenever I have an urge to make a track, I just do it.” I could just tell he knows what he is doing, that he’s harnessed the ability to channel his creative energy through a fun and positive extroverted demeanor. After he was done arranging his track list for the night, he took out a large black box and opened it up to reveal an unfolding make-up kit. The kind that travelling circus performers use. I was excited, as I had officially met an EDM producer and bass music DJ clown.

I asked him about the make up. He called it an extension of the self, pertaining to existing in the world as a part of a particular collective of people: Juggalos.

This is where it got interesting.

“We put on the face paint like a mask, but it doesn’t hide our true self, it amplifies it. The Juggalo culture is a family, a worldwide family. If I go to a random city in the States and a fellow Juggalo spots me, they know and I know. ‘YO MAN! You need a place to crash? You need some food? Anything you need brother you got it! We’re a family.’ That’s part of the culture. It’s a global culture, and I think the world really needs more of that connectivity.” 

Representing the Juggalo scene and West Coast bass music, Abstrakt has toured throughout B.C. and is carving his way through a difficult and and often low-lying industry. With his laptop, several programs and a hardened tenacity forged by a several-year grind, he found his rhythm. A 4/4 of hard work, collaboration, skill and relentless drive has compelled his beat making ability and propelled him to world-tour status. In 10 days, he will be leaving for a tour in Europe starting in Prague. He just seems like he’s on the up and up, and nothing will slow him down. His music is an eclectic mix of chaotic bass and off-the-wall excitement, sometimes adding in a dark and sinister twist.

Drawing from many inspirations, Abstrakt’s original tracks and collaborations are indeed inspiring. His friendly nature is great for his field, and other musicians find him a pleasure to work with. Indeed, this is probably why he’s been able to produce so much content over such a short period of time. The music created by the collaboration between himself and his girlfriend Pixy are a testament to what artists can do when they come together. This track exemplifies that principle in particular: Abstrakt Sonance – Gathering of My Family ft. Pixy.

“Theres a place unlike any other, a little psychotic slightly twisted by magical, cant describe it will pull you in. Show your truth, true family something dark and exciting, you don’t want to leave, only if you truly believe…”

Pixy’s lyrical genius and Abstrakt’s producing ability go hand in hand like wine and cheese, or good bud with a rolling paper.

Many of Abstrakt’s tracks have heavy bass and often include tangible melodies that remind me of being a hyped up alien space ship rave party. It reflects his unique and carefree nature too; Most of his tracks are short, averaging at about 5 minutes and rarely broaching the 6th.

“Electronic music fans now-a-days aren’t like hip-hop heads. They just don’t sit down and listen to a whole album all the way through. The attention span wanes, so I’d rather have the listener be thrown into a brand new song rather than wait for a long fade out. Plus it’s easier to mix and you don’t waste tracks.”

A great example of this is the track Zombocalypse from the Terrible Twos album.

His music boasts a great degree of energy, and mirroring his enthusiasm, it lifts the mood of the room. Electrix featuring Danny Redekop is a great example of this, and it has a messy electric guitar fitting perfectly with a low-bpm deep dubstep sound. I especially liked one of his older songs; Eert. Another sick track is this collaboration with Leo Zen; Frog Legs and Monksauce. Abstrakt has also worked with many hip-hop artists including the Canadian rapper Emotionz (The track Yan Zombie ft Vs. And Emotionz – Twelve (Abstrakt Sonance Remix) is SICK.)

We got to hang out too. Tyler and I discussed quantum physics, including the nature of quarks and how ‘When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”  We even got to talk about his garden! The man doesn’t produce just one kind of beat. His Salmon Arm home has a large variety of plants, including straw berries, spinach and other produce that lessen his need to go to the local grocery store. It made me think about the regular day to day existence in the city, and how we get so caught up that we don’t have time to just chill out and let something grow. For Abstrakt, it seems like there is always enough time. His work showcases this principle.

We had done his interview on the Ace and DamDam Show a few days early, and it was almost fated. We scheduled it for the Thursday, and while looking for a new microphone, ran into him, Pixy and Leo Zen at the Tom Lee Music store. “Why not do it right then and there?” we thought. So we did. Check out the outtakes at the bottom of this post. It was the most fun we’ve had in a long time.

With the trademark face paint that we know and love him for, Abstrakt will easily bring the positive vibe to any good dubstep show. No blogger can honestly give Abstrakt the justice he deserves, but I hope that I provided you, our listeners, with ample information about this prodigal force in BC’s bass music scene. Along with his talented girlfriend Pixy, Abstrakt will continue to bring forth amazing tunes for the music-hungry audiences out there.

His latest album Beast Mode is out now, and can be ordered from the West Ave Productions website! Also, Pixy has just released her new album: Diary of a Grim Reaper (IndieGoGo Link)! Peep it on her page! Also take a listen at Abstrakt’s newest colab: Hustlin’ – DJ Thistle ft. One Pham! Albums can be purchased from West Ave Productions here.

Huge thanks to the Abstrakt, Pixy, Leo Zen and the wonderful people at West Ave Productions! We really had a lot of fun having these amazing artists in our studio! Here’s to an amazing Europe Tour!

If you want to order merchandise, book Abstrakt Sonance, Pixie possibly both, please contact tylermyroon@gmail.com

PEEP OUR EXTENDED INTERVIEW WITH ABSTRAKT SONANCE ON OUR SOUNDCLOUD!

Article by Damir Khamzin.

Just a heads up! We’re starting up a weekly talk show out of our new studio… And we’re gonna talk about <drum roll…….> ANYTHING WE WANT!

Music, current events, anime, gaming, books, events, our favorite coffee, festivals! Also, we are going to have lots of artists doing interviews! It’s aptly named: The ADD Show!

Hardstyle.

Now that’s a word I haven’t heard in a long time. And let me tell you… last weekend brought it back for me with a vengeance! Twisted Productions Inc. brought the legendary Headhunterz to adoring Vancouver fans for a truly epic night on May 25th.

I remember the days when I would attend raves week after week, seeing amazing artists like Lisa Lashes, Noise Controllers, DJ Isaac, Showtek, Zany and tons more. Their music and the hardstyle genre had a huge impact on my life. I’d even go so far as to say that yes, I was the kid that wore a Christian Audiger hoodie with the two-six in my pants and a pair of headphones that made my face look tiny. Four years later, I realized I haven’t really grown out of it. Seeing the Dutch hardstyle legend was a good reminder of that. Man was it EPIC!

It was around 10:30 P.M. Two of my old friends came to my apartment with a bottle of white rum and some chase. My roommate was pumped up on the show and wouldn’t stop talking about it for an entire week, but I had no intention to attend. As a trio, my group ended up convincing me. By 11:30 I was in 560 listening to a bumping set by Twisted’s resident DJ Allya. They couldn’t have asked for a better opener.

It was really a big reunion of the old raver crew. I must say, Hardstyle is the ONLY genre that gets people so wild in just the right way. I’ve been to a few rock concerts but seeing attendees so entranced with the music is a real sight. Headhunterz went HARD the entire time (Pun intended) and did not disappoint.

The place was packed to capacity, and few promoter/artist combos in Van can pack a club as huge as 560. We had trouble getting around in the venue, but eventually we gave in and bought VIP wrist bands for the upstairs section. There I stood with my hands folded neatly over the railing, a beer in my hand, awaiting the set they came to see.

And what a set it was!

I haven’t been a Hardstyle fan for well over three years, but he made me want to listen to everything in the genre all over again. Headhunterz even played my favorite song, Dragonborn.

All in all a solid night! I really recommend checking out Twisted’s upcoming Soundlab shows! Check em out! https://www.facebook.com/twisted.ca?fref=ts

One of the strongest emerging Drum & Bass talents in our country, this young gun is putting it all on the table. His music features a combination of upbeat, deep and soulful sounds all wrapped together in a beautiful package of outstanding production!! …and his latest release only further proves this. ‘Remember‘ is a beautifully crafted Liquid Dnb track that glides with it’s smooth, rolling bassline. This one’s without a doubt a true, ‘complete’ track, as it really touches both high and low energy points…. and it’s up for free!!

Check it out:

Don’t forget to follow Carpe Noctem on Soundcloud so you don’t miss any of his future releases!

Ram Records powerhouse duo, known as Loadstar, have swiftly become one of the most sought after Drum & Bass acts worldwide. Consistently making appearances throughout venues and numerous festivals globally has set their banner as a beacon to major audiences and various electronic music mediums. Comprised of artists Xample and Lomax, their alias, ‘Loadstar’, was born in 2010 after their combined success from the past 4 years caught the attention of Ram Records boss, Andy C.

Comprised of three heavyweight core members; Excision, Downlink (both of which are home grown, Canadian) and the ever so elusive, Space Laces, this trio has elevated the bass music exsistence to the next level. Featuring a grimy, industrial backbone, their sound weaves through a wide variety of bass filled genres such as Dubstep, Electro and Mid Tempo. Taking in the talents of other major names such as; Bassnectar, Ajapai and Far Too Loud, this album, without a doubt, will set fire to dance floors across the globe. Check out the previews of their 10 gems:

1. Excision, Downlink, Space Laces – Raise Your Fist
2. Excision, Downlink, Space Laces – Wasteland
3. Excision, Downlink, Space Laces – Crusaders
4. Excision – Flip The Switch
5. Downlink – Activation
6. Excision & Bassnectar – Put It Down
7. Excision & Space Laces – Bounce
8. Excision & Far Too Loud – Annihilate
9. Excision & Ajapai – Blast Off
10. Excision & Space Laces – Funk Hole

Like what you hear? Buy the full album on Beatport or Itunes.

Don’t forget to follow Destroid so you don’t miss another aggressive release.

It’s finally here!

Australian native and major Bass music staple, ‘ShockOne‘, has finally dropped his long-awaited, massive 14 track LP and has a whirlwind of ears itching to listen worldwide. ‘Universus‘ features his recent big time releases, ‘Chaos Theory‘ & ‘Lazerbeam (feat. Metrik)‘, reworks of his 2 classics, ‘Relapse‘ & ‘Crucify Me (feat. Phetsta)‘, alongside 10 brand new, eye popping tracks. With his varied pallet of genres including Mid-Tempo, Electro-House, Dubstep and his well known specialty, Drum & Bass, ShockOne has broadened his brand and built off of his already impressive sound. Having relocated himself recently to London, the mecca for all things Bass, it seems that ShockOne has really raised the bar for himself and other major producers likewise.

Massive support from names such as Andy C, Pendulum, Dirtphonics, Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Viper Recordings head honcho, Futurebound, have brought his banner to light and given him the opportunity to collaborate with other monstrous producers such as Metrik and Phetsta. Now underway with his world tour, expect ShockOne to take over the Bass music scene in the near future…. if he hasn’t already!!

Check out ShockOne’s, ‘Universus‘:

01. Singularity (The Monochord Of Creation)
02. Chaos Theory
03. Harmonize
04. Home (Feat. Reija Lee)
05. Big Bounce
06. Lose Control
07. Crucify Me (feat. Phetsta)
08. Universes (feat. Phetsta & Reija Lee)
09. Lazerbeam (feat. Metrik & Kyza)
10. Infinity’s Silence
11. Relapse (feat. Sam Nafie)
12. Age Of Enlightenment
13. Light Cycles (Prelude)
14. Light Cycles

Buy the full album here.

Don’t forget to follow ShockOne on Soundcloud so you don’t miss any of his upcoming releases!