The annual Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Las Vegas for 2025 just happened this past weekend, and the entire Electronic Dance Music community is deeply in discussion over the set that many thought may never happen. For more context or a short history lesson for those who may be unaware, Tiesto began his career as DJ Tiesto spearheading the beloved Trance genre that for a majority of community, began it all. Tiesto created the compilation series "In Search of Sunrise" to showcase the sounds and the journey you can go on while the music plays.
When Tiesto decided to experiment and pursue what many call "EDM" now in an effort to build a commercialized industry where DJs and Producers can become extremely wealthy, Trance became a genre that has always been put under a microscope. The popularity of other genres within Electronic Dance Music such as House, Techno, Bass, Dubstep, and others have become synonymous with EDM to those who find themselves fans of other music. In fact, the term "trance" deemed itself unpopular in recent years causing many DJs, Producers, and fans to evolve within the industry to stay relevant.
When an "In Search of Sunrise" set at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) was announced, this author truly hoped it would live up to expectations. The constant debate and demand for Tiesto to return to "his roots" has been on going for 30 years. As evident by the discussions throughout social media, brilliant other posts, and this publication itself, we can agree that this set exceeded expectations! We can also attest that whomever suggested this set is a genius due to the "buzz" it has created within the Electronic Dance Music community worldwide.
For those with Facebook access, please read this brilliantly and eloquently written post by William Daniel:
CALLING ALL Electronic Dance Music and/or Independent Artists! Are you an emerging artist with a story to tell? Do you have a new track/song, album, or EP to be released and would like a review? Do you have an upcoming gig, and would like more ticket sales?
The annual Coldharbour Recordings Day rounded out the month of July recently, and it seemed necessary to provide a recap of the roster of sets that spans 30+ hours. The roster of artists has changed over the years within Coldharbour Recordings (as evident from the past posts on this website), but it still remains a good source of showcasing the signature sound provided by the artists.
The best way to showcase these great sets of trance, progressive, and techno music is the handy dandy playlists compiled by the team on both YouTube and Soundcloud. Either way you check them out, the key to electronic dance music is to enjoy the journey. Every DJ and Producer has an unique style and flow to their set. Another way to keep up with the latest updates within the Coldharbour Recordings family is to join the community on Discord. So, without further ado, please enjoy Coldharbour Recordings Day 2024.
*Disclaimer: B.B. is FULLY aware that Justin Timberlake has or will have gotten a lot of media attention for this album from the many publications and "TV" appearances as well as the pop up shows (including the most recent *NSYNC reunion at The Withern in Los Angeles). However, many songs from his previous album 'Man of the Woods' were reviewed here in 2018.
No matter how you slice it or dice it, the goal of popular or "pop" music is to draw the masses in as evident from the MANY artists over the years. Whether you fell in love with Justin Timberlake as a member of the Mickey Mouse Club, *NSYNC, or all of his solo efforts over the years, it's hard not to respect his career. Justin has proven to be a performer from his controversial Super Bowl Halftime shows, Saturday Night Live appearances (either as a host or musical guest), tours, talk show appearances and the like.
Depending on the era of music, every fan has a favorite solo album or a ranking of Justin's albums. Yet, there was a collective agreement from the reviews, sells, and streams of 2018's 'Man of the Woods', that it just did NOT connect with the masses as Justin intended. So after all of these years later, how will 'Everything I Thought It Was' land?
1. "Memphis": The obvious nod to his birth town as an introduction on the album. You can't help but wonder what the following songs will entail.
2. "F**kin' Up the Disco": Justin immediately bringing that "sexy back" (pun intended) to being the upbeat vibes of the album that references the funky, groovy, and catchy music Justin is known for throughout his career.
3. "No Angels": Another dark and twisted groovy track with a QUITE dark music video to get the point across. It could be edgy for the current climate. You should be the judge.
4. "Play": A delightful little song that some music afficionados could have called an interlude back in the day.
5. "Technicolor": Another delightful song that was led by "Play".
6. "Drown": One of the early released singles with that catchy vibe keeping you intrigued as you continue to the album.
7. "Liar" Featuring Fireboy DML: A collaboration that Justin is known for, you know introducing you to someone you may have not found otherwise.
8. "Infinity Sex": Catchy, mature, and well part not afraid to talk about a topic people have a hard time exploring. It fits in with the dark nature of "No Angels" to bring it full circle within the album.
9. "Love & War": A song with with topics in which still affect the world.
10. "Sanctified" Featuring Tobe Nwigwe: Another early released single or performed song leading up to the release of the full album. Justin still brings forth his love for Gospel and that power that has within music.
11. "My Favorite Drug": A personal favorite as this song gets you dancing as it has elements of disco and electronic dance music. Well played Justin.
12. "Flame": A musically inclined song with surprises throughout, from the lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, beat changes, and key changes. It's the musical masterpiece of the album. Meaning Justin and his producers really went for it with this song.
13: "Imagination": The catchy and groovy songs just keep on hitting.
14. "What Lovers Do": Justin heavily leaning into his maturity as well as what he must his assume his key demographic for this album are expecting. Who knows?
15. "Selfish": The first released single of the album for easy listening.
16. "Alone": The strings throughout of this song scream that Justin watched the popular Shonda Rhimes "Bridgerton" universe on Netflix for the scores used within those cinematic adventures. Classical music still has importance within a song for emoting the themes suggested by the lyrics.
17. "Paradise" Featuring *NSYNC: Well, after the "Trolls" song and EPIC response of all fans of this popular boyband for a reunion, it is safe to say the release of this song on Justin's album cements a full reunion is imminent. Let's rejoice as it is VERY long time coming considering pretty much every other boyband has had a reunion by 2024.
18. "Conditions": The lyrics suggest that this may have a subliminal message to end the album. Who knows? Music is very subjective and up for every listener's interpretation.
Overall, this album is much more in alignment with Justin's previous popular album releases. Many songs should be fun to hear live on his upcoming tour or for years to come. Check it out!
FIRST and FOREMOST, let's highlight the artistry of Maceo Plex as he has been a favorite of B.B.'s for MANY years. The amount of tracks and remixes that have become staples in DJ sets throughout electronic dance music primarily in subgenres of house, techno, tech house, and electro have been revered by the community as a whole. A personal favorite being the Maceo Plex remix of Gus Gus's track "Crossfade".
Now let's move on to the task at hand. The album review of '93' will entail a review by track just like previous reviews on this website. Here's the description of the album from Maceo Plex:
"The wait is over. ‘93, my newest album, is finally out. It’s
a fusion of diverse influences throughout my musical career—from techno to drum
and bass, rap to pop, and beyond. Dive into it, I’m excited to hear your first
impressions!"
1. "Wervik": A delightful introduction track filled with the feeling that the listener is about to go on a journey such as those by Maceo Plex DJ sets.
2. "You Don't Have To Wait" featuring Cubicolor: A great collaboration of artists featuring a well written track and well executed vocals to set the mood. The story behind the lyrics is intriguing.
3. "Revision" featuring Gio Santi: This track has made the rotation in many DJ sets, radio shows, and podcasts throughout 2023. A personal favorite featuring elements of music that you can't help but sing along and vibe.
4. "Clickbait (This Ain't Hollywood) featuring AVNU (UK): An up-tempo track that begins just as the last one ends. Perhaps garnering your attention just like the "clickbait" of content on the internet.
5. "Nasty" featuring Tyler Hill: The vibes are fun now and the beats provided here are just as the track suggests, "nasty". Are you dancing yet?
6. "Serpent Jazz" featuring AVNU (UK): Another collaboration by these artists on this album that showcases elements of Jazz fused with electro. The dancing continues.
7. "Get Out of Here" featuring Perry Farrell: The nuance of the track titles continues as you dance to this fantastic collaboration. The story behind this collaboration based on mutual respect is also very intriguing.
8. "Stop That": The delightful tracks continue almost as an interlude of albums throughout music history, but also reminding us to enjoy the music.
9. "Hooligan Plex": More delightful yet weird vibes to enjoy as the dancing just keeps going.
10. "Just You And I": Without trying to sound repetitive, another delightful track to remain upright trying out the next dance move.
11. "All Night (Garage Version)" featuring Oscar and the Wolf: Another staple in DJ sets, radio shows, podcasts in 2023 that will get a crowd going. I challenge you to NOT sing along nor dance. It's IMPOSSIBLE. Might as well add it to the personal favorite list of the album.
12. "Moon Sky (House Version)" featuring Ishi: These intricate collaborations just keep the fantastic vibes going.
13. "Go Back" featuring Desire & AVNU (UK): Never underestimate the power of collaboration within music and the inspiring input it can have on a track and an album. How are you enjoying this track? More dancing.
14. "You're My Desire" featuring Mystic Bill: Another collaboration to get onboard the delightful vibes train of this album. ALL ABOARD!
15. "Shine On & On (Orbital Tribute)" featuring Kirsty Hawkshaw: Choosing the FINAL track of the album must have been difficult, but this track was GREAT. The utilization of vocals mixed with the musical elements sends the listener on their way.
The beauty of music as an artform is as every previous track on this album suggests, is to evoke emotion, and you guessed it, DELIGHTFUL vibes throughout your listener journey. You could say that this review may be biased due to the respect of Maceo Plex already, however, full length albums present a risk of not living up to the hype. In this case, this album should be revered for years and another accomplishment for his legacy.
PLEASE support this album wherever you support music! Here's a handy link as well as the Spotify version. Also check out the Album Video below.
Over the years in electronic dance music, there have been record labels that have distinct sounds that capture the masses. Founded and Owned by DJ & Producer Adam Beyer, Drumcode Records has cemented itself has one of the premiere record labels in techno and electronic dance music. Therefore, this highlight has been LONG overdue. The infections melodies and beats ingrained throughout every track over the years have been and will continue to be celebrated.
Therefore, let's highlight some recent released tracks (in no particular order) that can be found on Beatport, Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Music, and all other music streaming platforms available. Please enjoy all of these tracks and support them wherever you can!
Fun Fact: This label has tied with Coldharbour Recordings for favorite labels by B.B. of BB Media Industries.
Thinking back to 2013 and 2014 when this "formally known as a blog" began as an outlet to showcase talent that may not otherwise be widely known through the passion of music, it was branded with a couple of logos that were simple for identification. For lack of better words, those logos just stuck around as the BB Media Industries umbrella grew with projects over the years. The decision to keep creating content through the reviews, artist highlights, and other text that has garnered traffic over the years in 2023 needed to align with the overall Re-Branding of the media company. Therefore, please see the new logo/poster and banner presented here.
