06 Nov 14

Terror

Thrills

Chills

Horror ...now scream, blogspot readers, as this musician warps the mind and soul with his horrific, terrifying eerie musical sounds within his EDM spectacle - Terrorvision! Inside the darkest of Logan Square's Concord Music Hall, no one will hear you scream when Figure lets the blood (and body parts) fly all around you amidst his heavy bass DJ music performance. Yet it wasn't just the music creating this ominous atmosphere tonight. It was the montage of horror movie clips behind Figure providing the additional spooky creepiness to scare the bejesus out of you, blogspot readers.

That, in a nutshell, blogspot readers, is a fair description of what Terrorvision is all about without giving too much away in this review. Well, SouthSide can mention one more thing - be prepared to dance all night long while listening to the haunting music and viewing the movie clips. Being amongst the spectacle of neon lighting within the dark setting and video, this popular venue was totally transformed into a dark version of Spring Awakening as the fashionable (and mostly costumed) crowd bounced, jiggled etc to Figure's dark EDM sound.

From Chucky to the classic three - Jason, Freddy, Michael to horror classics like Nosferatu and everyone and everything else in between, Figure's Terrorvision was nightmarish trip into the darkest reaches of this musician's twisted mind, blogspot readers. Take caution. It's very, very dark and scary in there. And if you have a weak heart condition, well, don't say SouthSide didn't warn you when you experience this dance scene event yourself. As frightening and terrifying as Terrorvision was, this reviewer loved it! It was like experiencing all the creeps and spookiness of Halloween one week later. 

It was amazing what Figure could do during this show. For example, while showing scenes of  lycan/werewolf transformation (think American Werewolf in London), the rhythmic beats and techno sounds were running in sync to the video clips. Like zombies? Well, so does Figure, blogspot readers, and he gave them their big moments on screen by showing every zombie movie you could think of. Hey, there's a brief (more like a "blink and miss" moment) scene of SouthSide's friend - Kyra Schon aka ghoul girl from Night of the Living Dead!

Not scared yet? Well, you will be the longer you stay within Terrorvision's horrifying realm. And according to Figure, "...there's no turning back..." This reviewer enjoyed how this musician found movie clips rarely shown on tv or found in the local video store. Scenes so disturbing with its many terrifying ways to die at the hands of demented psychopath, blogspot readers. Just remember, you're only getting a small glimpse of what's churning inside Figure's head. Peek any further we all might die from the madness that lurks within. His brainwaves are indeed supersonic ...and should not be taken lightly.

Time for SouthSide's Freddy (of Nightmare on Elm Street - the original with actor Robert Englund) moment. It was so awesome that Figure paid homage to this pop culture horror icon ...even used the iconic Freddy nursery rhyme as part of his music was quite creepy. Oh wow - he pulled out another horror classic ...The Creature from the Black Lagoon ...then it was The Munsters ...and some Beetlejuice - just for fun, blogspot readers. Totally loving the iconic Danny Elfman theme remixed. Wait, since when are Ninja Turtles scary? SouthSide guesses when they're the original movie version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sort of dancing on screen to Figure's dark music. And for the crowning touch - Dario Argento's Susperia! Besides Profondo Rosso (Deep Red also by Argento), this reviewer was backing happily within Figure's love for the horror and terror. Then it was onward to sci-fi horror scenes like Event Horizon and the Alien movie montage.

Ek ...it's The Blob ...creeping all over the screen!

More just for fun - Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas...

Before SouthSide gives too much away, she'll stop here by recommending all horror and EDM fans to check out Figure's Terrorvision when and where he brings the screams and heavy bass madness to venue near you! For more information including tour dates, visit his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/ImFigure. You can find free music tracks at http://www.soundcloud.com/figure.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

04 Jul 14 - The Crystal Method

Now, a little peek into SouthSide’s past ...over 20 years ago, she was heavily into Chicago’s club scene being a regular at Excalibur (now known as The Castle).

Fast forward to the present, she’s about to make her return into that scene tonight...

Wait a minute ...hold up, SouthSide ...in a nightclub?!

No way!

Yes, blogspot readers, she made her official return back to the club circuit by attending The Mid’s The Crystal Method one-night only DJ set performance before heading northward to Milwaukee for their appearance at Summerfest.

Currently celebrating a 20 year music career/partnership, the duo, Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland as musicians, DJs and producers have culminated an extensive list of hit tracks like “(Can’t You)Trip Like I Do” (a collaboration with Filter for the movie Spawn), “Get Busy Child”, “High Roller”. “Born Too Slow”, “Drown in the Now” (another collaboration with Matisyahu) and many, many more. Their music and compositions have been featured in movies, television shows, video games and/or commercials like Fox’s Almost Human, Resident Evil: Extinction (featuring vocals by Milla Jovovich on the track “I Know It’s You”). X Games 3D: The Movie, Fast & Furious 6, Malcolm In The Middle, Bones ...just to name a few with the duo’s name attached to the music credits.

TCM recently released their latest album – The Crystal Method featuring the two hit singles “Emulator” and “Over It” with guest appearances like LeAnn Rhimes (on “Grace”), Le Castle Vania (on “Storm The Castle” and Afrobeta (on “After Hours”). To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide was quite nervous (and excited at the same time) about seeing The Crystal Method due to the fact she’s a longtime admirer of their music (especially her favorites “[Can’t You] Trip Like I Do” and “High Roller”). So, this reviewer felt honored attending their special DJ set as she stood on the balcony of the VIP area observing the action crowding all around the main floor below her.

Inside this River West club, The Mid was already crowded (especially on the main floor) with fashionably dressed clubsters, blogspot readers, beneath the dazzling spectacle of the neon lights and smoke machines (with a few bursts of confetti in between). Yet when The Crystal Method took over control of the DJ booth (after opening sets by Zebo and Mayhem), the entire club floor instantly swelled with more dancing patrons ...thus bursting to life amidst cheers and bouncing electronic rhythms. Everyone (SouthSide included) were excitedly grooving to the beat as these EDM masters thrilled the packed house with continuous dance party mixes (most of them off their current release) for nearly two hours. The “performance” itself featured rounds of intensified hardcore sound that rocked the ears with gradual crescendo rises before popping with those vibrant falls of electronic melodies.

As an admirer of The Crystal Method, she could see why many artists/bands want to collaborate with them due to the fact their music can be cutting edge like their French counterparts, Daft Punk, and crossover with other genres from hip hop to rock. For example, there was one track that featured a bit of technologic/robotic rhythms creating an industrial vibe before moving straight into a boppin’ dub step groove. It’s such music that kept this party crowd hopping track after track, blogspot readers. Still, it was more than just being excited for TCM’s music. It was a wild scene ...sometimes a little chaotic below SouthSide. Getting lost amidst the rhythmic flow of EDM, there was also neon lighting running in sync with the duo’s music as well as blasts of fog/smoke and confetti swirling around the crowd. Merely watching TCM interact and connect with their adoring fans was intriguing and exhausting at the same time especially when they said they love Chicago, its people and food before ending the night with “Get Busy Child”.

Ah ...what a fantastic night ...and week of music for this busy reviewer, blogspot readers. If you have the extreme chance, she highly recommends checking out The Crystal Method live and up close as they tour promoting their new album “The Crystal Method”. For more information, visit http://www.thecrystalmethod.com.

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

 





03 Jul 14 - [synthetic]

Ah ...the night is still young.

There’s more fun to be had in this town, blogspot readers.

 

After her rockin’, foot-stompin’ party with The Black Cadillacs, it was time for SouthSide to mellow out (a little) along with others at Smartbar for the latest edition of [synthetic]. Happening in the underbelly of Metro, this dark electronic dance scene featured resident DJs Boy Alberto and Eeks Laroo with special guest DJ appearance by Nocturna’s DJ Scary Lady Sarah until closing.

What is [synthetic]? In a nutshell, blogspot readers, it’s a free convergence of the goth scene merging the best of Nocturna and Machina rolled into one EDM event for those 21 and older. And what better place to celebrate to hold it – Smartbar in which its dark overtones and dim fluorescent lighting simply added to the event’s mystique and atmosphere. When SouthSide arrived, the event was in full swing with DJ Eeks Laroo at the booth spinning a wicked selection of electronic tracks for the gradually gathering of multigenerational dark music lovers. Yet, blogspot readers, this wasn’t all work and no play for this reviewer. She did spend some time on the dance floor with many others throughout the night in between snapping photos, observing and talking to Boy Alberto. Even a busy reviewer needs to have some fun too.

Throughout the bewitching hours of [synthetic], the dance floor was constantly kept alive by those daring enough to show off their best moves. And there’s no need to worry if you have the wrong or don’t have the latest dance steps. SouthSide can attest of seeing one particular guy who has attended other dance events like Nocturna and Machina giving the younger crowd something to strive for when they reach his age. He’s quite of a vigorous dancer, blogspot readers, especially while tearing up the dance floor with his move song after song. Knowing the “right” moves or club steps is not a requirement here. Having a good time and enjoying the company of other like-minded people is strongly encouraged. Just simply allow the electronic rhythms in songs by The Smiths, The Cult and more take control and your body will do the rest ...blindly follow where it takes you on the dance floor amidst the spotty laser light.

While there, it was somewhat funny watching the hipster club scene venture into the dark underbelly of the Smartbar and then quickly leave upon realizing the DJ isn’t spinning something popular. This is not what [synthetic] is all about, blogspot readers. This monthly dance event may not feature Icona Pop or Tiesto in its music rotation but you will hear a mixture of retro and new like The Cure ...Echo and The Bunnymen ...or Depeche Mode (always a popular favorite) or March Violets...as well as local artists like Cyanotic, Gothsicles  and more until closing. Dress code? Ha! You don’t have to impress anyone with your dress. If you want to wear black or look like the adult version of Wednesday Addams, then do so. It’s all about being comfortable in what you want to express about yourself here, blogspot readers. Believe, SouthSide, whatever you wear whether it’s leather and chains to comfy Bermuda shorts and collared shirt, you will certainly fit in with this electronic crowd.

 

Sadly, after a long exhausting day of traveling from Summerfest, it was time for SouthSide to get some rest ...she had another busy holiday night planned for her. But in the meantime, blogspot readers, [synthetic] is a free dance event held every second Thursday unless noted. The next one will be on August 14 th. Hope to see you there...

 

Until next time, support your local scene, SouthSide

One On One With Suren Unka

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide has another exclusive interview just for you! Through the use of modern technology, she had a chat with New Zealander EDM artist, Suren Unka about his music from upcoming album "El Chupacabra".

 

SouthSide: What inspired you to name your album "El Chupacabra"? Have you ever heard of the Mexican stories about "the goat eater" before in New Zealand? Do you have such tales there?

 

Suren: Yes. I got the name from watching a documentary on the Discovery Channel about El Chupacabras. I was super fascinated by the tale and liked the sound of the words, "El Chupacabra". I decided I had to use it for my album tittle. This sparked a chain of naming some of my songs after interesting documentary’s Like ‘Lyuba’ ‘Weather Science’ ‘Uvula’ ‘Nanobots’ ‘Oryx’. All song tittles from my album.

 

SouthSide: In your opinion, does your current single "130" represent who Suren Unka is and/or what his music is about to fans?

 

Suren: Yes definitely. ‘130’ was the last song for me to write on my album. So it’s the current direction I’m going in. I still wanted to stick with the ‘Suren Unka’ sound from previous releases (Melodic). But add[ed] a slight dance element to the sound.

 

SouthSide: Using such unique rhythms and melodic beats in this particular song, could you see yourself as a visionary in the next wave of the EDM scene?

 

Suren: I am totally not sure. EDM is constantly changing. I can never keep up with all the EDM waves. So as a rule I decided to just make music that I would enjoy. Using sounds that suit me.

 

SouthSide: Will you be releasing any more singles off your upcoming album soon?

 

Suren: The album is coming out April 22nd. So I won’t be releasing any singles before then. But after the album is released, I’ll be releasing a music video for my song ‘Flee’ which is on the album.

 

SouthSide: Who would you say had some influence on your music? And if given the chance, which song (s) would you like to re-mix or collaborate with that artist/musician?

 

Suren: Four Tet [post-rock and electronic musician Kieran Hebden] is my hero! He has influenced me a load. I would love to remix his song ‘Sing’. Even collaborating with him, I feel I would learn so much.

 

SouthSide: Being a half a world away, how has modern technology contributed in your goal of reaching your new as well as current fans of your music?

 

Suren: The internet has been helpful especially Youtube. People from all round have been watching my music videos.

 

SouthSide: Do you have plans to perform live? If so, when and where can fans see you on the stage?

 

Suren: Yes, I perform live. I’m doing a New Zealand tour next month and thinking about touring Australia later on this year.

 

SouthSide: What is the local music scene like in Auckland, New Zealand? Besides Lorde, is there any other artist/musician or music genre that's making waves on the radio there?

 

Suren: Yeah at the moment this whole Bedroom Producer/EDM scene is at a high. There’s so much talent all round New Zealand. Some Artists to check out are Race Banyon, Kamandi, Black City Lights, Fly Nights and Team Cat Food.

 

SouthSide: Lastly, any last words, shameless plugs etc would you like to say about yourself and/or your music to the fans around the world?

 

Suren: Please check out my album ‘El Chupacabra’on April 22nd! Give me a like on Facebook to keep updated: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suren-Unka/130471470308732

 

 

SouthSide would like to thank Suren Unka for taking time out of his busy schedule for this interview.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide 

 

 

04 Apr 14 - David Guetta

Summertime EDM scene and fun arrived months ahead of schedule, blogspot readers!

For one night only, the grand splendor of the ballroom inside The Aragon was turned into a dazzling spectacle of glittering glow for David Guetta’s live performance. And a spectacle of fashionably dressed fans of this music scene – from looking like they had just stepped out at Enclave or spent time under the hot sun at North Avenue beach. Despite the non-spring temps and fierce winds blowing from the lake, fans came out in droves packing the main floor to party amidst this featured artist’s fusion of electro and hip hop/house rhythms.

However before anyone could party all night long, this reviewer along with many others had to pass through stringent security precautions that included being patted down and waved with the metal detector wand. She does have a couple of suggestions for The Aragon management. First – if you’re going to have a line in the alley, at least have proper lighting so people don’t trip or fall over the many craters of potholes in the dark. Second – there needs to be more security personnel at the entrance way to help ease the crowd congestion so those who are leaving The Aragon won’t get pushed, shoved and/or bumped back towards the grand staircase by those entering the venue. It was utter chaos trying to get out and there was NO security to help alleviate a potentially dangerous situation especially near the overcrowded bathrooms and bar stand (why is there a bar stand located in the entrance way anyway? Management should rethink locating it there.)

Once finally upstairs, the floetry or music and electronic rhythms was already surrounding the venue as the main floor quickly filled to capacity with moving bodies jumping and dancing to the pulsating beat, blogspot readers. Many shiny happy people grooving to the intense remixed sounds ...waving hands in the air as if they were going to “catch” electronic vibe being tossed at them from the stage. Each crescendoing rise and melodic tone in long continuous music waves wrapping around them was a cause to scream for more and more. And David Guetta and other DJs gave it to them. In a nutshell, it was a beautiful time to be alive and part of this active music scene whether you were young and/or close to SouthSide’s age. Multi-generational attendees basking together amidst the lights ...which left no one disappointed because everyone was having a fun time.

Also, this allowed SouthSide to do some people watching too, blogspot readers. Besides those dressed as if they were going to Spybar or Enclave, she noticed many didn’t care that the temperatures were on the cool side to wear shorts and tank tees to the David Guetta performance. She saw a guy draped with the French flag on his shoulders dancing within the crowd ...a pack of Cougars (believe or not trying to score a couple of hot dates on the dance floor) ...a couple of whacked-out girls high (probably on “Molly”) ...plenty of faux “flower” girls (those wearing flower headbands) ...a few minors busted for drinking without an orange wristband ...”sock monkey” groupies ...a few dressed in their hottest bikini swimwear ...and that was just a few this reviewer randomly saw before leaving, blogspot readers. By midnight, the crowd had swelled passed the main floor and the scene was becoming very intense for her to handle that SouthSide had to leave earlier than expected. She does recommend checking out David Guetta and his unique fusion that’s an homage to Chicago’s house music and its founder Frankie Knuckles. For more information, visit http://www.DavidGuetta.com.

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

31 Aug 13 - North Coast Music Fest: Day 2

      

After the heavy rains from last night and early in the morning subsided, that North Coast Music Festival newbie feeling had finally worn off and SouthSide was ready to get down to serious business of being a party animal! This afternoon, blogspot readers, she spent most of her time hanging out at The Last Stand stage where other delightful costumed characters and attendees were in a constant state of perpetual motion aka dancing and having a good time while vibin' to the music. For this reviewer, this was a prime spot to do some people watching too because there were many fashionably dressed attendees around her. 

Making her way (very carefully, SouthSide must add) towards the stage, she had arrived in time to catch the rest of Milk N Cookies' (http://www.milkncookiesmusic.com) opening act. These twin duo DJs absolutely rocked the stage, blogspot readers! They had this EDM scene bursting to life through such of a lively mix of bumpin' electronic beats and techno rhythms for the entire hour ...keeping happy people like a "Papa Smurf" (it was hoisted on a stick), a "Darth Vader" helmet wearing stick, and a fluffy pink fairy bear as well as pseudo tie-dye wearing kids everywhere dancing, hopping, et al continuously. Hey, someone brought their glittery disco ball to the party!

All around SouthSide was nothing but a flowing sea of shiny happy people partying it out in the drying mud ...sometimes prancing in crazed fashion or dancing in circles like hippies but that's how you should react, blogspot readers, when attending an EDM party like the one Milk N Cookies had at North Coast. This performance featured wild remixes of Fatboy Slim's Praise You as it gradually merged into another which definitely had this growing crowd leaping and/or waving their hands in jubilation. Also the duo DJs rocked the stage with other tracks titled Ghost and Animals Remix to which they donned tiger masks as they closed out their set.

"...So ya ...thought ya ...might like to ...go to the show ...to feel the warm confusion, that space cadet glow..."

Are you SRTB (So Ready To Bang), blogspot readers?

SouthSide was! And so were the many hundreds now within the stage area.

After being thoroughly warmed up by Milk N Cookies, chants of "Porn N Chicken" erupted as the EDM party group set up and prepared for their hour-long performance But before the show could go on, this crowd had to have the correct look - a few red bandannas with yellow Porn N Chicken lettering were tossed around. The crowd erupted with boisterous cheers and chants as soon as they saw the Chicken and Dom "PornandChicken" Brown appearing on stage. Yep, they were SO ready to bang ...and perhaps more with Porn N Chicken Dance Party, blogspot readers. Opening with a rousing remix of Pink Floyd's In The Flesh to get the EDM party goers revved up for the fun. And like Las Vegas ...what happens at a Porn N Chicken party, stays at Porn N Chicken.

Though it was a day performance (and SouthSide knows they couldn't feed everyone with complimentary chicken wings), Porn N Chicken Dance Party did not skimp on the action. There was grinding electric sparks, crazed dancing on stage and on the DJ booth, sexy ladies prancing around and of course, random images of porn in between the dazzling graphics. The porn images totally made the experience more enjoyable for this crowd as they got insanely wild. Yes, blogspot readers, let's get weird! All around this reviewer was pure madness or weirdness while many danced to the remixed and mashup EDM tracks of bumpin' electronic beats and rhythms that were tearing up the stage.

Blogspot readers, SouthSide apologizes now if she doesn't rightly describe or paint a clear picture about ALL of the insane crazy things that happened during this dance party.

Let's see - besides The Last Stand stage packed with gyrating dancers, the music Porn N Chicken provided kept inciting near riot antics and craziness especially where SouthSide (towards the sound booth). Chicken dancing all over the stage. Dom righteously blessing the crowd of people close to the stage with spurts of champagne. Even with bouts of dark clouds hanging overhead, people were having too much fun to care if it would rain or not. Oh wow - Dom's now crowd surfing towards the middle of the action where he decided to party with them before returning to grind hot electric sparks on stage with a female dancer who's also grinding. And they carefully shoot the sparks at those closest to the stage! Basically, blogspot readers, you had to be there to have witness this and more.

Then again, you might believe what you're seeing either. However, it was exciting to see how massive the crowd grew by the minute throughout Porn N Chicken's performance. A constant flow of costumed party people rockin' their bodies to the infectious music while bedazzled by the graphics and porn. More champagne ...and a guy wearing shorts made out of grey duck tape? Yep, SouthSide saw that. Dom yelling at the crowd "...take your shirts off..."? Yep, so true, blogspot readers. And several lucky ladies got their 15 seconds of fame by joining the Dom and the PNC crew taking their shirts off and dancing wildly on stage. Now, it's the Chicken's turn to crowd surf before Porn N Chicken ended their performance with a new mashup that sent this crowd into a frantic frenzy! In the end - this crowd was left wanting more of Porn N Chicken.

If you have never attended a Porn N Chicken Dance Party (usually held at EvilOlive - sorry, kids, you have to be 21 and older to attend), SouthSide highly suggests following this group on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/PornNChicken) or check out their web site (http://www.SoReadyToBang.com) or "like" them on Facebook for when and where the party will be happening next. And be SRTB (So Ready To Bang), blogspot readers, all night long! Oh get there early, for the free chicken (wings) too.

Sadly, blogspot readers, SouthSide had to leave the party early due to another show she had to cover however she would return for Day 3 of festive fun at North Coast.

Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide