Around The World with WEISS: Los Angeles, Ibiza, and Barbados

After emerging onto the scene in 2013, WEISS has ascended through the dance music ranks at an impressive rate, receiving support from a host of legends ranging from Armand van Helden, Eats Everything and Carl Cox to Elton John along the way. His 2018 hit single ‘Feel My Needs’ took the world by storm, reaching #1 in both the BBC Radio 1 Dance Chart and ARIA Club Chart (also being voted the #1 track for the year), and winning ‘Best Track’ at the DJ Mag ‘Best of British’ awards.

WEISS has circled the globe countless times to complete tours worldwide, in the latter part of 2019 he embarked on his biggest ever tours of North America and Oceania covering 30 dates across 7 weeks. It is this connection that brings WEISS and his experiences to CULTR. We present, WEISS’ Around The World.

Los Angeles

California

The mad thing is I wasn’t originally the biggest fan of LA but I’ve fallen in love with it more and more over the years. The restaurants are incredible and if you’re lucky & get an offer to party at someone’s house in the hills, then take it!! 

Ibiza

Spain

It’s always a No.1 go to place for me to party with my friends during the summer. Not only is the nightlife amazing but Old Town is a real mix of old & new with a chilled atmosphere and beautiful restaurants. 

Barbados

Carribbean

Barbados has a special place in my heart: I went there as a kid and love the beaches & crystal clear water. Waking up in the morning and finding yourself surrounded by red crabs and swiminning with the turtles is a memory I’ll never forget.

Exclusive: OTR Breaks Down Debut Album “Lost At Midnight” Track by Track

OTR has just embarked on his most fulfilling venture in his young career thus far. With the release of his debut album “Lost At Midnight” via Astralwerks, it is exciting to see the artist’s vision finally coming to fruition. Featuring artists like Panama, Shallou, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Au/Ra, and more, the 12-track LP serves as a digital embodiment of the talent rooted in the 26-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer.

The captivating project will throw you into a whirlwind of emotions as you are captured by the records alluring atmosphere. Offering enchanting soundscapes, melancholic chord progressions, and catchy toplines along the way, “Lost At Midnight” evidently reaches the peak of electro-pop. Pulling you by the heartstrings, OTR effortlessly transports the listener into a pit of vulnerability which is the very essence as to why the album is incredibly addictive to listen to in the first place. Finally showcasing his genius to the world, we can safely declare that this is OTR’s moment.

“Writing the album over the last two years was an incredible experience. Now that it’s out, I’m happy to see people empathize with the raw emotion I put into each track, signifying different points in my life.” – OTR

With all that being said, what better way to pinpoint the significance of this album than to hear it from the artist himself. Hear the story of how he put this all together in the track-by-track breakdown below.

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Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s “Senorita” Breaks Record On Spotify

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Shawn Mendes and Cuban born Camila Cabello released their joint single, “Señorita,” last week via Island Records. The song achieved instantaneous success worldwide rocketing to #1 on Spotify’s Global chart as the biggest single-day debut of a male/female duet ever. The video garnered 50 million YouTube streams in the first 48 hours of release while trending #1 around the globe. Other notable chart #1s include Spotify US Chart, iTunes, Apple Music Pop and Apple Music’s Top Videos.

GRAMMY nominated Toronto born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released his highly anticipated self-titled third album in May 2018. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart as well as multiple additional worldwide markets, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Holland & more and shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 80 countries immediately upon release. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums.

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Multi Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello (Epic Records / SYCO) released her debut solo album, CAMILA in January 2018 to rave reviews. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time as her single “Havana” Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Camila the first solo artist in nearly 15 years to reach the #1 spot on the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Artist 100 charts in the same week. The RIAA platinum-certified album, CAMILA, launched its debut at #1 on 110 iTunes charts around the world, breaking the record for most #1 positions for a debut album in iTunes history. Camila also became the #1 artist on global Spotify.

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Ferry Corsten Releases The Latest UNITY Collaboration with BT on ‘1997’

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Ferry Corsten is back with his latest ‘Unity’ collaboration, after releasing the last one with Ilan Bluestone back in December – Ferry has teamed up with BT for a special collaboration in ‘1997‘.

Ferry Corsten has been busy with solo music in the first half of 2019, releasing ‘Freefall‘ – which feels like a more commercially viable release. He also returned to his Gouryella alias with ‘Surga‘.

Ferry Corsten has brought in another big name into the Unity project, with the legend that is BT. After remixing BT’s track ‘Suddenly’ in 2010, the pair are familiar with each other’s prowess in the studio, and that united vision is showcased in abundance. The team-up sees both artists strengths utilised to their best potential to create a track that is greater than the sum of its parts. As it should, the production leans heavily on the killer uplifting melody – which is a prominent throughout the entire track. The mix of each artist’s styles is present and concludes in an epic collaboration.

Ferry launched the UNITY project in 2018 with his collaboration alongside Paul Oakenfold titled ‘A Slice Of Heaven’, and continued working with artists within the Trance community throughout the year, such as DIM3NSION, Jordan Suckley, Saad Ayub and Ilan Bluestone, and after the success of 2018 has more releases in store after making his first donation to project partner, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, an organisation launched to reinstate music programs in public schools, which to date has raised over $53 million and helped over 2,100 public schools.

You can learn more about the Unity project with our Ferry Corsten Interview.

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D-Sturb Unleashes Hardstyle Mastery with Debut Solo Album ‘Through My Veins’

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The debut solo album from Jorrit Popkema, known on stage as D-Sturb, is now out and officially making waves. Titled ‘Through My Veins,’ the album features a lineup of 12 tracks, each a showcase of D-Sturb’s expert blend of powerful kicks and finely tuned melodies, marking a new high in his career.

A highlight of ‘Through My Veins’ is its collaborations with both seasoned and emerging talents in the music industry. The album sees D-Sturb working alongside notable vocalists like Meryll, Nathalie Blue, E-Life, and Nolz, enhancing the tracks with distinct lyrical flavors. It also features collaborations with producers such as Aversion, The Purge, Mutilator, and Hard Driver, and includes an official remix for the legendary duo Showtek, adding layers of depth and diversity to the production.

The launch is set to be celebrated at a series of events, starting with a kick-off at the Rebirth Festival in the Netherlands, followed by a completely sold-out release party in Utrecht, D-Sturb’s hometown. The anticipation doesn’t stop at home; D-Sturb is also scheduled for performances at major international venues, including Midnight Mafia in Santiago, Chile, and EDC Vegas, in May 2024.

D-Sturb’s ‘Through My Veins’ promises to be an essential addition for enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the hardstyle genre, encapsulating the essence of raw energy and emotion that D-Sturb is known for, delivered with impeccable hardstyle production quality that stands out majorly.

Approaching Nirvana Unleashes Latest Single ‘I Don’t Work That Way’

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Approaching Nirvana, spearheaded by Andrew Sinclair, is making waves again with their latest single, “I Don’t Work That Way,” a lively track with the delightful voice of Kate McGill. This single ushers in the excitement for the upcoming Better Days EP, expected to release in the early summer. McGill’s vocals glide effortlessly through the song, gripping listeners from start to finish.

As the song unfolds, Approaching Nirvana delivers an exuberant chorus that dives back into their renowned sound, marking a vibrant comeback after their previous, more somber release, “Modern Dystopia.” This song is an energetic call to the dance floor, blending familiar sounds with fresh energy, hinting at the eclectic mix the forthcoming EP promises to deliver.

Over the last decade, Approaching Nirvana has released over 20 albums and EPs, and created more than 300 tracks, amassing millions of streams and significant sales figures. With over 150 million streams on Spotify and a whopping 300 million across various platforms, Andrew’s creative output has reached impressive heights.

As 2024 begins, Andrew is on a fresh creative journey, ready to explore new musical avenues with the same passion that has always driven his work. With more music expected before the release of Better Days, this spring is set to be a thrilling showcase of what Andrew can do as a top-tier artist and producer.

New Dance Sounds: salute, Tony Romera & Crusy, Armin van Buuren & D.O.D + More

Dive in below to engross yourself in fresh new music that has been released today, you might even find your newest favourite!


salute & Rina Sawayama – saving flowers [Ninja Tune]

salute just announced his debut album and alongside that exciting news, he teams up with Rina Sawayama for ‘saving flowers’. The bouncy record is uplifting and a stellar one to go with the album news.


Tony Romera & Crusy – The Unknown [Toolroom]

Tony Romera and Crusy link for a sweet house record with a catchy melody. The duo bring their house styles to Toolroom with ‘The Unknown’. The record is once again another solid house record from the pair!


Armin van Buuren & D.O.D feat. Laura Welsh – By Now [Armada]

After a number of singles on Armada, D.O.D now collaborates with the boss on ‘By Now’. The record mixes the trance sounds of van Buuren and the uplifting house prowess of D.O.D. With a stellar vocal contribution from Laura Melsh – ‘By Now’ is an excellent listen.


Koven & A.M.C – Hooked [UKF]

Koven and A.M.C team up for ‘Hooked’ on UKF. The aggressive drum and bass offering is a wild ride. Following a couple of remixes, Koven and A.M.C finally team up and the result is certainly worth the wait!


Mesto & Vluarr – Over Soon [STMPD]

Mesto and Vluarr come together for a terrific dance pop blend in ‘Over Soon’. The terrific vocal is brought to life together with a perfectly digestable dance production. The style is a stand out as it is both unique and commercial.


Faustix – All My Friends Are Hot [CLUBWRK]

Faustix’s latest record (and debut on Will Sparks’ label CLUBWRK) ‘All My Friends Are Hot’ comes in the form of a hard-hitting mainstage banger, filled with euphoric plucks, an explosive drop and an earworm of a lead-vocal.

Chris Lake & Sammy Virji Link For Fun House Number ‘Summertime Blues’

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Two of the hottest names in dance music collide with Chris Lake and Sammy Virji coming together. ‘Summertime Blues’ is a sick new production that perfectly blends their distinctive sounds. With Nathan Nicholson providing a stand-out vocal, this one is certainly a track of the week. Lake and Virji received a thunderous reaction when they teased ‘Summertime Blues’ at Sammy’s recent sold-out show at Sound Nightclub in Los Angeles.

Chris Lake said, “I’m so happy I got to work on this track with Sammy and Nathan. I’ve loved their music and vibes for a while. I’m super proud of how ‘Summertime Blues’ turned out. We wanted a drop that felt like the warmth of sunshine and that’s how it makes me feel.”

Sammy Virji adds, “Really excited to get ‘Summertime Blues’ out there, was great to work with Chris and Nathan on the single – so gassed for everyone to hear how it turned out.”

‘Summertime Blues’ features Nathan Nicholson the frontman for U.K. indie-alt band The Boxer Rebellion who has guested on releases for Duke Dumont, Tinlicker, Claptone, Hayden James, J. Worra, KC Lights and more.

Justice’s ‘Hyperdrama’ Is Well Worth The Wait

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Justice has just dropped their long-awaited album Hyperdrama, available now via Ed Banger Records / Because Music. With thirteen tracks, including the fresh single ‘Neverender’ featuring Tame Impala, one of two collaborations with Kevin Parker on the album, Hyperdrama showcases a lineup of esteemed collaborators. Alongside Tame Impala, contributors include Thundercat, Miguel, The Flints, Rimon, and Connan Mockasin.

Previewed during their stunning main stage performance at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they made their first major appearance in six years, several previously unreleased tracks from the album mesmerized the audience. This debut served as the kickoff for their upcoming global tour, Justice: Live.

Justice deliver an exceptional album with Hyperdrama. The French duo present a sound that is reminiscent of their previous works but fits perfectly in the 2024 musical world. The vast landscape of sound design is felt throughout the 13 record which is highlighted further by some exceptional vocal performances. The album is presented ideally with instrumental records and unique projects that round out the LP in a perfect way. In a world of tiktok and questionable music trends – Justice reinforce the idea of good music being good music.

Jodie Nicholson Unveils Latest Single ‘What If I’ A Melodic Journey of Self-Discovery

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Receiving notable acclaim, Jodie Nicholson’s recent single ‘Another Frequency’ marked an impressive start to 2024, drawing attention and praise from BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Introducing. This track paves the way for her upcoming album, ‘Safe Hands’, scheduled for release on May 10th, 2024, under the Quiet Crown / Absolute label. The anticipation builds further with her latest single ‘What If I’, which is now upon us.

Nicholson, an acclaimed songwriter and producer from the North East, has crafted ‘Safe Hands’ around the theme of self-reliance. The album explores the nuances of various personal relationships, including those with friends, family, and her evolving connection with music. Spanning twelve tracks, the album blends brooding chamber-pop with synth-driven alt-pop, creating a rich auditory experience.

The single ‘What If I’ features a slow-building intensity that culminates in a powerful climax. Opening with a soft, electric guitar, Nicholson’s voice envelops listeners in warmth and intimacy. Her vocals, accompanied by seamless layered harmonies, gradually intensify, delivering a poignant message with the lyrics “What If I lose sight of you” resonating through each verse.

Nicholson’s meticulous approach to her music is evident in her self-production and recording efforts at Blank Studios in Newcastle. For ‘What If I’, she collaborated with Oli Deakin on the mixing and enlisted Katie Tavini for mastering. The result is a track that captures a bittersweet yet exhilarating mood, perfectly setting the stage for the emotional and musical depth of ‘Safe Hands’.

Verse Vicer Unleashes ‘Running’: A Genre-Defying Ode to Corporate Realities

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Verse Vicer, a talented multi-instrumentalist and producer from South London, drops his latest single “Running.” This new release intertwines funk, neo-soul, and jazz, painting a dark yet motivating sounds that mirrors the complex influences behind Verse Vicer’s distinctive sound.

Drawing from a scope of life experiences, Verse Vicer’s name itself suggests a constant shift and adaptation, themes vividly explored in his music. “Running” emerges as a song and as a reflection on life’s relentless pace and the challenges of keeping up with personal and societal transformations.

This track delves into the demanding realities of the corporate world, which Verse Vicer knows from the inside out. It emerges as a poignant musical exploration of the pressures and hidden narratives behind corporate facades. Accompanying the single is a self-produced music video that enriches the listening experience, allowing viewers a deeper dive into the artist’s creative vision.

Verse Vicer comments on the track: ‘Running’ is a song that delves into the shadows of capitalism. This is the soundtrack to your moments of introspection about the world that lies behind the office doors.

This release promises to resonate with those who appreciate a deep, reflective approach to contemporary music challenges.

Carter Fox Unleashes ‘Cosmic Bird Lullaby’: A Symphony of Nature and Music

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Carter Fox dazzles once again with his new single, “Cosmic Bird Lullaby,” a soothing mix of jazzy tunes and chill lo-fi hip hop rhythms, enriched with the gentle sounds of nature. This latest gem is part of the anticipated compilation, Birds & Beats, by the respected Chillhop Guru label, which boasts contributions from over 50 artists. Together, they weave great moments that echo the tranquility of the natural world.

“Cosmic Bird Lullaby” displays Fox’s flair for melding comforting, familiar sounds into a refreshing and reflective musical experience. His involvement in the Chillhop Guru project aligns with his long-standing commitment to create music that serves as a serene retreat, influenced by the calming aspects of nature.

In a remarkable double release on April 1st, Carter will gift his fans with this track while sharing his wisdom through his eBook, “How to Effectively Release & Promote Your Music as an Independent Artist.” This guide aims to simplify the complexities of the music business for up-and-coming artists, drawing from his extensive background and success in the industry.

Known affectionately as the “Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman,” Carter’s illustrious career encompasses roles as a musician, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. From his early start at 15, he has consistently made waves, collaborating with icons like Freddie Jackson and engaging with Grammy-winning talents across various music genres.

Beyond performing, Carter is dedicated to nurturing the musical community, through guest lectures, industry talks, and now, his guidebook for independent artists. He continues to broaden his influence with initiatives like a clothing line and a consultancy service, and he even has plans to venture into scoring for video games and films. Carter Fox is paving new roads for himself and others in the industry, which is beautiful.

Vikkstar, Masked Wolf, & Jme Join Forces On The Epic Release ‘Know Me Better’

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Get ready for the ultimate sonic blast as Vikkstar, Masked Wolf, and Jme team up to drop their latest track, “Know Me Better,” launching on Monstercat Instinct and officially out now. Vikkstar, not just a YouTube sensation but also a skilled musician, joins forces with the viral Masked Wolf, famed for his hit “Astronaut In The Ocean,” and U.K. grime icon Jme, to deliver a fresh dance music anthem.

With an energetic house bassline laid down by Vikkstar, “Know Me Better” is designed to get you moving. The track perfectly complements the edgy rhymes of Masked Wolf and Jme, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to energize their playlist – it’s an experience that promises to keep your feet moving with its irresistible beats and powerful lyrics.

The excitement doesn’t stop with the music. A high-adrenaline music video accompanies the release, featuring a thrilling storyline with a masked assassin, high-stakes action, and a mysterious finale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Filmed in stunning locations, from dense forests to urban rooftops, the video is a visual treat that enhances the track’s appeal.

This collaboration marks a milestone for all involved, bringing together a trio of powerhouse talents whose combined charisma and musical expertise light up the scene. “Know Me Better” is a declaration of artistic synergy that’s set to make waves across the globe. So turn up the volume, and let Vikkstar, Masked Wolf, and Jme take you on an unforgettable musical journey.

Infrasound Festival 2024 Unveils Massive Lineup at Harmony Park This [June 6-9]

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Infrasound Festival marks its thirteenth year with an impressive 2024 lineup at Harmony Park Music Garden from June 6-9. This year’s festival features a blend of electronic music talents, emphasizing community and sound system culture.

UK producer Joker leads the lineup, returning to the US tour circuit with a much-anticipated performance. Eprom will delve into his extensive musical archives during his tour for his recent album “Syntheism.” Other notable artists include Ott, J Kenzo, and Ternion Sound, enriching the festival’s musical offerings. Adding a twist, kLL sMTH will perform a live hybrid DJ x Cooking set titled ‘gRLL sMTH,’ mixing music with cooking in an entertaining showcase.

Tickets for this weekend are available for $239.99, including camping. For more details, visit: https://theticketing.co/e/infra24.

Sister Nancy, a globally renowned dancehall artist, and Younger Brother (a DJ set by Benji Vaughan) will perform, alongside Juno Reactor, known for their contributions to The Matrix soundtracks, bringing their psychedelic sound to the festival. Shlump introduces his new psychedelic rock-bass live shows, with Nik P and Pheel energizing the audience with their fresh drum and bass tunes.

Mystic Grizzly connects with the crowd through a blend of spiritual sounds, while Mary Droppinz excites with her all-genre DJ set. K.L.O. brings their rare US appearance to Infrasound, featuring live-scratching and immersive visuals.

Infrasound stands out by creating more than just shows—it fosters a community centered on artistic and musical fusion. With the Harmonic Stage featuring a Funktion-One sound system and the Portal Stage showcasing Carey Thompson’s woodwork, the festival integrates art deeply into the musical experience. The Pyramid Stage offers a more intimate setting within the forest campgrounds, highlighted by live mural paintings by Aaron Brooks.