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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since transforming into a 6,000 capacity dance music location, East London’s grimey warehouse venue, Printworks, has changed the face of the electronic scene. Where glitzy super clubs ruled supreme during ‘the EDM boom’, numerous underground venues have since seen a resurgence, with modern day ravers now preferring the gruff authenticity of such spectacles, over popping bottles and sparkler-clad champagne served by swinging BBLs with faux rabbit tail. February 2023 heralded the much anticipated UK return of deadmau5. Making fleeting visits to the Brexit-voting island, the Mau5 – real name Joel Zimmerman, showcased his ‘cube v3’ show to a rowdy Brixton last year, including performances at the likes of Creamfields South, but fans would have to travel all the way back to 2018 for Joel’s last headline performance in Printworks, a venue inspired by the the minimalistic German techno genre which has dominated the city of Berlin for decades.
Sadly, like all good things, the end is near for the Canada Water warehouse, with 2023 confirmed as the final season of the Surrey Quays venue’s more-than-half-decade reign through London nightlife. Going out with a bang, hoards of ravers piled through the former loading bay, where lorries would pick up freshly printed newspapers from the now slowly-dying newspaper print trade, and into the grungy, yet staggering, main room. With support acts OCULA and Volaris both bringing shuddering beats to the steel-clad Cathedral of dance, each bass rippled rebounded perfectly off neck-strain inducing high-ceiling, making way for Chicago-born superstar, Kaskade. The U.S producer and DJ, who has regularly teamed up with the mau5 in the bread of their sandwich-esque career(s), made his name with collaborations such as ‘Move For Me’ and ‘I Remember‘ all the way back in 2008. But these days, the duo have reunited once more under their Kx5 alias, becoming the hottest property in dance music today. Blitzing their way to the summit of the industry last year with Dancing Astronaut’s ‘Track of the Year’, ‘Escape’(which later received a scrumptious John Summit remix), all eyes are now on their eagerly anticipated forthcoming Kx5 album.
After a beautifully potent mix of intoxicating emotion and euphoria, thanks to tracks like ‘Disarm You’ and ‘Atmosphere’, Kaskade bowed out to rapturous applause, and Printworks was plunged into darkness – albeit briefly – as jaw-dropping visuals began to shoot lights into the crowd as the narrow silhouette of deadmau5 emerged. Lacing the first quarter of his set with the deep techno sounds of his Testpilot alter-ego, a sound fitting for such a venue, stunning strobes illuminated the darkness in a style that only Pryda’s HOLO show could rival. Through a smattering of IDs and Kx5 teasers, the lights started to rise up, the visuals moved from atmospheric and brooding, to in-your-face and animated, as a cacophony of roars greeted the moment the giant mouse ears and bulging LED eyes of Joel’s Mau5-head burnt a never-ending stare through the crowd. The biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for the introduction of ‘Raise Your Weapon’, a frenetic finale from the Canadian as it rang around the press halls. Fully selling out the 6,000 capacity, deadmau5 x Kaskade‘s Printworks show not only served up a smorgasbord of Kx5 starters for all to feast on, but also became the blueprint for the level of effort all artists should be placing on their live shows when it comes to providing fans with a visual spectacular. If this, as we suspect, to be the final ever show at this venue from this duo, then the memory of it is one that will stay with most for an eternity.
Few acts in modern dance music can boast the repertoire of NERVO.Liv and Mim, the twin sisters who originally hailed from Melbourne, have since toured the globe with towering mainstage shows at the likes of Tomorrowland, Creamfields, Ushuaia, EDC, Ultra and so many more, packing their infectious energy into their sets worldwide. Bonafide modern legends of the ‘EDM’ scene, the sisters initially cemented their prowess via songwriting skills for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Ke$ha, The Pussycat Dolls, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, and Armin Van Buuren, even receiving a Grammy Award for the iconic ‘When Love Takes Over’, written for David Guetta and Kelly Rowland in 2009.
Now, with a brand-new Ibiza residency at Eden for #NervoNation on the horizon for this Summer, dance music’s most famous female artists – ranked at number #18 in the latest edition of the DJ Mag Top 100 poll – are back at it, balancing their life as superstar DJs with the recent additions of motherhood for both women in 2019. With a hectic tour schedule running deep into the Summer, we caught up with NERVO in London, for their show at the legendary Ministry of Sound club, alongside special guest Kryder, fast-rising talent Mark Roma, and many more. Discussing their love of the U.K capital during the Queen‘s Jubilee weekend, the evolving sound of artists such as Swedish House Mafia and Hardwell, and the importance of DJs managing their workload wisely following Avicii‘s tragic death, this is what happened when CULTR spoke to NERVO…
Liv! Mim! Despite growing up in Australia, you’ve actually been living in London for some time now. What is it about London which makes it so special?
“London shaped us. We had just turned 19 when we arrived, like so many Aussies with hope in our hearts that we would be able to succeed in music. We were kids, and we learned a lot. We worked in bars and made friends. We lived the “struggling musician” story for years and it paid off. London is one of those places where dreams can become a reality. We will always have a soft spot for London in our hearts.”
Do you have any particular favourite places to visit here in London, or any tips or tricks you can pass on to fans and tourists looking to enjoy their time in the capital?
“Portabello Road is always a favourite for meandering around. As is Hyde Park. If you like food then Soho has everything you could ever wish for!”
Talking of the U.K, you’ve played here at Ministry of Sound on numerous occasions before. The venue has become a hugely important landmark in clubbing culture, so based on your own experiences here, why do you think that is?
“Ministry Of Sound is ICONIC. It has weathered the storms of recessions and pandemics. The place is alive, electric. It feels like home!”
And now, you’re both balancing motherhood with your careers. How have you found that, especially now that touring has opened up again following COVID. It must be trickier to navigate a life on the road now than it was before motherhood?
“Motherhood has definitely brought challenges to touring life, but then, it has positives too. We don’t seem to party as hard these days so we are more prepared to work the next day. We have live-in/travel nannies that allow us to do what we love!”
Knowing this industry inside out via your years of experience, what advice would you give to your children if they were looking to follow in your footsteps career-wise in future?
“If our kids wanted to do music then we would probably ask to be their managers. There are just so many mistakes we made that we wouldn’t want our kids to do the same.”
You were both a big part of that “EDM” boom at the start of the past decade, but now, in 2022, we’re seeing a lot of artists (e.g. Swedish House Mafia, Hardwell, David Guetta etc) favouring a ‘darker’ sound. Why do you think that is, and is that something we should expect from you in future too?
“I think everyone that came out of the “EDM” boom were dance music lovers, then it all turned a bit commercial, so many are going back to their roots. It’s all a balance I guess, making commercial music but also deeper grooves that satisfy our own artistic tastes.”
The conversation surrounding mental health has been much more prominent in the industry since Avicii’s death. You both always seem so happy and full of energy! How do you keep your spirits so high and are there any things in particular which help to lift your mood?
“We have spoken out a few times about our own struggles with mental health, and though we do appear to be bubbly online, and don’t get us wrong – We are extremely grateful (for many things) which does keep us content – But, like so many, we have had a few curve balls come our way and particularly in 2019, Liv struggled with a bit of a ‘wobble’, spurred from a huge deceit/betrayal. It is frightening to witness how fragile our mental health can be. It’s great that there is more discussion surrounding this. It will hopefully make people who need help reach out more easily. To stay positive, we think it’s so important to practice gratitude, surround yourself with as many safe, trusting people as possible and rid yourself of the people who are not aligned or trustworthy.”
We’re now seeing a bigger influx of female DJs headlining club nights or on festival main-stages than we ever have before! Do you see yourselves as pioneers in this regard, as you’ve been doing this for such a long time now that perhaps your impact has helped open the door to others and to change promoter’s attitudes in a healthy way!
“It really is awesome to see Women headliners more often these days. It was almost a novelty when we came out in the scene in 2011. We certainly think the ‘big-room’ space could do with some more strong women producer/artists, but techno has it down right now! Go Ladies, Go!”
Usually, talent is only sprinkled gently on the lucky few. In the case of these twin sisters, and now Mothers (and Aunties), it has been soaked through their very DNA, with NERVO enjoying stellar careers to date as musicians, record producers, composers, singers, songwriters, models and most notably, DJs. Inspiring all genders via their dedication, hard-work, and commitment to the cause, Liv & Mim (aka NERVO) will be delivering their radiant positivity to various stages around the World this Summer, making each destination feel ‘Like Home’– Final tickets for the FUTURE presents NERVO: Ministry of Sound Club London event are available here.
YouTuber, Sideman, Rapper and Boxer KSI has just revealed the tracklisting for his sophomore album ‘Dissimulation’, coming May 22nd. The tracklist features may of the recent singles from the Watford born artist, including ‘Down Like This’ which is about to hit 50 million streams just through Spotify.
Hoping to surprise fans with the release, KSI claims: “I hope this album empowers people and allows them to believe in themselves and conquer any obstacle in their way, no matter the circumstances.”
“I hope this will silence a lot of sceptics. I’ve been doing music for over 10 years and constantly show growth. Hopefully they see that too.”
His 2019 debut single, Down Like That featuring American rappers Rick Ross, Lil Baby and hip-hop producer S-X, hit number one on the iTunes chart, a rare and impressive feat for an emerging artist.
His follow up single “Wake Up Call” ft. American rapper Trippie Redd which is KSI’s message to the doubters that he is still here and proving people wrong entered the Official Big Top 40 at number three which was followed by a star-studded performance on BBC One Sport Relief, helping to raise over £40 million for the charity.
Feeling on top of the world, “Poppin” featuring Lil Pump and Smokepurpp landed the number one music video top spot in the UK surpassing Future, SAINt JHN, Tones & I, Drake, The Weeknd and Dua Lipa. On April 1, KSI launched the Poppin challenge giving fans the opportunity to record a verse to the instrumental for the chance to appear on the Poppin Remix on the deluxe album.
With a slew of successful releases in their discography, FARR bring quality again in their new release ‘Paraniod’. With an impressive music video and of course the stellar track – this release has potential written all over it.
From LA and London, this duo met back in 2016 and have been killing it since. This time round, FARR bring a fearless twist to alternative pop and electronic soul music that transcends time in ‘Paranoid’.
Vocalist Roméo brings powerful vocals to the table while producer Linden Jay lends his alternative, electronic ear. Despite the distance, the two have managed to stay connected and write through voice memos between studio sessions. What was born was a hypnotic mix of global styles that features a modern edge and classic feel.
“Paranoid” is a song that examines the anxiety that comes with feeling like you do not have control of your own life. Roméo explains, “A couple years back Linden and I were in London around Glastonbury weekend. We hadn’t seen each other in a few months and had a bunch of music to catch up on so we started a few new ideas. That same day my ex was going out with some of my friends for my best friend’s birthday and I had this pit in my stomach that she was gonna try to sleep with one of them. I spent the whole night in the studio freaking out, checking my phone every five minutes, and Linden started playing this organ in his studio kitchen. We started going back and forth and ended up with ‘Paranoid’, which is essentially about my incessant day to day worrying. It’s an anxiety anthem.”
Avicii’s post-humous album ‘TIM’ is due for release June 6th in support of his newly formed charity the Tim Bergling Foundation. We were first graced with the Aloe Blacc featuring “S.O.S” as well as “Tough Love” with Agnes and Vargos & Lagola.
After posting a mysterious teaser earlier today about the cube, it’s now officially announced to be playing the unreleased album inside. For only 48 hours, you will have the opportunity to pre-listen to the album on the 1st and 2nd of June. They’ll be six cubes, located in hotposts around the world such as Stockholm, London, New York City, São Paulo, Tokyo and Sydney.
The official description reads;
Avicii’s music was the soundtrack when we fell in love, when we made new friends and that time we danced all night. Avicii connected us. Around the world there are cubes just like this one. Walk inside and place your hand on the glowing Avicii symbol. When the symbols in two cubes are touched at the same time both cubes will activate. Together you will experience the new Avicii album. 1st and 2nd of June Stockholm – London – New York City – São Paulo – Tokyo – Sydney
The upcoming album is set to include collaborations such as the highly anticipated “Heaven” with Coldplay front man Chris Martin. Vargos & Lagola, and British songwriter Joe Janiak feature on a number of songs. Meanwhile Imagine Dragons land on a previously unreleased version of “Heart Upon My Sleeve”, ARIZONA on “Hold The Line” and Martin Svensson features on “Never Leave Me Alone”. There is also one remaining ID feature on a track titled “Freak”.
Update: Avicii’s team announced in a press release that cube installations will surface in the six aforementioned cities, while “smaller cubes” will be accessible in Berlin, Salzburg, Bucharest, Brussels, Zürich, Taipei, Auckland, and Toronto. To activate The Cube, a visitor needs only to place one hand upon the installation’s illuminated screen. Upon touch, the screen will automatically begin a search for another Cube user elsewhere in the world. Once The Cube locates this other person, The Cube will play the same clip from Avicii’s forthcoming album, enabling both Cube users to listen to the clip together. The Cube brings Avicii fans from all over the world together, to share in the experience of listening to TIM.
‘Tim’ Track List
1. “Peace of Mind” featuring Vargas & Lagola
2. “Heaven”
3. “SOS” featuring Aloe Blacc
4. “Tough Love” featuring Agnes, Vargas & Lagola
5. “Bad Reputation” featuring Joe Janiak
6. “Ain’t a Thing” featuring Bonn
7. “Hold the Line” featuring Arizona
8. “Freak” featuring Bonn
9. “Excuse Me Mr Sir” featuring Vargas & Lagola
10. “Heart Upon My Sleeve” featuring Imagine Dragons
11. “Never Leave Me” featuring Joe Janiak
12. “Fades Away” featuring Noonie Bao
