Monday Choon: John Summit & Gorgon City - Is Everybody Having Fun? (ft. rhys from the sticks)

 

John Summit has teased us with many tracks during his 8 hour set at Club Space in Miami, one of those tracks was a new one with British producer duo, Gorgon City. It's a high energy track which kicks off from the start with a catch rap like vocals provided by Rhys from the Sticks. The track itself is a certified banger and given the reputation when these two artist combine, its sure to be fire track that will ignite most parties across Europe this summer. It has a great fusion of electro and UK drum and bass vibes, and will definitely stick in your head like it has in mind for the weekend. 

Monday Choon: ARTBAT & Benny Benassi - Love Is Gonna Save Us

 

Ukrainian production DJ duo ARTBAT have been lighting up stages worldwide at festivals with their unique style which I can only describe as trance, techno with a sprinkling of hardstyle. Their set this past weekend at Ultra Miami was incredible and as soon as its available to watch on YouTube, I highly recommend giving it a watch. For this weeks featured track, they team up with Italian DJ maestro Benny Benassi who brought us the timeless classic "Satisfaction" for the track "Love Is Gonna Save Us". Its a great collaboration between new and old and I think that is what makes this track standout from previous ARTBAT productions. I love the track and I hope you do too. 

Monday Choon: Nicky Romero & Sick Individuals - In My Head

 

We're going to get a lot of new tracks dropping in the coming months following the official start of festival season after things kicked off in a big way at Miami Music Week and Ultra Miami. First track that caught our radar is today's featured track from Dutch sensation Nicky Romero who teams up with fellow countrymen Sick Individuals for their latest release "In My Head", the song almost has two sort of sides to it with the opening vocals and beats giving it that big room sound with heavy bassline and strobes but as the song progresses you get the feel of the Nicky Romero element coming in, it hits you with the melodic chorus and then that carries the track through. It's definitely a banger for us and one you will be hearing a lot during the festivals coming up. 

Monday Choon: Farius - Miami Love

 

Following up on previous single 'Be Somebody' which saw support on ABGT, a stellar remix of Dezza's 'Cold Outside' and an outstanding performance at United In Prog at ADE 2019, Farius maintains strong momentum in 2019 with new single 'Miami Love'. Hard-hitting and immaculately produced, 'Miami Love' sees the British producer further hone his sound, using vocal snippets and an upbeat chord progression to create a hands-in-the-air banger. 

Monday Choon: Andrew Rayel - Lifeline

 

The Moldovan DJ and producer Andrew Rayel has been a busy man over the past few years, I've become a big fan of his weekly "Find Your Harmony" podcasts as well in which he plays the latest tracks from prominent producers over a two hour show. His latest track off the Armada label titled "Lifeline" was just released a few weeks ago and already has had almost 200,000 views on YouTube. Picking up where he left off after "Feels Like Home", Andrew moves into a deeper dimension with a vocal cut reminiscent of his timeless 'Everything Everything'. The track which is vocal heavy that drives the bassline and main melody that calls for his unique arms spread and raised to the sky signature move. The track is the title track coming from his forthcoming artist album and if this is any indication of what we can expect from it, then I can't wait to hear the rest. 

Monday Choon: Rub!k - Orbit 37

 

We going back to some hard trance this week, and no better way to do it than with London based DJ and Producer Rub!k. If you're an avid listener to many of the popular weekly podcasts such as ASOT, ABGT, FYH and many others than you no doubt heard this one over the past two weeks. Orbit 37 is relentless from the get go, hammering down with a massive bass line with techno beats, Rub!k’s ‘Orbit 37’ is about as forceful as a record can get. From the colossal beat drops to the ever-accelerating plucks and melodic lift-off, this track is an absolute belter of cosmic proportions and it's no wonder why its been so popular with so many since its release. It's proper trance track that really gives off the proper trance vibes and I think that is why it resonates with so many whom have heard it, so crank up the volume and enjoy!

Monday Choon: Above & Beyond - Prelude [Above & Beyond Future Summer Mix]

 

Above and Beyond have just celebrated 10 years of Group Therapy and in celebration of this, launched an album with the same title. Today's featured track comes from this album and is a remix of the track launched last year, Prelude. With the trio getting back into the groove of touring again, this track has come at the most perfect time as it is the type of track that gets the crowd going. It starts off with a great intro and a catch bassline which extends with some tribal vocals and piano, the drop when the two mix together, its just pure euphoria. Its nothing less than what we expect from Above & Beyond, a brilliant track from a brilliant band, enjoy!

Bucket Tech: Huawei Band 6

With the unforeseen lockdown that had most of us acting like hermits for most of 2020, tech brands had to think of innovative ways to launch their new products, and soon saw the rise of virtual launches where us the media and the public as well could relax in the comfort on their own home and see what the latest gadgets and gizmos their favourite brands would be unleashing into the market, but as the world slowly gets to grips with the virus and the numbers are starting to dwindle, events are slowly making a re-appearance, Huawei being the first tech giant to host an actual event which saw media descend from all parts of the country to the Supersport training fields in Eskom's Megawatt Park on the 3rd of June. In an event that adhered to all Covid protocols, media and celebs got to see the launch of the new Huawei Band 6, Huawei's latest entry level device. 

While being an entry level device, this latest wearable from the Chinese mobile giant is packed with features and tech which just cements their status as the largest wearable retailer on the continent. With the increase in demand for wearables thanks to Lockdown, Huawei saw this as an opportunity to create a smart watch that would not only be affordable but also offer the consumer the very best in technology and features. Justin Sun, General Manger at Huawei Consumer Business Group says, “Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in people becoming invested in their personal health and well-being, which has led to a concurrent increase in the demand for smart wearables with health monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities. However, the premium price of these devices is often a pain point for South Africans working on a budget. Huawei addresses this with its HUAWEI Band 6, which brings all the features seen on its smartwatch into the form factor and price of a smart band, making it more accessible it to be a lot more than just a smart band. Huawei’s commitment to innovation, quality and customer service has led to the brand becoming No. 1 in the wearables market in South Africa.”

Some of the features on Huawei's Band 6 are, all-day SpO2 monitoring which is one of the more sort out features on smart watches these days as it provides the wearer with continuous real-time and accurate heart rate, sleep and stress monitoring. It also alerts the user if the resting heart rate is too high or too low. The Band 6 comes with a 1.47" FullView AMOLED Display, making it the first smart band to have a FullView display with a 64 percent screen-to-body ratio, so it can display all the info while still looking stylish. The Band 6 boasts a Two-Week battery life that is thanks to a high-efficiency chipset and smart power-saving algorithm. The Band 6 also supports fast charging via a magnetic charger with five-minutes of charging giving the user two days of battery! Built-in to the Band 6 memory is 96 different workout modes which include 11 professional workout modes such as indoor and outdoor running, cycling and rope skipping. The Band 6 is not only a fitness band but has smartwatch capabilities too, with it being able to able to screen phone calls, messages, control music playback as well as control the camera shutter on your mobile phone. 

All of this packaged into a small neat device, which weighs only 18g, it truly makes the Huawei Band 6 a remarkable piece of kit. Pre-orders for the device open on the 11th of June 2021 on their online store with it being priced at just R1,699!

Monday Choon: Maor Levi & BT feat. Nation Of One – Here

Israeli DJ and producer Moar Levi teams up with legend DJ BT on this weeks featured track "Here". Released on Armind Records, this track follows a few vocal tracks from the DJ, teaming up with BT and also Nation of One, this track is nothing short of sublime. The vocals are radiant, the sound is deep with a high first-pumping baseline that gives off the old club thumping feeling. The track will hit home to the old school ravers, with melodies that hard back to the best trance music of the past but also as a reminder to say that this time of music is still well and live in the industry. So turn up the volume and get ready for Here!

Bucket Tech: Lyngdorf Home Entertainment

When it comes to home entertainment, quality is key especially if you wanting the true sound performance of what you are listening to, whether it be music or movies. Studios spend thousands, if not millions of dollars on sound recording equipment to record in high-quality audio to give the listener the experience of being right there with them. Most of the modern day sound systems allow you to listen to audio but are you really listening to it, that is the question. You see, there are amplifiers and surround processors and then there is Lyngdorf Audio, the Danish sound technology company who lay claim to the first real digital amplifier which was developed in 1999, take quality to  a whole new level and four of their latest innovations have just arrived in South Africa. 

Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 Amplifier

The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 provides ultimate flexibility. Its small design footprint allows it to be easily placed anywhere in the home, and the vast features offer a great variety of streaming options. All the user-friendly features you could ask for are paired with Lyngdorf Audio’s world-famous digital amplification technology and patented RoomPerfect™ room correction for the ultimate listening experience. Connect the TDAI-1120 to the HDMI (ARC) output of your television to turn the TDAI-1120 into the best sound system for your movies. Connect the TDAI-1120 to your WiFi and enjoy all the integrated streaming services.

The TDAI-1120 accepts all your media interfaces and has an advanced media player of the highest quality. Through the network or via the USB connectors, you can access your library of music via the DLNA/UPnP enabled player. All can intuitively be controlled with your smart phone, tablet, or computer.

The TDAI-1120 ships complete with RoomPerfect™, providing the ultimate listening experience. With RoomPerfect™, the TDAI-1120 delivers a perfect musical experience in all living rooms. In a nutshell, without the need for extensive acoustic treatment, you get a sound system with optimal frequency response, seamless level alignment, and bass management that perfectly integrates the speakers and subwoofers.

Priced from R61,400

Lyngdrof TDAI-3400 HDMI Amplifier

Extreme audio processing options combined with the most powerful and advanced digital amplifier technology, givea you the Lyngdorf TDAI-3400, the most powerful product from Lyngdorf Audio. Through the web interface you can perform all setup and operations. The menu system allows you to tailor your setup and sound, and the digital crossover allots three individual output settings. With their proprietary RoomPerfect™ room-correction software to eliminate the negative influence of the listening room, the TDAI-3400 delivers perfect sound without the need for extensive room treatment.

A variety of inputs and outputs provide plenty of options to connect your audio and video sources as well as your speaker setup – such as seven digital inputs including a balanced AES/EBU, USB inputs connects to music stored external, two analog inputs for simple analog music sources and optional modules.

The TDAI-3400 accepts all media interfaces and features a built-in media player with the highest playback quality. Through your local network or via the USB connectors, you can access your entire library of music with the DLNA/UPnP enabled player. This media player also connects to streaming services like Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, and Airplay as well as internet radio. The TDAI-3400 supports TIDAL Connect which enables lossless audio quality with the TIDAL app as the controller.

Priced from R123,100

Lyngdorf MP-40 Surround Processor

The Lyngdorf MP-40 surround sound processor offers sonic qualities and performance in a streamlined design for smaller applications. Ease of installation and user-friendly features are complemented with a simplified feature giving you the opportunity to experience the performance that Lyngdorf Audio is famous for.

The MP-40 features 12 native channel decoding and 16 balanced audio outputs. The MP-40 offers full support of the immersive surround formats DOLBY ATMOS®, DTS:X® and AURO-3D®.

The MP-40 is equipped with Lyngdorf Audio’s proprietary RoomPerfect™ calibration technology, the world’s most sophisticated technology for adapting the sound system to the environment. The RoomPerfect™ calibration ensures a perfect surround sound experience in nearly any installation environment, reducing or even eliminating bulky bass traps and other acoustic treatment.

Priced from R228,900

Lyngdorf MP-60 Surround Processor

The Lyngdorf MP-60 is equipped with all the advanced technologies for which Lyngdorf Audio is known, including the renowned room correction system RoomPerfect and unsurpassed quality in digital signal processing.

The MP-60 features decoding and balanced outputs for 16 audio channels, with extraordinarily easy installation. With eight HDMI inputs and three outputs (one being HDBaseT), this new masterpiece from Lyngdorf Audio supports the HDMI 2.1 feature eARC, Dynamic Lip-Sync and QMS (Quick Media Switching) as well as the latest decoding and post-processing formats. Now with full 16 channel decoding, the MP-60 offers full support of the immersive surround formats DOLBY ATMOS®, DTS:X® PRO and AURO-3D®, and it delivers a surround sound experience that outmatches anything in and above its class. With a video throughput of up to 18 Gbps, the MP-60 supports the full 4K 60Hz video stream including the passing of HDR or Dolby Vision information. eARC enables a full Dolby Atmos audio bitstream being returned to the processor from the television, ensuring full audio quality from the TV’s built-in media players. The MP-60 of course also supports the pass-through of the new HDR format for streaming video: HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma).

Priced from R324,700

Lyngdorf products are exclusively available through Homemation

Bucket Babe: Mia Pretorius

Hard to believe we're in the second month of the new year already and with that we bring to you our first featured model of the year. Today's beauty hails from the fairest Cape and while she considers modeling a side hobby, her main passion is DJing. This young vivacious lass has many achievements to her name already and has set her sights on achieving more throughout her life. Apart from the catchy grooves she spins, she loves spending time in front of the camera, collaborating with local photographers and brands. Anyway, enough from us, here meet...

Mia Pretorius

BIO

My name is Mia, I'm a 20 year old female DJ and music producer living in Cape Town, South Africa. I have traveled to various locations in SA to perform and I'm known as the youngest female tech house producer in South Africa after producing my first song 'Energies' - which is available on all major platforms. My dream is to become a full time DJ and music producer and travel the world. In 2010 I became the youngest girl to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I was 9 at the time and spent my 10th birthday on the mountain which is another major achievement within my lifetime. I am a full time business student, currently in my final year as well as a part time model who loved to collaborate with local photographers and brands. I have a passion for helping others and I use that when helping out at a NPO called 'Reach for a Dream' in which hope is given to children with life threatening illnesses through fulfilling their dreams. Though my lifestyle is pretty busy, I use my free time to spend time with my friends and family as well as hitting the gym. 

LINKS

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to  see yourself in?

• My absolute dream car would be any unique colour Lamborghini Aventador!

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• Most probably a club sandwich toastie with sweet potato bread (because I'm gluten intolerant - but to be honest I prefer that over regular bread). 

3. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

• I'm not fussy when it comes to popcorn flavours but when I'm at the cinema I mix all the flavours together and if I'm in the mood for something sweet I would mix in something like Astros into plain popcorn. 

4. You being a model and a DJ, if you had to choose one profession, which would it be and why?

• Definitely DJing ,modeling is just a side hobby which I do when I have time or if brands or photographers want to collaborate. My dream job would be a profession DJ who travels the world. 

5. So DJ, which would be your dream festival to play at?

• I would love to play at as many major festivals as possible but my dream would be to play at Tomorrowland.  

6. Being SA's youngest female tech producer is quite an achievement, what was your inspiration into getting into this particular genre?

• I used to love commercial house music but as I started listening to more music during my years of DJing my taste in music developed into the tech house genre, I had friends who played that type of music around me and I really took a liking to it. Being the first youngest female in SA to produce this genre came from the fact that I generally just enjoy that style music and I really wanted to be able to to play my own music when I DJ, as well as the fact that I wanted to do something different to what everyone else does. I love standing out and participating in things that others wouldn't generally do and I definitely aspire to inspire females of all ages - this also led to me being the youngest girl to climb Mount Kilimanjaro..

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• Very much available haha ;) I do however ,have a super busy lifestyle so finding a relationship isn't a priority to me right now.

8. Obviously being a female, fashion would be a big interest to you, do you have a favourite label/ designer?

• Not really, I generally get most of my clothes from Factorie and Cotton On. I also love supporting small local designers.  

9. We know you're a firm lover of tech but what music gets your booty shaking?

• I love almost every other genre- I love deep house, trance, techno, rap, commercial.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• I would love to experience the hype created around parties in Ibiza one day!

Pictures by r2fphotography and epixshoots

Monday Choon: Tiësto & Vintage Culture – Coffee

 

After a very successful release of his London Sessions Album a few months ago, Tiesto is back with some fresh new music, this time mixing it up with progressive house with a mixture of his cult trance sound. Today's featured track "Coffee" see's the Dutch legend team up with Brazilian DJ Vintage Culture and the sound is epic, the track hits all the right notes and has that mellowed out feel to it a perfect note to get the week going. 

Monday Choon: Trilane & YARO ft. Sarah De Warren - Way Out

 

Sticking with the Swedish theme we have Progressive House duo Trilane on the blog this week with their latest track featuring Yaro and Sarah de Warren on the vocals. Released on Nicky Romero's Protocol Recordings the track has gotten decent airplay ahead of its release and while the build up might be slow it really has a great a vibe to it once the beat gets going. Prefect kind of pick me up track for a Monday.

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Monday Choon: Kaimo K, Trance Classics & Susanne Teutenberg - Take Me Away

There's a recipe when doing a remake of a cult classic, most of it ensures that you don't do anything drastic to ruin the essence of the original, it still must have those heart pulling moments that evoke feelings of that you had when listening to it for the first time and with today's featured track, Estonian DJ and Producer Kaimo K did just that. He said in an interview recently that this is one of his all time favourite tracks and being entrusted to do the official remake was unbelievable. 20 years on from the tracks first release, Kaimo said it was quite the challenge to deliver the final product but it was worth every second of it, he even got Susanne Teutenberg to re-sing the vocals for this track which adds even more character and depth to it. We all remember the original 4 Strings music video for this which was shot in Cape Town, if it were not for COVID it would have been cool if they shot this one in Cape Town as well. 

 

Bucket Tech: Klipsch T5 || True Wireless 2 Mclaren Sport Edition

Last week many on my Twitter or Instagram saw me in a Zoom meeting with the Lando Norris of McLaren F1 Racing team but no one knew why, today I can reveal to you it was because of the launch of Klipsch all-new racing inspired wireless headphones, the T5 Gen2. It was my first Zoom online launch and quite honestly I was just keen to see what Klipsch were offering, so the whole thing with Lando joining us was a complete surprise to us all! It was pretty cool though as he talked about his first podium finish in Formula One and took us for a virtual walk around the garage at Spielberg race track but obviously the main thing was the product which was being launched, the T5 Gen 2. Having owned a pair of wired Klipsch headphones before and just recently purchased the T5 wireless headphones, I can confirm by myself that these products bring to you unrivaled sound quality, comfort and brilliant battery life so with the new Gen 2 True Wireless earphones it could only get better. 

The purpose of the launch was also to announce Klipsch official partnership with the McLaren F1 team as their official headphone and portable audio partner. The two companies have collaborated to combine McLaren's unparalleled ethos and technical innovation with Klipsch's legendary high-fidelity audio and unparalleled comfort. The result is the Klipsch T5 ll True Wireless Sport McLaren edition earphones, engineered for extreme performance and designed to sty dry and in place through anything life throws at them. 

Compared to the first gen T5 True Wireless, the Gen 2 is smaller, sleeker and has a wider range or comfort bud sizes to fit your ears with half sizes now coming along with it. So no longer just small, medium and large to fit into your ear canal, thus giving you a snug fit and ensuring that you will not have an issue of one falling out while you're doing your workout. The earphones feature a new signal boost antenna which delivers a high-quality seamless Bluetooth wireless connection. The T5 Gen2 are IP67 rated which make them dust and waterproof and they come in an attractive brushed metal case that holds up to a combined 32 hours of battery life with the earphones have an 8 hour battery life. The McLaren Sport edition comes in a case that is finished in carbon fiber. Both cases have a wireless charging base. 

You will be able to control just every aspect of the T5 ll True Wireless earphones from the Klipsch Connect App which is available for both Android and Apple devices, so you can calibrate and equalize to the perfect sound for your enjoyment. The app also gives you access to a quick start guide and troubleshoot as well as battery status of the earphones. Overall the T5 ll True Wireless headphones look like a winner if you're looking for a good set of wireless earphones, the McLaren Sport Edition are a must if you're using them for training and with the added customized look to them it makes them an even more attractive purchase. Also the McLaren Edition comes with a free wireless charging pad. 

Key features of the Klipsch T5 ll McLaren Sport Edition True Wireless Earphones

• Dust and water-tight earphones and case (rated IP67) with moisture removal system ensure earphones remain dry.
• Six pairs of patented Klipsch ear tips, one pair of comply memory foam ear tips, and three sizes of no-budge ear wings ensure a customized, comfortable and secure fit. 
• The case charges via USB-C or wirelessly with the included on-position wireless charging pad. 
• Up to 32 hours of battery (8 hours in the earphones)
• Best-in-class acoustic performance and four beam forming microphones with clear voice chat.
• A seamlessly designed anodized metal signal-boost exterior antenna. 
• McLaren's hallmark Papaya Orange and carbon fiber accents, special edition brand book and serialized metal card of authenticity. 

Recommended Retail Price for the Klipsch T5 ll True Wireless earphones are 199€ thile the McLaren Sport Edition the Klipsch T5 ll True Wireless are 229€.

Monday Choon: Kristian Nairn - Evolve

We got a special one for you today, today's DJ hails from Lisburn in Northern Ireland and is more popular known for his acting instead of his music producing which is an oddity. Kristian Nairn, better known as Hodor from the popular HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones is our featured DJ this week with his latest offering "Evolve". The track which was released in late October is catching wind across the trance world and is a proper banger of note. It's catchy baseline with the back ground violins just add to the dramatic build up with a classic drop.  Certainly an unexpected feature but it's great to see the diverse nature of such a talent. 

Monday Choon: Andrew Bayer - Bottle Top Trance

It's been a while since we had some hard trance on the blog and who better to bring it than American DJ and producer Andrew Bayer. The US artist has been long a major contributor to the Anjunabeats label and his music has been nothing short of distinctive and great. His latest release Bottle Top Trance is no different. Featuring that great signature sound that we've become accustomed to over the years as well as some new melodic elements which elevate the track just that much more in terms of the build up and drop. Turn the volume up, and enjoy this one!

Monday Choon: Don Diablo - I Got Love ft. Nate Dogg

Probably one of the rising stars of Electronic Music in 2018, Don Diablo is our featured artist for the final Monday Choon of the year. Only fitting that the man from Coevorden plays us out as he is the single most featured artist on the blog this year, the Dutch maestro seems to do no wrong with his music and this time borrows vocals from the from the hip hop world, of the late Nate Dogg. The song is unmistakably his and with Nate's  vocals added to the track just takes it up a notch. The official music video dropped last week and we have it for you today, do enjoy!

Monday Choon: Kyle Deutsch - Summer Love

Summer is here and there's nothing like getting you feeling festive like a good track that would be the soundtrack for the holidays and I think local pop sensation Kyle Deutsch nailed it with his latest track, Summer Love. Teaming up with award winning producers, Ganja Beatz, they giving us yet another reason to long for the heat of summer, this coupled with his Corona #ThisIsLiving tour across the east coast is the perfect way to kick off the summer vibes. Speaking to the Ganja Beatz, they had this to say about the track "This vibey alternative pop house feel is laydon with catchy melodies that will have you humming along all day" while Kyle had this to add "The track has the uncanny ability to make you feel nostalgic and optimistic at the same time. Either way you know its for the right reasons". The track is out on the various online streaming services and should make the radio waves pretty soon, we have the official music video for it below.

Monday Choon: ilan Bluestone & Maor Levi feat. EL Waves - Will We Remain?

Ilan Bluestone is no stranger to those who frequently listen to ABGT or fans of the Anjunabeats label. The British DJ has been igniting the dance scene across the world with his unique tracks consisting of that 'progressive' sound he builds on today. In April this year he dropped a number of new singles from his debut album Scars. Most of which have been featured in many an episode of ABGT and in various DJ sets including his own at ABGT300 in Hong Kong. Today on the blog, I have one track that I particularly enjoyed, probably because of the strong vocal presence but overall a great balanced track, this is Ilan Bluestone with Maor Levi featuring El Waves, Will We Remain?