Queen of Hardstyle Takes Over Forbidden Kingdom [Event Review]

After one year and three months, the world as we know it is finally going back to our normal lives. Festival season is finally back, and clubs are re-opening once again. The weekend of June 11th & 12th it was DJ Lady Faith’s first festival performance in over a year at Insomniac Events Forbidden Kingdom in Orlando, FL. The dubstep festival brought over 25,000k bass-heads to one location the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Originally started in 2018 at Sunset Cove Park in Boca Raton, FL until Pasquale Rotella and his brilliant Insomniac Events team took over. Sprawling across three stages New Kingdom Stage, Village Stage, and Forbidden Stage including a smaller Dragon stage.

America’s favorite Hardstyle DJ Lady Faith was a top headliner on this year’s ballot, paving the way for more female artists to headline massive festivals. “It makes me so happy seeing other female artists on the lineup with me, I would like to see more though”. Lady Faith says on the way to the festival, we were talking to REDRUM and how it is a lot harder for female artists to gain the respect and acknowledgment they actually deserve. “It’s always a pleasure meeting other DJs” - she adds. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

Making her way to the Village Stage, the crowd is amped up for some Hardstyle. Amplifying the crowd immediately by playing her remix of the legendary hit Satisfaction by Benny Benassi. There was a huge crowd at her performance, everyone was dancing and jumping to the heavy beat the entire set. “It’s a beautiful site to see to finally be back at a festival with all of you!” Lady Faith says in the microphone. You can feel the vibes everywhere from the stage to the back of the crowd, with so many smiling faces. Heat lightning flashing in the sky, people dancing in the puddles to Hardstyle. Playing her newest songs Summer cover of the 80s anthem Cruel Summer, and a remix of Brittney Spears’ Baby One More Time. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

The crowd bouncing to all the Hardstyle beats such as PLUR, We The People, Supernova. Lady Faith interacting with the crowd saying this is one of the best crowds and best experiences she had at a music festival. Fists pumping with an intensity of fury to heavy-hitting beats, the crowd moving and dancing to I like to Move it. Closing out her set with her new track, Speak My Mind but not without a group photo with the crowd keeping the incredible experience forever. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

After her set, I asked Lady Faith how did she feel being able to perform again at festivals she replies with a huge smile on her face, “I love what I do, making music and performing is my drug I don’t need anything else. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces I can’t believe how happy I am”. 

The second day, multiple people came up and said Lady Faith was their favorite set, they couldn’t stop dancing. “Hearing that is the true cherry on top,” she said with satisfaction. Lady Faith has new music and new projects in the near future, stay connected to all social and music platforms. 

Photo Credit: Josiah McDonald @josiah.mc

Lady Faith: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud

Justin Jay Performs 'Home' at Good Room [Event Review]

Last Friday, November 17th - Justin Jay performed at Brooklyn’s Good Room promoting his second album ‘Home’. Not knowing anything about the new nightclub, the possibilities were endless. The moment you walk into the nightclub you are greeted by the staff with warming open arms. The nightclub is split into two different rooms the main room and the Bad Room. Good Room is spacious with an upper deck to lounge on, and there is no VIP bottle service, just a bar, dancefloor and the music. It wouldn't be a nightclub without a disco ball.

Starting off the night with the beautiful and sexy Sonya Alvarez, who absolutely stunned the crowd with her uplifting set. It was around 01:30 when Justin Jay approached the decks. The entire crowd roared and screamed when he appeared with his distinctive hairstyle. He started off playing Dirybird records such as Hit It, Rain Dance, moving into Dirtybird's Fisher - Ya Kidding. Throwing in a few edits and remixes like Post Malone’s Congratulation. 

When 03:00 rolled around people began to get even weirder and Justin Jay transitions into playing tracks from ‘Home’ such as Ease Up featuring Josh Taylor, Cool, Stuck Inside My Head, and Time featuring Benny Bridges - giving an ultimate live guitar solo. With Justin Jay’s distinctive robotic voice and Benny shredding on the guitar it was a fusion of sound that is lacking in the dance music community. Justin Jay jumps on the decks singing to the crowd as they sang along to the lyrics. It was almost a party celebrating the success of ‘Home’ and how his devoted fans would do anything to see him. 

There were great vibes all around, even if you went there alone, you did not feel like you were along because it was one group of people singing together and dancing together like one big family. The fans of Justin Jay is a new form of devotion and dedication. Justin Jay played until closing time, leaving the crowd wanting more. To put the cherry on the top of a sweet night, I got the chance to meet him and congratulated him on ‘Home’ and that I will be seeing him at Dirtybird Campout east coast. Justin Jay is one of the most humble people to ever come in contact with. Be sure to catch Justin Jay at a city near you as he continues his ‘Home’ tour. 

Stream Home on Spotify

Justin Jay Tour Dates:

November 24 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall

November 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom

December 8 - Austin, TX - The Parish

December 9 - Dallas, TX - Lizard Lounge

December 14 - Anaheim, CA - The Parish at House of Blues 

December 31- South Lake Tahoe, CA - SnowGlobe Music Festival

January 6-10 - Port Canaveral, FL - Holy Ship 10.0

Circoloco NYC: Halloween Weekender [Event Review]

On October 27th - 28th Teksupport joined forces to bring back one of the greatest parties in the world to Brooklyn, NY - Circoloco. The two-day Halloween event with sets from industry titans like Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, and Damian Lazarus. 

The warehouse was jam-packed with sexy devils, waddling penguins, and cute couple costumes all groovy out to the Circoloco DJs. The sound of Circoloco has slowly evolved and developed through paths of association with tribal and minimal but has always held the truest values of house music at its core. Now, the new era rips up the rulebook once again and sees a new generation of future heroes attempting to stamp their claim as the next Circoloco legend. 

Surrounded by red neon Circoloco signs filling the room, giving off a devilish vibe. Starting off the night with SOSSA, then Dj Tennis took over the decks, Just as the night was getting freaky Damian Lazarus for an epic set. The Martinez Brothers kept the party going with their funky set. Loco Dice leads us into the morning with his closing set. Everyone’s performances were dark and dirty but powerful and moving. 

The layout of the warehouse was big enough room so people could dance the night away. Partygoers were able to go outside as well to get fresh air and mingle. There were good vibes all around, people smiling and dancing together. Drinks were flowing and people groovy to the beats. Another successful party from Teksupport and Circoloco.   

Be sure to check out the after movie! 

MAKING HISTORY AT THE BPM FESTIVAL: PORTUGAL

“We are living in a world where there are a lot of bad stuff happening everywhere you turn, we still come together and we celebrate life and music and I thank you all and BPM for this incredible time” said Seth Troxler as he ends his killer set at This Is The End party, which took place on the last day, lets go back to the beginning to the first day of the very first installment of The BPM Festival expansion to Portugal. 

Not knowing what to expect for its first expansion to another country, people from all over the world flocked to Portugal to see what the people behind BPM had to offer. Showcasing more than 30 world class artists at multiple magical locations and a lineup that was too hot to refuse with pioneer artists and a mixture of underground techno. While people came together to see their favorite artists in the likes of Drumcode’s Alan Fitzpatrick and Ida Engberg, and Hot Creations — Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Danny Tenaglia, Richie Hawtin, Victor Calderone, Pan-Pot, Chris Liebing, and Paul Kalkbrenner just to name a few. Portugal was the perfect place to make the expansion, with gorgeous luscious beaches, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and secret caves. The festival had a completely different vibe and experience compared to its original location. The parties were spread out to different locations throughout Portimão from large entertainment venues to the lavishing beach clubs so BPM attendees can enjoy the entire experience and have the chance to explore Portugal. 

photo credit: The BPM Festival

The first day of BPM superb with Paul Kalkbrenner presents Back To The Future along with Pan-Pot, and Chris Liebing. It was located at Centro de Congressos do Arade which is a three showcase venue in the neighboring town of Lagoa. Loaded with fun actives inside with a GIF photo booth, the layout looked like a funhouse for adults. Each room was jam-packed with festival goers as well as delivering some of the finest techno tracks that we all love and know. Each artist gave their finest performance by playing their deepest, darkest sets ever. People partied until the sun rises into the next day full of more impressive parties. 

Day 2 rolls around starting off with Lee Burridge’s infamous All Day I Dream party. The day was bright full of smiles and sunshine beaming down on us throughout the entire time. Joined by the likes of Yokoo, Bedouin, and Lost Desert, all playing fans favorites as well their new track Hunter. People in unity dancing together on the beautiful Blanco Beach. The music blasting through the speakers giving off a tranquil, and chill vibes as we sink into the sounds provided by Lee Burridge and the rest of the crew. We then walked over from Blanco Beach to NoSolo Água Beach Club, Praia da Rocha. The line was extremely long luckily we had special media passes and we were able to go right in. BPM Portugal: Jamie Jones Paradise was the hottest, sexiest party happening that night. On the roster were legends Jasper James, Ida Engberg, Patrick Topping, and a special back-to-back performance from Loco Dice and the man himself, Jamie Jones. Ida Engberg blew everyone away with her stunning sunset set. As the sky turns to dark the sets become darker and dirtier, no boundaries no limits, just pure talent from both Loco Dice and Jamie Jones. As the night continues to Centro de Congressos do Arade for BPM Portugal: Social Experiment. It wouldn’t be a perfect way to end the night without legends like ART DEPARTMENT, Martin Buttrich, Kenny Glasgow, Cassy, Nitin, and THE LEGEND on the lineup. All giving electrifying and brilliant performances. 

photo credit: The BPM Festival

The sun begins to rise once again as we dance into day 3. Having a unique relationship with one of the best parties in the world - elrow. BPM Portugal: elrow, the theme was ROWSHOW Sambodromo Do Brasil. It was the most insanely, mad, thrilling party ever to come in contact with. Attendees had the chance once again to party and rage at the beautiful Blanco Beach club. People dancing on the VIP chairs and couches, dancing in the pools and hot tubs. As you make your way into the crowd you are surrounded by the characters of elrow. People on stilts, elrow toys flying through the air, people dressed as animals — it was a zoo in there! As I make my way to backstage to overlook the crowd with a backdrop of the luscious beaches of Portugal. Getting a taste of what backstage life is all about. We danced away through the tunes of Marc Maya, Toni Varga, George Privatti, Goncalo, and Paco Osuna. As the sun begins to go down the crowd becomes more like animals. Friends climbing on their friend's shoulders, floaties everywhere, they say when it’s nighttime your inner animal comes out and that’s exactly what happened at elrow. Having the chance to attend previous elrow parties in the past, however, this takes the crown for the best elrow show. 

When you start to see the sunrise you know you had an unimaginable night and that’s what exactly happened. The 4th and final day rolls around, by this time the body is sore to the bone. Still being a little trooper till the end — of course, you go to one of the finest parties with a loaded lineup which consist of Elio Riso, Bas Ibellini, Doc Martin, Heidi, Apollonia, Seth Troxler, and Richie Hawtin for BPM Portugal: This Is The End located at the beautiful NoSolo Água Beach Club. Pushing the boundaries to the fullest, each artist played their most jolting sets ever. Overlooking into the crowd with a stunning sunset overlooking the breathtaking beach. Richie Hawtin killed it of course with another deep, dark set. Seth Troxler closes the party with another funky and groovy set. Before his final song he spoke into the microphone, thanking everyone who was apart of the journey, everyone cheered and applauded. Still, in shock about the entire experience, there is still one more thing to do — attend the closing parties. Oceans Club was hosting BPM Portugal: Gia Sai. A small but intimate setting, it was completely full of partygoers and artists such as Serge Devant, Jesse Calosso, David Berrie, and NEVERDOGS. All completely in the zone, slaying the decks for the final show of the night. It was bittersweet but all good things must come to an end, until next year. 

photo credit: The BPM Festival

The BPM Festival: Portugal was an incredible journey and will remain forever in my mind and heart. From prior festivals that were covered before in the past, BPM Portugal definitely sets the bar high for a favorite music festival. The vibes from the people were warm and welcoming, including the locals. Having the chance to meet and interact with some of the most talented DJs in the techno, underground house scene it was truly something that will be cherished forever. Another festival for the history books, thank you to everyone that was apart of it — see you next year. Missed out this year? Sign up at The BPM Festival for exclusive updates about their next event!

photo credit: The BPM Festival

TOP 5 FAVORITE PARTIES

BPM Portugal: elrow 

BPM Portugal: Jamie Jones - Paradise

BPM Portugal: This Is The End

BPM Portugal: All Day I Dream

BPM Portugal: Social Experiment

TOP FAVORITE SETS (available): 

Alan Fitzpatrick

Lee Burridge  

Chus & Ceballos