Social Illness, NY Fashion

So earlier this month I came across a blog for the clothing brand Social Illness, and I like them a lot. They produce shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel for men and women, and I have to say the line is hot. Jermaine Alston of Jamaica Queens founded the company in 2009, and are creating a buzz among the urban community.  The NY State of Mind shirts are simple, look good, and come in Knicks colors...what more could we ask for? 


Reasonable prices, hot shirts, cute models....Enjoy the shop! 

------>Social Illness<------

-Max C

Daft Punk Knighted by France for Contributions to Culture

I can thank Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo for sparking my interest in house and electronic music.  If you don’t know these two names by heart, I can forgive you though.  They are better known as the house music duo Daft Punk hailing from Paris, France.  When I first heard their hit singles Da Funk and Around the World from their debut album Homework, I was mystified and intrigued by their unusual sound.  I had been raised on classic rock from the 60s and 70s through my parents and 90s alternative rock, jam bands and hip-hop from my older brothers.  At the time I had no idea what house music was or that they used drum machines and synthesizers to produce the great sounds I was hearing.  But I knew I had discovered something unique and great.

As I look back now, I realize that Homework was a very basic album in that it stuck to traditional roots of the French House genre that incorporated acid and funk influences and in this sense the tracks were not as radical as later releases from the duo. But man do I love this album; on long car trips or chillin’ at home I would put this album on and listen through at least a few times.  I loved putting my headphones in and jamming out to Daftendirekt, Revolution 909, Phoenix, Fresh, Rollin’ & Scratchin’, Teachers… Need I go on?  Daft Punk put me in my own world and I loved every minute of it.

So when I first downloaded the Discovery album I was amazed at the change in direction of the duo and their diversity; with the style of the album shifting to disco and synthpop.  This album contains a lot of the big singles that Daft Punk is known for, One More Time, Aerodynamic, Digital Love and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.  I can listen through Discovery straight through just like Homework.  And I love High Life, Something About Us, Voyager, Veridis Quo and Face to Face; these songs are not always mentioned when talking about Daft Punk, but I think they probably should. When I first learned that every song from the Discovery album had an animated music video that fit together for a full length film I did not know what to expect. (Check all the videos links) I am not an anime guy, but I must say this merged creation of music and video is incredible.

In 2005, Daft Punk released their third and most recent studio album Human After All.  For me the album is not as good as their first two productions.  Probably because I despise Technologic and the unbelievable airplay it got and how it has been featured in so much television and film. But I really love Robot Rock, Steam Machine, The Brainwasher and Television Rules the Nation.  And in their second live album, Alive 2007, a lot of these tracks are blended perfectly together to make some epic tunes.

Basically, I am gay for Daft Punk music, and I think that is okay because house music was originally intended for gays, among others, in the Chicago area. I probably should not mention how I love that they dress up in robot costumes and there exists few public pictures of their faces.  So when I heard that the duo were awarded the rank of Knight and admitted into one of the Orders of France for contributions to culture, I was pleasantly surprised.  I do not think any group or musician has had a greater impact on my concept of music or style then them. Cheers! And I look forward to seeing them live one day, or at least releasing a new studio album to make up for the Tron  soundtrack..

-Dan T.

David Guetta EP coming, Electric Zoo around the corner

 

On June 17, French House producer David Guetta released his new newest Fuck Me I’m Famous! compilation. This new Guetta album includes some new releases, great remixes and also some sick songs by other artists.

I really love some of his original tracks included on the compilation, Little Bad Girl and Bass Line.  These are two solid House songs and both have almost everything you’d expect from Guetta; great build ups, massive drops, killer beats, all that is missing it seems is Chris Willis on the vocals.  His collaboration with Afrojack for Pandemonium and Sweat are some more highpoints of this mix.  I also love how Guetta included some great tunes and remixes by other House artists, like Avicii’s remix of Nadia Ali’s song Rapture, Detroit Bounce by Chuckie, Replica by Afrojack, Turn up the Volume by AutoErotique and Doin’ Ya Thang by Oliver $. 

This is a really solid production and every year I always look forward to the new Fuck Me I’m Famous! mix that Guetta puts out.  It’s a nice collection to hold me over until the much anticipated release of Nothing But the Beat on August 30.  Expect Guetta to be playing a lot of those new releases when he headlines the Electric Zoo Festival in New York over Labor Day Weekend!

What to expect:

-Dan T.

BRB I'm listening to BBR

BEETROOTS AT LOLLA <---My idol Bob Rifo  So my idol Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo along side dj Tommy Tea and drummer BATTLE will be performing as The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77 at this years Lollapalooza. Rifo formed The Bloody Beetroots in 2006, they’re an electronic/dance group from Italy. Their first EP, out on Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak records, Cornelius was in the top 100 itunes downloads in 2008. In 2009 their first full length album Romborama was released in August, the track Warp 1.9 from this album reached number 23 on Triple J Hottest 100 of 2009. The album has sold over 2 million copies. If you have the chance to catch them at Lollapalooza I definitely would because these dudes seem like they put on crazy live shows and its sure to be an experience. Heres one of their music videos: Check out some of their live performances:

(who wouldn’t wanna party with these dudes?)

  

-Julien B.

MillionYoung at the Brooklyn Bowl 7/3

Million Young 'Weak Ends'

MillionYoung will be performing in New York at the Brooklyn Bowl, Sunday July 3rd. The event is only 5 bucks and you also get to see Home Video and Tiny Victories, both of which make totally awesome sounds. The event is 21+ and starts at 8pm.  Hit me up if your going @ newsummerdaze@gmail.com

 

 -Max C

Alesso and Sebastian Ingrosso at Pacha NYC

June 25th at Pacha NYC was utterly incredible. Everyone impatiently crammed onto the dance floor, in anticipation of infamously known dj’s, Alesso and Swedish House Mafia member, Sebastian Ingrosso.

Alesso began the night with quite a bang as he opened with his mix of LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem”. Afterwards, he continued to perform plenty of crowd favorites. The audience went wild for, fellow Swedish dj, Avicii’s “Levels” and “Fuck The Music”. Alesso finished with his amazing remix of Nadia Ali’s “Pressure”, providing a perfect transition for Sebastian’s set. The crowd was on their feet the entire time, hands in the air, gooving to the music.

 

Everyone was beyond excitedly on edge when Ingrosso took the stage. His song selection was absolutely flawless. Tunes such as: Max Vangeli and AN21’S “The Island”, Calvin Haris’ “Awooga”, Axwell’s “Heart Is King”, Wolfgang Gartner’s “ Space Junk”, and his own mix of “Adele’s Rolling in the Deep vs. Sweet Dreams.” Following these killer songs, Ingrosso represented Swedish House Mafia by spinning “ One”, “Miami to Ibiza”, “Leave The World Behind” and last but definitely not least, “Save The World Tonight.”
Overall the night was extraordinary. Both, Alesso and Sebastian’s sets were completely mind-blowing. I highly recommend purchasing tickets to either of their upcoming shows before they sell out!

 

-Marissa G

Empire of the Sun in the Empire State.

Photo Erin B. 

On Friday June 17, my friend Luke B. and I decided, after I got off work, to drive 12 hours up to NYC for the annual music festival, Governor’s Ball. We love Empire of the Sun and were craving to see them, catch Mac Miller and get to see some family and friends.  We told our parents we were going to the beach for the weekend, but we ended up going on probably a once in a lifetime journey that was worth every penny, every minute of sleep in the passenger seat and every sip of Red Bull to stay awake at the wheel.

My love of Empire of the Sun started when I got a free download of their first single, Walking On A Dream, on iTunes.  I loved listening to that song and showing my newfound favorite song to my friends.  When the album was released and I saw all their amazing music videos for the singles, I truly fell in love with the band and their music.  At first some of the songs I did not enjoy, but after every listen each grew on me and now I can honestly say I enjoy listening to every song of theirs.  Standing On the Shore, Half Mast, We Are the People, Country, Without You, The World, Tiger By My Side and Swordfish Hotkiss Night could all potentially be in other band’s greatest hits collections and these are just songs from one album.  Just think when they start releasing some new songs how earth shattering they could be? No exaggeration.

So when we heard of the opportunity to see Empire of the Sun live, we immediately snatched at it because we knew this chance would not come around often.  How many other kids from South Carolina can say they have seen Empire of the Sun? And let me tell you, they were incredible! It was the most amazing concert I have ever seen and I still get flashbacks of the remarkable voice of Luke Steele and the great dancers and effects the show had.  I honestly do not think I’ll ever go to a better concert, the atmosphere of the crowd was incredible and the band rocked Manhattan.  We were planning on staying for Girltalk and Pretty Lights before going home, but honestly felt that no group or musician had the potential to top Empire of the Sun’s performance.

We also got to see indie electronic rock band Neon Indian.  They played a great set and are a really talented up and coming group.  They released their first album Psychic Chasms in 2009 and it was a wonderfully put together debut release and I’m really excited for more from them.  Check both groups out if you haven’t heard of either.  But if you live in the New York area and you missed these performances, shame on you.  That weekend changed our lives.

-Dan T

Fool's Gold Record Store Opening

If yall know DJing, yall have to know the name A-trak. He was the first to win five Wold Championships,  as well as his prestigious DMC World Dj Championship at the mere age 15. His skills are untouchable and his swag makes him king. Friday, June 24th he opened a Fool's Gold Record Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Atraks older brother David, is one of the members of Chromeo, the funky electronic duo, who kill it with a ton of tracks. Here is A-trak abousoutley demolishing in the DMC when he was 15 in 1997.

I first saw A-trak perform on his 8 Ball Tour in New Orleans.  I heard he had Coachella packed with over 3,000 people, so when I walked into the 8 Ball show and saw the House of Blues with about 200 people I knew I was in for an awesome private-like show. A-trak's set is a light-set of a huge letter A, with sound-controlled lights. The show was electric, and when he dropped his Duck Sauce single "Barbara Streisand" the crowd went wild. A-trak decided to open a Fool's Gold Record store to sell clothing, exclusive merchandise including the same leather jacket that he wears in his shows. 

The store is modeled after a French Boutique, with the items on display giving an inviting sense. Almost every one fingered through all the vinyls that the store sells (see Flickr) They had Fool's Gold lighters, tee's mugs, and by far the slickest wallpaper, custom designed for the store. A-trak himself was present and took time out to sign autographs and take photos with the local Brooklynites. 

Later that night at an old stripclub, A-trak hosted a party where he wrecked the 1s and 2s. The place was filled with people for so long that I left to go to Pacha, which I ended up getting kicked out of because I didn't have a press pass. I took a cab to the A-trak party which was still bumpin till after 2am. 

Flickr Album of the whole event ---->> FLICKR

-Max C

Random Axe at Southpaw, Brooklyn REVIEW

SouthPaw, June 22 was definitely a night to remember. 
Sean Price (Heltah Skeltah), Guilty Simpson from Detroit and Black Milk (DJ and MC) took over Southpaw for the night in celebration of the release of their collaborative album "Self Titled," (REVIEW HERE) produced by Black Milk, via Duck Down Records. 
The show opened up with DJ Meka from 2dopeboyz, who passed it off to DJ Evil Dee from Beat Minorz Radio, who scratched it up and even performed some turntablism. 

Soon after SkyZoo took over, bringing the heat. With an intense performance from Brooklyns own rapper SkyZoo the crowd was rocking and really feeling it, setting up the vibe perfectly for the rest of the show. I honestly wasn't much into SkyZoo before this concert but I'm definitely a huge fan now, especially because of his extremely talented trumpet player OJ. Not only did SkyZoo come to kill the show OJ topped it off. SkyZoo performed most of his tracks off his latest mix-tape entitled "The Great Debater", which officially became the top downloaded mixtape yesterday. He was definitely feeling the love from his home town and did a great job opening up the show. 

We left a little bit after this performance and came across a street cypher between Baltimore's Kane Mayfield (interview coming) and an unknown artist. Kane was just straight fire, raw to the bone, keeping it short demolished whoever the other kid was easily. 

    We were able to catch the end of the Black Moon performance which was just insane. The crowd was really into it especially during the freestyle by 5ft. Black Moon also announced their upcoming album release party which is FREE to the public, next Tuesday (MORE INFO TO COME). 

     The Random Axe performance was just amazing and ended the show with a bang. They went through every track off the album and then some. It was really a performance for the people. 

                       

The group came to Southpaw with so much energy last night leaving the fans wanting a lot more. Make sure to download "The Great Debaters," "Self Titled," and check out the Black release party  next Tuesday. 

Check the rest of the PHOTOALBUM on Flickr <------CLICK

-Xavier W and Max C

Kavinsky<-----> French House at its Best

We all have that one friend that always puts on good shit musically, I heard Kavinsky’s Dead Cruiser off the “1986” ep with my good friend Bro and I was hooked. Anyone who knows me knows I love dance music and I love the 80’s, Kavinsky is a French electro house dj who’s a real character, really, he died in 1986 crashing his badass Testarossa and returned as the living dead in 2005 with the Teddy Boy ep. Kavinsky’s got 3 eps under his belt, Teddy Boy,1986, and Nightcall , and his song “Testarossa Autodrive” is on the radio station in the game Grand Theft Auto 4. He’s toured with fellow French musicians Daft Punk and Justice and also A-trak. His sound is reminiscent of a 1980s action scene from a movie, perfect for night riding at high speeds with the windows down or a party sure to get the bodies moving. Heres his Soundcloud <---(CLICK IT) page where you can check out a few tracks His facebook page And heres a link to download 2 of his eps http://isohunt.com/lite/files/112228485/kavinsky

-Julien B.

DatPiff Mixtapes-- Pick 5

Narrowing down the vast library of mixtapes on www.datpiff.com can be a long, time consuming process that many music-lovers can’t afford to do.  Rather than search for music they like, they may decide to wait and hear the recommendations from their friends with similar interests before they decide to come face to face with the daunting website and finally download their new FREE mixtapes.  Well it’s a good thing SummerDaze blog is such a good friend and decided to go ahead a take one for the team and let you know what I think some of the best new mixtapes on www.datpiff.com are, in no particular order. 

The Great Debater- SkyZoo—New York rapper’s newest mixtape is a must download for 2011.  His first mixtape in 2 years, and sticking with his classic style, SkyZoo manages to put together one of the best mixtapes  that is sure to have thousands of downloads.  Get on it before it gets big so you know what’s up.

The Dream- Wiz Khalifa—Wiz is still putting out music like wildfire and this newest mixtape, dropped just this week, is nothing short of Wiz Khalifa greatness in true Wiz Khalifa style.  Collabo songs with Big Sean, Chevy Woods, and Curren$y make this mixtape worth the time, and with already with over 25K downloads, a must listen for you.  A true Wiz Khalifa fan like myself deems this one a must not miss.

Vindicated- KAM Royal—If you’re a regular of the SummerDaze blog you’ve already heard of this Tulane University student, KAM Royal.  His fresh sound, sweet beats, and smooth lyricism combine in a sweet mixture that provides hip hop fans with something new.  Definitely worth checking out and one of datpiff.com's sponsored mixtapes released earlier this month. 

N*A*S*A*- Cameron GreY—Currently the hottest mixtape today and of the week and datpiff.com’s featured mixtape, this new mixtape from Cameron GreY is a work of genius.  Cameron GreY’s heavy beats and sweet flow make listening a treat to any hip hop fan.  You MUST download this mixtape and enjoy every minute.  It truly speaks for itself.

The Real is Back- Young Jeezy--  This official Young Jeezy mixtape, already downloaded over 100,000 times in less than a month is a gift to the hip hop world from the deep south.  Its southern rap beats are music to my ears and Jeezy’s quality lyricism make even the most reserved music fans want to bob their head to the music.  Even if you don’t think Southern Rap isn’t for you, it’d be a shame for you not to check it out and miss out.  Take it from me though, it’s quality.

Last but not least my honorable mention goes to Big Sean and his mixtape “I Put the G in Good Music.”  With his debut album dropping June 28 on Kanye West record label, all of his music is worth checking out, but when the album drops, you know who’ll be getting it. 

ENJOY!

-Ryan J