Is Krewella Performing Too Soon After Boston Marathon Explosion?

It's been a trying week in Boston and the EDMBoston team, along with the rest of the city, have had heavy hearts due to the Boston Marathon Attack. The last thing on minds has been electronic music or whats happening outside of Boston.

Last night in Dorchester, the community remembered the lost live of 8 year old Martin Richard. He was one of three fatally injured by the ruthlessness of a crazed bomber that set target on the Boston marathon finish line. Thousands showed up to the vigil and the support was truly amazing!

Support has come far and wide from the dj community and beyond. Sporting teams showed their love and consideration by canceling games the day after the tragedy and remembering it two days proceeding in symbolic gestures. The bruins canceled their game monday. The red sox and yankees came together to embrace a clear message "united we stand".

Then there is krewella sending their own message. They will be performing in Boston at the Royale tonight. On facebook they posted:

"hi krew, it's been a really sad 24 hours for the US. no matter if you were personally affected by the tragedy in Boston or not, we can all feel the pain. our first show in Boston is still on for tomorrow night, and like we always say, music heals, so we'll be playing for anyone and everyone who's hurting. Love, prayers, and positive thoughts to all. ♥"

For sure a heartfelt message.

Despite the positive vibes, we have to question their intent as A-Trak, who was also scheduled to perform tonight, opted to cancel his show in consideration of those affected.

Is 3 days after a tragedy to soon for a party?


**UPDATE** Krewella has come out and said that they are donating half of show proceeds to charity.We have issued an apology for incorrect facts.

Support The One Fund to help victims

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Major Lazer: Free the Universe album review

By Streeter: 

Major’s Lazer’s first full length album since the 2009 release of “Guns Don’t Kill People- Lazers Do” has brought some seriously rowdy and diverse sound to your speakers.  The fictional Jamaican jarhead made famous by the current production crew of Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire, opens the album with vocals from regular Diplo contributor Santigold in “You’re No Good.”  The album opener is a slower more tribal sound than the typical dancehall tones heard on the rest of the album, but definitely showcases the diversity and complexity of this album’s sound.  “Get Free” featuring Amber from the Dirty Projectorsis another song that slows things down a bit, with steely guitar sounds and a reggae rhythm, this track is much more laidback than the rest of the track list. 

This album also features the previously released “Jah No Partial” collaboration between Major Lazer and Joshua Steele, more commonly known as Flux Pavilion. This track’s deep reggae roots give way to the hammering bass characteristic of Flux.  Also included on this release are two remixes of this song including one from Skream and one from Heroes x Villains.  

“Watch Out For This” is a bouncing dancehall jam that should be played at loud volume, marching out of your speakers with a unique fusion between moombahton and reggae this is a track to be sure to ‘watch out for’.

As if this album wasn’t already packed with big name collaborators, “Keep Cool” features the vocals of both Shaggy and Wynter Gordon.  Unfortunately despite the big names, this track seemed confused in the sound that it tried to capture.  The uplifting vocal hook from Wynter Gordon gets muddled down with too many samples that simply aren’t cohesive. 

Laidback Luke brings his characteristic style to the next track on the album “Sweat” featuring the vocals of Ms. Dynamite.  In keeping with the title of this dancehall jam, the hook brings the heat for anyone who feels like twerkin’ on the dance floor.  And for those that feel like twerkin’ the night away “Bubble Butt” is a choppy dancehall track that features both Bruno Mars and Tyga. 

Overall this second full length album, released on Secretly Canadian records, gets mixed reviews. While the diversity of this album is something to be admired, the eclectic sounds can sometimes be detrimental to a particular flow.  With that said, this album masterfully meshes sounds characteristic of Jamaica/ West Africa with modern bass crushing beats.  As Diplo spearhead’s the push to bring Jamaican dancehall back to the mainstream, there are certainly a few singles on this album that have the potential to blow up!

Buy the album on Major Lazer's site, and sound off in the comments on how you feel about Free The Universe!

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Support Pours Into Boston

(Boston.com) In the wake of the fatal explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, people from around the world sent messages of love and support for our city. Here's a sample:

Note: If you see anything we should add, please tweet at @swatigauri.

1. Love from Motown.

From Reddit user @nolanater5711

2. And from down south.

From Instagram user @365thingsAustin

3. Because right now, all rivalries are forgotten.

"We stand united with the @RedSox" - @Yankees

4. And we have #prayforboston

It's trending on Twitter.

5. And a reminder: We must move forward.

"A downloadable wallpaper I'm offering to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. Proceeds will be evenly distributed between Boston Children's Hospital and the Red Cross."- Twitter user @listenmemyslave

6. New York City stands with us.

"NYC stands with Boston: Boston flag flying at half staff in front of NY City Hall. " Via Deputy Mayor Deputy Mayor of New York City @howiewolf

7. And yes, we love New York.

"In NYC our thoughts are with #Boston tonight. Our hopes are for #peace. #bostonmarathon " via @illuminator99

8. And the New York love keeps coming.

9. Pray for the victims; the rest of us are okay.

"Keep Calm And Pray For Boston" via @prayforrboston

10. Via Reddit, you sent us tons of pizza.

"In NYC our thoughts are with #Boston tonight. Our hopes are for #peace. #bostonmarathon " via @illuminator99

11. The geeks across the Charles at MIT broadcast their love.

Photo by Matthew J. Lee / Boston.com Staff

12. We realized that strangers aren’t really strangers.

• I am praying for all in Boston ... to have strength and courage in the days ahead.
 
• 
• – Jennifer K., Norfolk, Va.

• So our teams cant stand each other. But we are 2 strong, tough towns, Irishproud ... God bless you all. 
• 
• – Maureen Roe Fudger, Nanticoke, N.Y.

• Bless all the doctors, police, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and all who take a part in rescue. 
• 
• – Father Cliff Byrons, Virginia

• The courage and heroism of Boston's people inspire and strengthen us all. 
• 
• – Kevin Hill, Amarillo, Texas

• I'm thinking for the people in Boston tonight. I am praying for the victims families. God Bless America, God Bless the people in Boston.
 
• 
• – Rachel, Melbourne, Australia

Don't you love us too? Send us your thoughts

13. When you run into bad luck in Boston, we have your back –
and a place for you to stay.

Boston showed the kind of support its willing to give complete strangers in times of tragedy. Boston.com compiled a Google Doc for locals to offer any available housing they have. The response was overwhelming.

14. You’ve gotten to us with even the simplest of tributes.

Credit goes to Rob Anderson and Philip Saul

15. Chicago is our kind of town.

Chicago Tribune lead sports page, April 16

16. One minute BuzzFeed ridicules us, the next they love us. It’s all good.

"29 Reasons To Love Boston," BuzzFeed

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Boston Marathon 2013 Rocks Community, Comforted By International Support

By Kyle:

What started off as a beautiful and happy Patriots day morning, and excitement over the announcement of a new Pretty Lights album, soon turned for the worst. I'm sure by now, everybody has heard of the tragedy of the boston marathon explosion that took place yesterday in our beloved city of Boston. At around 2:50 PM, two explosions rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The explosions were twelve seconds apart and approximately 75 yards from each other, leaving three dead, 146 injured, and 17 in critical condition. Although Boston is a tough a resilient city, this horrific incident has left a a dark stain on a beautiful holiday celebrated across Massachusetts.

While this incident is terrible and very sad, it is also important to see the corporation and love shown across the city and the country. Bostonians all around the area rushed to the scene to help out in any way possible, and love was not only shown by locals.

Fellow members of the EDM community reached out to show there support for the Boston family. Big name artists such as:

Bassnectar
Sebastien Ingrosso
Richie Hawtin
Max Vangeli
Steve Angello
Bingo Players
Arty
Thomas Gold
Skrillex
Junior Sanchez
Nervo
Alesso
Tiesto
Wolfgang Gartner
Bassjackers
Dannic
Marcuz Schulz
Sander Van Doorn
Big Gigantic
Paper Diamond

expressed there sorrow and thoughts for the Boston family across social media. The artists showed a deep amount of consideration and care for the tragedy still unfolding in Boston. Lorin (Bassnectar) tweeted “Boston: All My Love! Wishing you peace and safety” as well as “Logged into twitter feeling light hearted and chill, now so saddened by violence in Boston.” Lorin plans to come to Boston in a few weeks and I’m sure will have lots of love for our city and have an extra special show.
   
Big Gigantic and Paper Diamond also shared there thoughts and prayers with the Boston community, both artists have recently been to Boston on tour and it was nice to see we are still on their minds. Big G posted on Facebook, “Boston family, hope all of you guys are ok over there!! Be safe, we’re thinkin about ya over here in CO!!” receiving over 640 likes.

Paper Diamond had an extra special message for the Boston family and even went on to do what he could to help out. In his post on Facebook he stated “My thoughts go out to all of those affected by the Boston Marathon explosions. Incredibly sad.” After this post, Paper Diamond went on too post links to help friends and families locate a runner in the chaos, live police coverage, as well as live television coverage on the web. His care for the incident and for everybody effected by the tragedy was clear and wont soon be forgotten in the city of Boston.

In the wake of this incident, we are also however reminded that ignorance is bliss. DJ Erick Morillo started his day off with a happy, peaceful message to the EDM world stating “Spreading peace and love to everyone. Hope your monday was a great way to start your week, 4 more days to the weekend!” Unfortunately, this beautiful message was masked by the horrific tragedy unfolding in Boston, and was instead received with negative and sad vibes. Soon after, Morillo went on to post “My heart goes out to all the victims of the Boston marathon bombing.”

This event that is still unfolding in Boston is a horrific tragedy. A beautiful day in our city should never have been masked by such a sad event, but there are still positives to be taken from it. The Boston community as well as the first responders and volunteers at the scene worked heroically to quickly and swiftly deal with such a terrible incident, and deserve all of the thanks and praise that can be given. Nobody can imagine having to deal with such a horrific and unexpected scene, but everybody on call responded timely and efficiently to comfort and help those effected by the tragedy. It is also important and comforting to know that individuals across the EDM community can band together and show love and support for our city. We are a close knit family banded together by a love for music, and when one part of us is effected, everyone feels the pain. I am happy and proud to see that some of our favorite artists can step up and share their love and thoughts for us in our time of need. This is a terrible tragedy, but Boston is a tough city that will band together and get through the rough times, and the support of those around the country is much appreciated.

EDM Boston would like to express our most sincere thoughts and prayers for those effected by the events at the Boston Marathon yesterday, and we wish everyone the best from here on. Now is a time to be there for each other and to help our beautiful city recover from such a sad incident. I love our city, and I love that dirty water.

If anybody would like to help with the Boston Marathon aftermath of this incident, please donate to the One Fund establish by Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Governor and Thomas Menino, Mayor of Boston.

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Netsky at the Middle East: A Review

By Mike H:

Although it took a little longer than genres such as dubstep or house to gain widespread popularity in the United States, drum and bass has, over the past few months, experienced a surge in popularity with artists such as Kill the Noise leading the charge. Boston got to experience some of the finest in drum and bass, with Belgian producer, Netsky bringing an incredibly charged performance to The Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge on Tuesday.

Taking the stage in front of a revved up crowd, Netsky started with the soulful and melodic, "Love Has Gone", a single off his 2012 album, 2, but immediately shifted into some low down and dirty drum and base to send the crowd into a frenzy. Throughout his performance, Netsky's superior mixing skills were evident, as he seemed able to feel what the crowd was looking for, and hit the jackpot with every song he introduced.

While many of his own songs were included in the set, he also added his own spin to popular songs such as "Internet Friends," by Knife Party and "Wild for the Night," by Skrillex ft. A$AP Rocky. He is capable of including various genres in his set, from hip hop to dubstep to house, while keeping his fast-paced drum and bass as the backbone of the songs.

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the show, or at least part of what made it special, was the small venue feel of the Middle East. The low-ceiling and basement vibe of the venue give the music an underground feel, something Netsky used effectively to his advantage. I've been to a few shows at the Middle East recently, and each one of them has had incredibly high energy levels. I would strongly suggest keeping an eye out for shows at this venue in the future!

Keep track of our Calendar of Events for future show listings!

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