Dance
ShockOne Releases Complex, Experimental 13-Track ‘A Dark Machine’ Album
After much anticipation from recent releases “Run” and “Til Dawn,” Australian artist ShockOne has released his new thirteen-track album ‘A Dark Machine’. Breathtakingly complex, hauntingly poignant and sonically masterful, the album explores a concept few people dare to truly dive into – confronting the darkest parts of ourselves and realizing that our power as humans makes us capable of both great and terrible things. As the album progresses through both psychological stages – from awakening to self-destruction, hopelessness to self-acceptance, ShockOne creates more than just a sonic joyride. ‘A Dark Machine’ is an immersive experience that delves into the complex human psyche while running the gamut of bass music genres with an experimental flair. The album features guest collaborations with ShockOne’s real-life sister, vocalist Reija Lee, as well as Cecil, Cruz Patterson, The Bloody Beetroots and producers Ekko and Sidetrack, who each contribute their unique sound to the whole. No matter what stage of the journey you’re on, you are bound to discover something new and mindblowing on this album. Check out ShockOne’s inspiration below:
‘A Dark Machine’ begins with “Run” and the intro connected to it “Awake”. The whole thing started from the idea I had of the protagonist waking from a dream while finding themselves running, from what exactly, they don’t know, but they are filled with a sense of dread, they do know, however, that if they stop running something terrible will happen. I just had this image of someone waking up running from something, and at the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure what that was myself. As I kept writing and scribbling random phrases and notes down, it started to become clear that what the protagonist is running from is a reflection of their own psyche, their subconscious, perhaps even the darker side of it, and that is essentially what ‘A Dark Machine’ represents. As I continued the writing process, I started to realize this album is basically the story of someone coming to terms with their own mind/subconscious, the good and the bad parts of it. The closing song “Silver & Gold”, is the final conversation between the protagonist and their own subconscious. The eternal conversion we are all having with ourselves that can sometimes get pretty dark. This story is like a dramatization of that, and this album is like a soundtrack to the dystopian art film I have in my head that will never get made! Although the fantastic videos Matsu made for “A Dark Machine”, “Bleed Black” & “Run” are pretty damn close!”
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Since his debut in 2009 with “The ShockOne” EP, Karl Thomas has established himself as one of the most exciting bass artists in the scene. He followed up his massively successful debut with 2011’s “Crucify Me,” a drum & bass/dubstep anthem in which he also showed his versatility and talent as a vocalist; this single served as a preview for his first album “Universus.” ShockOne’s most significant break came in 2012 when he released the genre-bending, now-iconic work of art that is “Chaos Theory” featuring Corey Burton. “Chaos Theory” experienced astronomical success, peaking at #2 on Beatport, #1 on Trackitdown, and #1 on iTunes Dance in Australia. This led him through a whirlwind of touring, playing festivals such as Creamfields, the Big Day Out, and Stereosonic, and playing sold-out shows throughout Australia. After listening to ‘A Dark Machine’, we know that ShockOne is bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Stay tuned for what comes next from this leading Aussie export!
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Nicky Romero is in the final stretch of preparations for a monumental moment in his already illustrious career – his first ever solo show, “Nightvision,“ on December 2nd, and in classic fashion, he’s pulling out all the stops. Taking place at the 6,000-capacity Amsterdam venue AFAS Live (formerly known as Heineken Music Hall), Nicky will be taking attendees on a true sonic journey, spanning from his early anthems to his recent hits. “Nightvision” will also feature sounds from some of his best sets from across the globe over the span of recent years, like Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Peru, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Tomorrowland, EDC Mexico, or Amsterdam Music Festival, to name only a few. Of course, Nicky will also be bringing out some very special guests throughout the night, and with so many all-star collaborations under his belt, we can only imagine who they might be! To add a final dash of excitement preceding the show, Romero is releasing a six-track EP on December 1st that delivers a heavy dose of club-oriented, melodic progressive gems that he’s become so well known for. Find tickets and more information for “Nightvision” here.
“The ‘Nightvision’ EP is all about developing myself as an artist. One of the most important musical ingredients from my career is the melodies; they help me create an emotion and tell a story. They created the identity that I have right now as Nicky Romero. I tried to bring these elements from earlier in my career together in a new way in 2023, and I think ‘Nightvision’ really converts that into the best possible way I could do it. With the Nightvision event on December 2nd, we are trying to do something super unique with the visuals. We’ll have live performances with guests, and I’ll be playing live instruments myself. We wanted to create a real, industrial, mysterious kind of event that is all about the nightlife. The musical elements of the ‘Nightvision’ EP really bring that together very smoothly. I’m super proud of the EP and really looking forward to the event.” — Nicky Romero
After taking the world by storm with early hits such as “Legacy” with Krewella, “Like Home” with NERVO and the #1 single “I Could Be The One” with Avicii, Nicky Romero quickly proved that his talent is ever-evolving and here to stay. After launching his Protocol Recordings imprint in 2012, the renowned performer, producer, and label head continued his personal successes with a string of high-profile releases, ranging from collaborations with Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, Timmy Trumpet, Steve Aoki, Jonas Blue and Hardwell to remixes for the likes of Bebe Rexha, Robin Schulz, Kygo, Rita Ora, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne, Calvin Harris, RAYE, and more. While showcasing his label’s roster via his weekly Protocol Radio show, Nicky Romero continues to innovate and evolve, and with his annual “Nicky Romero & Friends” ADE showcase and the launch of Monocule alter-ego, he keeps proving his ability to turn into gold everything he touches and continues to push boundaries with each show concept and new release, forever instilling himself as a dance music icon.
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A groundbreaking new artist emerges as rising dark, minimal DnB producer Ainonow makes his debut with the release of his forward-thinking ‘Exile’ EP. Serving as the launch point for his induction into the New England-based Goop Troop Collective, this innovative project is set to redefine the boundaries of the Bass music genre and captivate listeners with its unique sonic journey.
“My message is simple and it’s connected with why I make art. My hope is that listening to my music is a cathartic experience for my listeners and a way for them to feel seen and understood. I want it to connect them emotionally to their darker feelings and realize that it’s okay to feel these emotions, it’s part of being human. I also want it to act as a conduit so that they can channel this energy into something helpful, comforting, and somewhat healing.” — Ainonow
Ainonow’s ‘Exile’ EP is a scintillating blend of his broad range of influences and techniques, combining cutting-edge production techniques with a deep understanding of sound design. His debut offering explores uncharted territories, crafting aural landscapes that push the envelope of production and experimentation. Seamlessly blending elements from various electronic music genres including, but not limited to, Drum and Bass, Halftime, Wonky, Trap, UK Bass, Glitch, IDM, Post-Industrial, Hip-Hop & Rap, ‘Exile’ is sure to give listeners and new fans an unparalleled auditory experience.
Kyle Kroeck is at the helm of the enigmatic music project Ainonow. His musical journey began playing the viola in an orchestra at the age of nine, where he began to fall in love with music. However, the classical world alone was not enough to satisfy his musical curiosity. Swirling in and out of bands while playing bass guitar, he experimented with different styles until eventually discovering underground electronic music and Hip-Hop. Inspired by the hypnotic beats and hard-hitting Bass of these genres, he dove into electronic music production and the infinite timbres permitted by this new approach to music creation.
With such a diverse background and range of influences, Ainonow’s tracks traverse a broad spectrum of sonic landscapes. Combining elements of dark and heavy DnB, broken beat halftime, and experimental Bass music, he takes his listeners on a musical journey soaked in organic textures. As one of the most forward-thinking, rising artists in the world of underground electronic music, Ainonow’s music speaks to the power of experimentation and the limitless possibilities of creative expression.
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Gabe Saenz, originally from New Mexico but now embraced in Dallas, is serving up an irresistible slice of Dance-Pop with his new track “Top That!” And trust me, this one is gonna be on constant rotation on your Spotify!
Drawing inspiration from everything, from his abuela’s classic vinyl collection to the CDs he swiped from his sister, Gabe’s own versatile style shines through on the spicy and joyful beats.
Kicking back in a lush palm grove setting, his natural and sexy charisma takes center stage in the official lyric video. Furthermore, it’s almost impossible to remain silent while listening, given the compelling force of the verses that practically demand a sing-along.
Whether you’re looking to uplift your mood or just get those bones moving, Gabe Saenz adds his own spin that will surely resonate with the free-spirited. Similarly, “Top That!” is a catchy jam openly celebrating pleasure and enticing you to embrace a confident attitude in yourself.
Certainly, such a funny song like “Top That!” is complemented by his artfully expressive vocals. Indeed, you can tell the phrasing is dramatic and meant to amplify the emotional catharsis happening in the lyrics.
In essence, one listen and you’ll be shuffling your feet, clearly, it’s a Dance-Pop bop.