I got to go in-depth on a few key topics at Department of Civilian Dance‘s annual Dark Matter party, where 2/3s of the group Jack Denney and Aric Okerman headlined.

The guys had me laughing all the way through chats about the staple Minneapolis hamburger the Jucy Lucy (alt: Juicy), whether requests are a good thing or not, how Patreon has been a major boon and way to connect with their fans + some textbook examples of ‘bass face.’ Check out the interview in all its glory.

I also highly recommend a listen to their latest release, Digital Artifice (2023), out now. It’s an artistic journey and especially great to listen to front to back.

The post Ternion Sound Talk Bass Face, Patreon, Requests + More In Latest Do You FUXWITHIT? appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

We caught up with Wraz at Shambhala Music Festival where he was part of the Deep, Dark, and Dangerous Showcase at the Amp Stage hosted by Truth, with artists Ternion Sound, PAV4N (4NC¥), Coltcuts, SUBstance, and Myhtm in attendance. I definitely recommend listening to Wraz’s deeply satisfying live mix to get a taste of his style.

We talk about everything from his favourite sound system, to his longstanding weekly Twitch show Gunfingaz Thursday, and why having a master’s degree in music conducting makes him a better DJ.

Join us as we hang with Wraz in the latest edition of Do You FUXWITHIT? And be sure to watch out for an upcoming DDD100 release along with a soon-to-be-out track featuring PAV4N and Strategy via 4NC¥ // DarkMode.

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This one is not to be missed – with his particular brand of deadpan humour, crisp choice of words, and chill affability, WSN indulged our curiosity on a range of subjects.

What can we do about climate change? What is the deal with Oliver Tree, anyway? What would you do if you heard a fan *clack*?

WSN is buzzing with creative energy as he releases singles off his forthcoming new album, ‘Anomaly,’ which bears the fruit of the ‘big pause’ we all just went through – it abounds with A-1 collabs, a refreshed sense of the dancefloor, and big ol’ genre flexes.

Come join us in the Artist’s Lounge for a killer Do You FUXWITHIT, and stream Anomaly when it drops in September 2022!

The post What So Not Drops Hot Takes On Shrooms, Oliver Tree, Fan Clacking + More In Latest Do You FUXWITHIT? appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The 23rd Annual Shambhala Music Festival is happening this year between July 22-25. That’s right – the festival is 23 years old. This West Coast institution has become a household name for festival-goers around the world due to its consistently great lineups and friendly atmosphere. No wonder it continues to be so popular, and is probably older than a lot of its attendees! There is some kind of secret sauce that keeps both fans and a variety of internationally renowned artists coming back year after year. Besides the great location – a picturesque ranch in Salmo, B.C. (known as ‘The Farm’ by the ‘Farmily’) – you’ve also got what, by all accounts, is an electrifying place that cross-pollinates music and culture in a big way.

“That festival has opened my eyes…There’s nothing quite like it.”  – Chali 2na

To get in the proper mood, we have a FUXWITHIT playlist ready to go featuring a curation of artists on this year’s lineup. If you are hitting up Shambhala, or just want to live vicariously through your headphones, here are some of our top picks for 2022!

Oh, and if this playlist has triggered incurable FOMO, you can still buy tickets HERE.

The post Get Ready For The Festival Or Live Vicariously Through Our Shambhala 2022 Playlist appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

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You can also find out more about her latest adventures here.

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As one of Detroit’s greatest musical exports, it was only natural he headline this year’s Movement festival.

Sunday May 29, on the second day of the festival, Mills took the opportunity to premiere his latest film, Mind Power Mind Control (60 min, 2022). The film’s soundtrack is Mills’ conceptual album by the same name.

Grateful to take a moment away from the sweaty festival grounds, I Ubered to a local arthouse theatre, Cinema Detroit. There, Mills himself introduced the film, and an hour of blissful contemplation followed. I had come wanting to find a distinct angle on the Detroit music scene, and so I did.

This was the official world premiere of Mind Power Mind Control – and I got to watch the culmination of 6 years of work and 12 years of shooting in an intimate space filled with other music and film lovers. It’s just another example of the seamless cultural wealth of Detroit.

Through unique editing and sound design, the film invites its audience to enter a ‘dream-like state.’ We are transfixed by surreal textures and people as we explore themes of “self-power using the mind, self-defense/reliance, and special human abilities.” The film’s soundtrack is a “journey for the listener to enter the labyrinth of their own mind and confront whatever lies before them.” As someone who loves astronomy (not astrology), I noted the spacey futurism of Mills’ overall aesthetic, which I had not had much exposure to beforehand. Needless to say, I made sure to catch his closing set the next day.

Headlining a festival and premiering a film is not an unusual feat in the universe of Jeff Mills.

His closing set at this year’s Movement festival stands as a towering example of why techno must be experienced live to be truly understood. And why it is ideal to be in Detroit for that experience, at least once in your life. Within the cradle of Movement’s concrete main stage, you’ll find Detroit Techno’s heart.

Mills appeared onstage in a 60’s-inspired sky blue shirt and pants, modestly greeting the crowd, and got into things fast. I can see why they used to call him The Wizard. At one of the greatest house and techno festivals in the world, and in what will be one of the most memorable summer festival seasons in our collective memories, Mills delivered a set worthy of the 3-year wait.

His high-concept studio work transforms with ease into danceable, booming, bassy soundwaves, playing to thousands of attendees.

Imagine it feels like you’re in a wind tunnel, getting goosebumps from the bass. With the sun setting on the city skyline behind the stage, it was a distinctly Detroit moment. To witness the graciousness of a master at work, especially one who is deeply in touch with his past, present, and future…

This is why we came.

The post Movement Headliner Jeff Mills Premieres New Album + Film appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

FUXWITHIT caught up with Last Planet promoter Drew Hale to get under the hood of this phenomenal series of underground dance parties, DOCD a.k.a. Department of Civilian Dance. Drew, in collaboration with Kizmet32 and Night Shift, are kicking it up a notch for No. 006 in the series. Their next event features an all-female line-up this Friday (June 17th). Read on to get some insight into the scene.

What kind of music is Last Planet about, and who are some artists that have played past shows?

We glide across many genres including Jungle, UKG, Grime, 140, DnB, Dubstep, and House/Techno. The list of guests over the years has been a representation of some of the champions of the underground, old and new. Including: Alix Perez, Doc Scott, Youngsta, Conducta, Madam X, Khiva, J Kenzo, Sam Binga, Nikki Nair, Mythm, Anna Morgan, Flowdan, Librarian, Randall, and many, many more. Primarily, though, we focus on highlighting the local talent pool we have here in Toronto.

Why did you start DOCD?

Our primary focus has been showcasing the talent we have here in Toronto, both musically and artistically. We did it for mental health as well. The most rewarding part is the reaction from people that have been needing music in their lives again and we are able to provide that experience for them.

Multi-genre is always the format for DOCD and this one may have the most flavours yet.

You always curate an insane lineup; what is special about DOCD 006?

The lineup is all female on this one and we could not be happier with it. Toronto has some of the baddest women on this planet and the crowd will get to experience this on June 17th.

Full range of underground sonics. We have our dear friend Madam X coming and she will put the 40hz system to work. Bambii will be headlining the second room on Erebus System alongside Hangaelle and Minzi Roberta from Kuruzaa. Sofia Fly and Vaughan.

Multi-genre is always the format for DOCD and this one may have the most flavours yet.

What can you tell me about the ‘secret venue’ for 006?

We never announce the location until day of show and definitely feel like that adds to the excitement of each show. You never know where the night will lead you, just have to keep an open mind and wait for the email.

What are you most excited about?

The thing I get most excited about is being able to employ so many talented people. The team behind the scenes works so hard to make these events happen and the planning is months long.

Getting to watch the show come to life and the ideas we have become reality is the most satisfying part for me, personally.

There is a narrative playing out behind the scenes that not everyone has caught onto yet, but that each event reveals a little bit more. Excited to show Toronto what we have been working on.

What can people expect?

People can expect to be transported into the world of DOCD, which is driven by the unity of Music & Art. Big sound systems. Multi-room experience. Art installations. And good people. We put a lot of effort into each production and none are the same.

There is a narrative playing out behind the scenes that not everyone has caught onto yet, but each event reveals a little bit more. Excited to show Toronto what we have been working on.

How do you get tickets?

You have to get on our mailing list to get tickets and wait for the email.

Check out the DOCD 005 aftermovie (produced by yours truly), and keep up with this group of beautiful freaks via the links below.

To follow the two incredible sound systems, partners on delivering unbeatable sound:

@40hzsoundsystem

@erebus_soundsystem

Madam X and Bambii are definitely going to throw down some intensity:

@djmadamx

@bam_bii

A taste of what you’ll hear…

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[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1043964091″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]

ness lee and other Toronto visual artists will be showcasing installation art, curated by Kizmet:

@nesslee

Watch out for our next interview later this summer with DOCD visual sage Kizmet, where we’ll dig into the art installations and narrative backstory of the series and future plans!

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I can tell you, I FUXWITHIT. I plan to road trip down from Toronto and “bass bathe” to the incredible lineup.

Some acts that stand out this year are Flying Lotus, Ritchie Hawtin, Chris Lake, ANNA, Claude Vonstroke, GriZ, Maceo Plex, Gorgon City, Dom Dolla, and Joe Kay. 2 Chainz is headlining, which speaks to the hip hop culture of Detroit; I wonder what ‘most expensivest’ shenanigans he’ll get up to. There’s also a buffet of local underground Detroit DJs that are worth a deep dive.

Curious about the music that will be bumping the soundsystems of this year’s cream of the crop? Check out our Movement 2022 FUXWITHIT playlist to catch the vibe.

The post Bump These Beats: Our Movement 2022 Playlist appeared first on FUXWITHIT.

The entry gate 3D logo.

Cross-roads find-a-friend WE ARE HERE sign.

I loved the festival food, which was vegetarian-friendly and fresh. My fave dish had to be the pulled jackfruit sandwich from the Kind Kitchen truck, a vegan establishment out of Orillia, Ontario.  

Kind Kitchen serving up pulled jackfruit.

Wood-oven fired margherita pizza.

Access to free cold water at WayHome was the best I’ve ever experienced.

Active opportunities at every turn.

The best activation goes to Topshop for their amazingly executed art installation rooms by local designer/artists, although MEC had a great one which offered hammocks, slacklining, lime slushies, and wifi…Oh, and I can’t forget the endless party going on at the Bacardi bar – it was like what Montreal is to Toronto.

The Coors Light hot air balloon on one of its only forays into the air.

Festival-goer’s balancing act.

Exploring the installation for Topshop.

Photo ops in the Topshop tent.

MEC rest and relaxation zone. A spot so popular, it was full the entire festival.

There has been some coverage of WayHome’s small turnout this year and speculation as to whether it will return. It seems like a giant feat to stage a multi-genre festival with thousands of visitors, and the Canadian dollar does not make it any easier.  But I, for one, hope there is a continuation of the proudly homegrown fest that is WayHome. With the passion of those who stage WayHome to bolster it, I don’t think it’ll go without a fight. Ultimately, this type of talk takes the focus off of what we are all here for – the love of music. WayHome had everything a true music lover could want. The sound quality, visibility, layout of festival grounds, and amenities covered all my needs as I took in about 8 hours of live music 3 days in a row.

To get to FUX-specific coverage, we hit all your must-sees and more. Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights for you and some snaps of the action.  

ALLAN RAYMAN

Allan Rayman, the guy with the posters plastered all over town (Toronto) that say “Do Not Support Allan Rayman at WayHome.” I cannot find any basis for the posters other than branding and advertising for the artist. This Wyoming native who has been working out of Toronto has started making major waves thanks to his throaty, earnest vocals, mystery man persona, and strange but wonderful music videos. In person, Rayman’s voice is larger than life, and I would not forgo a chance to see him play again. His presence is powerful; you can feel the breadth of his voice from hundreds of feet away. The sunny fields of WayHome didn’t quite suit the moody grit and urbane smooth stylings of his band, but hey, it’s festival season.

DANNY BROWN

I was excited to see Danny Brown, since I have Detroit blood running through my veins, and he did not disappoint. The rapper has flow, and fan love was palpable as the crowd chanted “ENCORE” at the end. WayHome does not have encores on the agenda, so even a very determined group of fans couldn’t get it going. But whatever, he gave WayHomies what they came for, and they were totally into it.

JUSTICE

The last time I checked out Justice was for a show at the ill-fated Circa nightclub in Toronto many years ago.  It was well-executed but pretty basic. So, I was curious, what did this world famous DJ duo from France have to show for their hiatus and lack of hit singles. Sure, I could not have cared less about Justice since my early-20s and had quickly sold off Justice real estate in my music world to D.A.N.C.E. elsewhere, but, memories. All I knew was that it better be good – not because I’m harsh – but because I know that a floppy comeback leads to being written off entirely. 

Well guess the fuck what.  JUSTICE IS BACK.  I don’t exactly know if they left as they did manage to release a few things since 2007’s massive hit record Cross, but I will say that the scale of their live show in light of the tenacity of their most recent album, 2016’s Woman, makes it seem like they are trying to re-establish themselves. They’ve gone further into the disco rock side of things, which will lose and gain fans, we will have to wait to see how the scales tip. “Well you know you’ve arrived, and its time” so say the lyrics to their single ‘Randy.’ The light show alone was worth the trek to WayHome. Thank you for world class entertainment, Justice.  Even your casual oh-so-French cigarette breaks mid-song made me smile.

THEY.

One reason I am glad to be compiling my thoughts on WayHome 2017 after I’ve had some time to digest it all is that I can honestly gauge how much some of the artists got me.  THEY. is #1 on the list. I seriously cannot stop listening to this vocalist/rap duo based out of Los Angeles. Their catchy pop-like R&B meets hip hop, rock, and soul draws me back every day. They took a sunny afternoon at WayHome and a simply-lit stage and made it into an event unto itself, occasionally breaking into matching choreography, reminding me of 70s performers like The Whispers.  

Drew Love and Dante Jones of THEY.

I had the sensation I was at an underground hip hop slash Boyz II Men show – what!  Drew and Dante, the pair who comprise THEY. both have some impressive writing credits to their name, and the originality of their sound and lyrics speak to it. Mellow yet forthright, THEY. have a playful persona live just like on their tracks. The whole crowd joyfully joined THEY.’s Nü Religion – as we all held up our hands to be part of the “wolf pack” – which involves making a wolf face with your hand and repeating some cultish sounding lines – it’s great. Their confident, sexy live show translates from great tracks into great entertainment.  As they grow, I hope to see more of their politically-charged stuff, but also hope they continue to produce appealing singles like ‘U-Rite’ in the mix. Special shout out for playing their hilarious song ‘Dante’s Creek,’ which is a much better song to get stuck in your head than its original version.

SCHOOLBOY Q

After a 10 minute warmup by DJ Mackwop, ScHoolboy Q came out hitting hard with a presence that overtook the WayHome mainstage. Charismatic banter and big time bass, the crowd was transfixed in Q’s grooviness from his first step on stage. ‘Collard Greens’ was definitely the crowd favourite for all fans, but Q went back into the catalogue and delivered his lyrical punches with no apologies. The bass almost on par with the electronic acts’ sound and the heavy beats felt like they could fill a couple football fields. ScHoolboy did a bunch of covers, which was fascinating to hear. Kind of like, I wonder what it would sound like if…oh that’s what. Cool. The WayHomies ate up every moment.

JAZZ CARTIER

One of the most talked-about performances at WayHome this year has to be Jazz Cartier’s. The Toronto rapper has become known for his antics on stage and he did not disappoint.  His bright red jacket, shed partway through the show, made for a strong entrance, as he posed for cameras and hung off stage elements. He moved the crowd like ferrofluid, people hung on his every word; there was a certain fever in the air. Jazz javelin- hucked a janitor’s broom into the crowd.  Instead of getting knocked out, people jumped for it and paraded it like a trophy (totems are very popular at WayHome and one donated by Jazz Cartier has cachet).  

Of course, the grand finale trumped every other moment of the festival for me, and I seriously considered what it might feel like to get trampled. Jazz dared us to beat him to a nearby food truck. He wanted to celebrate being Canadian and being with his local peeps and what better than to stand on top of a food truck that serves poutine. Thousands of eager fans rushed the Moustache Burger truck, surrounding it while we helped him finish singing the now in heavy rotation track ‘Dead or Alive.’ Jazz Cartier withstands all hype and I see nothing but up for this artist. Those who were lucky enough to witness him at WayHome 2017 will have a story for years to come as his fame grows.

Jazz Cartier launches himself into the crowd.

Business was booming after Jazz featured the Moustache Burger Truck in his larger than life performance.

LOUIS THE CHILD

Louis the Child, a DJ duo out of Chicago, got the crowd into full groove mode right off the bat.  People were ready for them, and they had a sizable base of listeners in attendance at WayHome. Their minimalist crown logo was apparent in clothing and signage amongst the crowd. I loved their energy and the fact that Robby Hauldren wore a Raptors shirt. Of any of the performances out in gorgeous weather in the Southern Ontario summer, Louis the Child’s brand of poppy future bass fit most perfectly. Nothing like a summer afternoon and some fun, carefree electronic music to dance to.

Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett at the WayAway stage.

MARSHMELLO

I had to check out Marshmello, the (not-so)mysterious DJ who wears a white bucket on his head, to see what all the buzz about was about. I joined throngs of electrified fans, nicknamed the “mellogang” as they witnessed his set.  It’s fascinating that he is one of the top-earning DJs in the world right now after only 2 ½ years since his first track release. The pyrotechnics and video were incredible, but all too rehearsed, too perfect. I ended up leaving partway through, feeling like I’d just gotten to see the coolest wedding DJ ever. It was interesting to see the Mellogang just randomly repping their idol throughout the weekend, and as far as 100% entertainment goes, Marshmello definitely brings a lot to the table.

DANIEL CAESAR

A warm dusk, string lights amongst the trees, calm multitudes waving in tandem to the smooth sound from Daniel Caesar’s stage at WayHome. Everything aligned to create a beautiful place to experience Toronto’s crown jewel as he soothed our ears with his spectacular vocals and talented band. This feels like modern R&B, it’s the music of lovers, and I could have spent hours in Caesar’s dreamy soundscapes.

#PERRIERFAIL

One of my bones to pick with WayHome was the Perrier stage. With a mandatory 19+ IDing happening at the door, a lot of people in the ‘cashless’ festival grounds were left out in the sun as they did not have a driver’s license tucked into their summer wardrobe. Once inside, it was well below 18C and slim cans of Perrier cost $3.75 – just give it away, it’s called advertising. The prominent DJs they collected, tasteful and au courant, were wasted on small crowds due to major headliners like Frank Ocean playing at the same time. What could have been a fantastic escape from the heat with a gathering of some of the coolest DJs in the industry was a frigid ice box with bad service and low attendance.

FALCONS

An important stop on my WayHome tour was to see Falcons, the Los Angeles producer on Fool’s Gold records. Falcons did a chill set for us on Saturday afternoon, his hip hop-influenced dance music is playful and the vibes were happy, and it’s where I danced the most all weekend. His transitions were smooth maintaining energy with ease. It was a solid set, well worth catching.  One megafan I spoke to said Falcons set “was better than Flume,” and I’d agree. Next time, I need to see Falcons after sundown and in a place with a huge dancefloor.  

RYME

The tent for RYME’s show had a lot of Badlqqk merch on bodies. It was cool to see a local techno/house DJ duo and a local record label so well represented at a festival with a ton of American and international acts.  The energy was high, and ended with some great dancing by Rynecologist.

FRANK OCEAN

Team blonded.

FRANK was everything you could hope for and more. We put the cameras away for this set and tuned into the frequency that is the creative genius of Frank Ocean. Spike Jonze behind the visuals. Frank Ocean behind the sound. The harmonistic intimacy felt in the biggest crowd the 2017 festival had seen, was a fusion of hi-fi artistic realness and surrealistic low-fi viz that must be experienced for yourself. Must.

Day WH2017

Night WH2017

WayHome is a space for music lovers of all ages and genres. We hope to see it back.

Word by Karis Malszecki. Photos by Eryn McCarthy.

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