[Editor’s note: No Big Deal, but this article marks the 1000th published post by Moon Lvnding!]
Dirtybird Records stalwarts Walker & Royce released their sophomore album today, March 29, with ten tantalizing tracks. Moon Lvnding covered their EP releases earlier this year, but the full No Big Deal album features four new tracks that have not appeared on either of the smaller EP releases.
The ten-track album features a slew of impressive collaborators including comedian/musician Reggie Watts; Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson who is half of the electronic duo The Knocks; fellow Dirtybird contributor VNSSA, Grammy-nominated vocalist Barney Bones, and more. No Big Deal pays testament to the weird and wacky vibes that have distinguished Walker & Royce’s musical style for over a decade.
“Stop Time” and feel the groove from their early days from the 90s New York underground scene, then find the “Motivashun” to “Get Down Down” to their “Fatalistic Groove” on the dancefloor. Trust me when I spill “Tha Tea” that the album is more than just some “Cheap Thrills.” This sophomore album from Walker & Royce is the real deal and “we all gonna die soon anyway, let’s live it up!”
Walker & Royce have an action-packed touring schedule with notable shows this Saturday, March 30 in Austin, TX; April 12 at Space Miami; May 3 in Phoenix, AZ; and May 31 at The Brooklyn Mirage. They will also be making festival appearances at the Experts Only Caverns Weekender, Shabang Festival, BASSINTHEGRASS, Lollapalooza, and Elements Festival this spring and summer. For their full touring schedule and to keep up with all the latest news from the dynamic house duo, connect with them using the social links below.
Colorado-based DJ and Producer Motifv unveiled his captivating EP, Behind the Moon, last Friday, March 22, 2024. This release signifies the next phase in Motifv’s musical journey, expanding upon the groundwork laid by his previous EP, Where the Sun Sets. The latest EP effortlessly blends elements of hip-hop, bass, indie, and jazz music, showcasing Motifv’s versatility as an artist.
“Behind the Moon stands as a reflective companion to Where the Sun Sets, encapsulating both a conclusion and a beginning of a new Motifv chapter,” said Motifv. “While building on the themes present in Where the Sun Sets, this EP delves deeper into introspection and explores the moments of solitude and contemplation we all face.”
The latest EP by Motifv comprises six tracks that offer listeners a glimpse into his evolving musical expedition. The collection commences with an enigmatic blend of bass and piano in “Just A Dream,” followed by the infectious jazz groove of “Outta My Head.” Transitioning into “Too Late,” a tranquil ambiance takes hold. “I Believe” intertwines electronic, soul, and jazz elements and is accompanied by serene vocals. “Since the Day” reemerges with tranquil bass undertones, guiding the listener towards the blissful finale, “Fooled.”
“Echoing the natural phenomenon of the total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, this companion EP explores the metaphorical interplay of light and shadow in our lives,” said Motifv. “During an eclipse, the moon obscures the sun, casting a shadow that envelops us in a momentary darkness — a powerful reminder for us of the cycles of hiding and revelation. Where the Sun Sets / Behind the Moon represent a unified journey through self-discovery and evolution, inspired by the worldwide experience of transition soon taking place above.”
While both EPs are accessible across all platforms, fans can enhance their listening experience by pre-ordering the vinyl edition. This limited-edition vinyl arrives in gatefold LP format and encompasses both EPs. Secure your copy before March 29 and receive custom Motifv eclipse glasses just in time for the total solar eclipse on April 8. Pre-order your vinyl copy or stay updated with Motifv through the provided links below.
The audio visual experience of Gareth Emery’s alter ego LSR/CITY stunned last month at the Phoenix tour stop. Hosted at the Van Buren, the show crossed multiple genres with incredible lasers that wowed the crowd.
The show starts with a story of a girl many can relate to: sitting on her couch, watching life pass her by on social media, when a friend texts her to get ready, they’re going to a show…a LSR/CITY show. The story of the girl is woven in and out of Gareth Emery’s massive music catalog. From reworks of classics like “Saving Light,” to unreleased ID’s, fans were treated to an impressive musical journey.
Photo: @a7s_visuals
One of the highlights was the live vocal performance from none other than Anabel, who started off strong with “house in the street light.” There was a perfect balance of old and new, with a performance of classic “Saving Light,” and then the reworked LSR/CITY version of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” The live vocals coupled with insane visuals created a truly immersive experience than needs to be seen to be believed.
From a rock style rework of Daft Punks “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” to classic Gareth Emery trance hits, the show had a little something for everyone in its 90 minute run time. The initial storyline the show beings with delves into bits about unity and love, uniting the crowd at the show and leaving them with feel good vibes. LSR/CITY is a 10/10 experience that cannot be recommended enough. Limited tickets remain for future tour dates, check out where the show is next and grab those last minute tickets here.
M3F, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, has become a cornerstone of Phoenix’s vibrant music scene. This annual non-profit festival boasts a diverse lineup, attracting thousands of music lovers with its infectious energy and commitment to the community. The vibrant energy of M3F 2024 has faded, but the echoes of incredible music, unforgettable moments, and community spirit still linger. Get a glimpse into the Moon Lvnding team’s favorite moments from the festival.
It’s Murph by James Jimenez
The dance music rising star It’s Murph blew me away at M3F. Knowing a variety of his music but never having been to one of his live sets made this moment a great experience. The Spring Phoenix weather combined with a diverse musical selection from the artist made this set a highlight of the festival for me. The crowd was engaged and I was in the audience dancing and vibing!
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
The production for this set was eye-catching! This was my first M3F experience and I loved the production and the venue layout. Each stage had its charm and It’s Murph’s set is a prime example. It’s Murph’s visuals complemented the vibrancy of his music to create an enjoyable time.
Dominic Fike by Gunnar Bartsch
Dominic Fike excelled in Tempe, Arizona in 2023 at the Marquee Theater and his M3F set was even better! He plays his guitar and sings during his sets. One can feel the honesty in his voice as he opened up about life’s struggles and how music saved him. Throughout each song, it is evident that he is genuine and connected to every word, chord, and rhythm.
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
The crowd grew bigger and bigger with each song he played as his voice and guitar drew people to his stage. With his hits scattered throughout his set mixed with his older songs from Westcoast Collective, it made for a good set and mellow vibe to end Day 1 of M3F.
DRAMA by James Kitamura
DRAMA was one of the most unique acts at M3F 2024. It is the multicultural collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade‘s chic Chicago house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa whose soulful delivery is inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova.
DRAMA brought the energy from the jump and was one of the highlights of the weekend. During their 5pm set at the Daydream stage, DRAMA performed various hits and deep cuts from Gallows, Dance Without Me, and their newest album Till We Die. Later that evening, Na’el and Via came back out on stage during Gorgon City’s nighttime set and surprised the audience with a live performance of their 2021 smash hit “You’ve Done Enough.”
Gordo by James Kitamura
Gordo came to party at his M3F set. His Latin roots fused perfectly with the Arizona vibe, creating an instant connection with the crowd. He kicked things off with a great one-two punch of “Hombres y Mujeres” and “Kill For this Shit” which got the crowd bumping and jumping. A heartfelt shoutout to the late Young Dolph paid respect for his fellow artist. Then Gordo unleashed the heat with some exclusive, unreleased tracks that left everyone wanting more. Gordo’s set flew by in a flash of heat and good vibes.
Lane 8 is famous for his unique “This Never Happened” event series, which adopts a strict no-phone/no-camera policy to allow the audience to get lost in the music and live in the moment. As Saturday night’s closing act, Lane 8 took the stage with his signature blend of melodic house and deep beats, captivating the audience with his emotive soundscapes and infectious rhythms.
Although festivalgoers were not required to tape over their phone cameras upon entering, Lane 8 kept the audience engaged throughout and had the crowd dancing from start to finish. His headlining performance at M3F served as a fitting conclusion to the weekend. It was a testament to his status as a leading figure in the electronic music scene, leaving fans in awe.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on M3F 2024, the performances and connections forged under the desert sky linger on. The festival was more than just music. It was a celebration of community, a testament to the power of shared experiences, and a reminder of the joy that music brings to our lives.
Each writer’s unique perspective added a different point of view to Moon Lvnding’s M3F mosaic, showcasing the diverse tapestry of emotions and experiences that make this festival so special. We eagerly await the next opportunity to lose ourselves in the magic of M3F and dance beneath the desert sun alongside fellow music lovers.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a move to a new venue, Steele Indian School Park, and a lineup that boasted both familiar favorites and exciting newcomers. I had the pleasure of attending the festival on both March 1 + 2, and here’s my take on this year’s M3F:
PRODUCTION: ★★★
M3F featured four stages, with three main stages and one smaller stage for local acts. The three main stages wisely had staggering set times to avoid conflicts, sound bleed, and allow headliners time to set up without causing a gap in music. The proximity of stages meant one could catch snippets of different performances throughout the day, and the overall vibe felt more intimate. Overall, the stages lacked unique design elements but they did function well without sound or visual hiccups.
One design element that could have been adjusted was the sound production tents. The tents were very tall and obstructed the view of the stages for some attendees. This led to some unnecessary crowding, especially during headlining sets. Smaller production tents, particularly at the Vista and Daydream stages, would have done wonders for crowd control and overall production.
Dominic Fike closes out Night 1. Photo Credit: Mike Bengoechea
VENUE: ★★★
Steele Indian School Park offered a unique charm for the anniversary edition. The winding pathways and water features created a visually interesting space, and the open layout made getting around between stages a breeze. While the venue had several visually appealing elements with the lake and assorted art installations, it did come with its challenges.
One of the challenges was a significant dust problem, particularly at the main stages. Large crowds and dusty areas led to dust and debris clouding the views of the stages and causing allergic reactions for several attendees, including me and several of my friends. The bathroom situation was also quite a distance away from the main stage. Despite this, the new venue had its perks and has a ton of potential for the future. Hopefully, with some adjustments in future years, Steele Indian School Park can become a successful successor to Hance Park.
Photo Credit: Mike Bengoechea
LINEUP: ★★★★★
M3F 2024’s lineup was a definite departure from previous years. While past years offered a mix of established and emerging artists across various genres, this year leaned more heavily towards electronic dance music (EDM) and indie artists. Headliners like Lane 8 and Dominic Fike brought fresh energy, but some festivalgoers missed the broader genre representation of prior years. Personally, I found the lineup to be a pleasant change, with more of an indie theme on Day 1 and more of an electronic theme on Day 2. I enjoyed the different vibes each day offered, bringing diverse crowds and varied energies, making it feel like a new festival each day.
FOOD/BEVERAGE: ★★★★
Very few festivals offer the unique food and beverage experience that M3F does. With a wide array of quality vendors, this festival had reasonably priced food options for all attendees. This would easily be a 5-star rating if the beverage stands were better placed. Beverage and alcohol vendors were placed throughout the venue, but there was a severe lack of beverage stands in the high-traffic areas. Beverage stands near the main stages had wait times upwards of 15 minutes during busy sets, which created a bottleneck and took away from the overall experience. One or two more beverage stands by the main stages would have done wonders for the festival.
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
VENDORS: ★★★★
This year, all merchandise vendors were placed in the Vendor Village area. There was a nice selection of vendors selling goods like clothing, handcrafted items, rave apparel, and even a tattoo service. The village focused on local Arizona businesses and offered a wide selection of products. The remote location offered a nice escape for attendees to wander and explore away from the stages. One thing that could have enhanced the experience would have been onsite Wi-Fi for the vendors. Several vendors had technical difficulties making credit card transactions due to a lack of service or limited hot spot capabilities. Onsite Wi-Fi for vendors would have helped with the flow of traffic and the time attendees had to spend in the area.
OVERALL: ★★★★
Despite the changes, M3F’s core mission of giving back to the community remained a highlight of the 20th annual event. Knowing that proceeds go towards local charities adds a positive layer to the entire experience. The festival’s impact on its community and the commitment to delivering a fun-filled weekend with great music is undeniable.
It’s important to note that this review is my subjective personal experience and different people had varied experiences. This new venue has a ton of potential with some minor tweaks to the layout. Overall, the festival improvements have a lot of promise and I’m excited to see what changes they make next year to make it even better. If you’re looking for a vibrant celebration of music with a strong local twist, M3F is definitely worth checking out next year!
Renowned Canadian DJ and producer, Rezz, has finally unveiled her highly anticipated 10-track album, CAN YOU SEE ME? This release marks her first studio album since her acclaimed 2022 project, Spiral, and demonstrates Rezz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of bass music. As one of EDM’s dominant female artists, Rezz’s groundbreaking compositions like CAN YOU SEE ME? pave the way for more female artists to attain success and recognition in the music industry.
Since announcing the debut of her fourth studio album, Rezz has shared some of its heaviest singles with her fans. The first taste of her upcoming bass era includes “Dysorphia,” her feature with Portuguese DJ Holly; her hard-hitting single “Black Ice” with well-known riddim artist Subtronics; her haunting and dark melody “Everywhere, Nowhere” with Blanke; and the album’s namesake “CAN YOU SEE ME?” Alongside her single “CAN YOU SEE ME?” Rezz revealed a YouTube video explaining the creative process behind the track and further exploring the ins and outs of her new custom tiny studio.
The remaining six tracks unveiled today further explore Rezz’s versatility and feature even more of EDM’s notable artists. These collaborations include the deep bass track “CUT ME OUT” with DJ and producer Digital Ethos, “The Descent” featuring the talents of Inzo, the dark and industrial track “OPEN UR EYE” with Cyclops, “Maleficent” with EDDIE, “Exorcism” featuring KAVARI, and “Infraliminal” created in collaboration with Deadmau5 as part of their latest duo project Rezzmau5.
Rezz will perform three upcoming album shows highlighting the new album in Florida, Arizona, and New York. She will also headline Red Rocks Amphitheater and make appearances at festivals including Project Glow, Sol Fest, and Beyond Wonderland. Rezz’s album CAN YOU SEE ME? is currently streaming on all platforms! For more information on her upcoming shows, visit Rezz’s official website below.
It’s hard to believe that the Spring Festival: Lunar New Year Celebration was almost two weeks ago since people are still buzzing about it. From the renowned headliners and talented local Asian American artists to the Lunar New Year activations and production, Pulse Events did outstanding work creating this year’s two-day celebration. To relive Slander’s epic Day 1 performance and the Lunar New Year festivities, we posted a gorgeous photo gallery from our skilled photographer CJ Ascoli.
Photo Credit: CJ Ascoli @twister.tv
To highlight the skilled selectors that Pulse Events lined up for Spring Festival, Moon Lvnding caught up with four local Asian American DJs to learn more about them and share their favorite moments from the event.
4YÛ
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
I take pride in my heritage as an Asian American so in my production you will hear Asian influences in the songs I create as 4YÛ. I always go 110% when I DJ to make sure the crowd is a part of the show. I will dance, sing, and interact with the crowd as best as I can.
My favorite memory of performing at Spring Festival this year was playing at the iconic Avant Gardner alongside multiple A-list artists with my friends in the crowd, as well as meeting the kind staff of Pulse Events and the other DJs who performed at the event.
Zion
Photo Credit: Sam Li
I’m a DJ/producer and current resident DJ at Mission Nightclub in New York City. I love spreading happiness through my interpretation of music. My main genres of interest are dubstep, trap, and bass house — definitely focused on the bass! My first rave was Slander at Avant Gardner in 2019, so playing on the same stage as them was a full-circle moment!
My favorite memory of Spring Festival was watching everyone vibe to my music — it is one of the best feelings in the world! Thank you to everyone who made it out, and special thanks to Pulse Events, Nightshift, and Avant Gardner for making this happen.
GRIMMACE
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
Right now, the hard techno wave is the greatest thing to happen to EDM in a long time, and I will find any excuse to play some in a set. I also think the most beautiful instrument in the world is the human voice! The right vocal chops done well will elevate any music, and they are my favorite elements of a track, along with arps of course.
My favorite memory while performing at Spring Festival was watching my closest friends raging in a mosh pit to my DJ edits and remixes while they were crushing Asian snacks they picked up at the Spring Festival Night Market. This was definitely the most fun show I’ve played!
Charmaine
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
I started producing and DJing almost two years ago. I’m open to any genre, but for the most part, I like to make pretty melodic music. Working with Kasi Opi was a wonderful experience because we complement each other well — he’s very experienced in the technical side of music production, and I love writing melodies. Our back-to-back was very special because he has helped me grow as a producer, and I’ve helped him feel more confident as a performer.
My favorite memory of Spring Festival was playing our song “Stay” at Kings Hall. A lot of our friends in the crowd knew the song and were super hyped when it came on. In general, our set was mostly unplanned; it was so fun bouncing off of everyone else’s energy.
Pulse Events
The Pulse Events team of talented individuals manages everything to ensure each event is a huge success, from music production to customer experience, ticket sales, and talent management. Spring Festival was nothing short of a huge success. Its mission is to advance the growth and globalization of the music publishing industry. Next month, Pulse Events will host Dutch icon Martin Garrix for two nights at Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 5 and 6. To keep up with everything else happening with Pulse Events, use the handy links below!
With over a decade of experience under his belt and a long list of releases, it’s no question that Freddy Todd is a master at his craft. The Detroit native has left us in awe with “Chaos Hotline”, his newest full length album following his partnership with Of The Trees’ label Memory Palace Records.
So SO excited we found a home for my next journey of a full length album AND it’s on one of my besties @OfTheTrees music label. 1st single drops 1/26 pic.twitter.com/eH9XqwXKHn
The LP takes listeners on an immersive journey, offering hypnotic beats and a stunning soundscape. Freddy Todd somehow finds the sweet spot in his blend of experimental sound, bass, and electro-funk.
Beginning with “Look Too Deep (See The Music),” the track kicks off the album with a unique mix of tranquil melodies and glitchy-drops. Another stand out was “Hayzee (ft. Jayden Shay)” bringing a euphoric energy and punctuated by beautiful vocals that you can vibe to. Each song on the LP seamlessly flows into the next, making it a goosebump worthy listen from start to finish.
Courtesy of Freddy Todd
Since it’s release on Friday this triumph of an album has been on repeat. You can listen to “Chaos Hotline” in its entirety and stay up to date with what Freddy Todd has going on by using the links below.
After a year of anticipation and fan demand, Rossy’s remix of Linkin Park’s iconic track “Numb” finally landed on SoundCloud. This semi-official release, whitelisted by Warner, showcases Rossy’s unique ability to breathe new life into a classic, intertwining her signature trap sound with the timeless vocals of Chester Bennington. The track, available today, marks a significant milestone for Rossy, celebrating her evolving artistry and deep connection with her audience.
Rossy’s journey with this remix began in her live performances, where the track consistently captivated audiences, leaving fans desperate for it to hit a streaming platform. The power of “Numb” lies not only in its nostalgic pull but also in Rossy’s skillful production that amplifies the song’s emotional depth, propelling it into the realms of electronic music while honoring the original’s essence.
Rossy continues to leave her mark on the electronic music scene. Her remix of “Numb” is a testament to her innovative approach to music production and her deep respect for the tracks that have shaped the musical landscape. Fans will have a chance to catch her next in San Francisco at Rickshaw Stop on February 23 for the finale of her HEAVENS DOOR TOUR with Hex Cougar, CAB, Miko. Connect through the links below to keep up with Rossy’s latest news or stream her music.
Illenium’s illustrious Trilogy show made its way to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for two historic sold-out nights. Illenium debuted Trilogy at Allegiant Field in Las Vegas and then broke records at Mile High Stadium in Denver. Now, his Los Angeles stop at SoFi Stadium was the first two-day Trilogy event and it exceeded even my wildest imagination. Illenium even broke an LA record for “most lasers at a dance music concert.” It lived up to the hype!
From the vibes to the surprise guests and amazing venue production, it was an unforgettable two days. Illenium has been known for his signature stadium events and devoted fan base. He made sure to show everyone why he is still at the top of his game at the Trilogy SoFi shows.
The stage for Illenium’s first set was performed on a central island surrounded by the fans on the floor and pit. This set was for the OGs. He played his classic remixes and songs from Ashes and Awake. A highlight of Day 2 was when he brought out SLANDER and Krewella for their song “Lay it Down” and then MAX for one of the fan favorites, “Beautiful Creatures.”
Illenium’s second set was on the main stage, surrounded by fire and lasers. This set featured most of his songs from his third and fourth albums, Ascend and Fallen Embers. Another Day 2 highlight was when Illenium brought out Seven Lions to debut their new song together, “Not Even Love.” For both days this set was the hardest of the weekend, ending with the emotional and heavy “Good Things Fall Apart” vs. “Sad Songs” mashup. During this set, Illenium kicked up the bass, the pyros, and the lasers.
The third and final set was a live instrument set that brought the whole stadium to life. It featured 360-degree lasers, a giant LED wall with amazing visuals, and more pyro than you can imagine. Illenium played songs from his self-titled album Illenium and hits from his full catalog. He brought out Dabin on guitar, Said the Sky on keyboard, Annika Wells with vocals, plus live guitar and violists. The big highlight of Day 1 was when he brought out Avril Lavigne for their song “Eyes Wide Shut” and had the whole crowd going crazy.
Surprise guests were a major part of the Trilogy at SoFi. Day 1 featured MAX, Ian Dior, Alex from All Time Low, Jxdn, Avril Lavigne, Teddy Swims, Sueco, and Chris from Motionless in White. Day 2’s special guests were SLANDER, Krewella, MAX, Tori Kelly, GG Margee, Ian Dior, Seven Lions, Teddy Swims, Sueco, Trippie Redd, Alex, and Chris. It was one surprise after another, a real Hollywood affair!
By the end of the show, Illenium played about five hours of blissful bass music. With a record two straight sold-out nights at SoFi, Illenium showed the EDM world why his name is still at the top of the list. Included are the audio and video streams, and stay locked in for announcements about future dates for Trilogy 2.0!
