2015 Grammy Nominations Special Feature: Audien

Follow Audien on Twitter Photo Credit: twitter.com/audien

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

With the announcement of the 2015 Grammy Nominations, many have come to ponder the question of who is the greatest artists. The Grammy’s have contributed to music for ages, defining decades as it awarded the largest names across all music platforms, inducting many into a lifetime of fame.

This year, Iggy Azalea, Taylor Swift, Megan Trainor, and Sam Smith are going head to head for “Record of the Year”. Iggy Azalea and Sam Smith are also up for Best New Artist, making their ascension towards “Record of the Year” phenomenal and at most impressive. So much more could be said if they actually won the Grammy.

However, the electronic music scene has been graced with numerous nominations, one of which I would like to personally acknowledge, especially during a time where EDM is becoming more prominent among music culture. Up to recieve the Grammy for “Best Remixed Recording” is none other than the majestic and alluring Audien. Among the many artist I love, Audien has a special place for being one of the most unique DJs/Producers to ever grace my ears, but also by being a person I find easy to relate to.

At 22, Audien has come from humble beginnings as he started producing music from an apartment in Mystic, Connecticut. In an interview where he showcased his distinct style, he described being heavily inspired to create music, being an active listener of Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance radio show. After listening to ASOT with his friends for sometime, he took the time to teach himself production and drew the ears of Flashover Recordings which would release his first single “Rise and Shine” in 2009.

Ever since he has been working hard touring and producing music, notably “Wayfarer”, “Iris”, “These are the Days” and “Leaving You”. His tracks have been featured across numerous radio shows, including Tiesto’s Club Life, Above and Beyond’s Trance Around the World, and even the show that inspired him, A State of Trance. His story is of a young man with a dream, one hell of an ear, and a lot of passion. He worked hard to produce popular hits such as “Cirlces” which featured Ruby Prophet and show favorite “Hindsight”. Each of these tracks offer up a sound that is uniquely Audien. Audien creates a cord driven melody which through the use of light instruments and gentle vocals, evokes a sense of optimism and grace within the mind; no matter whether your listening to big room, trance, or progressive house. He is able to transform tracks with his special touch, this style of uplifting rhythm, implementing his unique use of cords and alternating tempos into his sets.

I have had the honor to witness this genius in action twice this year, first seeing him at San Antonio’s Club Rio this past April, and again in at Houston’s Stereo Live in August. It seemed as if he couldn’t get any better the first time I saw him, but it was upon seeing him again that I realized that this guy was talented. He had that natural charisma in make something his own and overtime he has built on that. After seeing him in August, I could definitely see a change in his production since his last show in April. He put so much more into it. With the amount of new material he had created in the short time between shows, he was able to bring forth the best of the old with the best of what he new, delivering a set that genuinely wowed me. The light show had also grown and the show was more his own. Audien’s on a road to making the most out of himself, especially among an age where technology has made music so much better than it has ever been.

I’m very much excited to be seeing Audien once again this December for my third time at the Lights All Night Music Festival in Dallas, Texas. Among a festival setting, I can only imagine the type of force Audien will unleash, especially after witnessing his sets twice already this year. Hopefully his style continues to grow. It is truly unique. I’ve heard nothing like it. It is no surprise that he is up for the  “Best Remixed Recording” of the year. His unique style makes his remix of Bastille’s Pompeii unlike things most people would hear from other artists. It’s popularity among DJs was also evident at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival as it was named the most played track entirely.

Audien has come from humble beginnings, a common man among dreamers, who somehow brought his music to life. Audien’s style is undoubtedly different from what you can hear mainstream and surely if he wins this Grammy, he will go on in music history. Even if he doesn’t he will always be known to me and hopefully the entire electronic music community for years to come.

 

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Listen To This: Pierce Fulton

Follow Piere Fulton on Twitter.
Photo Credit: twitter.com/piercefulton

By M. A. Alvarez II

Among the many artist among the Electronic Dance Music scene, I’d like to give a special shout out to Pierce Fulton, a talented emerging DJ from New England. This Progressive House artist offers up many great tracks that can shake any consciousness into a perception of unbreakable positivity. His unique sound touches many chords, ranging from soft tracks to epic ballads.

I discovered this artist while listening to one of the latest episodes of 3LAU Haus, which showcased one of Fulton’s newest singles “Kuaga”. This mellow and youthful track, fresh as it was, evoked a strange sense of harmony that was hard to pull away from. After listening, I searched the song and found that it was popular song among mixers who’ve attempted to match the subtle beat into Zedd’s remix of MAGIC!’s “Rude” and 3LAU’s “How You Love Me”. “Kuaga” was just the beginning of my journey. Eventually I would discover a sea of amazing tracks that would heighten my fascination with dance music, and garnish an admiration towards Fulton as my newest favorite DJ/Producer.

Eventually looking into Fulton’s older tracks I discovered a collaboration with Meor Levi, an epic progressive track that can’t help but bring upon an uprising, whether it be on the dance floor, at a gathering with your closest friends, or in the solitude of your own home. Listening to “Wanna Be” will motivate you towards reaching your peak potential in any situation. I found myself inspired by the track, imagining hearing it live in the midst of lights in the city. It was remarkable, touching, and ultimately motivating.

Pierce Fulton’s hit “Runaway” was number 1 on Billboard’s Twitter Trending 140 this past summer. A remix by Divergent and Fault in Our Stars actor Ansel Elgort, also known as Ansolo, contributed to the tracks popularity. This track’s use good vocals and a steady beat graces listeners with a more soft and laid back tune that eases away the worries and allows for more insightful reflective thinking.

Pierce Fulton not only produces a unique sound of his own but he attributes this positive, upbeat, and rhythmic style into his remixes. Fulton’s mix of Cash Cash’s hit “Surrender” caught my attention as soon as it was released in early November. Though he doesn’t stretch too far from the original, he definitely adds his touch, with a steady quick beat behind the vocals, adding mystical sounds that entrance the ear. This style would be followed with a remix of a song off Dillon Francis’ new album “When We Were Young”. Fulton is on a roll as he implements an array of diverse sounds and a creative touch to his mixes as well as a positive driven style as he produces, driving listeners into an atmosphere of infinite emotions and possibilities.

Pierce Fulton brings a new definition towards the word electric. Songs aren’t just electrifying but they are magnetic, pulling you into an ocean of possibilities. He has earned a place on my MUST SEE LIVE bucket list as well as a place as one of my favorite DJs/Producers. The euphoria brought on by his diverse range of music, from trance like tracks, to progressive ballads, and epic drops, Fulton is worth a play to every ear.

“How You Love Me” and 3LAU’s San Marcos Takeover

3LAU lights up The Marc. San Marcos, Texas. Sept. 27th, 2014

By M. A. Alvarez II

The first time I heard “How You Love Me” was earlier this year while I was heading home out in the middle of south Texas from South Padre Island. Spring Break was nearing its end, but it felt as if the spirit of music been exercised from my body. Though UME, a festival branded “The Ultimate Music Experience” was over, my friends and I continued to jam out to the radio as we made our way back to school in San Marcos. “How You Love Me” was the first major single I heard by 3LAU (pronounced Blau), and it had captivated me the moment it popped up on the radio. I had no choice, but to look into this producer, this up and coming EDM artist with a ton of talent and a name to make for himself.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called 3LAU “one of America’s fastest-rising DJs-Producers” and there is no question to why. After releasing many mash-ups and mixes, 3LAU gained recognition through Youtube and launched his own tour releasing one single before “How You Love Me”, but I don’t think the glory truly came until he released this epic track.

“How You Love Me” was destined to be a hit once it was released on March 18th, 2014. It garnished so much attention 3LAU became a household name. Even with only two singles under his belt at the time. The 23 year old was drawing ears. 3LAU was on his way to becoming a legend.

It came as a total shock hearing that 3LAU would becoming here to San Marcos, Texas; the home of my one-day alta mater. Immediately upon the show’s announcement, I snagged a ticket at an early bird price and began to prepare for the event that would take over the San Marcos Square in the coming weeks.

I was ready to capture the moment, this once and a lifetime opportunity to hear one of my favorite DJs among a familiar setting. This night would be one to share among my best friends. I had made my way to the Marc on September 27th, where immediately I was greeted by many of my close friends. All of which, were just as excited to catch a glimpse of what 3LAU had to offer during his live set. After passing through the front doors of the Marc, the bass quickly overtook me as Gamma, the Marc’s residential DJ, prepared everyone for what was to come with his opening set. Heavy with bass, it filled everyone with the much needed energy that would be required for what was to come.

I was able to make my way to the front of the stage. The light were bright as they spiraled downward towards the crowds that scurried to watch as 3LAU emerged onto the stage and so humbly picked up a mic and uttered the words “Welcome to 3LAU’s house.” The crowd went wild. I watched as the lights then began to flash. The screen behind him began to protect images of bright orange as camera light shuttered over 3LAU as he brought in the welcomed the crowd into the world of melodic progressive house. The bass hovered in the air. 3LAU’s set was hypnotic and energizing as he played his singles “Escape” and “How You Love Me”, he also mixed familiar songs such as Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” into his set which balanced out his big-room house with a harmonious trance-like rhythm that allowed the crowd to move and dance.

The emotion within the music was evident. The passion 3LAU implemented into every song echoed through the venue. 3LAU is undoubtedly talented. This was clear as he prepared the audience for his closer, a look into his work and a chance to hear something not many had heard before.

3LAU brought to San Marcos and the students of Texas State University that night an experience that truly defined passion and talent. Though 3LAU, might lack the years of experience many DJs before him have, he definitely displays talent, charisma, passion, and a genuine love for what he does. This sense of hope, I find differentiates him from any other up and coming DJ. Through diligence, an unbreakable faith and love for music, this artist has truly created art and has established himself as a house hold name. I’m sure if you are a lover of music as I am, 3LAU is a name not many will forget in the times ahead. He is definitely around to stay. The music speaks for itself.