The HighLife

... was amazing!  Each day, from about noon when the first bands of the day struck their first chords, into the next morning when Silent Storm Silent Disco  would release the most dedicated masses from its white picket fenced corral, presented a brand new adventure.  Audibly, visually, edibly, and everything else in between.  There really weren't any bad acts at all.  We could probably try to post them all, but instead here are the ones that put on the most mind-blasting experiences.  Enjoy!


1. The Flaming Lips  

The colors, the streamers, the balloons, the confetti, the disco balls, the golden girl in the backdrop.  Pretty much the happiest show i've ever seen in my life.  Period.


2.  Ghostland Observatory

The breakout group of the entire festival.  Also quite possibly the best light show, accompanied with seriously heavy bass, you will find anywhere right now.   Ever heard of light that bends.


3.  The McLovin's

You were definitely not this cool when you were 16.  After they ripped all of us sweaty kids a new one, they came back for what proved to be the only encore that was actually answered all weekend.  And what an encore it was.


4.  Big Gigantic 

Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken definitely know how to party.   Working the Saxophone/production and the drums respectively, it feels like music you're familiar with already.  Just better.


5.  Sound Tribe Sector 9 

These dudes brought the rhythm, the funk, the bass, and the rest of the kitchen sink.  Essentially the sound of awesomeness!


Yup, take me back there now!!!!!!  Oh well, until next year.  Maybe we'll see you there next time.  Till then, thank you NATEVA!!!

                                

   


There's a wood carving on the wall of a log cabin somewhere in Maine that says, "he that has the ability to see nature never grows old."  Spring has sprung ladies and gents.  You know, what some call like to sweatshirt season. So in light of that, here's the first in a series of season inspired tracks.  Out of too many conversations about the emotional rollercoaster that is winter emerged this particular mix.  So these are carefully selected to help you thaw out of hibernation. Just hit play and you're set. Better yet, just add it to your library and take them with you everywhere. Stay tuned for the next season...

         

Experience.  "If you have it you don't need it.  If you need it you don't have it...  You need it to get it, and you certainly need it to get more of it... you can't fake it... the point is, if you've never had any of it. Ever.  People just seem to know."* 
Kon (Boston) & Amir (NYC) are known around the most knowledgeable music circles as the "kings of crate digging", and the moniker certainly stands true.  I don't think they've ever played a bad set.  Ever!  Out now through BBE Music is their latest work, Off Track Vol III: Brooklyn.  Do yourself a favor and get a copy (HERE).  From classic soul, to disco, to afrobeat, and rare everything in between; anything they put out is a lesson in music, taste, and class.  Listen to Strong Love (Kon) and Brasil (Amir), you'll see.  These are true individuals with a collective sense of truth.  The truth that lies between the grooves of the wax disc. And as the saying goes, "the truth shall set you free."  Get loose and give respect where it's due.

Off Track Vol. III Preview

Brasil


Strong Love
++Download



*Bruce Campbell

This is an absolute must listen.  For a while now, XLR8R has been producing City Guide podcasts by various talented DJs and producers in different cities around the country.  They recently posted one from Boston nightlife impressarios Soul Clap.  Their set, especially after hearing the other city mixes, is a fitting tribute to the bean and how we get it done. Though all the mixes are great in their own right, definitely have to shout out the Philly mix from DJ/Producers Starkey and Dev79.  Splitting time on the decks to deliver a mix worthy of holding it down for the entire Keystone state. 


Soul Clap's Boston Mix
(Click to listen/download via XLR8R)


Starkey and Dev79's Philly Mix

and also of interest...

Ghetto Division's Chicago Mix
Star Eyes' Love from NY Mix
Nosaj Thing's LA Mix
Dubbel Dutch's Austin Mix

What's your favorite mix?

Silent Storm Sound System hits Boston with Silent Disco!

We are proud to be a part of TOGETHER - The New England Electronic Music Festival!

We are excited to present RECESS at the MILKY WAY in JP!

'Silent Disco' is a unique music/dance party experience where you hear the music only if you are wearing our special wireless headphones (provided at entry). Once you have them on, a quiet atmosphere instantly transforms into a raging dance party.

Silent Storm Sound System brings a totally different and dynamic way to experience music at a party which allows conversation while encouraging dance.

CORALCOLA

KAZ GAMBLE

FLAVORHEARD

VOLTRAN

VISUALS by v.KA$H

21+

You got ears, we got headphones - Come get'em on and get down!

Are you sitting comfortably?  Now let's begin.  Or more so, close out 2009.  It's seems that everyone is really eager to throw out 2009 with the bath water.  I personally beg to differ.  A common malady of our current web 2.0 generation is ridiculously short memory spans, and if some of us were to actually consider the entirety of '09 we'd find something to cheer about.  So here's my thanks to 09.  The year that connected all of us much closer than we are even yet to realize; giving way to the rise of social media, unreal NYC all night dance parties, the disco ball at Santos party House, pastel colored sunglasses, the most ridiculous Bonnaroo ever, Pretty Lights, Phish coming back, the most amazing concert i've ever been to with The Roots and Antibalas @ the Red Bull Soundclash, rocking out underneath the McGrath Bridge, free Chester French and Wale concert in Harvard Square, Jesse Dee, The Bodega Girls, Show Dem Camp, Blackjoy, Shepard Fairey at the ICA, dance parties at the ICA... i could keep going but it'd take too long.  So if you're of the opinion that this year wasn't that great, you probably weren't trying hard enough. 





As we proceed into the new year, the Highlife crew would like to thank you all for your support.  This enterprise has been a leap of faith from the beginning, and it wouldn't be possible without all of you out there.  The scary thing about leaps of faith is that you don't how or if you'll land.  But you have to jump anyway.  That said, our resolution for 2010 is to make the impossible possible.  Keep watching this space.

Jumpoff On Point 2009


Happy New Year!!!

Merry merry y'all.  Here's one of a few presents we've got for you before the year is out.   Think of them as essentials for heading into the new year.  First off, a couple of guaranteed party starters by a duo of really talented dudes from Norway.  These are the Albino Superstars.

Team Disco

+ Louder Version

My Girls

This New York based Venezuelan band released their first album in 1995; working on the strength of that album for two years until David Byrne (yeah, that David Byrne) discovered and signed them to his Luaka Bop label in 1997.  Since then, they have released four more albums.  The most recent being the Dimitri from Paris produced Super Pop Venezuela (2006).  Their sound glides effortlessly between disco, funk, acid jazz, salsa, and merengue.  Unlike many bands today, they don't seem to take themselves very seriously, which is awesome.  Read the scrolling captions in the video for Si Estuvieras Aqui and you'll understand.  But don't let the comedy fool you, they are a seriously talented band, that make seriously good music, that will seriously make you move.  This is Los Amigos Invisibles.

Si Estuvieras Aqui


Selecciones

Today, as we proceed with the globe trotting, we find ourselves in France.  Courtesy of the multi-national jet-setter better known as Dimitri from Paris.  His sound fuses heavy doses of disco and funk with electro, house, and jazz.   All combining to create a welcome atmosphere for that ever elusive social custom known as the dance party.   He was a DJ for Radio NRJ in 1986, and is credited for introducing the first house show broadcast in France.  To add to his swag, he also produced runway soundtracks for Chanel, YSL, Hermes.  You know, just your everyday tailor shops.  He's released a slew of mixes, compilations, and albums that have received wide critical acclaim.   Sacrebleu (1996),  A Night at the Playboy Mansion (2000), and Cruising Attitude (2003) might be all the nudging you need to finally get that disco ball you've always wanted.  Stay classy.  Voici Dimitri from Paris.