Swanky Tunes / LA Riots / Disco Fries at CONTROL
SWANKY TUNES
Of all the exciting new house sounds coming out of the East these days, Swanky Tunes ranks among the most noteworthy.
The group formed in 1998, experimenting with different electronic styles in pursuit of their own sound. At first, there were techno sounds mixed with vintage synthesizers. Then the group moved into a distinctly big-beat influenced sound. These days, hints of the techno, electro-80′s, and the contemporary progressive house movements are all finding their way into the mix.
Swanky Tunes were named ‘Best Musical Group’ in 2006 and 2007 at the Russian Dance Music Awards and they are currently ranked #14 among the Top 100 DJs of Russia.
Internationally, their tracks and remixes have been issued on Mixmash, Spinnin’ Records, Refune, Size, Wall, Musical Freedom and Doorn Records.
Swanky Tunes last releases have been heavily supported by: Tiesto, David Guetta, Sander Van Doorn, Swedish House Mafia (Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso), Laidback Luke, Dirty South and Avicii.
Based on this past success, rumors abound that Swanky Tunes may soon emerge on the top of the dance club charts worldwide.
LA RIOTS
A lot has happened since LA Riots introduced a bawdy blend of Indie Rock, Alt Dance & Electro music to the world in 2007. Formed by Daniel Linton and John O’Brien on the 15th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, the group was named as a reflection of their aggressive and rebellious sound. An attitude not commonly found in Electronic Dance at the time, it differentiated them from the worldwide DJ pack. However it was taken; their approach achieved the group multiple successes early on, including becoming North American tour support for MSTRKRFT and the Bloody Beetroots in 2008. That same year they landed on the lineup of Australia’s Global Gathering Festival alongside Kraftwerk, Mark Ronson and DJ Sasha, exposing them to a global audience.
LA Riots, now just Linton, has reinvented a sound that melded influences of techno, house and drum n’ bass. The fans received his productions with open arms, the world took note, LA Riots had arrived. He accomplished what eludes so many in the genre; maintaining his underground credibility while remixing some of music’s premier pop and rock labels. So far, the formula has worked. He’s crafted the title track on Kylie Minogue’s “Boombox” Album, remixed multiplatinum rock icons Weezer and pop-dance phenom Lady Gaga (“Born This Way”), all while working on top-selling Sony Playstation games. Not to mention remixing tracks for a diverse roster of DJ/artists including Tiesto, Laidback Luke and Sidney Samson.
Over the years, his broad musical scope has led to plays from the likes of Tiesto, Justice and Afrojack to name a few. These accolades from fellow DJs has put him on the speed dial of A&R teams to shine up pop and rock remixes for major labels such as Warner Bros., Virgin, Tommy Boy and Interscope. LA Riots production is varied, but his quality control and precision in the studio creates a big room sound that translates the party straight to the dance floors.
It is those same high-profile productions that has prompted him to land even higher profile gigs. In 2009, they toured with The Crystal Method (“Divided by Night”) and a second outing with MSTRKRFT. As well as appearances at Chicago’s Lollapalooza, ULTRA Music Festival in Miami (2008 & 2009), Electric Zoo, I♥Techno and Belgium’s Pukklepop Festival. Additionally, Beatport named them as “Break Out Stars” at the 2010 Winter Music Conference.
In 2011, his success on the charts is mirroring his success touring. Beginning the year with a #1 Billboard Remix and sold out European Tour, Linton returned to the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, landed a residency at XS Nightclub in Las Vegas and was featured on the 1st ever Identity Festival Tour across the US. LA Riots is definitely one to watch and if you are lucky you might just get him to #StartARiot in your town.
DISCO FRIES
With the successful release of their first official single “Killer”, performances all over the world, and countless chart topping remixes to their name, it is safe to say that 2011 has been a big year for the Disco Fries. The duo have built quite a name for themselves since joining forces in 2008 while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. The following year, Danny Danger and Nick Piklz landed their first big break when they were asked to remix Flo Rida’s “Sugar” for Atlantic Records. The song quickly climbed the Billboard charts, eventually becoming certified Platinum, and the Disco Fries’ career was in motion.
Since their initial success with “Sugar”, the Disco Fries have been approached by every major US label and have lent their signature sound to artists such as Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Usher, Pitbull, Chris Brown, Mike Posner, Steve Aoki, and Cobra Starship. In 2010, their remix of Far East Movement’s “Like A G6″ garnered massive support and racked up 1.5 million views on Youtube.
As the Disco Fries began gaining momentum from their successful remixes, it caught the attention of DJs and club owners around the world. This led to the duo’s first performance in late 2010, which took place across the globe in Hong Kong, China. The pair have returned to the Far East multiple times and have also worked their magic in some of the most distinguished clubs across the US including the Palms in Las Vegas, Avalon in Los Angeles, the National in Miami, and Tenjune in New York City.
In 2011, the Disco Fries crafted their debut single, “Killer”, featuring the vocals of Interscope recording artist and E! News correspondent, Clinton Sparks. The song and its equally creepy video were picked up by Central Station/Ministry of Sound and received support from such names as Diplo, DJ Chuckie, and Gregori Klosman.
Soon thereafter, the duo began collaborating with legendary DJ/producer Tommie Sunshine. The trio’s first single, “Don’t Look Back”, was quickly signed by Vicious Recordings and was premiered on the 2012 Ministy of Sound Annual in Australia. The compilation was mixed by Tommy Trash and Tom Piper, featured tracks by Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, and Benny Benassi, and immediately shot to #1 on the iTunes Australia album sales chart.
In the meantime, the Fries were already at work on their next single, “Born To Fly”, which features the vocals of Niles Mason (of David Guetta & Afrojack’s “Louder Than Words”) and is due to be released in early 2012 via Strictly Rhythm Records.
Lately, the duo continues to remix major label artists including their most recent work for Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” (produced by Dr. Luke & Avicii) and Enrique Iglesias’ “I Like How It Feels” (featuring Pitbull). In addition, Katy Perry handpicked the Disco Fries & Tommie Sunshine for their remix of her 6th single “The One That Got Away”.
As the Disco Fries continue to grow and develop their sound, the duo plan to push the boundaries of electronic music to places it has not been before. Their music will not be restricted to any one genre as the pair constantly challenges themselves to explore new sounds and ideas. With many exciting releases on the horizon, 2012 looks to be a very big year for this talented duo.
