Last week the label that launched the career of Lady Gaga, plus guided the US fortunes of La Roux, Feist, Ellie Goulding and Robyn, took over a crammed venue in London’s Kings College for their first showcase in the capital. We managed to brave the eager masses and catch sets from electro pop pranksters LMFAO and Far East Movement, as well as performances from Frankmusik and Natalia Kills.
Taking on the headline slot, LMFAO greeted the crowd by throwing a hamper full of glowsticks out. Despite taking to the stage slightly later than planned, the hyped crowd gave them an ecstatic welcome. Running through a set that included ‘Party Rock Anthem’ and ‘I’m In Miami’, the raucous collective stirred up the crowd by giving out beer bongs and vodka shots. Not that they needed much stirring, earlier in the night Far East Movement had already pushed energy levels to a near frenzy.
At times looking as excited as the crowd, Far East Movement bounded around the stage with unwavering energy. Predictably the biggest applause was saved for ‘Like A G6’ and when one of their members launched himself into the crowd.
See below for our exclusive pictures of this raucous night. Read more…
New Boyz came to fame in the late ‘00’s through the California based ‘jerkin’ scene – a dance and rap movement based on locked dance moves and tight trousers. Their debut single ‘You’re A Jerk’ capitalised on the hype for all things ‘jerk’, becoming a viral hit and climbing to number 24 on the Hot 100. To many people’s surprise they proved they weren’t a one hit wonder when their follow-up single went two places higher. However, there was a definite danger that the duo would fade out as quickly as the flavour of the month dance craze inevitably would. So, in an inspired move, the boys teamed up with fellow Californians The Cataracs and long-time Cataracs contributor, singer Dev. The Cataracs had just exploded onto the scene by providing the muscle behind the Far East Movement’s ‘Like A G6′; a track which was almost inescapable through most of 2010. ‘Back Seat’ is consequently a lot more poppy than previous New Boyz output but the combination works well with Dev adding some chorus frills and the Boyz adapting to the new world of beefy electro with ease. Taken from their second album ‘Too Cool To Care’, the track has already become the Boyz’ third top forty hit in the USA. It might not be groundbreaking, but the track’s electro grooves seem to be bang on trend with the current wave of all conquering electro-rap.
Roger Sanchez is one of the most famous, not to mention most recognisable, faces in electronic music. His thirty year love affair with DJ’ing has seen him transcend broad swathes of dance music: from early hip hop and breaks to thumping tribal beats and soulful house. Huge international hits such as ‘Another Chance’ (which went to #1 in the UK) helped him gain a worldwide following, while the continued success of his own Release Yourself parties have kept him relevant at a grass roots level.
Roger’s latest work has seen him working with electro hit makers Far East Movement, the men behind the inescapable ‘Like A G6’. We talked to Roger about his long history in house music, partying with Grace Jones at The Paradise Garage and his recent collaboration with 50 Cent. Read more…
Having shot to fame with ‘Like A G6’, the Far East Movement fly into Shazam’s Tags Of 2010. After reaching over 10 million views on YouTube, Far East Movement’s superbly synth orientated track landed at #1 in the Billboard Hot 100, a prestigious position for a group that had nearly no history in the commercial spotlight. The accompanying video was posted back in June 2010 with the typical background of flowing champagne, fast cars and a heaving club. A surefire sign that they’re clearly enjoying their recent, viral enhanced, success.
They keep it simple but effective with the beat, a recipe that is hard to materialize into a hit but has radically taken off in their case. The refreshing and addictive track created a huge burst of tags from Shazamers. The track was #1 in the UK Pre-Release chart and is one of only eight singles in Billboard history to return the #1 spot after two or more singles had succeeded in the number one position. The track become so popular it spawned remixes including one by rap superstar 50 Cent with his own signature vocals.
A hard track to follow up, the Far East Movement will have some work to do to overcome the daunting sequel stigma that follows. Keep up to date with Shazam to hear about their next record. The single ‘Like A G6′ from Far East Movement is available to buy on iTunes.
After reaching over 10 million views on YouTube, Far East Movement’s superbly synth orientated track has landed into the hands of the one and only 50 Cent. The original video was posted just a few months ago with the typical accompaniment of flowing champagne, fast cars and a heaving club setting – a surefire sign that they’re clearly enjoying their recent, viral enhanced, success.
They keep it simple but effective with the beat, a recipe that is hard to materialize into a hit but has radically taken off in their case. It’s refreshing and addictive which is working well in the clubs and on radio.
50 Cent’s version puts a new twist on things. An interesting concept from the superstar rapper but it’s a great showcase of where 50 could potentially take himself creatively in the future. Check out 50′s take on the original here.
The single from Far East Movement is available on iTunes in the US.
