International artists cancel their participation in Rush 2013 due to contractual difficulties

With only 4 days before what was supposed to be a major EDM event happening in Montreal, today we have witnessed a dramatic change in lineup as all international artists have withdrawn from Rush 2013. These include headliners like Bryan Kearney, Indecent Noise, Christopher Lawrence, Ummet Ozcan, Kevin Saunderson and more. Seemingly without warning, Physical Events has changed their previously star studded lineup from this:

To this:  

The booking agency Audio Religion Music has come out with an official statement explaining their reasoning for pulling out of Rush 2013 on Facebook:

"It is with regret that we inform you that Bryan Kearney, Christopher Lawrence, Indecent Noise and Ummet Ozcan will not be performing at Rush 2013 in Montreal, scheduled for this Saturday, June 22nd.

 The promoter (Physical Events ran by Michael Mejaries) has broken numerous terms in each contract agreed with the separate artists and their management (Assured Artists, Audio Religion Music, Cue Music, Fresh Artiste Management & Newjam), has displayed a pure lack of professionalism and most importantly has failed to provide the necessary travel arrangements and work permits for the artists and payment of artists fees.

 The management companies grouped together to offer the promoter multiple solutions but none of the solutions were acted upon so they have been forced to withdraw the artists from the event.

 All the management companies are committed to rescheduling their respective artists show in Montreal in the near future."

 

Ummet Ozcan's management also went on twitter today to inform his fans that he will not be performing at Rush 2013:

As it stands now, Rush 2013 looks very different as it now features only local talent on the lineup. Tickets are still being sold at their original price of $65+ on the official website and thus far there has been no official statement from Physical Events.

Pete Tong on Avicii's new single: "Nashville goes EDM"

Pete Tong's parting thoughts on "Wake Me Up":

"Nashville goes EDM. What more can you say? I can see the line dancing video now" 

What do you think of Avicii's new bluegrass-EDM inspired "Wake Me Up" track? Have a listen:

So far the Youtube horde have overwhelmingly endorsed Avicii's new direction, with 9,601 likes vs. 329 on the negative side. My take? I like it but it's more for home listening rather than the big festival stage.

(VIA DJ Mag Canada

Gesaffelstein releases new provocative video for his new track "Pursuit"

Seemingly without warning the French producer Gesaffelstein has released a new track called "Pursuit" and a stunning video to complement the release: (Warning: semi-NSFW)

The whole video is a visual feast for the eyes that even features a brief cameo from the mysterious Gesaffelstein himself. You can buy "Pursuit" on iTunes now.

Check out this documentary on the making of Pretty Lights' new album

Here's an interesting quote from Pretty Lights describing his new album "A Color Map of the Sun" at the beginning of the documentary:

 "A Color Map of the Sun was what the last 2 1/2 years of my life have been dedicated to. I wanted to make an album that showcased countless genres and countless time periods, but also have a very modern, powerful, style and production to it. I needed to prove to myself that I can do it."


"A Color Map of the Sun" is out on July 2nd.  

Watch Armin Van Buuren and Trevor Guthrie perform "This Is What It Feels Like" at the MMVAs

Armin Van Buuren has made his MMVA performance debut yesterday infront of thousands of screaming teens playing his hit track "This Is What It Feels Like" with live vocals from Trevor Guthrie. You can watch it by clicking here and skipping to the 49 minute mark.

Image courtesy of Armada Music.  

According to Armada Music,  during the MMVAs Armin Van Buuren and Trevor Guthrie received a platinum record award for reaching 80,000 Canadian copies sold for "This Is What It Feels Like", congrats!

It was also revealed on the red carpet that Armin Van Buuren and Trevor Guthrie are working on a brand new track: