Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to talk to us, we have to say that all of Utah and its surrounding states are buzzing about your upcoming performance at the Das Energi Festival in Salt Lake City.

Join the club! This is the first time that I’ve played in Utah so I’m really excited to visit somewhere I haven’t been to before.

You were a DJ first before you became a producer, talk about that transition and the role Djing still plays in your life.

It’s still very much a 50/50 thing for me. I’m as much a DJ as I am a producer, the tracks that I make are almost entirely for the dance floor and of course my own sets. That was the reason that I started producing in the first place though – there was a sound that I wanted to get into my DJ sets and I couldn’t always find it in the music I was buying. I started off making my own edits of tracks so that I could fit them better into the flow of my mixes, and then as time went on and I got more confidant with the production software, I started to make my own music.

It seems like 2006 is really when the entire world knew your name. Talk about the “Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit” record and what it did for your music career.

It was crazy, a really crazy time. Everything just exploded around me – the track went to the top of the charts all around the world, it was being played on mainstream day time radio everywhere, the video was across all the big TV channels on every continent – I went from being just Fedde to ‘Fedde le Grand’ and everybody wanted a piece of me. But you can have one huge hit and then fade away if you don’t carry on working and putting the time an effort in to building from that one success. I think that’s why I’ve managed to keep on rising, because I’m not happy with just a one-off hit, I want to keep on pushing myself to achieve more and more.

Being from the Netherlands, was it weird having a US city as the subject of your first global hit?

Haha no, not really. For me, Detroit is an incredibly important place, it was the birthday place of Detroit Techno and some of my biggest electronic heroes came from the music scene there.

Fast forward to 2011; 4 #1 Beatport tracks in one year? How has your approach to producing changed over the years?

It was actually 5 – not that I’m counting I think I’ve become more aware of how I work most effectively, how I can make the best use of the time I have in the studio. I’m always traveling almost every weekend and sometimes I spend weeks away from my studio so it’s really important that I get the most out of what little time I do get in there. I think that’s just reaching a point of maturity as a producer, knowing exactly what you want to get and what you need to do to get there.

Talk about the Coldplay record “Paradise” you remixed and subsequent opening performance for them?

We had the same management company so the remix option came through from that. I’m a huge fan of the band, my bootleg of Clocks was a big hit a couple of years ago so I’ve always been into their sound and I love working on their hooks just for my own personal edits that I use in my own mixes. The Paradise remix went down really well with the band and with fans too, and then to be asked to open for them in concert, that was a huge pleasure for me. A little bit out of my ordinary element and it wasn’t exactly the dance floor environment that I’m used to but if you don’t put yourself out there with these new experiences then I think you’d be stupid. It was an amazing experience and hopefully just the start of things to come.

Shifting back to Djing, you’ve pretty much played every big festival in the world. How does playing a festival like Love Parade differ from let’s say the sold out London Takeover of Ministry of Sound?

Playing any festival is different from playing at a club. They’re obviously a lot smaller, a lot more intimate, your set tends to be a lot longer, you’re very close to the crowd, the dance floor goes off in a very different way to a festival. But then on the other hand, playing at a festival is just on another level – I’m not saying it’s better but if is definitely different. If you can imagine playing in front of a sea of tens of thousands of playing, out in the open air, huge sound systems and lighting rigs all around you, you usually drop your big bombs as well because you have an hour to give the crowd something they’ll remember for a long time – it’s really intense and it’s almost like a shockwave of energy when you drop a big track and everyone goes nuts.

What’s your thoughts on the US finally coming around to Dance Music. How different is it performing in the US now verses a few years ago?

It’s changed a lot, for the better I think. It was only a matter of time before dance music took hold of America. A lot of producers and DJs have put considerable time into touring the US more than one or two times each year. It used to be that you’d go over and play the clubs once, maybe twice – last year I did seven tours of the States and Canada in total which is a huge amount of time to dedicate to just one land mass. You also have to look at how ‘household’ many of dance music’s producers have become in America. David Guetta is the obvious choice but other producers like Afrojack, Skrillex, guys like Pitbull, they’ve all made in-roads into other genres of music like r’n’b and hip-hop which has really opened the doors to US radio and TV for dance as a whole. And then you also have the big US festivals now – Electric Zoo, Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra, the Insomniac events – they’re serious contenders now as far as EDM festivals go, they’re not the little brothers of the big European boys anymore, they can more than hold their own. The demand for electronic music has gone through the roof but the supply has been met as well by promoters who don’t just want to match Europe, but do things even better.

The Ultra Music Festival this year was a good representation of the state of Dance Music in America. Talk about your experience there and what it was like throwing down one of the most talked about sets.

I had such fun that day. Normally I’m in Miami for the whole week but this time I flew in and out especially for Ultra. I think I played one of my best ever sets, and if the response I got on Facebook and Twitter was anything to go by then everyone else thought so too

You also won 2 awards at WMC this year adding to the 3 you won in 2007 and numerous other awards throughout the years. How hard is it to stay relevant in this ever changing culture?

Personally, I just do what I love and what I’m feeling and if that’s relevant, then all the better. I don’t try to make my music around what else is happening so that it’s relevant, for me it’s most important that I’m personally happy with what I’m putting out there, and if everyone else is happy with it too, then that’s all good by me.

A big topic of late both globally and especially here locally is DJ Technology and what people consider to be “real” and “fake” DJs. What’s your thoughts on that whole discussion?

I can’t speak for other DJs, all I can tell you is that when I’m in the DJ booth, there’s definitely nothing fake about it!

Have you been to Salt Lake City before? What are your expectations?

I haven’t, no, so I’m not too sure what to expect to be honest. But I do know that the line-up for the night is incredible so I think it’ll be a party that will go down in Salt Lake City history.

What can we expect from your performance at The Das Energi Festival?

I’ve got some great new music that I’ve been working on in the early part of this year so expect to hear some tracks you haven’t heard before as I’ll be road-testing them!

What can we expect from you in 2012 and beyond?

Like I said, I’ve got some big new tracks, also some collaborations coming up and remixes although I’m not allowed to say too much right now

Catch Fedde Le Grand along side Benny Benassi, Zedd’s Dead and 60 more artists at V2 Event’s Das Energi Festival. Saturday, May 26th at The Great Saltair.

Tickets available HERE

Fedde le Grand
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1. Go to the facebook event page here: event page here: http://www.facebook.com/events/110411279091998/

2. Make sure you are “attending” the May 12th Gabriel & Dresden event at Park City Live.

3. On the event page (below the info), leave a comment telling us your favorite Gabriel & Dresden Remix.

4. Cross your fingers!!!!!

Park City Live will chose 2 winners from the comments on Friday 05/11/2012. The winners will each receive two free tickets to the DAS ENERGI FESTIVAL happening May 26th at the Great Saltair Festival Grounds.

An 18 year old with the passion and motivation to move to the top! DJ Rustur knows how to get the people moving incorporating a wide variety of music to suit and exceed the expectations of the crowd. His hard work and dedication to his music shine through because of his ever increasing popularity in the entertainment and music industry. He refuses to disappoint and will ensure that your time spent listening and watching him is more than worthwhile. Don’t make a decision you’ll regret, book DJ Rustur!

On the inside, you will find an industrial themed atmosphere mixed with beautiful art, (pieces are often for sale) pool tables and a vibrant bar. A large dance floor was packed with energetic dancing machines Friday night. An adequate amount of seating was available for those needing to take a load off. Outside, you will find a medium sized patio where party goers can cool off or smoke. The enjoyable part about the patio, which is a must for all clubs but often overlooked, is that the music can be heard easily while you are outside taking a breather.

The staff was all friendly and seemed happy you where there to have a good time. This club features 1 main bar and 1 VIP bar that is smaller in size. The drink prices were average, however, Metro’s claim to fame is their liquor pours, at 1.5 oz. per shot, the highest in the state.

“The best thing about the Metro is we offer something for everyone. There’s not a single other venue in the state that is as diverse as us. When people come in for the first time I think they’re stoked on seeing so many people from so many different walks of life all rocking the f*ck out together.” Hacker continued, “The Friday crowd is predominately fresh faced 21-year-olds. The energy is through the roof and the dance floor never gets a second to breathe. It’s especially insane when the DJ’s drop their own productions. It’s awesome that everyone is so involved in their scene, that they recognize locally produced tracks and just go nuts when they come on.”

Those artists he is referring to are Arkadios, Subtactiks, Ayo Marcello, Tadas Tsibulskis and resident DJ, DJ RoboRob. That list is jam packed with many newbies, all appeared very excited to have a shot at entertaining for the night.

Friday night marked Arkadios’ first night spinning at Metro; he said, “I love Metro Bar! I like it because I pretty much know everyone, the bar tenders. Good vibes, good DJ’s, and it’s nice and clean.”

One of those DJs he happens to know, who is also a “good DJ” is Subtactiks. Both took it upon themselves to get the crowd moving through polar opposites.

“Well, my buddy Subtactiks and I got together a bit to practice our set. He usually likes to play really heavy Dubstep beats and I’m kind of more melodic and mellow. So we just combined our styles. Also we kind of talked about going a bit of throwback Dubstep, Caspa & Rusko, Datsik, etc. That’s what got me into Dubstep and bass heavy music like that so I figured let’s take it back! I try to capture a mood in my sets, gotta mix the mellow and melodic with the heavy, dirty, bass!” Arkadios said.

Arkadios got his start like many do, but mastered his technique more tailored to growing up in the bubble.

“I’d see DJ’s scratching and cutting and I said to myself, “I wanna do that!”. I’d sit inside church with my scriptures and zip the zipper back and forth to emulate the scratching noises I heard,” Arakadios said.

Tadas Tsibulskis also getting his start more recently, found his inspiration back in 2009.

“I have been a crazy fan of electronic music for as long as I can remember, I think the first artist that got me into music was Tiesto. I became obsessed with the idea of actually controlling the party by being behind the decks and it couldn’t have been more perfect timing as my sister had a roommate who was a radio/club DJ by the name of Cerwin. He basically gave me the general gist of what goes into DJing and made sure I learned how to DJ correctly – that is, with vinyl/CDs, Tsibulskis said.

Tsibulskis has had his share of playing EDM events and has also started a duo. When he does want to spin alone, he hits the SLC night club scene.

“I am just now getting into the more downtown club style of events, which I thoroughly enjoy. Most of the time I am playing with my partner TJ Billmire under the name “Crossbyte” that we share, but when we aren’t playing together, which has become a rare thing, I just play as myself in bars and clubs.” Tsibulskis continued, “I have played The Metro more times than any other club and I can easily say it is one of my favorites.”

His favorite aspect of Metro Bar?

“One awesome thing that Metro does that other clubs do as well is the show casing of new and top local DJs every week. After playing there so many times, I have had the awesome chance of seeing a lot of local DJs play; most of them from their own unique genres. I am always open to hear new styles and I am not quick to criticize them, so having the opportunity to sample so many styles has been very joyful,” Tsibulskis said.

I have to add that the resident DJ was outstanding. He knew what the crowd needed and displayed serious ability at the tail end of a group of beginers; just ask the boss man.

“I hired Roborob for a reason; his motivation and dedication to what he’s doing is relentless. When you walk in the door of the club, Rob will take it upon himself to make sure you have the best night of your life, every night. I don’t think anyone can touch him when it comes to that.” Hacker continued, “Anyone wanting to check it out can always get in free all night by simply RSVPing. The Metro offers the strongest drink pours allowed by law. So you’re really not risking anything by taking a chance on checking it out. Then once you’re inside, we own you.”

The quality of props, actors and auras were debated on the Fear Factory Facebook page as the attraction ushered patrons through. Many guests were harsh, many couldn’t wait to return. Either way, Fear Factory attracted audience members from near and far.

I decided that if a haunted house could generate so much buzz I better set readers straight, long before October comes around. Fear Factory was open last week when I popped in, and is open this Friday, in honor of Friday the 13th, and Saturday. A $5 off coupon is also available on the Fear Factory website for Spring Insurrection.

There are a couple of suggestions I have when planning to attend FF:

Know where you are going, located at 666 W. 900 S. between the train tracks and I-15 (definatley scary all on its own) it is hard to see the small road that leads you back to the entrance which is really tucked away if you dont know where to look.

Go now! Its warm, and visiting during the “off season” allows you to be one of the only guests in the house. During Halloween, I am sure you witness the groups ahead of you get attacked before its your turn. But not right now! Not seeing one other patron in the first 15 minutes made me consider faking chest pains so I could get the hell out. Who wants to be all alone in a factory were people have really died!?

On that note, know the history of the Fear Factory. It used to be called the Portland Cement Company, where as you will see, high ledges and stair cases made it easy for workers to fall to their death. The factory has even been visited by paranormal investigators, where evidence of the living dead was found.

Be prepaired to stay a while. Even after running away from chainsaw toting butchers, I was inside FF for an hour; well worth the price of admission compaired to other haunts. The actors and props were indescribable! Themed encounters such as an insaine assylum, vimpire chapel and clown alley made my eyes briefly hone in on their production artists’ attention to detail as my eyes quickly shifted back and forth anxiously awaiting another scare.

In closing, I would just like to add that I am a very nervous, jumpy, scared of everything type of person. I had to repeatedly remind myself that none of this was real; or was it? Just when I thought I had a grasp on lying to myself another screech or horn from the nearby train would would sound and get under my skin. Knowing of all the accidental, potentially bitter deaths that had occurred in years past, only made the thought of calling it off mid-tour more clever. I will defiantly be returning, willingly in some small way, unwilling in others.

With massive dance floor and lounge space on all 3 floors, The Madison is unlike any club in Utah I have seen. There is always plenty of room to get yourself into a conversation or into some trouble with large bars on every floor. The seating areas aren’t just cheap metal tables made for your backyard, but leather sofas all around, not just in VIP. There are even cush seating options right on the stage!

For all you readers wanting to secure a spot to smoke or catch some fresh air, The Madison out-does other clubs yet again! With their huge patio area there is usually a crowd outside large enough to fill a small club downtown. There is also a massive barbecue brewing in the corner all night.

Cowboys, the floor dedicated to the country boys and girls, features a full bar as well as a sound proof karaoke room called Whiskey Bay. On this floor, guests can expect country favorites and live performances from locals and international stars.

Center St. Bistro was a smart business move on their part. A 21+ hang out that serves finer dining at The Madison during the daylight hours. Lunch hours are from 11 am to 2 pm and Dinner hours from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Luckily this weekend had a theme for the evening, Part Rock Saturday. I love themed nights! It really allows guests to let their freak flags fly! You could spot bright neon colors, work-out style tank tops, colored nerd and slat glasses and anything else that looked like the 80′s went to the beach and puked, everywhere. Even the sexy go go dancers were sporting summer-style Party Rock attire.

The Digital Supra can be seen mostly here in the SLC valley, but more recently he ventures out to play The Madison. Supra’s original productions, at the hand of his fancy tablet are becoming more and more recognizable. His ability to remix fan favorites and add in genres like Dubstep and Moombahton, however, are consistently surprising.

Sam VanCrisco, a Utah County native, so obviously understands the need to bring a larger than life experience to The Madison. Classic rap song mash-ups such as Nate Dogg’s “Next Episode” with Top 40 tracks like LMFAO’s “Party Rock” also featured heavy Electro overtones; and made it easy for The Digital Supra to share the stage, switching back and forth frequently with VanCrisco all night.

Time seemed to pass so quickly while I was having fun exploring this never ending club, and then it happened. Since The Madison is 3 levels, you naturally have to hoof it up and down the stairs all night. After my imminent embarrassing moment for the evening, missing a stair into a couple making out and twisting my ankle; my friends reassured me that it was time to head home anyway. Thank heavens, because I might have stayed for breakfast!

I do Graphic designs to help push my limits making my self known with fliers and events that I designed. I promote making banners and fliers for others request.

My name is by word of mouth but If i can get a spot for house night, I can definitely get the crowd going with new tracks every time. So watch out.. Dj Aun “All night long” is coming back. =)

By combining four full bars and pool tables with new events, such as a weekly burlesque show, this nightclub as created a fun atmosphere for the south end of the valley. But there’s more! This club claims to have the largest interactive light up dance floor in the country, whether that is true or not, I couldn’t tell you. But it does get the people going. Surrounded by giant screens displaying music videos all night, the dance floor is large in size and welcoming to all. Dress here is casual with a small percentage dolled up. The ages of these club goers was very vast. From young to young at heart.

A neighboring room filled with pool tables and shuffle board is a great place to get your game on with a lower noise level. The Ultra Lounge is also a near by room completly closed off from the nosie of the dance floor. Many try their hand at karaoke or poker. Once things start to heat up, I can’t wait to return to enjoy myself on the outdoor patio.

Which ever room you choose, there is always a bar near by, available hookah service and a full menu; featuring anything from nachos to burgers to a classic grilled cheese sandwich. All the food I saw pass my eyes looked delicious.

As we sucked down our pink lemonade hookah, we were asked repeatedly by the staff if there was anything else we needed. We were obiously distracted by the ever-changing competition that is wrestling. Four midgets were featured at our stop, all with their own personalities and persona’s. Baby Jesus ended up winning the title after simultaneously slaughtering a dark haired Fabio look alike and a miniature version of Hulk Hogan. He took over the belt with pride.