CASMAMENA - From the Bay to the Beach

From Puerto Rico to Brooklyn to Oakland and now to Miami Beach, CASAMENA has taken his deep musical roots and replanted them in some of the most soulful spots in the Western Hemisphere.

Carlos Mena, aka CASAMENA, is a Dominicano music producer and DJ that was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He has produced music for platinum selling artists Arrested Development, Tre Hardson (The Pharcyde), Osunlade’s Yoruba Records, Vega Records, GotSoul Records, Deeper Soul Records, and Phuture Soul to name a few. He's an equal opportunity DJ, rockin' everything from Hip Hop to House to Latin grooves to Afro rhythms. As long as it's got a little funk and soul, he'll give it a spin. His solo debut Hip-Hop Meditations fuses Afro-Cuban music with Hip Hop and has received wonderful reviews from major Hip Hop publications across the country.

We know CASAMENA primarily from his forays into House music, working with such artists as Ezel, Tamara Wellons, Louie Vega, Osunalde, and Atjazz. His podcast, The CASAMENA Radio Hour has been hugely popular for years, and he also throws jammin events from NY to LA to MIA, including his well-known Bembe party.

Carlos just recently moved from his long-time residence in the Bay Area right here to Miami Beach. We can't wait to see what big things he'll be doing in the Magic City! GLOBAILE was there to capture the sunny and sexy welcome party thrown for him at the Clevelander Rooftop in South Beach...Bienvenidos a Miami CASAMENA!

Sander Kleinenberg - This Is...his Yacht Party

Who knew you could make an entire music empire off of two words.... "This is..."

Sander Kleinenberg, yet another Dutch House DJ, has been around for a while. But it was his breakthrough monster hit This is Ibiza that really launched him into superstar DJ status. From there, he immediately capitalized on the catch phrase's marketability, and released This is Miami, followed by This is New York.

Sander is here in Miami for Ultra Music Festival, but he kicked off the festivities with his annual boat party. And what is the boat party called? Yup. "This is....the Ultimate Yacht Party".

Our host Miss Angelina had a chance to hop aboard the Biscayne Lady and check out the madness. Redundant wording aside, this was the ultimate yacht party. You haven't lived until you've watched a Miami sunset over crystal blue waters while sipping cocktails and dancing with an international music-loving crowd...

Here's our video coverage. The song is also by Sander. Guess the title... Yup: "This is...Our Night"...smh

Afrobeta - Back on stage for another Ultra Fest!

Afrobeta have been the darlings of the Miami indy music scene for quite some time now. They swiftly took over the Magic City's underground, and now with their debut album coming out under Ultra Records offshoot label, Do IT, they are set to take over the world!

Miss Angelina had a chance to sit it in on one of their rehearsals as they get ready for their upcoming performance at the Ultra Music Festival this weekend. Check out this interview with the electronic pop duo that everyone has fallen in love with...

Around the World in 6 min! Episode 20

Here's our Ultra Music Festival preview episode of Around the World in 6 min! We go from the USA to the Netherlands to the UK to Germany to show you awesome music videos from the top DJs around the world all coming to Miami for Ultra this week....

Ultra Fest Preview: Boys Noize - Electronic Generation Next

It seems like all the top dogs in the electronic music world are, well, kinda old. (With all due respect). So let's take a moment and give shine to a guy who is representing for the next generation...Boys Noize.

Yup, even in the name you can tell he's a youngin'...Boys Noize is the stage name of Alexander Ridha, a German electronic music DJ/producer. Germany has been dominating the electronic music scene in Europe for a while now, so it's no surprise that this Kraut is killin it.

He's doing what all the kids are doing - fusing a bunch of different sounds and influences together to make an innovative and unique sound of his own. Boys Noize mixes hip hop with disco, with electro sounds with lots of, well, noise. Add impressive live mixing and super psychedelic visuals, and you've got the Boys Noize package deal.

With early support from big dogs like Felix Da Housecat, Boys Noize has gained worldwide recognition and the title of Best Electronic Artist on Beatport 3 years in a row. He's remixed David Lynch, N.E.R.D, Depeche Mode, Snoop Dogg and The Chemical Brothers amongst others, and has worked with big time artists like Kelis, Black Eyed Peas, Spank Rock and Scissor Sisters.

He established his own imprint, Boysnoize Records, in 2005, and in September 2010 celebrated the 50th release on Boysnoize Records as well as the launch of the first sub-label BNR TRAX, which presented its first release in October 2010.

Daaaaaaaamn! This guy is makin MOVES! You can catch him live at the Ultra Music Festival this weekend. We love to see guys like Boys Noize carrying the torch...the future of electronic music is looking bright!!

Ultra Fest Preview: Chemical Brothers - Still Awesome

Nearly 20 years after The Chemical Brothers started playing together, these pioneers are still taking electronic music to the next level.

Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands met in grade school in the United Kingdom back in the '70s. After getting involved in various music projects of their own, the 2 began to DJ together in 1992 under the name The Dust Brothers (after the US production duo famous for their work with the Beastie Boys). They released their first track, a Hip Hop song called Song to the Siren, in 1993 while they were still in university.

From there they started releasing original music & remixes, touring, and getting enough recognition that the original Dust Brothers threatened legal action over use of their name. And so in 1995 they changed their name to The Chemical Brothers, after their ground-breaking original track Chemical Beats, the song that epitomized the duo's genre-defining big beat electronic sound.

From there they released their debut album, Exit Planet Dust (the title inspired by their name change), entering the UK charts at #9. It eventually went on to sell over a million copies worldwide. And they haven't looked back since.

Over the next 15 years they would continue to pioneer their signature big beat sound, win 8 Grammy awards, 5 BRIT awards, and collaborate with the likes of Oasis, Fatboy Slim, The Flaming Lips, Q-Tip, and Michel Gondry amongst others.

They also became heavily involved in writing music for motion picture soundtracks, and contributed to such films as The Butterfly Effect, Hanna and Black Swan.

These guys have held it down over the years, and 7 albums later, they are still kickin' ass! They will be headlining at this year's Ultra Music Festival, no doubt playing tracks off their 7th and most recent studio album, Further. Further is the band’s first album to be released with corresponding short music video films made specifically to match each of the 8 audio tracks. We love this psychedelic groovy video for the song Swoon.

Ultra Fest Preview: Tiësto - #1 DJ in the world...?

Is Tiësto the #1 DJ in the world?

Well, he was named "World’s No.1 DJ" 3 consecutive times by DJ Magazine from 2002 through 2004. But 7 years later, this guy is not only going strong (he's ranked at the #3 spot in 2010), he may be bigger than ever...

Let's go over the facts:

- In January 2011, he was named "The Greatest DJ Of All Time" in a Mixmag poll.

- In 2004, he was the first DJ to play live on stage at the Olympics.
- He's got a wax statue at Madame Tussauds.

- He's reached over 130 million hits in YouTube.

And now he's crossing over to the mainstream, harder than before, with his latest collaboration with Diplo and Busta Rhymes - C'mon.

C'mon has been released on Tiësto's own brand new label, Music Freedom. Tiësto explains, “I want to be able to sign artists and release music that as a fan I would listen to. Musical Freedom allows me to do this and hopefully help out some new and exciting developing artists.” (via Tiesto.com)

Well, Diplo and Busta Rhymes aren't exactly "developing artists" - they've both been in the game for a hot minute. But this recent fusion of House with Hip Hop is certainly a "new and exciting" sound that is taking over the globe, so it's only right that the god of house music himself got in on the trend!

Tiësto will, of course, be headlining at the Ultra Music Festival this week, and Diplo will be there too...so I think it's safe to bet that Busta will be making a "surprise" appearance...anybody want to place a friendly wager? ;)

Ultra Fest Preview: We ♥ Kaskade

We've met a lot people in this music industry over the years, and Kaskade has got to be one of the coolest, most down-to-earth, and humble guys we've come across. And did we mention he's an INCREDIBLE world famous DJ/Producer?!?!

Kaskade got his start in the House music scene in San Francisco, releasing his debut single on Om Records in 2001. In the years that followed, Kaskade continued to churn out Top 10 hits, such as In The Moment and Be Still which led him to sign with Miami's Ultra Records in 2006. He's become known for that deep house sound with sensual vocals that hit hard while keeping the club vibe sexy...

We sat down with Kaskade at WMC a couple years back to chat with him about his show on XM radio, DJing around the world, and his super-popular collaborations with Canadian producer, deadmau5. He's soooo cool! Check it out:

Kaskade and deadmau5 have worked together to produce tracks on Kaskade's album, Strobelite Seduction, amongst other projects. Both Kaskade and deadmau5 will be here in Miami next week for Ultra Music Festival, so whet your appetite with this video for their hit single, Move For Me.

WMC 2011 Wrap Up

Ok party people - here it is. Our full WMC 2011 video coverage!

Maybe you couldn't make it to Miami this year...or maybe you were here and you just want to keep reliving the magic!

Either way - here is our full 6 day coverage of all the WMC 2011 events we hit up!!

Day 1

Our first night out, we kicked off WMC at the NYC Deep party featuring DJ Justice, Sal Negro, Antonello Coghe, and Carlos Mena.

Day 2

We started off at the Mi Casa Es Su Casa pool party, featuring Kristel Morin, Stephanie Cooke, Julius the Mad Thinker, and Kamala.

Then we swung by Segafredo on our way to the Awarehouse for the We Live Here Party featuring Sexy House Lab, DeviceRATT, and Sanedrac Hunter.



Day 3

First we caught up with our Brooklyn homeys, Ian Friday and DJ Sabine, at the Libation party at Buck 15.

They we caught another NYC homey killin it, Soulgasm's Brian Coxx, at the Where's My Mojito party.

We finished the night on the Cleavlander rooftop to rock with our NJ homeys, Polyrhythm!

Tri-state area represent!



Day 4

The Tribe Records pool party was EPIC. Zepherin Saint killed it and everybody was there! UK stand up!!

Then we checked out El Maestro, Little Louie Vega, at Yuca Lounge for the Flashback party - amazing energy!



Day 5

Here's footage from our very own GLOBAILE host, Miss Angelina, and her Sneak Preview Listening Party at the B Bar. Of course, the Lady Rapper shut it down!

Then we head over to Cafe Barcelona to check out Miami's own Omar Diaz, before finishing the night over at Nikki Beach for the GotSoul party featuring Tommy Bones and Jojo Flores.



Day 6

Our final day of debauchery!

We started out checking out an INCREDIBLE set from Joe Claussell at the Body and Soul pool party.

After that we ran into our friend Tony Smurphio from Afrobeta and went to check out Dam Funk at the Stones Throw party at Grand Central.

We partied until the sun came up at Love Hate, jamming to an UNBELIEVABLE set from DJ Sneak. He killlllled it!

And now we're taking a short rest before ULTRA Festival and Miami Music Week starts next week.....aye Dios mio!! Stay tuned....

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #6

Here it is - the last day of our WMC 2011 coverage! We hit checked out Joe Claussell at the Body and Soul pool party, Dam Funk at the Stones Throw party, and DJ Sneak at Love Hate....wow! What a way to end the conference! See you next year...

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #5

Our GLOBAILE host Miss Angelina debuts her new music at the WMC Listening Party...

Check out the video from the party featuring a cameo from Miss A's friend and collaborator Boddhi Satva...! Video also features Omar Diaz at Cafe Barcelona, and Tommy Bones and Jojo Flores at the Got Soul party....

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #4

The Tribe Records party may have been my favorite event at WMC this year...! It was BANGIN! I got so hot and sweaty from all that dancing that I had to hop in the pool!

And Louie Vega always killllllllls it, especially when he plays at Yuca Lounge......check it out!!

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #3

We're still going.....here's our footage from Day 3 of the Winter Music Conference in Miami, USA. Afro sounds, tiki torches, sexy rooftops...check it out!

Here are a couple events we will be filming today...!

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This time we're checkin the Vega family over at Yuca Lounge!

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #2

Day 2 of WMC definitely did NOT disappoint! From the pool party to the warehouse party, we checked DJs from Europe all the way to right here in Miami. Here's our video coverage:

Here are some of the parties we'll be filming at today!!

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This party is at the Florida Room in the Delano - click here for details

Miami USA - Winter Music Conference: Day #1

And here we go - our coverage of WMC 2011 in Miami USA starts... NOW!

Last night we kicked off the Conference with our homeys from the Big Apple at the NYC Deep party.

Here's the video recap of our WMC 2011 Night #1:

Here are the parties we will be covering today:

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And this party was named one of WMC 2011 Eight Best Parties by the Miami New Times:

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Around the World in 6 min! Episode 19

Here is our special Winter Music Conference edition of Around the World in 6 min! In this episode we give you a preview of artists from around the globe all coming to Miami for the world-famous WMC happening this week!

Cedric Gervais - Ready or Not, Here He Comes

"Cedric is a world-class artist and entertainer whose soundscape translates across the world...” – Mya

Originally born in Marseilles, Cedric Gervais made Miami as his adopted home, and for years he has captivated clubbers and partygoers here in the Magic City dance scene. A DJ/producer on Miami's world famous Ultra Records, He has held residencies at legendary Miami hot spots like Crobar (now Cameo), Nikki Beach, and Space. Despite his impressive DJ schedule, Cedric still found time to take his talents into the studio. His debut album The Experiment, which featured the massive hit, Spirit in My Life, was a great success and took him to a different level as he spent the next couple of years touring the world, entertaining and thrilling his many fans. His production credits include working with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Deep Dish, Steve Lawler, and Rachel Star.

His latest collaboration is with R&B singer and Dancing with the Stars alum, Mya, on their tune Love is the Answer. She says "Working with Cedric Gervais has been an brilliant experience… 'Love is the Answer' is the only the beginning and just the first taste of many Cedric/Mya collaborations for his albums and mine to come…we have great synergy in the studio and have so much fun, which makes for energetic, fun and great songs!"

The two will be performing together next week here in Miami for WMC. To catch them live, check them out at the Wall:

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Here is Cedric's video for his single Ready or Not, with singer Second Sun. It's like James Bond does Miami in 2011 - sexy and sleek, complete with flashing lights, exotic women, and sports cars built for speed...

Pernett - Colombian Electrópico

Pernett's recipe for success: Organic meets electronic meets Latino dance spice!

Humberto Pernett was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. Since early childhood he was captivated by music, growing up in the midst of this city's famous carnival atmosphere. This musical experience shaped Pernett's own rhythms and styles and defined his sound: traditional Colombian folk music produced with electronic instruments.

His career as a vocalist was launched in 2004, when Pernett & The Caribbean Ravers was created - a modern, elecotronic version of the classic Colombian orchestra. On stage Pernett sings, plays the keyboard and plays the traditional gaita from Colombia's Caribbean coast. Pernett & The Caribbean Ravers have toured extensivley within Colombia as well as Europe and Mexico.

Apart from composing, producing, mixing and singing , Pernett is also the head of Comunidad Serankua, an independent artist collective, where he is a blogger that interviews the community's artists, covers events and features players of the new Colombian music scene.

And, on top of all that - he DJs!! You can check his DJ skills out in Miami next week at WMC, at the Electrópico party:

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Here's a taste of his spicy Colombian folk/electronic/Latino/dance vibes....

Culoe De Song - South Africa Deep House

South Africa has become a premier global destination for House music, and Culoe de Song is right at the forefront with his soulful, tribal, groovy productions.

Culoe de Song, born Culolethu Zulu, got his foot in the door when DJ Christos, one of South Africa’s pioneers in the international music scene, disocvered Culoe during one of his DJ sets. From there he joined Soulistic Music, a label founded by another big South African DJ/Producer, Black Coffee. (We featured a Black Coffee tune on the September Episode of the GLOBAILE podcast - check it out!) Culoe de Song's sound blends the ethnic and cultural sounds of Africa with the deep pulsating beats of House music and a heavy dose of soul. His original productions have been featured on a ton of compilation releases in South Africa.

But Culoe de Song is expanding out of South Africa to stretch his interntaional reach. He's released some tracks on the German label Innervisions, and as of late he's been contributing to the Reggie Dokes Let Me Go EP released on Boddhi Satva’s Offering Recordings out of Belgium. And next week he'll be coming to Miami for WMC, playing at the annual South African Miami Invasion Pool Party:

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We'll be there to cover the event - so stay tuned for details!! In the meantime, check out this music video from Culoe de Song and his song Webaba.

Anané - Cape Verde's Global Goddess

Singer, songwriter, producer and DJ....oh yeah, and she also happens to be married to the legendary Little Louie Vega. DAMN - this woman is fierce!

Music has always been in Anané’s blood. Growing up in Cape Verde, her aunts and uncles made most of the musical instruments on the island, such as guitars, violins, and the Cavaqinho - a small four-string guitar. Anané discovered her talent for singing during family gatherings called “serenades”.

From these humble beginnings, Anané followed her heart to New York City in pursuit of her musical dreams. This is where she met DJ/Producer (and future husband) Louie Vega, who integrated her as a key member of the Elements of Life Collective. That was all Anané needed. She used that opportunity as a stepping stone to an international career, known mostly as a powerhouse singer and club-rockin' DJ. in fact, she will often get up on the console or stage and sing a few songs in the middle of her DJ sets. AWESOME!

Last year she released her sophomore album, Ananesworld, a mixture of dance, reggae, rock, R&B soul, world and Caribbean influences, including the smash hit Let's Get High.

Anané will be coming to Miami for WMC next week, performing alongside the entire Vega Records family. Here's the info, be sure to check her out!

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Here is her first official music video. It's for the song Plastic People, also off the Ananesworld album.