Dancehall vs. Reggae: Is there a difference?

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Most people define dancehall as a genre that stemmed from Reggae. Others contend that Reggae music is the genre, but dancehall is a place or a culture.

In this ongoing debate, we analyze these points of view and list the pros and cons of each. Within that context, we uncovered issues that affect the perception of the music as an art-form and its viability as a business.
 
This is a dedication to all reggae lovers and we invite you to share your opinion in the comments. Join the conversation and share based on your own personal interaction with reggae.

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ELECTRIC DANCEHALL ATLANTA IS AUGUST 20, 2016 AT THE ALL NEW WILDPITCH MUSIC HALL

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Headliners Include DJ Mars, Shane Talon, ĀGARD from NYC and More!

Electric Dancehall Atlanta original artwork

Atlanta Event Electric Dancehall

The 1st ever Electric Dancehall Atlanta will take place at the newly refurbished WildPitch Music Hall, located at 255 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 10pm to 3am. The highly anticipated special event is set to be the premier gathering for the progressive Atlanta Caribbean music and EDM movements, bringing fans together in the downtown area for one night only. Advance tickets can be purchased for $20 at www.electricdancehallatlanta.eventbrite.com. Come be apart of what is sure to be an exciting evening of dancing and socializing.

Currently many songs on the Billboard Top 100 feature elements of Dancehall and other Afro-Caribbean genres. Artists like Drake, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, & Justin Bieber have used these same elements to connect with a larger audience. Electric Dancehall aims to present a new way that the world can party by compelling the audience to engage with their music in a more energetic way, forgo their musical or cultural affiliations for one night, and let the DJs cater to their inner dancing urge.

Headlining Electric Dancehall Atlanta will be DJ Mars, Shane Talon, ĀGARD, Highlanda Sound, and DJ Passport. The night will be hosted by the genre-bending Jamaican performer and songwriter, Dreggae.

A great melding of worlds is taking place in terms of musical exploration and production. We are excited about bringing together followers of different genres, doing away with perceived divisions, and merging music styles and culture together in a fresh, innovative way for an unforgettable experience,” says Electric Dancehall CoProducer Kahlil Wonda.

Special Event Details

Electric Dancehall Atlanta

Date: Saturday, August 20, 2016

Time: 10:00 pm – 3 am EDT

Venue: WildPitch Music Hall

Address: 255 Trinity Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303

Admission: Varies (Purchase Link: https://goo.gl/2b6tbD)

Age restrictions: 21 and older

Information: Visit www.highlanda.net, or call 404.552.0492

 

Electric Dancehall, A New Experience in Dance Music [Atlanta Event Alert]

Electric Dancehall

A new electronic dance music experience is coming soon.

Electric Dancehall Atlanta original artwork

Atlanta Event Electric Dancehall

More information

 

 

Bulby York - Renowned live & studio engineer, producer from Kingston Jamaica. Cyndi Lauper, Chaka Khan, Shabba Ranks, Jimmy Cliff, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Madonna, Michael Franti, UB40, Sinead 'O Connor, Sly&Robbie...

How to make a strong career as a music producer/engineer

Producer and engineer Bulby York rallies Jamaican superstars – Beres Hammond, Bounty Killer, Agent Sasco (Assassin), Lee “Scratch” Perry, Jesse Royal, Maxi Priest, Cherine, Sizzla, Busy Signal, Lutan Fyah and more – for his debut album “Epic & Ting,” released May 13, 2016 on VP Records.

Epic & Ting Album Cover

Epic & Ting Album Cover

Bulby’s sound spans multiple genres – merging reggae, dancehall, dub and EDM into a style of his own. The project has consistently been receiving spins on BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Capital XTRA & much more!

As one of Jamaica’s most in-demand studio men, the Kingston-born producer has put his touch on signature dancehall records by Sean Paul, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man and also worked with the who’s who of pop music, including No Doubt, Rihanna, Britney Spears and Madonna. After years of bringing other people’s projects to life, Bulby now has a masterpiece he can call his own in Epic & Ting.

Download “Epic & Ting”: http://smarturl.it/EpicAndTing

Enjoy some Dance Therapy this Saturday at Chystie 141

Chrystie141_09-06

Dance Therapy is a dance party at Chrystie 141 in New York City. Every Saturday ĀGARD keeps the crowd rocking all night long. Doors open at 11pm and everyone is free before 1am.  Please visit the Facebook group for the event to get updated info.

DANCE THERAPY at Chrystie 141 Tonight (8.16.14) – Music by ĀGARD, hosted by @louneymor. #nyc

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DANCE THERAPY at Chrystie 141 - Saturdays #NYC

DANCE THERAPY at Chrystie 141 – Saturdays #NYC

NYC, after whatever you’re doing today, Chrystie 141 is your destination for the afterparty. DANCE THERAPY is the movement tonight!!! EVERYONE FREE b4 1am!!! Music by ĀGARD, hosted by @louneymor. LET’S DANCE!!! #nyc #nightlife #DanceTherapy #ChrystieOneFourOne

Preview Reggae Gold 2014 Various Artists Compilation

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Reggae Gold 2014 contains commercial radio hits, core reggae winners, critical favorites and exclusive picks for the ultimate summer reggae groove.

Various Artists - Reggae Gold 2014 - Artwork

Various Artists – Reggae Gold 2014 – Artwork

“Jack Hammer” is the summertime hit from QQ (“One Drop”), already a hit in the Caribbean and now breaking through in the States. The track is supported by consistent club play and a strong social media campaign through YouTube videos and Instagram @qqworld.

“Richest Girl” is the lead single off of Etana‘s forthcoming album, I Rise (autumn 2014, VP Records). Produced by legendary Jamaican arranger/composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Clive Hunt, “Richest Girl” is a song about recognizing the truly important things in life, with the “Strong One” voicing the sentiment “I could lose it all, but one thing that is true, if I wake up next to you, I’m the richest girl.”

Fay Ann Lyons new hit “Catch Me” is primed to take the Soca Queen to whole other level.  Already getting play with Caribbean outlets, the lead single from her debut VP Records album showcases the vocalist against an EDM flavor that is catching on everywhere.

Fall In Love With Trinidadian Diva Fay Ann Lyons

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Fay-Ann Lyons: Catch Me

Fay-Ann Lyons: Catch Me

The first single from Fay-Ann Lyon’s forthcoming debut album “Catch Me,” produced by Richie Beretta will be featured on Reggae Gold 2014 (dropping August 12). The official genre is listed as Soca, but the track’s POP, EDM and dance music elements are all undeniable.

Incredible Video ‘Differentology’ Bunji Garlin Major Lazer Remix

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Major Lazer brings EDM to hit soca track from Bunji Garlin, ‘Differentology.’ This video features footage from the MAJOR LAZER “FREE THE UNIVERSE” WORLD TOUR 2013.

Location: O2 Park, Chagaramas. Event: WETT Republic
Cameras: Shay Parker of AV Designs, Gaddahar Bros, Jerome McClean, and ADR Productions
Edit: ADR Productions. Special Thanks To: Kryoman The Robot

MR. VEGAS RELEASES BRUK IT DOWN 2.0

MR. VEGAS RELEASES new album ‘BRUK IT DOWN 2.0’

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Named after his recent international cross over hit single, the Bruk It Down 2.0 album (MV Music) follows his innovative proven approach.vegas-gif

Grounded in Reggae Dancehall, Bruk It Down 2.0 demonstrates Mr. Vegas’ uncanny ability to tap into a seamless mix of House, Reggaeton, Soca, pop and Dubstep. But it’s not simply Vegas going it alone.

A who’s who of production talent from Clevie to Danny Browne, Studio 758 and Jah Snowcone, help Bruk It Down 2.0 connect the foundation of Reggae Dancehall with cutting edge musical movements.MR. VEGAS RELEASES BRUK IT DOWN 2.0

On the mic, Vegas is joined on the title track by Barbados’ very own, the Soca queen Alison Hinds while Reggae crooner Lukie D, foundation Dancehall favorite Flourgon and Reggaeton artist El Boy C are also on board, as well as St Lucian songstress Terri. Released on September 24, 2013, the 16-track ensemble is Vegas’ 9th studio release and the second from his own label imprint, MV Music.

The electric vibe of Bruk It Down 2.0 picks up where a series of #1s left off. Indeed, the original Bruk It Down” single (2012) went #1 on the MTV Base Chart, number one in Jamaica and number one on BBC 1Xtra in the UK.Soca Queen Alison Hinds is featured on 'Bruk It Down 2.0'

Here, “Bruk It Down” featuring Bajan Soca queen Alison Hinds enriches the original version with indigenous Calypso sounds. Staying in the region and keeping it ‘caliente’, Mr. Vegas links with El Boy C to spark an electrified Reggaeton track “Vamos” (‘Let’s Go’).

In due fashion, the record is ready for “Take Off” when Terri lends her seriously seductive and catchy hooks to a synthy Dancehall track that didn’t need the help. But this is Bruk It Down 2.0. And when Jamaican super-producer Clevie returns for “It’s A Beautiful Life” years of collaboration with Mr. Vegas shine through on the composition.

Using clever melodic flows, as well as crucial production support from Jah Snowcone, Steadly and Chuck T, Vegas focuses on what is most essential on the soulful, R&B-esque “Slow Jam” before “Run Up And Down”, ramps up the energy once again.New Mr Vegas music video + download "Whenever You're Lonely"

Finally, “Wet Party” featuring rub-a-dub Dancehall veteran Flourgon, whines, wheels and pulls up the vibes for a fresh party sound that’s wonderfully familiar at the same time. Based around the Paragon’s rocksteady hit “On The Beach” recorded for Duke Reid in 1967, Mr. Vegas and Flourgon here provide the classic 2.0 version.

Rooted within the Reggae movement, which itself drew on Soul, RnB and Gospel, Bruk It Down 2.0 points us to the next era of Dancehall Reggae music. It is one in which Jamaican riddims’ embrace of contemporary Drum & Bass and the synthy sound scapes of House and Electronic genres creates new horizons.

Indeed, Mr. Vegas offers a captivating, head nodding and hip shaking musical interpretation of what is to come.

FREE DOWNLOAD: ĀGARD – LIVE FROM PARK SLOPE PART 2

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As promised ĀGARD returns with his second snippet from an exclusive live set in Brooklyn, New York.  The last set was a “warm up” set.  This set starts out with a power packed Electronic Dance Music (EDM) set and moves into some Nu Disco.  Feel free to play, download, leave comments, and/or share.  Enjoy!

FREE DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE:  http://snd.sc/19DuonF

 

 

Free Download: ĀGARD – Live From Park Slope part 1

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ĀGARD, formerly known as Crisis Don, one Highlanda Sound’s founding members resurfaces on the scene in Brooklyn, New York.

A GARD

The longtime producer, DJ, and promoter has decided to share two DJ sets he did for an exclusive private event in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

The almost two hour first set includes an hour of rare Disco re-edits from Stevie Wonder to The Bee Gees to Wham.  The set goes all the way from 70’s Disco to Major Lazer.  Listen and download the live set and let us know what you think.

Click link to download: ĀGARD – Live From Park Slope part 1

 

Major Lazer’s NEW Workout Mix and Album Download

Walshy Fire of Major Lazer‘s Workout Mix.  Download.

Free The Universe in stores now.

The Free The Universe is in stores now.  Album buy link.

Intro – Hulk Hogan 
0:15 Bunji Garlin – Ready for the road (Major Lazer Dub Remix)
3:41 The Partysquad – Lion
5:52 Kid Kamillion/Rod Lee – Get Yo Handz up
7:15 KW Griff feat. Pork Chop – Bring In the Katz
9:35 Blasterjaxx – Miami (Original Mix)
12:07 GTA & Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike ft. Wolfpack – Turn It Up
14:22 Bauuer – Slip
15:56 Sister Nancy – Bam Bam (FASTA Boombahton Bootleg)
19:30 Diplo and M83 – Express City (Benzi Short Redo)
21:37 Macklemore – Thrift Shop (Bounce Edit Benzi Refix)
22:12 Pepe y Otto – Culo
22:23 Action (Richie Beretta 7th Grade Dance Remix) 
24:25 Alesia and DJ Snake – Bird Machine
26:42 Popcaan – Talk Bout We (Major Lazer Remix)
28:17 Mavado – Wah Dem A Do (Major Lazer Remix)
29:14 Bunji Garlin – So & So (Doc Jones Remix)
31:16 Jeff Retro – What U Came For (Trap to Toe Tap Remix)
33:22 Kid Khamillion and Dirk Diamonds – Blood Rave 
36:28 Krafty Kuts – Feel Like Jumping
39:04 Gangnam Style – PSY (강남스타일) (Diplo Remix) 
40:10 Yellow Claw & Cesqeaux – IBETCHU
41:16 Trap- Treat Me Right 
43:26 Trap- Boom Clash (Major Lazer Remix)

 

The Saturdays – What About Us ft. Sean Paul (Official Video)

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Some fans of The Saturdays say they prefer this song without Sean Paul, but in my opinion SP is always a good choice for spicing up a remix regardless of the genre.  Is this another Billboard boom-shot or not?

The Saturdays – ‘What About Us’ featuring Sean Paul

What do you think of this brand new video and Sean Paul’s latest pop music collaboration?

Interview: Walshy Fire of Major Lazer

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Major Lazer 1

Major Lazer: Jillionaire, Walshy Fire, and Diplo

Walshy Fire of international top-selling EDM group/sound system Major Lazer and former member of Black Chiney, the Grammy Award winning Jamaican sound system based in Miami, FL is the special guest on this episode of The Dancehall Now Show.

Audio includes the International Top Rated 8 at 8 Dancehall/Reggae Countdown.  Catch the syndicated Dancehall Now broadcast live on Daflavaradio.com and affiliate stations each Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm (EST).

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW

DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO