News: Tupac’s Back From the Dead at Coachella 2012

Legendary rap icon, Tupac Shakur made an appearance as a hologram on the third day of the two-weekend music and arts festival, Coachella as part of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s set. The controversial cameo has prompted fans to question whether it was ethically the right thing to do. However, another camp has applauded the performance with a few citing that it was a mesmerizing way to close the first weekend. Other rappers joining the set included Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Wiz Khalifa.

News: Kissy Sell Out, Grandmaster Flash, Beatport and DJ Cassidy Rounds Up Guest Acts Heading to Singapore This Month

Singapore’s dance music line-up for April is getting hotter with confirmation of more acts hitting our shores. On top of Groove Armada, Swanky Tunes, Afrojack and M.A.N.D.Y (see KMC’s The Monthlies for full line-up), four more top-notch DJs will be up and about this month.

The former presenter of BBC Radio 1, Kissy Sell Out’s 5-year-old show, “Kissy Klub” was dubbed the craziest show in dance music featuring tunes as current as electro and as rare as classical dub. Now free from his radio reign, Kissy is focusing more on his label San City High, and production work with his recently released 12-track album Wild Romance to show for. Drop by The Butter Factory on April 13 to experience his riotous set.

Next up, legendary hip-hop DJ Grandmaster Flash will be hitting Zirca on April 20 to remind everyone why he’s still the king of the turntables. Having revolutionized how scratch DJs work the decks, Flash have been instrumental in shaping the styles of turntabalists today.

On April 21, Beatport co-founder Brad Roulier and former marketing VP Shawn Sabo will extend their sound knowledge of the dance music landscape under the guise of Manufactured Superstars with a showcase at MINK. Signed under Black Hole Recordings (Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Richard Durand, BT) their brand of bootleg remixes, electro and party tunes have seen the duo play in festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival.

The Singapore F1 season parties are sprouting early starting with the Johnnie Walker Jet Black party series. Held at an undisclosed location on April 21 (head to their Facebook page for more details), DJ Cassidy will be headlining the slot. Having played for A-listers from Hugh Hefner to President Barack Obama, the New Yorker is famed for his celebrity clients. Taiwanese DJs KAKU from club, Marquee and Crystal Q from Spark supports.

News: YouTube, Google, Flickr and More Tech Companies Roll Out New Products

I haven’t wrote a tech review since my days in I-S magazine, but in the last few days, some of the biggest companies in the world are pushing out new products that are getting me excited. Set to revolutionize how we do and see things, these products seem to be out of this world —but this as real as the water found in Uranus. I can’t wait to get my hands on these things.

Gmail Tap
Double the speed of instant messaging.
Price: Free Ratings: 4/5

Forget about fumbling with your QWERTY keyboard on your smartphone. The Gmail Tap uses only two buttons made out of a dot and dash that allows you to type at double the speed. This is great for busy professionals on the go. Go to Gmail Tap’s official website to download the app now!

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News: Zouk 21st Birthday Present Came Early Achieving #5 Spot in Top 100 Clubs Poll

[Update: Mar 30] Free entry to Zouk for Arno Cost’s debut on Apr 5.

The results of DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs poll is out and what a way for Zouk to celebrate their forthcoming 21st birthday. Climbing up four spots from #9 last year, Zouk is now acclaimed as one of the top five clubs in the world with their current #5 position. Congratulations to Zouk and may the great dame reign supreme on the #1 position in the immediate future.

Back Where He Belongs

[The New Paper] St James Power Station has lost one of its powerhouses.

Mr Andrew Ing, the chief operating officer and executive director of the local nightlife complex since 2005, now answers to the founders of The Lo & Behold Group, Mr Wee Teng Wen and Mr Daniel He.

He became their chief operating officer as of early this month.

Established in 2005, the group owns and manages a chain of bars and restaurants, including Tanjong Beach Club at Sentosa and The White Rabbit on Dempsey Hill.

Long-time clubbers and industry observers are calling the 45-year-old service maverick’s move a return to familiar pastures.

But that’s something the former marketing manager of Zouk laughs off.

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News: Kiss My Culture Nominated For I-S Readers’ Choice Awards

Just got word today that Kiss My Culture has been nominated for I-S Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 for “Best Blogger”. The list includes prominent names such as Mr. Brown and… haven’t heard the rest of them before.

If you feel that KMC is full of pigeon-shit and deserves to receive Starhub’s “The website which you are trying to access is restricted by the Media Development Authority (MDA)” redirect page, then please click the tiny black dot found under the Tech category.

On a more personal note, I will be particularly looking forward to the awards party in May, where I plan to drink the bar dry. If you like to join me in this quest towards complete and utter inebriation, please drop me an email (after your vote) and tell me why we should be partners-in-crime on awards night.

To all my dear readers, thank you so much for your continuous readership. I can see you; you exist in my life… according to Google Analytics. Also, shout out to the French (where did you guys come from?) for being KMC’s second highest readership right before Singapore.

News: Foo Fighter Cancels Asian Tour

In light of Dave Grohl’s medical condition, the Grammy and Brit Award-winning band had to cancel their Asian tour which includes their date in Singapore. Doctors have advised the frontman to rest before his undisclosed health issue worsens. Organizers Chugg and Lushington Entertainment have announced that refunds will be available from Feb 29 to Mar 13.

The band released the following statement: “We deeply regret having to cancel. It wasn’t an easy decision by any stretch but after carefully considering medical advice, we felt we had no choice. Dave’s been told by more than one doctor that he has to take it easy on his voice. We hate to disappoint our fans in Singapore and hope you’ll all understand and that we’ll see you all in the not too distant future.”

Go to Sistic’s website for more details.

News: Adele Gets Cut Off During Acceptance Speech, Shows Middle Finger At The Brit Awards

Image: Daily Mail

After winning six Grammys, the charming and bubbly Adele was visibly emotional when she picked up a Brit Award for Album of the Year. Halfway through her acceptance speech, the 23-year-old got even more emotional, this time on the negative end, when host James Corden interrupted her to introduce Blur.

With the crowd booing at what looks like the show producer lack of respect and Corden picking up scapegoat duties, Adele showed the middle finger “to the suits”.

Well done Adele, your genuine music style and attitude is what pop-culture is missing these days. 

Watch the full video below.

News: Ming’s Bassic Grows Strong; Zouk Launching Two New Nights

Image: Afiq Omar

When Zouk launched Bassic in early January, I was fuck-yeah-ing all night long. Helmed by resident DJ Ming and given added weight with Jeremy Boon, the night features all sorts of bass from dubstep to drum & bass. And because it’s neither on the commercial end nor Skrillex side of things, the opening night (which featured Kiat) saw a healthy turnout. The second outing (with Darren Dubwise) was a glorious affair, attracting bass-addicts populating the front and “cutting air” with their hands until there was no more air to cut. Come Mar 10, the night that has already garnered a strong following returns with DJ KoFlow supporting.

March will also see two brand new nights happening at Zouk. Be will take place quarterly featuring bangers and floor-fillers (think Alesso, Arty and Norman Doray) dropped by FORMATIVE, resident djB’s newest moniker. On top of that, he will also select his favourite musicians to add on to the “live” elements. On Mar 30, eccentric percussionist Shovell together with up-and-coming local DJ Chris B. will be dishing the launch of the night with Be Percussive.

A day after the launch of Be, another new night will be launched with Family & Friends -an evening of like-minded individuals showcasing their deck prowess. Mar 31 will see Portuguese DJ Carlos Fauvrelle playing alongside FFF Girl DJ Bootcamp principle founder Debbie Chia together with versatile DJ Kavan.

News: Will Butter Factory’s Ace of Spades Draw A Full House?

AOS - The Official Launch Party
Red Dot Museum l $20/25 includes two drinks
Feb 25, 9pm 

Winner of the Singapore Experience Awards 2011 for “Best Nightspot Experience”, The Butter Factory will be leaving their One Fullerton compound for a one-night stay at Red Dot Museum. Launching their new DJ outfit Ace of Spades (AOS) out of their humble establishment, will the gamble pay off?

Made up of Butter’s residents Andrew T, Dave Does and Stanley, the trio will be dishing their staple array of bass-heavy electro, mash-ups, hip hop and R&B. The move to play beyond the club’s dancefloor is unheard of, especially since the intent is to launch a new name for familiar faces. In what could be a move to attract newer patrons to the already youth-centric club, dropping the brand at fresh grounds could play to the club’s advantage.

Added to the line-up for the launch, a regional group of MCs including Bangkok Invader’s Dandee from Thailand and Hong Kong’s GoldMoutain will support.