Dance News

Thurs July 3 is set to be a big night for psy-trance fans in Adelaide - the #18 DJ in the world (according to MixMag) is touching down for a live set at Channel. His own brand of bass-heavy, ascending psy is earning Astrix major points amongst DJs and fans. Some consider him to be the next Infected Mushroom. That remains to be seen, but a live psy-trance show is always worth checking out.

Also on Thurs, local hip-hop artists Chase, Final Cause, Fubex and Social Change are appearing at Electric Light Hotel. Chase has been active in SA for years now, and Social Change have been turning a lot of heads with the release of their 'V High' EP and prolific shows. Unknown MCs also get the chance to rock a stage for the first time - an open mic will be available.

RIP: Def Jux MC/Producer Camu Tao, born Tero Smith, who died on May 25 from lung cancer. He had collaborated with Cage, RJD2, Copywrite and El-P, and was a member of rap supergroup the Weathermen. The group was set to release the "first and only Weathermen" album later this year, but the group's official status is unknown in the wake of Smith's death.

Electro duo and prolific remixers Simian Mobile Disco are releasing a remixed version of their popular LP Attack Sustain Decay Release, which will include all the tracks off the album, plus Clocks, off their EP of the same name. Remixers include Chrome Hoof, Silver Apples and Cosmo Vitelli, amongst others.

Kanye West, Common, Redman and Method Man have been sued for their usage of Joe Farrell's 1974 song Upon This Rock. The sample has been used before by the likes of Pete Rock and A Tribe Called Quest. Farrell's daughter filed a charge and is seeking at least $1 million US in damages, as well as a halt to further sales, manufacturing or performances of three particular songs. The songs are: Gone by Kanye, off 'Late Registration', Chi-City, by Common, off 'Be' (which was also produced by Kanye, interestingly), and the RZA-produced Run 4 Cover off Red and Method Man's record 'Blackout!'. Not the first time in rap history this has happened...

Forward-pushing hip-hop producer Daedelus has another solo album in the works, 'Love To Make Music To', set to be released in the middle of June. Known for his innovative use of bizarre samples and his creation of lush, occassionally glitchy beatscapes, the new record is set to feature artists such as N'fa (from 1200 Techniques), Paperboy, Michael Johnson and Erika Rose, amongst others. He's also working on "a romantic electro-acoustic record" with his wife Laura Darlington, and one with his Adventure Time project.

Mike Skinner is, apparently, walking to France. Eventually it's set to become part of a music video, but for now the walk's being documented on his website for the British MC's video blog/ TV show 'Beat Stevie'. Also on the site is a tracklisting for Skinner's upcoming record, which is taking a while to produce. He will apparently "not reference modern life" on the album, so don't hold your breath for this one.

Once again winter brings a party synonymous with the season - Winter Enchanted will this year be held on Sat July 5 from 1pm til midnight, at the Old Queen's Theatre on Waymouth Street. Secret locations are a thing of the past, but the lineup's still solid, featuring DJs from across the spectrum of dance. Joop, Gleave, AMS, Orbit 1, Jade, Matt-U and Phil Walls are all that've been announced so far, but you can be sure there are more internationals coming, as well as the usual massive lineup of local DJs. The event is 16+ and tickets are available from www.enchantedforest.com.au or from Venuetix outlets.