Photo Credit: Julianne Thompson

 The atmosphere’s synergetic eager anticipation was enough to make everyone thrilled to be present at the show. The audience ranged from neon clad teenagers to middle aged DJ junkies donning mouse ears made out of glow sticks. Dubstep openers, Feed Me and Excision, fed the flame of excitement that the crowd already possessed. The light shows accompanied with looping background videos captured the essence of what it feels like to be present at a true dubstep or electronica DJ set. Beaming colorful splashes of light, heart thumping bass and the necessary spectator to DJ connection steered the show in the right direction before deadmau5 even made it on stage.

The lights blink off and immediately the audience screams and jumps as the Canadian producer and DJ enters the stage wearing his signature mouse head with glowing eyes. The set kicked off with “FML” and fuchsia laser lights. “Sometimes Things Get, Whatever” begins to play as layers of pulsating beats were mixed within the set. Just when I thought the crowd couldn’t get anymore crazed than it already was, deadmau5 kicked things up a notch with “Sofi Needs A Ladder.” SOFI (Some Other Female Interest) dressed in a sequined get-up struts onto the stage to partner with deadmau5 on one of the hottest tracks on his 4X4=12 album. SOFI remained on stage to perform another track from 4X4=12, “One Trick Pony”. Towards the end of the set, the background video showcased an electronic mouse playing in the circa 1985 Nintendo video game classic, Super Mario Brothers. The set ends with a backdrop of “Game Over” in illuminated block letters.

Overall, the show was intoxicating from both a visual and musical perspective. deadmau5 is the quintessence of what an authentic multi-talented DJ truly is.

Photo Credit: Julianne Thompson

New York City is the capital of the world. With its culturally rich historic background, and diverse residents, NYC will remain one fo the most coveted places to live in the world. But where does one start to even attempt at finding a home in this concrete jungle? There are so many factors to weigh out when deciding on that perfect NYC lifestyle everyone craves. Here. we bring you our list of neighborhoods in the city that we feel stand out among the rest.

Best for nightlife:

          1. Lower East Side

This pick may surprise a few. But think again, because the lower east side is not only packed with nightlife but its also safe and relatively inexpensive compared to that of its neighbors. There are definitely a few drawbacks though- think noise and dirtiness- but for those who like to live where they party this is definitely a good option.

Housing Cost: 2 bedroom, $1675

Safety:

         2. Tribeca

If your motto is “safety first” then this is the place for you. Unfortunately, in this city, safety usually comes with a price- and in this case it’s a big one. While this neighborhood is blessed with little crime, great schools and a vibrant community, living here is not cheap. However, while the price tag is high the payoff is higher.

Tribeca; photo by Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao; image courtesy of nymag.com

Best for Families:

       3. Park Slope

Over the last few years, Park Slope has become the latest neighborhood to undergo the gentrification process. While some have mocked Park Slope’s new up-and-coming hipster vibe, there is no doubt that this neighborhood now has plenty to offer. Park Slope has great schools, low crime, plenty of parks and is only about a half hour commute to the Upper West Side. For families looking for a safe community at a good price this is the place to look. But look fast, Park Slope is making a fast ascension out of the middle class budget.

2 Bedroom: $1700

3 Bedroom: $3300

† http://www.parkslopeapt.com

         4. Sunnyside

This is Queens treasure is perfect for commuting families on a tight budget. The subway to Midtown takes only about sixteen minutes and prices are usually pretty reasonable. Ultimately, what this community lacks in nightlife, shopping and restaurants it makes up for in accessibility, prices, safety and good schools.

         5. Morningside Heights

2 Bedroom: $3500

While it may be on the pricier side, this area has great restaurants and shopping, with occupancy of a younger crowd. Families can enjoy some peace and quiet, as the nightlife is not as prominent. It is easily accessible, which makes it a great location for traveling to and from other areas of the city.

Morningside Heights; Ari Mintz for The New York Times

        6. Williamsburg

2 Bedroom: $1699

3 Bedroom: $2299

† Craigslist listings

This multicultural area of Brooklyn has a large religious Jewish population, with a growing young and trendy scene. The area has become an influential hot-spot for indie rock, hipster culture, and has been the home for many local art enthusiasts. As rapid development in retail space continues to grow, there has been an influx in the population that currently resides in this area.

         7. Astoria

2 Bedroom: $2000

3 Bedroom: $2700

†http://apartments.oodle.com/astoria-ny/

This safe and quiet area of Queens has cheaper-priced living spaces. Located  on the northwestern corner of the borough, Astoria is within a quick and easy commuting route into Manhattan. The area is traditionally Greek, but residents from many ethnic backgrounds reside in this historic neighborhood.

Victorian houses in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. Image courtesy of Rebecca Lewinter

      8. Ditmas Park

2 bedroom: $1,575

http://www.trulia.com/for_rent/NY/Brooklyn,5102,Flatbush_-_Ditmas_Park/

Over the years, Ditmas Park has become a diverse neighborhood full of musicians, older folk, and young families. As the interest for Ditmas Park continues to grow, with New Yorkers wanting to leave the busy streets of Manhattan for a calmer, family-friendly setting, the Victorian flare of this neighborhood, along with its diverse groups of people, continues to win over new residents. More and more people are moving to the area in search of Victorian houses that give you bigger bang for your buck. The area is filled with hip restaurants, and night-time hotspots. It has the perfect balance of hip and cool, without being chaotic.

Image courtesy of http://sociallysuperlative.com/

For the third year in a row, Mayor Bloomberg, the CFDA, NYC & Company, and VOGUE bring you Fashion’s Night Out, an incredible after-hours shopping experience, where celebrities and designers mingle with shoppers at some of  the most anticipated events this year – and this Thursday in no exception!

See Marc Jacobs and Dakota Fanning promote the Oh, Lola fragrance in SoHo, or check out Nicola Formichetti’s Pop- Up shop on Walker street, and if you’re lucky, you might even see Lady Gaga perform.  Saks on 5^th will have a braiding bar with designer Rebecca Minkoff and blogger Leandra Medine. Macy’s in Herald Square with have personal appearances by Kelly Rowland, Jason Wu, Bobbi Brown, Anna Dello Russo, and Karoline Kurkova. Barneys New York will be donating 10% of its sales to the  National September 11 Memorial & Museum, helping mark the tenth anniversary of one of the nation’s most tragic events.

This year, the party is even bigger and better than before, especially when consumers all over the world can participate from their computers at home at select online retailers.

FNO was originally started in 2009 to regain consumer confidence and boost the economy during the heart of the recession. Three years later and FNO is one of the biggest anticipated dates in the fashion community, not just in New York City, but in over 100 cities nationwide.

Plan your evening wisely, because there will be plenty to see!

For a list of events and participating retailers, visit: http://fashionsnightout.com/

True to those weather warnings, on Sunday, the clouds rolled in as the fans rolled up. The prognosis seemed gloomy. However, in the end, there was definitely a silver lining to the clouds.

While only about half of all the ticket holders actually showed up to the festival, it seemed as if the flood warnings managed to separate out the true fans from the rest of those who bought tickets. Even though Identity Fest was left with a half empty venue, it was filled solely with those die-hard electronic fans willing to brave the rain for the music.

And the music definitely made the rain (and possible contraction of pneumonia) worth it.

Starting at 2, music continuously played from the three stages set up in the PNC Banks Arts venue. Early in the day, Chuckie took the main stage. The house-master sampled everything from Nirvana to Adele and audience members responded with dancing and some Jersey-style first pumping. Datsik, LA Riot and DJ Shadow took over from there and followed through with equal success.

By the time the final acts, Steve Aoki and Kaskade, took their respective stages the rain had cleared and fans were ready to shed their rain jackets and dance. Kaskade spun from his tall tower on the main stage while Aoki bounced around and popped champagne from the Dim Mak stage. Both artists blessed their enduring crowds with fresh tracks and exciting performances. By the time the sets wrapped up, fans were dry, satisfied and exhausted.

Ultimately, the day could have easily been a wash out, but thanks to the devoted fans and the energetic artists, Holmdel’s Identity Fest was a thundering success.

Missed Identity Fest this past Sunday? Identity will be making stops at Camden this Friday and then Jones Beach on Sunday.

For tickets go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Identity-Festival-tickets/artist/159632

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

After the success of its first collaboration in the spring, the fashion house Rodarte has teamed up with Opening Ceremony yet again, for its second collection for Fall 2011.  Kate and Laura Mulleavy were inspired by Scandinavia, with pieces ranging from Nordic themed prints, and tiered fabrics, to cable-knits and pinafore-inspired dresses. Patterned harem pants, and long haired winter coats, are all part of this whimsical collection. Opening Ceremony has done very successful collaborations with entities such as Chloe Sevigny and Pamela Love, and also sells popular brands such as Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, and Jeremy Scott.

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Shop pieces from the Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Spring 2011 collection here!

1. Reptar

No, it’s not the dinosaur we all know and love from Rugrats. It’s the latest band on the electronic-dance scene. When it comes to Reptar, think Animal Collective mixed with Prince and a sprinkling of the Jackson 5. And with this fun, pop-y band the members are just as eclectic as the music they make. The four members come from all over, hailing from Atlanta all the way to Brazil. Reptar’s mix of synthesizers, electronic instruments, and funky lyrics are the perfect combination to make you want to just get up and dance. Their much-anticipated debut EP, titled Oblangle Fizz Y’all, dropped August 2 and with a tour with Foster the People and The Cult set for fall, Reptar will have you rocking out in no time.

2. Pepper Rabbit

Just throw in some trumpets, accordions, banjos, a ukulele, and a piano and you have the charming sounds of Pepper Rabbit. Likened to bands such as Passion Pit and Ra Ra Riot, the accompaniment of all these instruments and some electronic sounds gives this band a full and satisfying sound. With all these different elements incorporated it’s difficult to properly classify Pepper Rabbit into just one genre. Some may call it Folk, others Progressive or even Pop. For now, lets just go with awesome. Look out for their second LP titled Red Velvet Snowball, set to release on August 9.

3. Dominant Legs

The Dominant Legs clan is finally stepping out of its native San Fransico base and treating the rest of the US to their happy-go-lucky pop sound. September 27 will mark the release of their first full-length album titled Invitation. With perfectly in sync harmonizing from the soulful Ryan Lynch and and the haunting Hannah Hunt, the first single off the album, Hoop of Love, is a sure to become an instant favorite in the happy-to-be-in-love song genre. The single, which has already been released online, has left fans eager for the rest of the album.

4. Graffiti6

Graffiti6 is the collaboration of two major talents of the music world. The funky pop/rock duo includes UK producer TommyD (whose worked with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kylie Minogue) and singer/songwriter Jamie Scott (who previously toured with Alicia Keys and Kelly Clarkson). In early 2010 the two released their first EP, Stare into the Sun, which immediately became a hit in their resident UK. Their later album release, Colours, gained themselves a US fan base and have been on the fast track to stardom ever since. Graffiti6 has already been featured on hit shows such as One Tree Hill, Grey’s Anatomy and Teen Wolf. The golden boys of Graffiti6 are now spreading their musical talent in a US tour.

5. Guti

This native Argentinian is bringing something new to house music. With a background in folk, blues, rock and jazz, Guti entered the electronic world with fresh eyes and a complete musical repertoire. He samples all types of music, bringing a hypnotic and refreshing element to the genre. Following the release of his first album, Heels of Stunning, Guti spent this past summer on tour where his live performances entranced fans in Canada, Mexico and the US- he is even set to play at the upcoming Electric Zoo in New York. Guti is different and fun, with an appeal that is sure to land him on playlists and in dance clubs all over.

Image courtesy of A.Z Araujo Press Team

New York-based and Brazilian-born swim and resort-wear designer A.Z Araujo presented his 2012 collection resort collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, on July 18. The star studded runway featured celebrities  Adrienne Bailon,  member of “The Cheetah Girls,” “The Real Housewives of Miami” cast mate Adriana De Moura and “Marina” telenovela actress Aylin Mujica.

The edgy and luxurious designs, embellished with Swarovski crystals included one piece bathing suits, with unexpected, sexy cut-outs, and snuggly-fit men’s’ swimwear.

Adriana De Moura; Image courtesy of A.Z Araujo Press Team

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to present during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim and share my vision of life and its amazing beauty with others through my designs,” said Araujo in a press release. “I drew inspiration for this collection from all aspects of life. I was inspired by memories of my time in Brazil with my family, the land, the sun, and the sea; by the amazing fashion and grandness of New York City; by movies; by architecture; by all that passes me everyday. From these shapes of life and images, I create and design.”

Aylin Mujica, A.Z Araujo, Adriana De Moura;Adrienne Bailon; Image courtesy of A.Z Araujo Press Team

The Brazilian-born actor turned fashion designer founded his design house in 2008. He became a sensation last year with his luxurious swimwear, with designs worn by famous entities such as, Miss Universe, Wendy Raquel Robison, Natalia Castro and Cynthia Bailey.

Erica; Image courtesy of A.Z Araujo Press Team

Yerksin; Image courtesy of A.Z Araujo Press Team

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For more information, visit: www.azaraujo.org

Perhaps the most highly anticipated tour of the season, the “Watch the Throne” tour celebrates the CD collaboration of
hip-hop superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West . Due to high demand, concerts had to be added to the tour- even before the duo’s CD dropped. Ticket prices are set to be in the higher price range but with this much talent these two are sure to deliver.

2. Meowingtons Hax Tour: Deadmau5

Kicking off on August 7 at Chicago’s Lollapalooza Music Festival, Deadmau5’s Meowingtons Hax tour is scheduled to take the US and

Canada by storm. The electronic music producer/performer has reached a new level of popularity in the last couple years, moving up from small clubs to selling out amphitheatres. The tour will feature a brand new production fit to match deadmau5’s rising popularity and supreme talent.

3. Jason Mraz

The soulful and spunky Jason Mraz is back. After spending months in the studio working on a new album, the tour will debut some of Mraz’s latest material. The tour will take the artist coast to coast, with about 20 concerts scheduled along the way. With a mix of the old and the new Jason Mraz is sure to not miss a beat.

4. Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights

Coming off of a massive summer tour, Pretty Lights recently announced plans for an even more massive fall tour. Pretty Lights aka Derek

Vincent Smith, has been hard at work preparing new tracks for the 6-week, cross-country fall tour. Meanwhile, the creation of the new Pretty Lights set is underway, bringing with it a promise of new level of sophistication and excitement. The combination of new music and a new set will make Pretty Lights a must-see for fall, and with the DJ stopping in almost every major city in the country, there’s no excuse to miss him.

5. Empire of the Sun

Since making their US debut last August, this synthpop duo from Down Under has been welcomed with open arms and enthusiastic fans. Their electronic, new wave sound is bizarre and fun- guaranteeing a dance party no matter what concert you choose to attend.

Also check out: The Head and the Heart, Phish, Sade, Bright Eyes, Lotus, Peter Bjorn and John, Ben Harper

Previously banished to basements and underground clubs, electronic music has reached a new level of popularity over the last couple years. With the explosion of the genre, this sort of festival was just waiting to be created. And the creation of Identity Fest officially allows electronic music to be recognized as a force to be reckoned in the mainstream music world.

Despite its infancy, Identity plans to debut big. The tour kicks off in Indianapolis on August 11 and will make stops in 20 cities including San Francisco, Miami and Dallas until its final show in Seattle on September 10. Each stop will feature some of the biggest artists in the electronic world.
Veteran artists Kaskade, Booka Shade and Steve Aoki will be joining other fan favorites, such as Chuckie, Holy Ghost! and Datsik. Different destinations will feature a variation of this lineup. Philadelphia, for instance, will also feature Rusko, Skrillex and the Disco Biscuits.

The Identity Fest tables don’t start spinning until August. Until then, electronic music fans will just have to wait in anticipation for the beat to drop.

For tickets go to: www.IDFestival.com