The multi-platinum selling diva that is Lady Gaga is again in the headlines. Her new album ‘ARTPOP’ was released on November 11 and reviews have been raving – bad and good. Gaga herself has let fans know this is her first ‘real album’ and is about a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Perhaps the reference to the phoenix has something to do with her struggle with smoking pot. In a recent interview with The Sun she said that she is the “soberest” she has been in 5 years, admitting a brain-numbing cycle of “smoke, sing, sleep”. Now no longer smoking 15 joints a day, Gaga feels reborn? This new album though, does signal a return to the spotlight after Gaga was forced to keep things quiet whilst recovering from hip surgery.

Gaga gave a live performance on Monday night at the Brooklyn docks in New York to launch the release of this third album, Artpop, launched in collaboration with artist Jeff Koons. The audience was a hand picked collection of crazy fans and some were almost as outrageous as Gaga herself – men in drag, fishnets everywhere, stilettos and glitter and everyone dancing like crazy.

Gaga didn’t disappoint her fans with her live performance. She even took off in a Volantis – a concept flying machine and was propelled through the air for a few minutes in knee-high sparkly boots and a black leotard.

Gaga stated “the point of ARTPOP is that art and pop can have an exchange”. She also said at the launch party “I think that anytime you have a voice in the world and you’re a public figure if you have the potential to start a revolution I feel it is your duty to do so.”

Gaga speaks to her fans at the launch party

Gaga performs ‘Artpop’ at the launch party

After listening to the entire album, it seems to be about everything and anything… random and wacky, current and old fashioned… with song themes yo-yoing from sex to ambition, fans to love, freedom and Aphrodite’s.



As a whole, the album is quite bizarre and seems to really veer off into GaGa land, but there are some upbeat collaborations with artists such as R. Kelly, Twista and T.I which seem to normalize the unleashed madness which is Lady GaGa. Of course the well known ”Applause” being the most popular track and the only song with a music video so far, already played millions of times online.




TRACKLIST:
1. Aura
2. Venus
3. G.U.Y. (Girl Under You)
4. Sexxx Dreams
5. Jewels & Drugs (featuring T.I., Too $hort & Twista) [Explicit]
6. MANiCURE
7. Do What You Want (featuring R. Kelly) [Explicit]
8. ARTPOP
9. Swine
10. Donatella
11. Fashion!
12. Mary Jane Holland
13. Dope
14. Gypsy
15. Applause


Gaga performs ‘Applause’ at the launch party

Once again Miley Cyrus managed to cause uproar at the MTV Europe Music Awards held yesterday evening at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.
If twerking on a latex covered dwarf, called ‘Little Britney’ wasn’t strange enough, she decided to shock spectators by lighting up a doobie onstage after receiving her award for Best Video. Oh well, I guess it was Amsterdam…
Miley was not the only one eager to show off her sexy moves, the shows’ Host Redfoo from LMFAO couldn’t get out of his suit quick enough to reveal what we can only assume is his favourite pair of sparkly speedos…

All the other performances were equally as dramatic, with Katy Perry singing suspended in mid-air and Robin Thicke continuing his controversial style whilst trying to cram as many half naked ladies onto the stage as possible.

Eminem, though was the real star of the show, taking home 3 awards, two for Global Icon and one for Best Hip Hop…all this on the same day as he was celebrating his seventh consecutive chart-topping UK album!

Here’s who won what:

Best UK & Ireland Act
Nominated: Calvin Harris, One Direction, Olly Murs, Ellie Goulding, Rudimental
Winner: One Direction

Global Icon Award
Winner: Eminem

Best Look
Nominated: Justin Timberlake, Harry Styles, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Lady Gaga
Winner: Harry Styles

Biggest Fans
Nominated: Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Tokio Hotel, 30 Seconds to Mars, One Direction
Winner: Tokio Hotel

Best Song
Nominated: Daft Punk, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Robin Thicke
Winner: “Locked Out Of Heaven”, Bruno Mars

Best Hip-Hop
Nominated: Eminem, Drake, Jay Z, Kanye West, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Winner: Eminem

Best Alternative
Nominated: Arctic Monkeys, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, 30 Seconds To Mars, Franz Ferdinand
Winner: 30 Seconds To Mars

Best Female
Nominated: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift
Winner: Katy Perry

Best New Act
Nominated: Icona Pop, Bastille, Imagine Dragons, Rudimental, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Winner: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Rock
Nominated: Black Sabbath, Green Day, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age, Kings of Leon
Winner: Green Day

Best Electronic
Nominated: Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Avicii, Daft Punk, Skrillex
Winner: Avicii

Best Male
Nominated: Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Eminem, Justin Bieber
Winner: Justin Bieber

Worldwide Act
Nominated: Justin Bieber, Fresno, Exo, Lena, Chris Lee, Marco Mengoni, One Direction, Cody Simpson, Bednarek, Ahmed Soultan
Winner: Chris Lee

Best Pop
Nominated: Katy Perry, One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift
Winner: One Direction

Best Live
Nominated: P!nk, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Green Day, Justin Timberlake
Winner: Beyoncé

Best World Stage
Nominated: Alicia Keys, The Black Keys, Fun, Garbage, Green Day, Jason Mraz, Jessie J, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Linkin Park No Doubt, Paramore, Rita Ora, Robin Thicke, Snoop Dogg/Lion, The Killers
Winner: Linkin Park

Best Video
Nominated: Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke, 30 Seconds to Mars, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake
Winner: “Wrecking Ball”, Miley Cyrus

Best Push
Nominated: A$AP Rocky, Twenty One Pilots, Rudimental, Tom Odell, Karmin, Imagine Dragons, Bastille, Austin Mahone, Bridgit Mendler, Icona Pop, Iggy Azalea
Winner: Austin Mahone

Artist On The Rise
Nominated: Cher Lloyd, Cody Simpson, Austin Mahone, Lorde, Bridget Mendler, Ariana Grande
Winner: Austin Mahone

If you’re the type that likes to party, then we know you’ve been to a few night clubs in your time, but have you been to the biggest, best or most luxurious? They may be scattered across different countries and continents, but what they all have in common is a great combination of decor, DJs, atmosphere and unbeatable cocktails.

We have used 3 criteria to compile this list: What does it look/feel like? What’s the music like? How hot is the vibe?

1. Pacha – Ibiza, Spain
Capacity: 3.000
Consisting of five different rooms and featuring a variety of music, there’s something for everyone at Pacha! The R&B hip-hop Global Room, which was the first main room back in 1973, the Funky Room for an array of 80s and 90s disco beats, the new Main Room for house and techno, the downstairs which features Sweet Pacha for retro pop, and then up on the Roof Terrace it’s a place for lounge and chillout.
Although party goers flock to Pacha for the fantastic cocktails and aforementioned set up, nothing tops the resident DJs that really give the place its massive reputation. Bob Sinclair, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and Goldfish are just some of the sought-after artists making the place what it’s turned out to be: a party heaven.
http://www.pacha.com/es/

2. Ministry of Sound – London, England
Capacity: 2.000
Revolving around the ingenuity of music and dance together, it features a sprung floor which enables you to dance for hours without tiring and a specially-built roof to contain the sound. It was London’s first club devoted to the American house music, therefore a landmark in history. Among the famous artists that play there are: Calvin Harris, Mark Knight, Fedde Le Grand, Eric Prydz, Laidback Luke and so many more.
You know a club takes its music seriously when it has its very own record label and radio station. With its unbeatable sound system, incredible strobe lights and distinguished design, it has made itself out to be one of the best international nightclubs of all time.
www.ministryofsound.com/club

3. The Bank – Las Vegas, United States
Capacity: 1.000
Complete and utter luxury would be a good way to describe this gorgeous club. Located inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino at the heart of the world famous Strip, the Bank is seen as the jewel in the crown of Las Vegas nightlife. Upon entering you pass 500 bottles of Cristal Champagne hanging from the ceiling, and it’s glass-encased dance floor just adds to the jaw-dropping experience. This distinguished club offers only the best in packages when it comes to group events. They can arrange almost everything and anything to sculpt your party into a serious VIP affair.
www.thebanklasvegas.com

4. Zouk – Singapore
Capacity: 1.500
Said to be a ”national phenomenon”, this is one of the oldest and most popular nightclubs in Singapore.The club is named after the French Creole word for ‘party’ and the parties here define the word ‘crazy’!
Featuring four interconnected clubs within the complex: Zouk, Velvet, Ungerground, Phuture and Wine Bar. Mimicking the great idea of Pacha of having different clubs within one club. Wine Bar is the most recent addition and features a contemporary design and relaxed setting. The club’s logo has remained unchanged since its birth, “The Zouk logo uses pseudo Arabic script because of the origin of the word ‘souk’,” explained Zouk’s Head of Marketing and Events, Timothy Chia. “The logo is a mixture of the sun, the all seeing eye and the sea.” It’s slogan has become a kind of mantra: One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance.
www.zoukclub.com

5. Green Valley – Camboriu, Brazil
Capacity: 4.000
The combination of exotic women, the incredible location, and renowned artist Armin Van Buuren self proclaiming it to be ”the best nightclub in the world”, how could it not make our list of top nightclubs worldwide? It’s certainly the best open air dance space you will ever witness. In a story published in 2012 in Forbes magazine about the ascent of electronic music in Brazil, the city of Camboriu was presented as “the captial of e-music” – due mainly to the presence of Green Valley and another club, Warung. Green Valley draws the superstars of the DJ world to play in it’s breath-taking location.
http://www.greenvalley.art.br


6. LIV – Miami
Capacity: 900
This nightclub seems to be home of hip hop artist celebrities and Hollywood A-listers. There’s no surprise there, as this really is the place to be if you’re in Miami and in search of a truly exclusive night life experience. The high-energy vibe and awesome layout keep people coming back for more. You can be a VIP in one of the skyboxes and have a birds-eye view of the most beautiful people in Miami. These parties will last all night long, and the hangover will be worth it!
http://www.livnightclub.com/



7. Cielo – New York City, United States
Capacity: 350
Located in New York City’s Meatpacking District, this legendary nightclub is outright loved and adored by the locals. It runs on pure underground dance music and the people who can’t get enough of it. The intimate space makes for a ”back to basics” feel that is said to have a womb-like, sonic warmth. Cielo is the brainchild of co-owner Nicolas Matar who’s experience comes form being a DJ for more than 20 years – known mainly for his residency in Pacha, Ibiza. The clubs ‘Funktion One’ British-designed sound system is like no other, it’s all about the music and dancing at Cielo – their motto is “Dance.Here.Now”. Their website says “Cielo is a haven for mature individuals seeking intelligent nightlife with neither the hassles of large clubs nor the elitism of upscale lounges with too many VIP rooms.” See you on the dancefloor then.
http://www.cieloclub.com/



8. The Viper Room – California, United States
Capacity: 250
Once co-owned by actor, Johnny Depp, The Viper Rooms’ musical stage was a playground for some big legends back when it first opened in 1993. Johnny and his band often took the stage, joined on occasion by Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Steve (Sex Pistols). Following them was Bruce Springstein, performing impromptu concerts and then there was Johnny Cash, who was introduced to the stage by Depp himself with the words ”Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t believe I get to say this: Johnny Cash!”
Since then it has remained the hang out for the biggest names in Hollywood, and to this day a humbling supporter of local music. Regulars have included Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Marie Presley, Angelina Jolie and Leonardo DiCaprio.
It’s intimate interior makes for a great place to get together and enjoy up and coming artists who perform there regularly. However, things at the Viper Room have not always been peachy… with Tommy Lee charged with battery and River Phoenix dying of an overdose on a Halloween party, that’s just some of the tragic scandals that have occurred within it’s dark walls. But don’t let that put you off – it’s a must-do visit if you are in LA – check the website to see who’s performing.
http://www.viperroom.com/

9.) Cavo Paradiso – Mykonos, Greece
Capacity: 3.000
With an address like Paradise Beach, you know you’re on the right track. This enchanting club was built on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the Aegean Sea. The architecture stays true to the beautiful surrounding nature and many would agree the interior design gives the impression of being in a grand, luxurious aquarium. With a massive pool as the centerfold, and a seriously endless list of fantastic DJs that have played there and been back to play again, you can imagine why thousands of people cram themselves in for a rave night after night. It’s an experience everyone should have under their belt!
http://www.cavoparadiso.gr/

10.) Womb – Tokyo, Japan
Capacity: 1.000
This place has a heartbeat sounding of techno, electro and drum & bass – Tokyo style! It’s sound system has rave reviews, with digital frequencies in such high quality it has been causing many-a-eargasm. The four-floor glitzy club heaven features many overseas artists for events, but mainly keeps it local with a long list of talented Japanese DJs, some already in the midst of it all, and others still trying to get a foothold in the competitive field. Womb takes it parties to another level of quality commotion, with one of it’s most famous being the ‘Womb Adventure’ festival, hosted every year and attracting up to 10,000 people every edition!
http://www.womb.co.jp/

We meet with the young and very talented Lodewijk Fluttert – the Psychology undergraduate student turned deep house DJ/producer, Bakermat – whose harmonious alloy of natural talent, fruitful procrastination and social networking, has served as a catalyst to get him to the big leagues.

In the short space of a year, his melodic happy-go-lucky sounds and positive messages, have filled the souls of his listeners, and, like a chemical reaction, have taken him to a transcendental level. Following the release of his first EP Vandaag & Zomer, Bakermat has reached number 1 in Holland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium and Switzerland.

His beautifully sampled soul-infused tracks are the ideal match for a sunset party on a white sandy beach. As night falls, the moon begins to shine, and the music starts to play, a little bit of magic “Fluttert’s” in the air. With a humble and gracious tenor, Bakermat opens up to tell us what it’s like to have seen his life take a breathtaking and unexpected turn…

How did you manage to get so many followers in such a short period of time?
It happened pretty randomly actually. I never really did a big promo campaign or anything. I think the main reason for the quick growth is the music. It’s a new kind of sound that the current generation digs.

To what extent do you think that social networking is vital to the success of an artist?
I think it’s really important. I created a career out of it. I started with nothing, didn’t even know what a label was. I just put my tracks on SoundCloud and through the power of sharing it went viral. Communication via Facebook and Twitter is a very easy way to connect with your fans. Media is really useful in spreading new music to people that wouldn’t normally listen to your kind of music.

How did you and Koodbloe get together?
I signed with Koodbloe last year. They saw my big growth on the Internet and contacted me. I really didn’t know what to do with all the booking requests that I got in my mailbox, so they helped me with it. Eventually, I signed for a full management contract with them. They are one of the best things that happened to me.

Your first EP releases, “Vandaag” and “Zomer”, were at Delicious Records, a French label. You’ve developed a strong relationship with the French… What’s the story behind that?
I really don’t know. (Haha!). I think my specific sound is exactly what the French like. It’s very melodic and contains a lot of classical instruments. I can’t really find another reason actually!

How does it feel to have seen your EP reach the iTunes electronic music top 10 in Europe, becoming no1 in Holland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland?
It’s really crazy to see that. I still can’t really believe it’s that popular. I made the tracks in my student room, with no idea what I was doing whatsoever. I made them for myself because I was bored of cleaning up my room. My roommates came in and told me to put them online. One thing led to another and now I’m suddenly in the charts! It’s a weird, but beautiful feeling.

What inspired you to incorporate Martin Luther King’s powerful “I have a dream” speech in your track “Vandaag”?
I think it’s the best speech ever written and narrated. The speech is music itself. I thought it would be nice to ‘remix’ it and so, I started the track “Vandaag” from scratch, with only the speech to draw inspiration from. I made the chords and built stuff up around it. Martin Luther King remains one of the best speechmakers ever.

How did you first come about fusing jazz and blues elements to your deep house beats?
I always loved jazz, blues and soul. They are my great inspirations. I have almost 200.000 jazz/blues/soul records in my collection. I started collecting them when I was 13, and I’ve never stopped collecting them. At a certain point (I guess when I turned 16) I started listening to electronic music too. The idea of fusing the two emerged when I was studying in my room. I had a deep house track playing in the background, and suddenly I realized the genres were a good match.

Do you play any of the instruments featured on your tracks yourself? How do you come up with such catchy “feel-good” instrumental riffs?
I play the piano, and I used to play the saxophone. But in my tracks I use a lot of samples. I cut them up into a certain sequence that I like, or I just use the original ones. I think sampling is an art of it’s own. You have to find or create that perfect riff out of a bunch of samples or tracks, and have to come up with a good chord progression that fits.

What do you prefer – the creative process behind the music or the live interaction with the crowd?
I like being in the studio better than performing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like performing. Performing can give me goose bumps and can make me really happy if I have a great crowd. But there’s nothing that can beat the feeling of being in the studio and coming up with a musical idea. That moment, the moment when you finally have it just the way you like it, it’s magic.

What do you think is the biggest element that contributed to your success?
Having a new sound – I wanted to create a fresh, specific and unique sound. I think that’s the only way to gather a great amount of loyal fans. It’s the basic element to being a musician/producer/DJ.

You have some upcoming shows alongside Goldfish. How does it feel to play with such talented artists?
The guys from Goldfish are still my big example. They have massive tunes and are one of the best live acts I know. I’m honoured to be on the same stage with them, and I try to learn a lot from them. They have been in the business a lot longer than I have, so they can teach me a few things. (Haha!). I’ve played with them a couple of times and we’ve become friends, so it’s always fun to have gigs with them.

It’s only the beginning for you… What has been the most exciting moment so far?
I’ve had too many to just pick one! I’ve been on stages playing for more than 50,000 people; I’ve played in countries I never thought I would visit in my life. It feels like it’s all just one big dream and I could wake up at any moment and find myself back in my messy student room.

Who are you working with on your album at the moment? Will there be any surprises?
Well, I’m currently experimenting with a lot of new instruments like guitars and violins. I’ve also really dug into old American folk music, soul and blues. I try to draw inspiration from these genres and I sometimes use samples from some of these old songs in my new tracks. There will definitely be some surprises. One track I just finished doesn’t contain a beat…

Bakermat’s artful use of suspense and intrigue, with an element of surprise, always leaves us wanting more. One thing is for sure – Bakermat won’t be waking up from his dream anytime soon.

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Bakermat on Tour
Booking & Management Worldwide: thierry@koodbloe.com

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