Every so often, a person comes along whom you might describe as a game-changer. In the music world, it’s usually an emerging artist that shakes up the entire scene because he or she has something new to offer to the table. When trying to identify who that one person is in today’s Tech-House/Techno scene, Lee Foss is atop the list.

The Chicago born DJ/Producer/Record Label owner has been a force to be reckoned with for the past 3 years. Lee Foss was born and raised in Chicago, the birthplace of house, placing him right in the middle of the flourishing disco/house movement of the 90’s. Thus, much of Foss’ influences can be attributed to growing up amidst the Chicago house scene. However, the defining moment that inspired Foss to get serious with his music was a trip to Ibiza in 2001. It was there that Foss discovered the darker, deeper, melodic house sounds that he himself has become so well known for now. Most notably, the infamous Ibiza trip also led Foss to meet his current DJ mate, Jamie Jones, who he currently tours with under the Hot Natured alias.

Foss has since gone on to DJ at some of the most prestigious spots around the globe, including Hollywood’s very own Standard Rooftop. His ‘Hot Creations’ record label is held to high standards by many, and features acts such as Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed, Russ Yallop, and many more.

You can catch Lee Foss this Friday at Dim Mak Studios in Hollywood with Droog. Check out some of Foss’ productions, and be sure to purchase your tickets from the link here!

Hot Creations is taking over the game one DJ at a time. Already known as the label to beat in the tech/deep house world, they have just gotten that much better with the addition of the young and very talented wAFF.

Having already made some noise in the scene as the co-founder of the ever-so-popular club night Koala in Hull, UK, waFF has decided to cross over to the production side of things. His debut “Rainbows EP” features some massive dancefloor bangers hot enough to gain the attention of Hot Creations. The label snagged up wAFF and his debut EP, and is now slowly building up the young mid-20s UK talent to be the next big thing.

Check out these two favorites off the Rainbows EP:

“Jo Johnson” is filled with hand drums, a rolling bass line, juicy snares and hi-hats, and best of all a mesmerizing vocal sample that is sure to get any dance floor up and moving.



“Jeyda” gives us a preview of wAFF’s deeper side with more of lounging vibe. Its deep bass line is complemented by a groovy piano melody, whispered snare and kick drums, and - as always - the signature vocal sample.



Hear more on Soundcloud or Beatport.

We here at Insomniac are excited to bring you this very important announcement… Summer is finally here! We gladly welcome the hot, sunny summer days that scream beachside relaxation, late night clubbing, and all day pool parties! With summer finally here, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to personally introduce you to Infinity Ink’s new track “Infinity,” this summer’s instant anthem track. Infinity Ink is the collaboration of Ali Love and Luca C of the Crosstown Rebels record label. The two made a big splash in the scene not too long ago with their debut track “Games,” which received loads of support. Infinity is their follow-up track and we have to admit, it not only lives up to the hype but far surpasses it. The track’s groovy bass line, funky melody, and contagious lyrics will leave you mesmerized for quite some time. Not only do we guarantee this track will be hot, but Pete Tong himself has gone on to label it a “future anthem for the Ibiza season.” “Infinity” will be released digitally on May 21st. Until then feel free to check it out here, and don’t worry—the urge to hit replay three or four times is perfectly normal!

We probably don’t need to remind you, but EDC Las Vegas is less than three weeks away. With that being said, it’s time to check out some of the artists who will be spinning at the tech-house/techno stage. First up on our list of must see DJs at EDC is the ever-so-popular Seth Troxler. Coming in as the number 2 DJ on this year’s Resident Advisor Top 100 DJ list, Troxler is easily one of the most in-demand DJs.

Hailing from Detroit, the birthplace of techno, Troxler is no stranger to the scene. He began his career at the age of 16 working at a local record shop and eventually earning a residency at Detroit’s “The Work” nightclub. Troxler has come a long way since those days, now residing in Berlin, Germany, where he and the rest of his Visionquest crew have become household names. His deep, groovy, banging techno will have you up and dancing all night long. You might have caught some of Seth Troxler during his back-to-back set with Jamie Jones at this year’s Beyond Wonderland. Well now he’s back in full force rocking the stage at EDC all on his own. Check out Seth Troxler’s recent back-to-back with Ryan Crosson at this year’s WMC Circoloco Party, and be sure to catch him at EDC Las Vegas!

If asked to name the biggest name in the deep/tech house scene right now, it would be difficult to think of anyone other than Hot Creations founder Jamie Jones. He is one of the most in demand DJs of that scene right now. Propelling himself into the number one spot on Resident Advisors Top 100 DJs list this year, Jamie Jones has just been on a tear. From his Hot Creations record label taking off to his countless chart topping remixes, Jamie Jones has single-handedly taken over the game and is showing no signs of slowing down. His remix of “Look Right Through” came out this past February, and it was just re-released on the new Bargrooves compilation in late April. This remix has all the elements needed for a summer classic. From the funky bassline to the soulful vocals, this track is sure to get copious amounts of repeat plays!

The days of illegal underground warehouse rave parties have long been dead. While there are still the occasional few here and there, for the most part, the scene has hit the mainstream. Gone are the days when events were referred to as “raves”; they have now become large festivals—festivals that hold tens of thousands of event goers and countless numbers of DJs and performers. But while the rest of the world is slowly being introduced to the scene that we all care for and love, there are plenty of DJs who remember and cherish those underground days. One of those DJs is none other than the legendary Steve Lawler, founder of ViVa Music.

Steve Lawler has been in the DJ game since the early 90s and has planned his fair share of illegal underground parties. He has gone from playing in overheated warehouses to residencies at some of the greatest clubs in Ibiza. While he has had the opportunity to play at all of these amazing clubs, Lawler feels that now is the perfect time in his career to bring back that underground feel.

With this burning passion to revive the old days of the underground while still keeping it up to par with the modern day festival standards, Steve Lawler has created his new world tour, “LIFE.” Lawler’s hopes this tour is going to bring back the days when attending the party wasn’t for any other reason than for the love of the music. You can read more about Steve Lawler’s “LIFE” world tour here.

The electronic dance music scene took a giant hit today with the resignation announcement of one very legendary and influential DJ: Danny Tenaglia.

Just last week we were raving to you about how amazing it is that Tenaglia has been able to stay on top of his game for the past 30+ years. It came to us as a shock when we heard of the news today that Tenaglia has decided it’s time to hang up the headphones and call it quits—for now at least.

Tenaglia was an influence to many of today’s top DJs in the scene, even some whose styles are far different from Tenaglia’s. Markus Schulz, a longtime vocal supporter of Tenaglia and the influence he’s had on his career, called today a “very sad day in our industry.” We wish Tenaglia all the best in his time away from his DJ career, and we hope to one day see him back on the decks entertaining the masses!

Danny Tenaglia’s goodbye letter to his fans is viewable in the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/DannyTenaglia/posts/10150648499516507

Longevity in the music industry is something that many artists struggle to achieve. As a musician you are constantly under pressure to keep your fans entertained. Many artists will crumble under the pressure of the music industry, but every once in a while there comes along an artist who just can’t seem to be stopped. When it comes to the electronic dance music scene, Danny Tenaglia is one of the first DJs that comes to mind.

Having been in the scene for 30+ years now, Tenaglia has seen almost everything there is to see. From the days when DJs were still associated with radio to now, where DJs are playing international shows live in front of thousands of people. While Tenaglia’s DJ style has seen several changes over his 30-year career, one thing has stayed a constant: his love for the scene. His excitement and motivation for new music is just as big now as it was when his career first started.

Electronic dance music is the fastest growing scene in today’s music industry. The youth of today can’t seem to get enough of the style, and the radio stations can’t seem to play it enough. Stations that once were exclusive to strictly pop and rap have now shifted ways and made room for EDM. As the scene continues to expand each day, it is important that we not forget the DJs who helped build and shape it into the scene we have today.

The link above is of Danny Tenaglia’s most recent interview, in which he describes the start of his DJ career. Also be sure to catch Danny Tenaglia at this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival: Las Vegas!

When it comes to sexy house tracks, there is no DJ hotter than Maceo Plex right now. Since his transformation from dark techno sounds under his Maetrik alias, Maceo Plex has swept the scene off its feet. Maceo made a big impression with his first single “Can’t Leave You,” and has since then shown he is here to stay with tracks like “Stay High Baby,” “Ain’t That Love,” and many more. Maceo’s latest release “Deez Nutz” has been nothing short of a success, reaching first place in Beatport’s Top 100 soon after its release. With its deep groovy bass line and sensual vocals, this track is guaranteed to deliver some major eargasms.



by contributing writer Shahar Aframian