It’s no industry secret that the addition of anthemic vocals can propel a dance track from appreciated instrumental to crossover commercial bomb (see “Fade into Darkness” and “Calling (Lose My Mind)”). Michael Woods’s latest offering ”Platinum Chains” certainly qualifies as the former, and Starkillers & Dmitry KO have arrived with a soaring edit to try and achieve the latter.
By infusing Woods’ already dynamic production with Amba Shepherd’s lovely vocals from their own “Let the Love” release, the duo have successfully married two musical concepts in a decidedly Kaskade-like fashion. As a thank you token to the fans who supported them in Miami this year, Starkillers & Dmitry KO are making the custom edit available for download on the latter’s Soundcloud page below.
Free Download: Soundcloud
The highly-anticipated Hakkasan Las Vegas plans to open its doors next month at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, bringing along a long an impressive list of exclusive DJ residencies to fill the monolithic new megaclub. After announcing Tiësto, Calvin Harris, deadmau5 and Steve Aoki, Hakkasan has revealed the final touches to its impressive residency roster. Bambi, Bingo Players, Bob Sinclar, Dada Life, Danny Avila, Fergie, Hardwell, Laidback Luke, Michael Woods, NERVO, Quintino, R3HAB and Tommy Trash will all have exclusive residencies at both Hakkasan and the iconic WET REPUBLIC pool party.
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Michael Woods is bringing the beats to the Delano Miami Beach this Sunday and he’s got some of the season’s hottest rookies slated to spin supporting sets. The party, which will last from 11pm-5am, will see Spencer Gordon & Triarchy play the opening set followed by Henrix, dBerrie, and David Tort before Woods gets hold of the decks. Dancing Astronaut is giving away a pair of VIP tickets so that one lucky reader and a friend don’t miss out on one of the weekend’s hotter late night events — just enter below the break.
Tickets: Here
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Aside from the December release of “Black Thong” with Chris Lake, Michael Woods has been relatively quiet on the release front. Back by popular demand and supported by Calvin Harris and Fly Eye, Woods comes forth with his latest original production, “Platinum Chains.” Originally premiered on his guest mix for Pete Tong last week, “Platinum Chains” is next-level Woods, with his signature percussion intact and synths magnified for a colossal dance record.
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Purchase: iTunes
Pete Tong is back this week with another Essential Selection featuring a flurry of the best in house music across the dance music spectrum. English producer Michael Woods, known best for work with Deadmau5 and Chris Lake, showcases his favorite tunes at the moment, including his newest release, “Platinum Chains,” and Vince Moogin’s “Love Me Right.”
Last week’s Essential New Tune, Hot Natured & Anabel Englund’s “Reverse Skydiving,” was succeeded by Footprintz “Fear of Numbers,” a Montreal-based synth-pop duo signed to Visionquest Records. Progressive lovers were treated to Tiesto’s new remix of “Clarity” as well as Lazy Rich’s “Insomnia,” Jeremy Olander’s “Let Me Feel,” among others.
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No Sugar Added will once again land in Miami for a weekend of day-long partying and dance music excellence at Nikki Beach. Stage sponsors have recently been announced and Musical Freedom, Ministry of Sound, Defected, Music On, and Dancing Astronaut will each host staged teeming with talented producers. The full lineup, which spans across two days and six stages includes headliners such as Dennis Ferrer, Marco Carola, Arty, and Michael Woods, among others. Jump below the break for the lineup in full and don’t forget to purchase tickets here.
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Well, as predicated by the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, it’s the end of the world as we know it. Unfortunately, only one of us is John Cusack, so the rest of us have no choice but to party into oblivion. At least we can thank the Mayans for conceding doomsday to a Friday. To accompany Armageddon, we have provided a list of tunes that will add appropriate theme music to the backdrop of imminent annihilation. Hopefully, you can find consolation in their uplifting message. Godspeed.
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On a collaboration-heavy Monday, Chris Lake and Michael Woods are showing off their latest effort, “Black Thong.” This club friendly production boasts the signature weapons from each producer’s arsenals. Michael’s beloved drum grooves along with Chris’ melodic builds and frenetic synth warps make for a dance floor killer in the most complete form. Coming from neither Woods’ Diffused or Lake’s Rising imprints, “Black Thong” has been released via Ultra Records and is available on Beatport today.
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Purchase: Beatport
Back in 2010, Michael Woods released a dance floor classic known as “No Access.” Two years later, that track has been rebuilt with a vocal from Ester Dean, and has been renamed “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Modernizing throwback dance tunes for the pop climate of 2012 has been trending of late, and its never fun to see old favorites make friendly with the radio. However, Woods is sure to please everybody with his latest release, including the vocal mix, the instrumental, and a remix from R3hab & ZROQ — delivering versions for the commercially inclined, dance floor oriented, and more.
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Purchase: Beatport
Best of Instagram is a feature from Dancing Astronaut that showcases our favorite pictures from our favorite DJs on Instragram each week. This week, we’ve got gems from Deadmau5, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and more.
Do you want to have your photos included in our Best of Instagram feature? All you have to do to be eligible is use the hashtag “#astrogram” in your photo entry on Instagram. Keep your photos DA or dance music-related, and we’ll choose one user-submitted photo to include each week. Click past the break to see this week’s #astrogram contest winner.
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