April 26th - Uptown Magazine
Grantland’s Humblebrag
The humblebrag — defined by Urban Dictionary as “a form self promotion where the promoter thinks he is, almost subliminally, bragging about himself in the context of a humble statement” — is a skill that has been hyper-developed by our increasing addiction to social media, status updates and the desire to create an online image for ourselves. While humblebraggers come from all walks of life, the celebrity humblebrag is a separate beast. The professional procrastinators over at Grantland have found a new way to waste time, scouring the net for the best in humblebrags and creating monthly power rankings. Parks and Recreation writer Harris Wittels has even convinced someone to create a book based on the column.
Old People Writing on a Restaurant’s Facebook Page
Another Tumblr that feeds off the continually expanding digital culture gap the Interweb is creating between the old and the young and, often, those who understand the appropriate use of technology and social media, and those who don’t. Or maybe people just post a lot of dumb shit on the web and this is one of those collections.
MP3 of the Week: Dubmatix – Happy and Deep Dark Dub
(Subatomic Sound System Instrumental Remix)
What started a modest boutique label whose goal was to document and promote Winnipeg’s burgeoning electronic music scene has grown over the past 11 years into a respected outlet for not only Manitoba-based producers, but Canadian and international talent, as well. Balanced Records’ forward-thinking approach to downtempo, modern bass, broken beat, reggae, dubstep and house has helped shaped its eclectic sound over the past decade. With 34 releases, 317 tracks, 52 artists who span the globe and even one Juno, Balanced has managed to survive, persevere and grow during a very difficult time for the music industry. To celebrate the past 11 years, the release of its new Northern Faction 5 digital compilation and what lies ahead for the hard-working label, the Balanced crew is throwing a party at Pop Soda’s (625 Portage Ave.). The Seed Organization, Kasm, Billy Rockwell, Redworm and Theo Tzu are all on the bill; admission is $10 at the door. Along with throwing an intimate party that will surely sell out (get there early), Balanced is also giving away NYC’s Subatomic Sound System’s instrumental remix of Toronto’s Dubmatix through Soundcloud.
Video of the Week: Felix Cartal - Don’t Turn On The Lights featuring Polina
One of Dim Mak’s Canadian connections, Felix Cartal is back in town to perform at Republic Nightclub on May 4 in support of his new full-length, Different Faces. Cartal’s supersized synths, booming percussion and shock-and-awe bass lines should make him an instant favourite of the Friday-night crowd at the Exchange-area bar. Resident DJ Hollywood Hype, along with Cincinnati’s DJ Clockwork, will also be performing. Tickets are $10 at the door.
