Fresh

News, announcements and other observations from across the entertainment industry

A History of Skrillex and Electonica Dance Music

Here’s a nice read from Scott Plagenhoef on how ’90s electronica lives on as “EDM” in today’s music scene:

Electronica—the catch-all term used to sell EDM in the U.S. to the ’90s—failed to click, and the industry reaction was akin to collective shame. After electronica, it retreated from dance culture with nearly the same speed it had after its near-catastrophic financial all-in with disco more than 30 years ago. But the example of 1997 is instructive, particularly because that electronic bubble shares so many qualities with the EDM of today. The two moments demonstrate what Americans want from EDM, but the differences between the class of ’97 and 2011 suggest that this time electronic music isn’t going away. For one thing, it’s no longer up to the industry and press to decide its fate.

Agreed. It’s been something of a secret shame to admit any substantial interest in electronic music for most of the last decade or so, and so in that regard, the last few years in particular have been pretty exciting.

And while I’ve had mixed feelings on Skrillex in the past (perhaps because of the past), this piece is on the money in noting that, thanks to the internet and social networks, the genre as a whole has found a more comfortable level of acceptance these days. Bang on.

More at GQ

The Wire’s Michael K. Williams to star as Ol’ Dirty Bastard

One of the 90′s most unique and divisive musical artists will be brought to life on the big screen by the actor behind one of the 00′s most compelling characters. Michael K. Williams, best known as Omar from The Wire, will star in Dirty White Boy.

Based on a true story, DIRTY WHITE BOY chronicles the astounding rise of Jarred Weisfeld, a 22-year-old VH1-intern-turned-manager, and his misadventures with the legendary rapper leading up to the performer’s tragic death in 2004.

Big Baby Jesus, I can’t wait.

Spend an hour with Aziz Ansari for $5

It worked so well for Louis CK that the Parks and Recreation star is also having a go at online-only distribution for his newest hour of comedy, Dangerously Delicious. Looks like the same rules apply—it’s only five bucks, you can download it immediately and he’d really prefer you don’t be a jerk and steal it—and if Ansari is on point as usual, it’s a no-brainer.

I remember saying it was groundbreaking when CK released his special back in December, and I’m happy to see other acts following his lead. Here’s to more comedians (and audiences as well) eschewing the cable networks for this approach.

More at Aziz is Bored

More on Prometheus from Scott, Lindelof and Fassbender

Damon Lindelof (along with Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender), talking to Collider at WonderCon:

With really good stories, you don’t know where it’s going to end. So, this movie, hopefully, will contextualize the original Alien, so that when you watch it again, maybe you know a little bit more. But, you don’t fuck around with that movie. It has to stand on its own.

Followed by a new international trailer from the UK:

Easily my most anticipated movie of the year thus far.

Starr-y thoughts on Mass Effect 3

The ending of Mass Effect 3 caused quite the uproar this week, and Paul is one of the few people I’d trust who’s crushing it right now with his passionate-yet-measured insights and opinions on the matter. I haven’t played the game yet, but I plan to sometime soon. (Yes, spoilers ahead.)

Oh my god, Mass Effect 3, you are not pulling that trite-ass Adam and Eve bullshit. You are not. You are not gazing out over a virginal forest and suggesting that upon this fertile land you will live simply, this time, avoiding the mistakes of the past–not after I spent three games and hundreds of hours staunchly defending the basic idea that this civilization is worthwhile. You wouldn’t just throw all that in my face. Would you? You wouldn’t make an asshole out of me like that, would you?

Or, rather, I was planning to.