The band’s anticipated release promises to be a bright spot in 2011 music releases.

With this sudden resurgence of arctic air, I’ve been dreaming of warm weather. That’s why this week, I’ve decided to profile one of my favorite Floridian bands, Mayday Parade.

Mayday Parade was founded in 2006 with their first unsigned album, Tales Told By Dead Friends, selling over 20,000 copies. Shortly after, they signed to Fearless Records and released A Lesson in Romantics in July of 2007.

In 2009, Mayday signed to major label Atlantic Records and released their second studio album, Anywhere But Here.

All three albums are beautiful in their own ways. Tales and Lesson both have the strong gruff voice of former vocalist, Jason Lancaster (now of Go Radio) that pulls the pieces together in a calming but effective powerhouse.

After Jason’s departure, the band released Anywhere and the songs on it have their own glorifying nature. They’re just really fun songs with an inspiring message behind many of them. But now, I’d like to talk about an EP that I have a feeling will steal my heart. Valdosta, dropping March 8, is probably one of my most anticipated releases this year.

Mayday has streamed “Terrible Things” off of this album and I got goosebumps from just the first listen. It begins with incredible vocals atop the sounds of a beautiful piano. Then as the song progresses, guitars and more emotion than I thought possible are injected into the mix.

I don’t think the word “floored” even begins to describe my reaction. I have been awaiting a song like this for a very, very long time and I can see that my wait has not been in vain.

These five boys have blown me away and I can bet Valdosta will be one of my favorite albums of 2011.

Be sure to check out Valdosta when it drops on March 8 and all of the other albums available on iTunes. Happy listening!

#1.2042931:3074700092.png:mayday-parade–newmainpub–photo-by-gage-young-extralarge_1296501611254.png:On March 8, Mayday Parade will release an acoustic EP, titled Valdosta, featuring two new songs and acoustic version of four previous songs. hoto by http://press.atlanticrecords.com

From South America to Sioux Falls to all around the world electronic music is spreading like wildfire thanks to its fluid style and great dancing beats. Leo Silva, an electronic music disc jockey, loves to make music that people love dancing to.

Silva has been a disc jockey for 3 years, performing at venues such as The 9 Nightclub in downtown Brookings and various clubs in uptown and downtown Minneapolis. Silva was born in Brazil and later moved to Sioux Falls where he lived and played in the drum line at Lincoln High School. Silva now attends SDSU and is a psychology student.

“I have always been interested in music.” Silva said. “Being a DJ is so creative and expansive, you can create your own music.”

The overall dynamics of electronic music and the popularity of electronic music fueled Silva to become a DJ.

Silva claims there is less competition within the electronic music scene, because of the variety of ways to re-mix the music.

“A lot of electronic music is the reworking of other people’s music.” Silva said. “I’ll take your music and remix or rework it to make it better for a club scene.”

Much of this reworking is done using advances in technology that allow tracks to be stripped or layered. DJ’s can now mix two songs together to create something completely organic.

Silva claims that being a DJ is about mixing songs together or altering certain songs for a new effect.

“Technology really leveled the playing field for this style of music.” Silva said.

The growth of electronic music has played a big role in the growing nightclub scene. Clubs are starting to play electronic music more than other more common styles. The ability to mix and alter songs gives DJs the power to make electronic music appealing to everyone.

“Music is universal” Silva said. Silva has also spent time abroad, in Brazil, and claims that electronic music in South America is huge, bigger than it is in America. In other countries, the over all attendance at electronic music concerts tends to be greater than ones in America.

“In America, Dave Matthews puts on a sold out show of 60,000 people. In South America or Europe there are close to half a million at some shows.” Silva said.

Electronic music is a booming dance and club genre of music. Silva will continue DJ’ing events and making more people dance when they are listening to his music.

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