FIRST TAKE :: - Jan Blomqvist - Something Says (Live at WEEKEND Rooftop)

Jan Blomqvist - Something Says (Live at WEEKEND Rooftop)

I wanted to share this incredible song and video. For those who don't know, Berlin-based Jan Blomqvist invented concert techno. He's played all over, including Robot Heart at Burning Man. This song is one of those early morning, dance your ass off bangers. It could be called clubsoul. This is the perfect turning point song for a deejay, midway through a set. Seeing it performed live makes it 10x better.

CATCH ME :: Felix Cartal - Runaway (Feat. REGN)

Felix Cartal - Runaway (Feat. REGN)

In an effort to keep this site relevant, I'm trying to post at least once a day again. Please let me know what types of music you'd love to see more of reviewed here by hitting us up on Twitter @barreldEM.

Today we have the first track off the upcoming album from Vancouver based Felix Cartel. He's joined up with REGN (Los Angeles) to create an infectious, bouncy house track that will have you heading for the dance floor.

This is a great sign that the new album will be full of quality music.

“Feeling excited and overwhelmed right now because i am proud to announce the first single off my forthcoming album comes out next friday. the song is called Runaway . i hope you enjoy xx” – Felix Cartal

Buy/Stream: https://felixcartal.lnk.to/runaway

FOOD IS LIFE :: Ugly Delicious (Series review)

Ugly Delicious

The new Netflix show - Ugly Delicious is getting a Michelin 3-star rating from me right now. Hosted by world-renowned foodie and chef David Chang, the show's 8 episodes spotlight a food or type of food that we all have come to love worldwide - pizza, tacos, home-cooking, shrimp and crawfish, BBQ, fried chicken,  fried rice, and stuffed pasta/wonton ... detailing how each came about, the cultural and regional divide of each, the stereotyping in regards to race and food, and how each is perceived around the world. It's literally the good, the bad and the UGLY on each one of these DELICIOUS foods.

Dave's style is laid back. Yet, his passion for whatever questions he seeks answers to, set the pace for great TV. He includes other chefs, food critics/experts, and celebrities while hopping from place to place in no particular order. There are stories shared and palates challenged.

One particular anecdote is about when Dave tried Nashville hot chicken for the first time. The story is animated perfectly to the narration as Dave describes having an out of body experience from the spicy heat of the chicken.

This show is truly unique. Ensure you have a lot of time on your hands (you'll want to binge) and easy access to food delivery (you'll get hungry!)

WHEN YOU WISH :: The Florida Project (movie review)

The Florida Project

Some movies just come out of nowhere. I love it when that happens. If you've ever been to The Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios in Florida, you'll be very familiar with the area surrounding the parks. It consists of several long thoroughfares lined with souvenir shops, chain restaurants, hotels, and motels. Some of these motels are definitely lacking and have become home to many transients and those who live there from paycheck to paycheck or hustle to hustle. This is where our story begins, with a group of children just out of reach of the greatest place on earth.

Six-year-old Moonee (Brooklyn Prince) is the leader of the gang, and she is definitely her mother's daughter - full of wit, zeal, and hustle. Her young mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) would not win the contest for world's best mother. She cares about Moonee, but only as much as she can respect and care for herself. They live in a pink motel deemed "The Magic Castle". Monee plays with friends from there and another neighboring motel "Futureland".

The kids days are filled with as much freedom as they can handle, which leads to all kinds of trouble. At the same time the parents, especially Halley, are doing questionable things in order to pay the rent.

There is another surrogate - Bobby (with an incredible performance by Willem Dafoe), the manager of the motel is very protective of the kids. While he gets frustrated with them, he is caught between fixing the issues caused by the guests, the kids, Halley, and others.

Things quickly escalate when Halley turns to prostitution to pay the bills and the fallout that occurs.

Wonderfully directed by Sean Baker, this movie is almost always shot from the viewpoint of the kids. It captures their hopes and the fears wonderfully and the ending is incredibly magical. I don't want to spoil it, just go see it.