GETTING IT TOGETHER

Just when party people are starting to get bored and looking for a fun event to go to, not one but four great acts come to town for a one-night blast.

Next week Retox Session and AG Productions get a little help from Heineken in putting together the dance party Together Festival at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec), with the much anticipated party rock duo LMFAO along with DJ Afrojack, bad-boy rapper Lil Jon and homegrown hip-hoppers Thaitanium. 

Described by the organisers as “the ultra hip music experience that aims to put Bangkok on the map as home of Southeast Asia’s most anticipated dance festival”, the festival opens with the Dutch talent Nick van de Wall, better known as Afrojack. His mind-blowing tunes and his heavyweight DJ skills are guaranteed as he ranked No 7 on the DJ Mag Top 100 last year, where he also earned global popularity with his remix version of Madonna’s “Revolver”. His other chart toppers include “Toyfriend” (with David Guetta), “Take Over Control” (with singer Eva Simmons) and “Give Me Everything” (with Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Nayer). In January, Afrojack received a European Border Breakers Award.

Then there’s rapper Lil Jon who is making his first appearance in Thailand in this festival. He started out as a DJ at nightclubs in his hometown in Atlanta, Georgia. With his group the East Side Boyz, he released his first album in 1997. Today, Jonathan Smith, as he was named by his mum and dad, is one of the most prominent rappers and songwriters in American hip-hop. Known for his sharp wit, socio-politically bold lyrics, the use of heavy bass and excessive guest rappers, Lil Jon’s hits include “Get Crunk”, “I Like Dem Girlz”, “Put Yo Hood Up”, “Rep Your City”, “Throw It Up”, “Who U Wit” and “Yeah!” with Usher, which earned them Grammy’s Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2005. 

The big highlight of the night is LMFAO, who make their Asian debut with a show in Bangkok. Formed in Los Angeles in 2006, RedFoo and his cousin SkyBlu claimed global recognition with their breakthrough CD “Sorry for the Party Rocking” – the duo’s sophomore album in 2011 with floor-filler hits like “Party Rocking Anthem”, “Champagne Shower” and “Sorry for the Party Rocking”. They are also responsible for “Sexy and I Know It”.

With music influences from various artists including James Brown, the Black Eyed Peas, Led Zepplin and even the Beatles, the duo refers to their music style as party rocking with themes incorporating partying and drinking. Earlier this year, the electro-pop duo collaborated with Madonna during the queen of pop’s most-watched performance at American football’s Super Bowl. 

Sharing the stage with international stars is our own hip-hop group Thaitanium. Over the last 10 years, the three rappers of Thaitanium have risen to stardom with their New York-style sounds.

Also representing Thailand will be a group of spinners from Superzaaap, a community of aspiring artists behind Bangkok’s street and club culture.

 

CRUNK IT UP

The Together Festival is happening on Thursday at Bitec in Bang Na, starting at 8pm.

Tickets are Bt1,600 and VIP passes are Bt2,500 at ThaiTicketMajor. 

There’s an open bar from 8 until 9. Bring your ID – you have to be 20 or older to get in. 

Call (02) 262 3456 or visit www.ThaiTicketMajor.com. Also, search on Facebook for “Retox Sessions”.