WHAT TURNS MUSIC INTO GOLD?

Would that gold record by your fave superstar be a hit if it was released by an unknown? Is it the great relatable lyrics that move you emotionally? Or, could it be a ridiculously amazing vocal with a five octave range that puts a song on the charts? What about an infectious melody and groove that makes you wanna move, even in the most wrong places (seriously dude the copy machine room is NOT a dance floor)? Could a song become a hit just because the label got behind it with big marketing and promotion dollars? Or, is it the magic from the studio wizards who produce, mix and remix a track that push a song to the top? How about those beats that you hated on the first listen but love after the millionth? Or is it the stars aligned with a lot of luck the day the record dropped. Maybe it's a combination of some or all of the above. I’m thinking if there was a recipe for a chart buster we’d all be blowin’ up the stage at Madison Square Garden.

In the meantime… I’m gonna be blowin’ up the decks this weekend with all those wicked hits you love. Expect to hear Katy Perry – Birthday, Calvin Harris – Summer, Justin Timberlake – Not A Bad Thing, Shakira – Empire, Neon Trees – Sleeping With A Friend and of course some Iggy Azalea. Plus brand new bangers from Tiesto, Enrique Iglesias, Cash Cash, and Kongos. I've also got a special mash-up that's gonna fill your ear canal and a whole lot more. 

Remember…if it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix With HK™.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINA PERRI

Christina Perri went from waitress to superstar back in 2010 when her single, "Jar of Hearts", blew up after it was featured on the television show So You Think You Can Dance. The single went on to sell over 3 million copies in the United States and was a hit around the world. In 2011 her debut album, Lovestrong, was released. Then in 2012, she wrote and recorded "A Thousand Years" for the film and soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. The song went on to be certified 4× platinum. Perri's second studio album, Head or Heart, was released on April 1, 2014 and Its lead single, "Human", is currently jumping up the charts. And now this busy lady is on tour.

This week she takes time out of her busy schedule and tour  to talk with me about her personal approach to song writing and more. I'll also unleash my custom HK remix on "Human".

Speaking of remixes, you're gonna trip out when you hear what I've done to Afrojack  - "Ten Feet Tall", Martin Garrix - "Animals", Neon Trees – "Sleeping With A Friend" and Katy Perry - "Dark Horse". But things really get epic when I drop totally re-imagined versions of The Chainsmokers - "#Selfie", Bastille - "Pompeii", Jason Derulo - "Talk Dirty" and A Great Big World - "Say Something". 

Don't forget,  if you haven't signed up for our exclusive Demi Lovato giveaway check out this video to learn more or click the "contest" tab!

Remember…if it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™.

Christina Perri concert photos! Click on photo to enlarge!

WHAT MAKES A GREAT DJ!

This week the music community lost a legend. Frankie Knuckles the renowned DJ, remixer and record producer left us too soon. His contributions to the Music Industry and DJing are insurmountable. Talking with friends about Frankie’s mad skills got me thinking about what makes a great DJ.

Call it what you want…DJ, Mixer, Beat Juggler, Turntablist, or Mixologist - they are all pretty much one and the same. It’s the person behind the turntables, decks, ones & twos or wheels of steel whose manipulating the music and blending two or more songs into one. Mixing those beats that you never thought would fuse together and doin’ it when you least expected. Or, taking one song and remixing it live into a whole new sonic landscape. On the fly and totally improvised. When the DJ actually becomes one with the groove and melds him or herself into the musical fabric, it’s an amazing site to see and hear. They make their audience scream, dance, sweat and party at that club for hours after their alarm clock says they should’ve been making Z’s. There are various styles of DJing, tricks of the trade, types of gadgets and gear but what really makes a DJ great…is their ears!. Hearing the musicality of a wicked mix and holding the beat with only your ears as a guide…that’s what separates the good from the great. Frankie Knuckles was one of the best and a true legend. I know he will be keeping the mixes going cause heaven just got a new house mixer. Ain’t that the ultimate residency!

On this side of the pearly gates, get ready for some new mixes that are just jonesing to break loose. Beyoncé is gonna be “Drunk in Love” when she skids into Eminem’s “Headlights” and Tiesto’s “Red Lights” won’t be enough to stop Demi Lovato from singing “Neon Lights” when she’s ready.  It’s a mad lit up party you don’t want to miss and we haven’t even talked about custom HK remixes yet. Oooooh Yeah!!!…. Shakira featuring Rihanna – “Can’t Remember To Forget You”, Calvin Harris - “Summer”, Christina Perri – “Human”,  and Neon Trees “Sleeping With A Friend” plus more banging remixes you have to hear to believe! It’s all going down worldwide this Friday and Saturday night when you’re In The Mix with HK™!

Remember…"if it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move…you're In The MIx with HK™".