entertainment, music, touring Chris Kurtz entertainment, music, touring Chris Kurtz

Mediatwist Develops DVE2 To Reach More Fans

Originally Published - December 2013
As we get ready to put the lid on this year and ring in the new, at Mediatwist headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana, things are heating up for Drummer VS Emulator. One of the newest acts at Mediatwist, DVE has already enjoyed a world tour with stops in Sweden and Germany and is taking the EDM scene by storm at home in the states and internationally. This futuristic live music show features a ‘robot like’ DJ mixing on a touchscreen, an overgrown iPad looking device and a drummer donned in led chest protector. Referred to by Rolling Stone Magazine as the “Future of Dj’ing”, the show has been picked up as an entertainment enhancement by Feld Entertainment for performance in stadiums and arenas around the world. Last year, DVE wowed crowds from Jacksonville, Florida to Stockholm, Sweden. The overwhelming response to this new show has led to a demand by Monster Jam event managers to have DVE at all of their shows. “We ran into a problem, when all of the event managers wanted DVE at their show.” says Chris Kurtz, Mediatwist founder. “How could I keep all of the event managers happy by giving them ALL a Drummer VS Emulator show?” After phone calls back and forth with Justin Drake, the original Emulator and the rest of his team, Kurtz decided to expand the ever popular act and remembered a young dj that Justin had brought on tour a few weeks earlier. The plan was then set into motion to begin development on Team Drummer VS Emulator, a way to expand the tour and show potential of our calendar and get in front of as many people per year. Shortly after DVE2 was born. DVE2 features Stephen Boardman and Kevin Shamlin both of Louisville, Kentucky. The entire team is cramming the all week to prepare for DVE2’s first show at The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville January 3-5th. Justin Drake was careful to point out one key element that must be present for success. “It’s all about the kids at Monster Jam. It’s up to Chris and I to show Steve and Kevin how important that dynamic is in our live show. The lights, taking time to let them wear our helmet, all of it is for the kids.”

Look for Drummer Vs Emulator at Monster Jam tour stops nationwide including Jacksonville Stadium in Jax, Florida, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Pepsi Center in Denver Colorado and many more which can be found at Facebook.com/DrummerVSEmulator.

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Chris Kurtz Chris Kurtz

Mediatwist Signs One of Rock’s Best Drummers

Originally published - May 2011
The Mediatwist Group, a full service talent development and artist promotion company out of Miami Florida announced Friday that legendary drummer Jon Wilkes will now be part of their camp. Jon Wilkes is better known for his work behind the kit with globally successful rock band The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. At the ripe age of 24, Jon Wilkes a Jacksonville Florida native is quickly making a name for himself on the rock and hip-hop circuit. Past projects of Jon’s include, Flo’rida’s rock re-mix of “Low” and Soulja Boy’s “Tell Um”. TMG’s first order of business will be developing Mr. Wilkes’ “Drummer VS DJ” show across the United States. Tour stops in Florida, Las Vegas, and Hollywood have already proven mega successful. “Drummer VS DJ” features Jon Wilkes on drums battling head to head with Jacksonville Florida’s DeeJay Capone. This show exploits the Rock/Rap dynamic that has proven successful for the likes of rock mainstays Linkin Park and Limp Biscuit with an added battle edge that keeps fans at the edge of their seats. “Im ready to take over the world with this”,Jon Wilkes explains as he talks about juggling his hectic tour schedule with TRJA and now “Drummer VS DJ”. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is currently on tour throughout the U.S. and is set to release their next album this summer. “I will get off the coach for any club, and I want the world to know about ‘Drummer VS DJ’. Lets take over!”- Jon Wilkes. For more information or to book “Drummer VS DJ”

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