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.

Mediatwist Scouts Artist For National Rock Festival

Originally Published - May 2011

With celebrity hosts and headlining Billboard artists,this all day concert is making a name for itself. Bands from all over the world have submitted for consideration to play Rockapalooza, and a major producer has set his sites on Pennsylvania.

Miami Florida (I-Newswire) April 30, 2011 – This year’s Rockapalooza promises to be the best to date. Promoter Tim Corser has pulled out all of the stops to bring Jackson Michigan one of the best live events its ever seen. On June 25 Hollywood comes to town. Rockapalooza will be hosted by some heavy hitters on the big screen. Chanel, Big Black and Big Kat of MTV’s “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory will all MC the big day along with motion picture star Pauly Shore. There is no shortage of superstar music acts either,with some of rocks top acts to hit stage including Saliva, Pop Evil, Hawthorne Heights, Silverstein, Chiodos, Mushroomhead and Shaman’s Harvest.

With all of these top notch names there is alot of bands wanting to get onto this bill. I had a chance to sit down with one of the major players behind this year’s Rockapalooza, and I found out about little corner of the world that has caught his attention and why.

The Mediatwist Group is one of the entertainment companies behind this years Rockapalooza and I spoke with TMG’s founder, Chris Kurtz. “I have always wanted to go back home to find artists that deserve a decent shot at some good touring shows.” says Chris about choosing Northeastern Pennsylvania as his focus area for scouting talent. “I came up in that area, and I wasn’t even close to the best the coal region had to offer. There are some amazing musicians that have paid their dues and there is also some fresh sounding music coming out of the Pottsville and Hazelton areas.”

This year Chris has hand picked 4 bands to perform alongside mega artists on the Rockapalooza stage. Now!The City(Pottsville,PA),Maddam Ink(Allentown, PA),Homicidal Supermodels(Hazelton,PA) and Cyanide Sunrise(Pottsville,PA).

“I live in Indiana and Miami now so I miss the PA music scene. The last great things to come out of PA musically were Breaking Benjamin and Fuel, its time for someone new to be proud of from my home state.”,Chris proudly says while pointing to a vintage t-shirt which says,”Jesus Loves The Poptart Monkeys”. Chris toured in PA icon rock band The Poptart Monkeys long before sealing his spot as hip royalty in the music industry. “I’ve spent a good bit of time in all of the green rooms and back-stages Pennsylvania clubs have to offer and I’m excited to bring some of the same entertainment those venues have birthed to this giant rock show.”

For more information on The Mediatwist Group or the latest happenings of Chris and his artists visit him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/poptartmonkeys