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In a world dominated by DJs’ personal remixes of 'Around the World' and 'D.A.N.C.E.' it's refreshing to encounter an electronic artist that can stand on his own two feet. Enter Boys Noize, a producer straight out of Berlin that helms a record label by the same name. Known as Alexander Ridha by day he released his debut album 'Oi Oi Oi' in September 2007. He then hit the circuit with a vengeance and has been leaving a trail of exhausted audience members in his wake.

His last gig at Hiro Ballroom in NYC felt like a homecoming of sorts. Take a couple hundred kids in a steamy venue, have them dancing like maniacs, but all facing in one direction—the stage. 2007 most definitely marked the return to the dance floor, complete with full-on DJ worship, and Boys Noize was on the receiving end of much deserved adoration that night. In addition to remixing Feist's “My Moon My Man” shockingly well, Ridha has likewise whipped up the hottest rendition of Depeche Mode's “Personal Jesus” this side of 1990.

~Text and film by Abbey Braden

Special thanks to the Hiro Ballroom