House music, schmouse music… Everyone’s a DJ these days, and everyone spins. (I can’t even type the phrase “spin” with a straight face; since the advent of Serato and such programs have single-handedly paved the way for the “MP3J”.) And whether it’s trance, techno (in the traditional sense of the word, not in the “I use the word ‘techno’ to describe anything with a beat over 50 bpm’s because I’m a musical moron” sense), electro, or even a genre at the opposite end of the electronic musical spectrum, such as drum ‘n’ bass, somehow it’s all categorized as “house music.” And while the aforementioned genres may indeed incorporate elements of old-school house music, today’s house is a far cry from the soulful, sultry sounds of yesteryear… thank God.

Modern house has all but obliterated the baby-making beats of days gone by, and while the pioneers of the scene will forever be held in high regard for their influence and production prowess, there are a number of house harbingers taking electronic dance music to the next level.

Swedish House Mafia represents not one, not two, but three such DJ/production powerhouses in today’s scene. Comprised of Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso (and one-time Mafia member Eric Prydz, a.ka. Pryda) the trio (sans Prydz) is indeed a dominating force behind the decks. Not merely a flash in the pan, Axwell, Angello and Ingrosso have proven their fortitude with their solo DJ sets and production aptitude in the studio. Together, they combine their studio and performance capabilities to create a live set that is understandably second to none.

And of course, in the vein of modern, mainstream house producers/DJ’s I would be remiss if I neglected to mention Mr. Benny Benassi. Whether you favor old- or new-school house, chances are, if you’ve been to a club showcasing any genre of electronic dance music, you’ve heard one of his tracks and/or remixes. Benassi is, by far, one of the most prominent names/faces on the dance music scene. And if you still haven’t a clue who the hell I’m writing about, Google “Satisfaction”, and by the time you hear the track’s dominant riff, I don’t doubt you’ll be saying to yourself, “Oh, that guy…” Yes, that guy.

If you’ve yet to see either Swedish House Mafia or Benassi live, I suggest you plan a road trip or book a flight (and a room at the MGM Grand) to Vegas this weekend, July 26 and 27, as both will be performing at the WET REPUBLIC pool on consecutive days.

Swedish House Mafia takes to the decks Saturday in what will be their first-ever performance in Las Vegas. Benassi, no stranger to the Vegas club scene, will be taking the reins on Sunday.

Online tickets to Saturday’s event are already sold out, but additional tickets will be available at the door. Oh, and did I mention opening for Benassi on Sunday will be none other than Laidback Luke. Consider yourself notified…

By Bradley Schweit