The power of music is undeniable. It can take you on amazing journey and soundtrack an experience like nothing else. For AWOL Sun 2013, music took us to the shores of Mexico, returning to where it all began just four years ago. Our Lifers created new memories, built the community and kept the energy going all day, even through the rain on Sunday. Nothing could and would stop them from having a beautiful experience – and that’s what AWOL is truly about. Though we are closing the chapter on this year’s event, which took place October 10-13th, we would like to extend an exuberant THANK YOU to all you Lifers who made AWOL Sun 2013 such an unbelievable success.

Our vacation to Cabo San Lucas was action packed, to say the least. Though some may be a little fuzzy on the exact details, we loved seeing all of you celebrating and dancing to artists under the sun and moon – despite the conditions. A special thanks to all the artists playing in the rain and underneath tarps, especially Anthony Attalla and his monstrous four hour set. You all had the Lifers dancing like crazy in the torrential downpour and Brazilian Lifer Ale Rauen had an incredible energy that we’re still talking about. Lee Foss’ set on Friday night was unbelievable and having him stay an extra two nights just to hang out and spend more time with us was just the icing on the cake. He even played again after Cajmere vs. Green Velvet’s amazing set on Saturday – just for fun.

Thank you again for all of your support and for making our AWOL Sun 2013 an unforgettable experience. We couldn’t do it without you.

We’ll see you next year for AWOL Snow 2014 in January! Dates will be announced soon.

Tomorrow kicks off the fourth annual AWOL Sun 2013. We hope you’re ready for a relaxing vacation while listening to world renowned artists and AWOL favorites. For the next four days, Nikki Beach and Baja Junkie will be hosting great music all day and all throughout the night.

Since you will be dividing your time in and around Cabo San Lucas, why not plan ahead and find out where and when your favorite artists are playing? Here is the complete artist schedule for this year’s AWOL Sun.

Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Nikki Beach

• 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM Nikki Beach residents
• 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM Wired
• 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM Mixed Reactions
• 08:00 PM – 10:00 PM Justin Beck
• 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM Kevin Brown
• 11:30 PM – 01:00 AM Wired
• 01:00 AM – 03:00 AM A-Trak
• 03:00 AM – 04:00 AM The Runners

Friday, October 11, 2013 at Nikki Beach

• 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Nikki Beach residents
• 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM James OTF
• 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Wired
• 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM Kevin Brown
• 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM Chris Garcia
• 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM Mixed Reactions
• 08:00 PM – 11:30 PM Rik Sotero vs. Sam Koen
• 11:30 PM – 01:00 AM Josh Quest
• 01:00 AM – 03:00 AM Lee Foss
• 03:00 AM – 04:00 AM Justin Beck

Saturday, October 12th at Nikki Beach

• 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Nikki Beach residents
• 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Pollo
• 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Shayota
• 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM Justin Beck
• 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM Jason Vernau
• 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM Anthony Attalla

Saturday, October 12th Night at Baja Junkie

• 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM Carlos Rosas
• 11:30 PM – 01:00 AM Ale Rauen
• 01:00 AM – 04:00 AM Cajmere vs. Green Velvet

Sunday, October 12th at Nikki Beach

• 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM Nikki Beach residents
• 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Matt Price
• 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM Scott Roberts
• 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM Mixed Reactions
• 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM Arty
• 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM The Runners

Sunday Night at Nikki Beachfront Closing Party

• 10:00 PM – 04:00 AM Anthony Attalla

(set times subject to change)

We hope you enjoy 80s hair metal references because it’s the final countdown to 2013 edition of AWOL Sun. Soon, we will be sipping on cocktails and listening to great music on the sandy shores of Mexico. We’re delighted you’re joining us for the fourth AWOL Sun and we can’t wait to reunite with our veteran Lifers and meet the new ones! But before we decompress, we have few last minute reminders about the upcoming event. Please read the important info below prior to your arrival.

Important Check-In and Event Info

If you purchased a hotel package, check into your room at the front desk like you normally would. If you purchased a hotel package and split payments with roommates, the reservation will be under the name of whomever made the initial booking.

Then, proceed over to the AWOL desk (located in the lobby of ME Cabo, Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to check-in for your wristbands and gift bags. Again, if you split payment or are sharing a hotel package, the only name that will be on the list is whoever purchased the package or made the initial reservation. That person will pick up ALL the wristbands for your group, no exceptions.

If you check-in after 8:00 PM on Thursday, you will need to pick your wristbands up at the door to the event, located at the entrance to Nikki Beach. The AWOL staff will be there ready to assist with the will-call list.

If you purchased an event membership only, you may pick those up at the AWOL desk in the lobby of ME Cabo on Thursday, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, or at the door of the event any time after that. If you purchased multiple passes/days, you will be responsible for picking them all up at once, no exceptions.

If you have guests joining you in Cabo, please make sure they have bought a pre-sale membership pass. This is the only way to guarantee entry to the event. If we sell out our capacity, no sales will be made at the door. Also, avoid lines and hassle upon entry by pre-buying. Don’t wait!

We highly recommend you download Whatsapp Messenger for any smartphone. It’s a FREE way to communicate while in Cabo, simply connect to WiFi and stay connected to your friends!

Transportation

We have a great deal on airport transfers with Cabo Ground Services, the safest, most professional transport company in Cabo! Please call Ubiel at (619) 962-2375 or email concierge@cabogroundservices.com and mention AWOL Sun to receive $20 off any 6-passenger SUV transfer, including water, beer, cold towels and luggage handling! Go from the airport directly to ME Cabo and arrive in style.

VIP Cabanas and Daybed Reservations

Nikki Beach VIP areas are filling up fast! All VIP cabana and daybed reservations can be made online. VIP tables for the special Cajmere vs. Green Velvet event at Baja Junkie are being handled by AWOL, so if you’d like to see package options, please email sun@tryawol.com.

Artist Schedule and AWOL Sun 2013 Amenities

Set times will be posted on our blog prior to the event. Bookmark this link! ME Cabo/Nikki Beach has free WiFi so you can refer back to set times as often as you please. There are plenty of premium amenities and services to make your AWOL experience special. For those of you with hotel package or full event passes, be sure to take advantage of the discounts offered to you in our Guide to Cabo blog!

Let Your Bank Know You’re Going to Cabo

Give your bank and/or credit card company a call before you leave so that they know the dates you will be traveling and that you will be in Cabo. Some banks even offer an online form that you can fill out ahead of time. This prevents two things: your card being declined because it is suspected of fraudulent charges and it helps you in case of fraud (someone tries to use your credit card after you leave). It’s certainly not fun when your waiter tells you your credit card is declined and then it’s even worse when you have to figure out how to call your bank from Mexico.

ATMs in Cabo San Lucas

There are no shortage of ATMS in Cabo San Lucas, which means there’s no need to bring a ton of cash with you on your trip. Most hotels have ATMs and there are many in downtown Cabo. Be aware that most ATMs will give you your money in pesos and that some banks will charge you a transaction fee.

Whether you’re looking to party or just for a relaxing vacation with great music, there is something for everyone at AWOL Sun in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, commonly called Cabo, has been rated as one of Mexico’s top five tourist destinations countless times.

For this year’s Sun edition of Another Way of Life, we are taking over the world-famous Nikki Beach at ME Cabo for four days of great music, pool parties, and exciting events at night. If Cabo is the most happening place in Baja California, then Playa Medano is the place to spend your days on the peninsula. Here, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your AWOL Sun experience. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, beach clubs, spas, tours, activities, nightlife and more are all within walking distance of your suite.

Lifers who booked their suite at Nikki Beach will be treated with plenty of premium amenities and services to make your AWOL experience special. So when you’re not dancing by the pool or by the sea, be sure to try some local eats and activities at a reduced rate! Get ready to create some great memories with other Lifers like yourself!

Where To Eat

Nikki Beach

You don’t have to go too far for great food and drinks. Located at the pool of the ME Cabo Resort, guests at Nikki Beach can enjoy an eclectic mix of dishes like tuna sashimi, an assortment of ceviches, calamari rings, and tomato bruschetta with some pulsing music to guide your bite.

Bar Esquina

Cabo’s newest upscale restaurant, Bar Esquina, features a uniquely international hybrid of Mexican-influenced Mediterranean cuisine. The components of each dish use locally-grown organic produce, fresh fish from the Pacific and Sea of Cortez and the highest quality meats cooked on a mesquite grill. Guests can sit at the marble bar, by the fire, or at the chef’s table overlooking the open kitchen. Lifers will receive a 10% discount.

Peacock’s Restaurant

This recently reopened restaurant has been a Cabo favorite for over 23 years. Peacock‘s is committed to serving fresh local seafood, organic produce, and grass-fed beef flown in from New Zealand on a daily basis. Boasting an exquisite Mexican-Mediterranean inspired menu, Peacock’s is a fine-dining staple on Medano Beach. Lifers will receive a 15% discount.

Mi Casa

Mi Casa is an authentic Mexican restaurant has become a landmark in the heart of Cabo San Lucas for over 20 years. With two locations in Cabo, get a taste of old Mexico as the home of each Mi Casa is a historic renovated hacienda-style residence. The history and culture of Los Cabos is depicted on life-sized murals in vibrant colors and the natural gardens add some livelihood to the terraced architecture. Perfect for a romantic dinner or group celebration. Lifers will receive a 15% discount.

Nick San

Nick San isn’t just the most popular sushi restaurant and bar on Cabo San Lucas. This internationally renowned franchise is known for its unique and innovative sushi and seafood dishes that fuse gourmet Japanese cuisine with traditional Mexican ingredients. Sit at the bar to see your exquisite dish made before your very eyes. Lifers will receive a 15% discount.

Where To Relax

Yhi Spa

Yhi Spa, located at ME Cabo, is a sanctuary of aromas, flavors, and soft music that are sure to wake up the spirit and the mind. Yhi, named after the goddess of light and creation, is a place dedicated to the purification of the body, the balance of the mind and the culture of soul. With services that include hydrotherapy, relaxation/detox, facials, treatments, massages, wellness technology and fitness center, get ready to invigorate your senses. Lifers get 10% off all Yhi Spa services.

Hello weekend! We can’t hardly believe that this time next week, we will be on vacation in Cabo San Lucas for AWOL Sun 2013 on October 10-13th.

For the last edition of AWOL Sun’s Happy Hour, we’ll be pairing a Detroit-schooled DJ who plays some incorrect music with a refreshing drink inspired by another vacation hotspot. So sit back. Relax. Take a sip of your beverage and press play – because sometimes, that’s really all you need.

Anthony Attalla Live at Departures in Ushuaia, Ibiza

Anthony Attalla’s deeply rooted knowledge of dance music history makes every set of his sheer perfection. The set he uploaded from his performance at Departures in Ibiza, is no different proving he really is one of the best house talents out right now.

Showing off some recent grooves and releases from his Incorrect imprint, Anthony brings an undeniable danceable energy to this set. In person, he’s been known to dance more behind the decks than some people do on the dance floor. We can’t wait to get a little, shall we say, incorrect, with AWOL resident Anthony Attalla as he joins us on vacation next week.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/107095899″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ibiza Cocktail

Think of this cocktail as the tropical version of a Long Island Iced Tea

• 1/2 Part Rum
• 1/2 Part Gin
• 1/2 Part Cherry Brandy
• 1/2 Part Tequila
• 1/2 Part Vodka
• 3 Parts Sprite
• Splash of Lime Juice

In a glass, add ice, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, Sprite and lime juice. Float cherry brandy on top.

Get ready all you Lifers because AWOL Sun 2013 is just shy of one week away. Taking over the world-famous Nikki Beach at ME Cabo on October 10-13th, this year’s event will have Anthony Attalla, Arty, A-Trak, Cajmere VS Green Velvet , Lee Foss, and Rony Seikaly performing on outdoor and indoor stages just a few steps from your hotel. Have you booked your room to join the celebration yet? Buy your hotel suite today!

Since we have some time before our vacation, why not share and connect with other Lifers like yourself? There are multiple social media outlets you can follow to stay-to-date with all of the updates for the anticipated event.

Show us how you’re getting ready for AWOL Sun 2013. We want to see your pictures and short videos of your outfits, the stages of packing, friends or maybe some spur-of-the-moment dancing while you’re shopping for swim gear! Use the #AWOLSun2013 hashtag for your Instagram, Twitter, and Vine App to set yourself apart from the rest. We will be resharing some of our favorites!

Rooms are still available, buy yours today!

Follow Another Way of Life

• AWOL Sun on Facebook
• AWOL Sun on Twitter
• AWOL Sun on Instagram
• AWOL Sun on Pinterest

Follow Disco Donnie Presents

• Disco Donnie Presents on Facebook
• Disco Donnie Presents on Twitter
• Disco Donnie Presents on Instagram

In just a few short weeks, your vacation with AWOL Sun in Cabo San Lucas will be here. From October 10-13th, we’ll be dancing on the beautiful shores of Mexico. Time is running out to book your suite, so be sure to reserve your four-night experience today!

Outside of your tropical getaway soundtracked with an all-star lineup, there are plenty of premium amenities and services to make your AWOL experience special. Hotel package guests will have access to:

• 10% off Yhi Spa services.
• 10% off at Bar Esquina, located at Bahia Cabo.
• 15% off at Peacock’s, Mi Casa, and Nick San restaurants.
• Gift bags stocked with AWOL party swag.
• Convenience of having all AWOL events located just steps outside your accommodations.
• Complimentary choice of breakfast delivered fresh daily for all Suite reservations.
• Priority daybed booking/reservations for all Suite holders.
• Opportunity for priority booking for any 2014 AWOL events.
• Discounted hotel packages at all future AWOL events.

For questions and reservations, please email sun@tryawol.com or call 866-410-0707.

The weekend is here again! Though we can all agree it’s way too short, let’s grab some drinks and have some fun before we get a case of the Mondays. Keep your chin up – your vacation with AWOL Sun in Cabo San Lucas is right around the corner on October 10-13th. Time is running out to book your suite, so be sure to reserve your four-night experience today!

For this edition of AWOL Sun’s Happy Hour, we’ll be pairing a Spin Doctor who plays deep beats with a refreshing deep sea drink. So sit back. Relax. Take a sip of your beverage and press play – because sometimes, that’s really all you need.

Rony Seikaly – Sugar Free Radio: August 3, 2013

There is so much to respect about former NBA star turned producer/DJ Rony Seikaly. Now considered a “Spin Doctor” both on and off the court, Rony plays and creates a unique style of house music that has turned him into a sought after international talent. With a new show on SiriusXM’s Electric Area called Sugar Free Radio, this AWOL Sun artist has a rather impressive resumé.

For this particular episode of Sugar Free Radio, the Miami based artists lays down some deep grooves, often incorporating modulated synths that borrow notes from whatever key they so choose. We love the fatty bass that resonates throughout the mix. The soft, transient strings towards the end of the hour-long journey makes you feel like you’re drifting off into the ocean. If you’re looking for some deep house grooves with an Ibiza flare, definitely check this one out.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108874995″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Deep Blue Sea Martini

Wanna get deep? This blue Martini is an excellent addition to any party. The Deep Blue Sea Martini is made of vodka, blue curacao, sour mix and pineapple juice. While any orange liqueur you have in stock will do, you will not obtain that blue hue unless you use the ever-essential blue curacao.

• 2 oz Blue Ice American Vodka
• 3/4 oz sweet and sour mix
• 1/2 blue curacao
• 1/2 oz pineapple juice

Pour the vodka, sour mix, blue curacao and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Yield: 1 Cocktail

AWOL Sun 2013 talent Lee Foss is some kind of Superman. Simultaneously acting as a full-time DJ, producer and label manager, he has become one of the leaders of the nu-school house movement (alongside artists like Art Department) in just a few years. The success was not undeserved by any means. With a seemingly endless arsenal of successful solo productions and collaborations, and not to mention his hot imprint Hot Creations, Lee Foss has been perpetually flirting with the top of the house scene.

Born in Dekalb, Illinois, Lee grew up in Chicago, the birthplace of house. As his output suggests, Lee’s musical influences have always been vast. “My parents listened to pretty standard white 60s stuff mostly around the house. Beatles, Momma’s and the Papas, Jim Croce, Beach Boys, stuff like that. As a child that is what I grew up around, I do remember really liking Michael Jackson songs that I heard. As soon as I was old enough to buy my own tapes and CDs, it was hip hop and r&b and new jack swing, and that was pretty much the only music I was into throughout the 90s, Daft Punk and Stardust and going to a few raves started getting me into house towards the end of the decade just before I moved to Chicago. The house stuff got me into disco when record shopping as Chicago is a great city for that.”

Initially a house/techno/electro DJ in Chicago, Lee began opening for big DJs rather quickly, but later worked with venues playing old school hip hop and 80’s funk and disco – an experience that has undoubtedly helped shape his productions today. After sinking his teeth into some wax for a decade in the Chicago DJ scene, Lee moved to Los Angeles, soon falling in with the trio Droog, who were just setting up their label Culprit Records. Culprit would later release Lee’s debut with Jamie Jones as Hot Natured for the h.e.a.d.s. EP. It was Lee’s release “Grinding” out on the respected Wolf+Lamb imprint, however, that would be Lee’s international breakthrough, being played by DJs all across the dance music spectrum.

Lee’s rapid rise to prominence was just as much due to his all-encompassing approach to DJing as his pioneering take on nu-school house and synth-laden techno, often working with familiar hip hop samples. “To tell you the truth it takes a long time to get the notes right as a producer. It’s trial and error for a long time and gradually you just start to do everything better, so for a long time, samples were the best and only way for me to really start a track and not get bogged down. They sort of worked like sculpting around a mould, forcing me into a key, then from there the sample might not even end up in the track in the end but it would have helped shape the creative process, that happened in almost every song on my album.”

With this many accolades under his belt including multiple “Tune’s of the Month” by Mixmag and U Got Me being listed as one of DJ Mag’s favorite records of 2010, Lee isn’t one to rest on his laurels. Still currently celebrating the success of his remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness,” Lee is riding out 2013 with gigs all around the world, including TomorrowWorld just a few weeks before our vacation on October 10-13th. We’re excited to get grinding on the dance floor with Lee Foss and all you other Lifers at AWOL Sun 2013 in Cabo San Lucas. Book your suite today before it’s too late!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83287830″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/66373450″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/89131930″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Why does it always seem like it takes so long to get to the weekend? Counting down the days probably doesn’t help, but starting now, it’s time for friends, drinks and fun all before Monday rears its ugly head. Though your vacation with AWOL Sun in Cabo San Lucas is what you’re really looking forward to, you need to take a break from the real world beforehand.

For this edition of AWOL Sun’s Happy Hour, we’ll be pairing the leader of the Fool’s Gold world with a cocktail coincidentally sharing the same title. So sit back. Relax. Take a sip of your beverage and press play – because sometimes, that’s really all you need.

Oh, and don’t forget – AWOL Sun sold out well over a month in advance last year, so be sure to reserve your four-night experience soon!

A-Trak – Fool’s Gold Radio: January 2013 Mix

AWOL Sun artist A-Trak is one of the most gifted DJs out right now. The Canadian selector integrates so many of different musical influences both in the studio and on stage, that his audiences are just as varied as his track selection is.

For this particular mix, A-Trak compiled a radio mix for his imprint Fool’s Gold to help commemorate the new year. Featuring artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar, Amtrac and GTA, this mix has a little something for every type of dancer.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74309973″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fool’s Gold Cocktail

• 1 Part gold tequila
• 1 Part triple sec
• Dash of lime juice
• Dash of lemon juice
• Dash of simple syrup
• Five drops of Tabasco
• Splash of Cola

Shake everything except the cola and the Tabasco with cracked ice. Strain and pour over ice. Top up with cola and add the Tabasco. Garnish with a lemon wheel.