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When evaluating lists like this, it’s always important to remember the subjectivity in music. The songs here are not just what I would say are the “best” of 2015 or even necessarily my favorites, but the ones I had the most attachment to for one reason or another. Music is the closest thing we have to time travel in that it can evoke emotions unlike any other and effortlessly bring us back to moments long forgotten. This compilations of songs serves almost as a walk through memory lane, and choosing just 15 tracks to represent my 2015 proved to be a daunting task. Alas, I was able to finally narrow down my choices, so I hope you all enjoy my picks even if you don’t fully agree with them (which let’s be honest, you won’t). Finally, if you are curious about what didn’t make the cut, I’m going to shamelessly plug this massive Spotify playlist I compiled that includes pretty much all of my favorites from 2015.
Kendrick Lamar - These Walls ft. Bilal, Anna Wise, ThundercatThere’s no question that To Pimp A Butterfly is a classic album, so choosing just one standout single was definitely a challenge, but “These Walls” proves to be equally thought provoking as it is groovy.Speaking of “Them Changes”, Thundercat played an integral part in 2015’s funk revival, with Flying Lotus laying the groundwork for this tune with the Isley Brothers-sampling instrumental.“Buffalo” is just about as fun as it gets when Mr. Chaz Bundick is shredding on the guitar. As far as love songs go, we couldn’t ask for more from this hypnotic collaboration between The Internet and Kaytranada.Alina’s mellifluous voice and incisive lyrics combined with Galimatias’s melodic production will captivate your attention from start to finish.Featuring two of the most remarkable talents I discovered in 2015, “No Less” makes for one of the smoothest listens of the year, accomplished through a superb blend of dulcet vocals and acoustic guitar work.The most meme-worthy tune of the year is also easily one of the most infectious. Shout outs to D.R.A.M.Jamie XX, Young Thug & Popcaan - I Know (Good Times)The ultimate party anthem of 2015, “Good Times” are undoubtably to be had whenever this jam comes on.One of the more unconventional pairings of the year, Snakehips and Tory Lanez found an incredibly creative middle ground between their drastically different sounds.Two of our favorite up-and-comers from the UK, Mura Masa and Nao team up to create one of the catchiest songs we’ve heard in a long time.Disclosure - Superego (ft. Nao)It’s no mistake that Nao appears twice on this list, as the British songstress lends her vocal talents to yet another addicting tune.Sorry JB, but Aluna Francis wins the award for the best Skrillex and Diplo collaboration of the year.Pro Tip: Gallant’s “Weight In Gold” might have been the most heavily remixed track of the year, but I’ve found no version is more apt for shower acoustics than the Louis Futon remix.Beach House - PPP Beach House have a gift for crafting music that’s perfect for those times when you need to just close your eyes and drift away deep into your mind’s abyss.Just as the title implies, it’s best to submerge yourself in the Currents of this psychedelic tune and let them carry you away on a new journey.Shlohmo’s Dark Red serves as the soundtrack for the most epic space voyage you could ever imagine. Lock yourself in a dark room and let the music take hold.
When you listen to music as much as I do, your song selections and life experiences become inseparable–each impacting the other in both conscious and subconscious ways. That relationship embodies the uniquely subjective nature of music. You can listen to a song ten times and think nothing of it but then hear it in the right context or headspace and everything just clicks. As such, any effort of making an objective “best of” list proves a fruitless task. So rather than attempt that Sisyphean task, my ’15 To End 2015′ captures the songs that meant the most to me this year: ones that soundtracked my best memories, comforted me at my lowest points or simply possessed endless replay value. Peep my favorites of 2015 below. Hopefully they’ll take on a life of their own in your music collection.
Beach House - Space Song A trip to psychedelic space land–just close your eyes and absorb.The Internet - Under Control A fresh and endlessly relatable take on R&B from Syd & co. Built on the same Isley Brothers drum sample as “Today Was a Good Day,” this funk-injected jam crescendos a year full of nostalgia for the era of Parliament, James Brown & Sly Stone. Feel good Bay Area hip-hop for and from the soul.Raury - Forbidden Knowledge (feat. Big K.R.I.T.) An absolute lyrical gem from a young artist with wisdom well beyond his years.Kendrick Lamar - These Walls (feat. Thundercat, Bilal & Anna Wise) My most played song from my favorite album of the year: ‘To Pimp A Butterfly.’Jamie xx - I Know Theres Gonna Be (Good Times)(feat. Young Thug & Popcaan)It’s hard to pick a favorite song from Jamie xx’s ‘In Colour’ but this summer anthem flipped pretentious listeners on their heads while showcasing the merits of melodic emcees.Shamir - In For The Kill The danciest track from the year’s most pioneering pop vocalist. In 2015 Mura Masa continued to prove his dominance in the realm of emotional future bass. This is easily my most played track of the year. ‘Aftergold’ captures Big Wild’s genuinely organic approach to electronic music–one full of sonic plot twists and playful melodies. Lane 8’s compositions shaped my year and “Loving You,” the opener of his debut album, brings to mind feelings of excitement and new beginnings. The capacity for emotional power within an instrumental composition should never be underestimated–‘Harpe’ proves that.Tame Impala - Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix) The magnificence of Tame Impala and the rare emergence of Soulwax combine for infinite grooves. This song is single-handedly responsible for piquing my interest in tech-house. I listened to this every time I worked it in 2015.
As a sweeping generalization, 2015 will go down as a year dominated by collectives. Future Classic, Hegemon, Moving Castle, Soulection, HW&W, Wedidit, Monstercat, and French Express pooled their talents together to commandeer the music scene this year. The technical aspects commonly associated with “Future” crept into the DNA of producers, becoming a topical theme across genres from the most obscure to the most mainstream.
In particular, and as one of the most recent additions to the TMN staff, it has been quite a journey both as a contributor and music fan since early April. Without the collaboration of the entire staff – the guidance of editors and advice of my fellow writers – year one as a ninja would not have been possible. Along the way I’ve covered tours, shot music festivals, and met some of my favorite artists, who have graciously exposed me to their own intricate webs of sound. That being said, below is my best effort to reduce thousands of great tracks released this calendar year down to a manageable number. Enjoy the tracks below, in order of release date, and see you all next year!
Oceaán - Veritas (Young & Sick’s Mixed Feelings)Although it has nearly been removed from all channels of the internet, this remix of Veritas is a fluid tune, incorporating contrasting techniques in a way that set it apart this year.This is both my favorite song ever and the answer to the hypothetical question “if you could only listen to one song for the rest of time…”Deserving of a spot on all lists, this has been the de facto party-starter and pregame anthem since it’s release in February.Alison Wonderland - RunThe title track from AW’s debut album taps into the talents of fellow producers Djemba Djemba and AWE in creating this hooky, electronic masterpiece.For an artist focused on quality over quantity, this is Mura Masa’s greatest creation to date.Burning House is the most powerful release of Diversa’s, serving as a benchmark for the current wave of Drum & Bass producers to measure up against.Jamie xx - The Rest is NoiseJamie XX has been graced with near unanimous approval of his album In Colour; The Rest is Noise incorporates his most polished elements in a lengthy rainbow-colored instrumental.Another up and coming artist out of the blooming Toronto hip-hop scene, Tory Lanez, enlists the help of Shlohmo in putting together this dark, rhythmic jam.Melbourne locals Golden Vessel and Tiana Khasi teamed up to create one of the most enchanting and soulful pieces of the year, bar none.As the most groovy track of the summer season, this was also an introduction and revival of the nostalgia-pumping funk genre, which used to dominate the charts.Tame Impala - The MomentParker shows off his adaptability on this one; in cutting the downtrodden lyrical content against a synth-driven bridge full of cheery guitar riffs and rhythmic hand claps, the single is inextricably linked with the bridge in fellow Australian band Pond’s recent release, “Medicine Hat”.Although the title literally means ‘do nothing’, it is nearly impossible to hear this remix by Petit Biscuit and not be tempted to move by the upbeat tempo.This bubbly, minimalist tune is carried on the strength of its hook and the catchy vocals of its creator.As the most notable track by the best up and comer out of 2015, this remix displays a vision and creativity beyond SevnthWonder’s years.With roots in the ambient genre, down-tempo is the most calming style of music. The deep, pleasant reverie continues through Wonder and does not end until the close of the song.
2015 was quite the year in the world of music. While much of this writer’s work comes within some corner of dance music, many of my favorites this year fell somewhere between the worlds of electronic-pop and every different iteration of indie one could come up with. We finally got those largely anticipated LP’s from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Beach House, Tame Impala, Disclosure, Grimes & more (heck even New Order made a resurgence), but we were knocked off balance by more than a few surprises as well. While many critics and blogs were busy championing those aforementioned artists, albums; tunes from Lower Dens, Calvin Love, Thundercat, Youth Lagoon, Kurt Vile, Motorama, Mas Ysa, GEMS, Autre Ne Veut, and loads more quietly stirred their fair share of competition into the pot. While whittling down to just 15 songs (plus even more ‘Honorable Mentions’ at the bottom) was perhaps one of the more painstaking things you could put a (semi) serious music journalist through, it was an enriching undertaking and hopefully I managed to dig up a few tunes you may have missed in 2015 to your end-of-the-year lists. Enjoy, and let’s hope 2016 offers just as many amazing highs.
15.) Gilligan Moss – “Stasis”
One of the more exciting producers to grab our attention in 2015, Brooklyn via Chicago producer & sound artist Gilligan Moss released one of the most neglectfully under-reviewed entries into this year’s list of album contenders, the excellent, genre-skirting EP Ceremonial. It was tough to choose just one single, but we arrived on the EP’s closing tune:”Stasis”. Hopping out of the gates with a rolling arpeggiated synth, clicky percussion and a light dose of grand piano, “Stasis” chases down a synth-pop prognosis and smashes it to bits with hints of a sensible psych influence and club-first house foundation. Gilligan Moss treats the tune’s vocal just as craftily as his instrumentation, cutting and looping effortlessly through hazy and delicate incantations that sound somewhere between Sean Ryder’s most indulgent bellows and the Macintosh computer SimpleText application used on OK Computer’s “Fitter Happier”. Just beautiful stuff to our Ninja ears really. For a real taste of Moss’ range, don’t skip on the rest of Moss’ Ceremonial either, to get a much clearer grasp on why he’s been targeted as one of our ‘ones to watch in 2016′ list.
14.) Lower Dens – “Ondine”
Coming in with one of the most criminally underrated albums this year, Escape From Evil, and hailing from one of the more overlooked indie scenes in Baltimore (see: Future Islands, Beach House), Lower Dens also quietly dropped one of the most beautiful singles of the year in “Ondine”. At first glance, “Ondine” appears to be a sugary-sweet pop ditty, as its syncopated drum-machine cadence, light & glittery synths, and cherry guitar layering set the perfect backdrop for Jana Hunter’s aching lyrics to unfold on. But, when she repeats the song’s devastating vocal hook -“I will treat you better” then bellows the most painful iteration of “Hold On” we’ve ever heard- you just can’t help but to fall like a broken feather into its center. Hold on for a minute while we go cry.
13.) Neon Indian – “Annie”
“Annie” was the alt-pop posterchild of 2015. With its asymmetrically bent synth stabs and Palomo’s breathy incantations, it’s the kind of breezy, faux-dub/tropical pop synthesis that acts like Tears For Fears and Duran Duran concocted to mass pop stardom in the early 80’s. “Annie” fluidly bends a kind of electronic instrumentation that soothes the most vicious of new-wave revivalists with the kind of forward thinking, pop experimentalism that seems to excite those *ahem* droves of snooty music writers as well. If you missed it, back in October Ninja Dom put together an incredible review of Neon Indian’s 2015 return to the LP formatVEGA INT’l Night School, which does much more justice to each track than this writer ever could.
12.) Brothertiger – “Wake”
2015 was a huge year for Brooklyn based multi-instrumentalist John Jagos, and this was the single that started it all. “Wake” sputters out a balmy, smooth vocal wrapped around his usual brand of off-kilter, hand-keyed electronic pop structuring for a feel that is simultaneously familiar, unique and addictive. “Wake” leans ever so slightly toward a corner of yacht-rock that would make Bill Hader & Fred Armisen’s Documentary Now!fictional supergroup ‘The Blue-Jean Committee’ tip their hats, but the ambient tones utilized here wash over its listener like an enveloping fog to create a soundscape that touches upon numerous aural aesthetics. “Wake”, was an entrancing and utterly lovely tune combining a number of things we love about Jagos’ Brothertiger project and a welcome peak into his excellent 2015 Out Of Touch LP.
11.) Deerhunter “Living My Life”
Long time staples of every indie-writer-in-the-know’s list of genre pushing acts, Deerhunter’s follow up to 2013’s Monomania, Fading Frontier, delivered more than a few bright spots. On “Living My Life”, Deerhunter delivers a special kind of syrupy pop creaminess –which hasn’t been the most affixed comparison to their experimental pop catalog. Encased in a gauzy, droning splash of guitar and precisely sourced electronics, “Living My Life” wields the kind of majesty that so many critics demand of their most high-minded musicians; especially of Bradford Cox. Quite simply, it’s a sad song that feels happy, and an incredible single entry into one of the decade’s most impressive libraries.
10.) DIIV – “Bent” (Roi’s Song)
From the reverby, amorphous guitar chords to its paced drumming; “Bent” lets its listener settle in warmly before Zachary Cole Smith’s icy vocals penetrate its sonic terrain. On this record, Smith’s cadence is an achy one, rising and falling like the sleeping chest of whoever you’re sharing your bed with, but without nearly as many affectations as were in play on their debut long-player Oshin. But his incantations aren’t distant either, coming across as intimately as a shared conversation over a pillow case, while Devin Ruben Perez’s bassline plucks along heartily enough to subtly captivate its listener without delineating from the rest of the tune’s lovely instrumentation. We’re chomping at the bit for the release of 2016’s Is The Is Are and this was one of the biggest reasons why.
9.) Jamie xx – “Gosh”
“Gosh” (and pretty much all of Jamie xx’s amazing 2015 LP In Colour) is a musical study in perspective. What starts under a fully magnified scope focused on heavy bass and a simple vocal hook, gradually pans further and further out, flipping from a microscopic gaze to a telescopic overview, until its almighty, high-pitched synth crescendo clobbers through a soup of chopped and sampled percussion to shatter everything apart, simultaneously opening even more space for In Colour to rebuild with a sort of Big Bang cyclicality. There’s just so much at play within this one 3 minute sonic trek, it’s overwhelming. With two solo albums and two albums with The xx under his belt, yung Jamie has quickly become the genre-pushing “it-boy” amongst both the underground dance heads and indie nostalgists all at once. And it’s tunes like this which help solidify his place in the spotlight.
8.) Roosevelt – “Night Moves”
Roosevelt has long felt like an act waiting for that one crossover hit before spilling over into mainstream consciousness. While we’ve been waiting pretty patiently for another full body of work after 2013’s phenomenal Elliot EP, we were luckily held over by “Night Moves” as a single which popped up unannounced on Greco-Roman Records’ Soundcloud earlier this year. On “Night Moves”, all of Roosevelt’s sonic elements for which we’ve grown to love are still there; the warm and suffuse melodies, the soothing psychedelia and the streamlined pop structures, but this time around they’ve wrapped themselves much more closely than ever to the realm of dance music. Carefully layed out acid synth -which leans into Phuture’s 1987 vision more than his tastemaking contemporaries might stray towards- worms its way throughout a thick sea of pop mutations, while a steady four-four kick never relinquishes its hold on the entire track. We could go on for hours about the finely tuned single that was “Night Moves”, but we’ll just let you listen instead.
7.) Youth Lagoon – “Highway Patrol Stun Gun”
Idaho seems like quite the unlikely place for genre-pushing experimentalist pop acts to flourish, yet here we are almost in 2016 and Youth Lagoon finds themselves sitting in the heart of Boise, churning out some of this writer’s favorite music of the young decade. After 2013’s incredible Wondrous Bughouse, we’d been patiently waiting for a follow-up, and Youth Lagoon returned as sharp as ever in 2015 with Savage Hills Ballroom. The album’s second single, “Highway Patrol Stun Gun,” was inspired by one of the absolute worst media themes this year: increasing reports of police violence. About the tune, band mastermind Trevor Powers stated: “With all the police brutality in the media, it seemed like every single day there was some element of chaos—but in different forms. It just got so bad. I feel like we live in this shitstorm now where there’s so many corrupt people in high places, people getting away with all this shit. So, I sat down and I decided to just write whatever came to my mind. Living in Idaho, it’s easy to feel isolated from all of these events, and that was sort of my way of dealing with it.” “Highway Patrol Stun Gun” features notable characteristics of previous Youth Lagoon work, like Powers’ ambling, innocent tenor, but also diverges; incorporating a much wider variety of instrumentation coupled with an acute sense of careful production. While we grew just as tired of the repeated police brutality headlines, we’re just happy that Powers chose to deal with the aforementioned “shitstorm” with such a great tune.
6.) Kurt Vile – “Pretty Pimpin”
A simple, fingerpicked indie-folk guitar loop dominates most of Kurt Vile’s beautiful b’lieve i’m goin down opener “Pretty Pimpin”, but it’s in the rolling opus’ lyrical details where it all blossoms into something much more. A most basic encounter with his reflection in the bathroom mirror sends him into a daze: “Who’s that stupid clown blocking the bathroom sink?” he quips, trying to “recognize” and come to grips with “the man in the mirror”. Vile’s Slick Rick level of storytelling is on full display on “Pretty Pimpin” and cracks the door wide open for by far one of the brightest LP entries to 2015. Clearly Vile’s time since leaving THe War On Drugs has done the dazed superstar a world of good.
5.) Mac DeMarco – “The Way You’d Love Her”
In just three minutes, “The You’d Love Her” displays just about everything we love about the Canadian indie-maestro. Perhaps there is none better at dragging a wave of sarcastic ribbing through the wide-eyed, hopeful, heartfelt ballad than Mac DeMarco. On “The Way You’d Love Her”, Demarco’s faintly mumbled reverberations take center stage as with much of his most stirring work; hypnotizing and drawing its listener into the romance — until he gives a little yelp and breaks the mood with a classically Demarco, pitch-controlled, indie-surf guitar solo.
4.) Mas Ysa – “Look Up”
Perhaps the most exciting and perplexing artistic entry into this writer’s constantly expanding list of new groundbreaking acts, Thomas Arsenault’s Mas Ysa project shot straight into our hearts with a bullet this year; especially behind power-single “Look Up”. Hurtling drums and cascades of synth propel “Look Up” forward throughout its quick duration, but the most welcoming addition to Mas Ysa’s sonic toolbox, and one we think pulled him from art-house-hipster’s iPods into more mainstream territory, was an acoustic guitar that plays like it was lifted straight from Ben Gibbard’s The Photo Album stem collection. “Look Up”‘s end result wonderfully displays a compelling growth in Mas Ysa’s craft, and one that’s got us beyond excited for what 2016 brings from Mas Ysa.
3.) Shamir – “On The Regular”
How one unique kid from North Las Vegas managed to take the entire indie-pop world by storm will always be beyond me. Shamir Bailey never had an army of press or publicicsts behind him; rather the wunderkind producer/singer/songwriter let his debut LP Ratchet and its gorgeous slices of tuneage speak for him instead. Hell, it wasn’t even until at least four months after Ratchet‘s release that it was even available on torrent clients. Now, in 2015 that, ninjas, is called flying under the radar. But, it was largely the radio success of lead single “On The Regular” which pushed Shamir from a cooped up bedroom artist to ‘Late Show’ darling. “On The Regular” was the hyper addictive blend of Warehouse era Chicago house swing, 80’s synths that lean in on you like the arm of someone on a NY subway, pop structuring and of course Shamir’s delicate refrain; which all resulted into our favorite purely pop cut of the year.
2.) Tame Impala – “Let It Happen”
The sea-change from the deepest throws of psych-rock displayed on Innerspeaker and Lonerism presents itself immediately on Currents’ opener “Let It Happen”- a tune we’re sure you’re familiar with. Right off the bat, Tame Impala diehards may have noticed an immediate structural change as an analog four-four snare and kickdrum pattern takes center stage with next to nothing in the realm of those scuzzy and heavy guitars we’ve grown accustomed from Kevin Parker’s baby. That is of course, until six minutes in, you’re clobbered by a loopy and simple four-chord guitar progression which only really enhances this track’s ambient minutiae. But it’s the entire build and movement that seals its listener into Currents from this one single. There’s more nuanced hi-pass drum filtering put into “Let It Happen” than most bands would dream of utilizing in their entire careers, save for cdance producers (which after “Elephant” isn’t too surprising really) signaling Tame Impala’s careful and precise attention to not only their lead single, but the album as a whole. “Let It Happen” simultaneously cracks open Currents like a punch in the gut, while giving the long-player the necessary room it needs to breathe and evolve as an entire movement. Quite honestly, it may be this writer’s favorite opening to any album within the annals of time, and if you it, be sure to check out another one of Ninja Dom’s insightful and captivating LP reviews for Currents here.
1.) Thundercat – “Them Changes”
On “Them Changes”, the six-string Brainfeeder bass virtuoso known as Thundercat has strayed from the post-breakup day-to-day struggle thematically found frequently on his last LP Apocalypse, and this time glumly arrived at full-blown devastation. The tune is a warning shot of sorts, as “Nobody Move/There’s Blood On The Floor” forms the first line and only digs further into the overwhelming finality and acceptance of heartbreak similar to a cop stumbling across a murder scene. While lyrically, “Them Changes” is a morbidly morose view into Thundercat’s expansive headspace, musically, he’s built one of the richest soundscapes of any 3:00 minute single in history. It’s got emotional turmoil sung in a masculine yet delicate falsetto, and it’s got a heaping spoonful of noodly, six-string bass funk. Two worlds have never collided so beautifully. It’s only fitting that Thundercat’s most notable Brainfeeder cohorts Flying Lotus and Kamasi Washington make appearances -albeit in small doses- on his biggest, perhaps even career-defining single. No one wanted to miss out on the fun of “Them Changes” in 2015.
Honorable Mentions:Tame Impala – “Disciples”, “The Less I Know The Better”, “Eventually”, “‘Cause I’m a Man”; Tobias Jesso Jr. – “Hollywood”; Chromatics – “Shadow”; NITE-FUNK (Nite Jewel & Dâm-Funk) – Can U Read Me; Disclosure – “Nocturnal”; Tundran – “Kimono”; Drake – “Know Yourself”, “Hotline Bling”; Grimes – “Flesh Without Blood”; Beach House – “Sparks”; Tanlines – “Pieces”; The Arcs – “Put A Flower In Your Pocket”; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – “S.O.B.”; U.S. Girls – “Window Shades”; – Best Coast – “Feeling Ok”; YACHT – “I Thought The Future Would Be Cooler”; A Sunny Day In Glasgow – “Days & More Nights”; Motorama – “Heavy Wave”, “Impractical Advice”; Kelela – “Rewind”; Favored Nations – “I Can See You”; Calvin Love – “Automaton”; Viet Cong – “Silhouettes”, “Continental Shelf”; Autre Ne Veut – “Panic Room”; GEMS – “Living As a Ghost”
Chill Dojo regulars shouldn’t be too surprised about what comes up in my 2015 playlist. The volume of amazing music just gets bigger and bigger every year, and as hard as it is to keep up with it all, it’s even tougher to narrow it down to just 15 tracks. Nevertheless, the entrants below have endured a series of rigorous challenges to emerge from the Dojo as my chosen few…
…Well it really wasn’t that dramatic. They’re just the ones that have been stuck in my head consistently all year. Here are the reasons why:
Out of all the artists who have had a big 2015,Mura Masa has definitely shown the most promise for me. Not only has ‘Firefly’ been my number 1 addiction all year, but together with a number of his other stellar releases, he’s managed to define his own signature sound which has served as an inspiration to the producers around him. That’s no small feat.Cosmo’s Midnightdelivered not only one of 2015’s indie dance anthems, but also one of the most entertaining music videos to go with it. Huskies, matching tracksuits, and a killer piece of choreography all come together to show that these spirited Aussie twins can nail a dance routine just as well as they handle production. ‘Walk With Me’ was recently released on their Moments EP, which showcases more of their phenomenal work this year.Wave Racer was always going to make his way on to this list in one way or another. ‘All My Friends’ has catapulted itself into mainstream success, but Wavey’s trademark colorful sound elevates this hit to another level. That said, any one of the tracks on his Flash Drive EP could easily have found themselves included as well.The promotion of Sable’s URL LUV tour across Australia was one of the most creative social media campaigns this year, incorporating a series of comics and a steady release of new songs in the lead up to the gigs across the country. Though his alter ego Shadow Sable allowed him to showcase a darker side to his music, the blissful vibe of ‘One And Only’ will be the lasting memory of this incredible show.One of the best revelations of 2015 was the emergence of the Soda Island collective, giving light to a glorious group of artists crafting songs which act as an aural window to the magical world they represent. Of all their 2015 releases, Izzard and Blankts’ ‘Threads’ tugged at the heartstrings from the very first listen and hasn’t let go since.Another inhabitant of Soda Island is the mysterious Grynpyret, and while ‘Boba Beach’ was his official contribution to the cause, his remix of ‘Snow in Newark’ was such an imaginative interpretation of the original that it just couldn’t be overlooked.This one has made its way into plenty of best of 2015 lists across the blogosphere, and with good reason too. ‘It’s Strange’ encompasses the pair’s ethos of creating music that makes you happy, and the music industry has taken notice.His moniker couldn’t be any more relevant right now, but a clever choice of name is certainly not the thing that San Holo can hang his hat on for his success this year. The combination of slick beats and euphoric basslines do that job just fine, and ‘We Rise’ is one of his best displays of that. The young mind of WRLD is a vibrant universe inspired by a number of different influences. His prolific efforts in the future bass space are the outcome of that mind at work, and ‘Razor Leaf’ is an example of his enchanting melodies on full display.Clocking in as one of the most remixed tracks of 2015, Gallant certainly left his mark with the soulful anthem ‘Weight in Gold’. Brasstracks ensured they gave this one the edit it truly deserved in the best way they know how.Not content with only one remix on this list, Brasstracks demanded a second feature thanks to their collaboration with Lido on this joyful take on ‘Four Five Seconds’. When you combine the musical powerhouses that provide the lyrics with these adepts of the production game, you know something unforgettable is about to be heard.The lineup of names was enough to prelude the enormity of this track before a single bar was dropped. Straight fire!From one piece of hip hop brilliance to the next, Action Bronson and Chance combine for one of the ultimate breakup songs. The simple hook yet incredibly catchy hook is just made to sing along with, while the rest of the clever lyricism embodies a much deeper message about hurt.RÜFÜS shook up the airwaves with their numerous hits this year, but the deep, driving beat and addictive chorus cement ‘You Were Right’ as the pinnacle of the bunch. This one was made to be played out in front of a packed audience.The last spot in this list belongs to my favorite groove of 2015, courtesy of some remix heat from Autograf. Musical trends will come and go each year, but nobody can deny a slick jungle beat to send a dancefloor into an absolute frenzy. The serious Crash Bandicoot vibes bring back a flood of nostalgia every time.
2015 marks a new era in music. I know that’s a grand claim, but hear me out. We haven’t seen this kind of experimentation and innovation in many, many years– so much so that I’m taking it upon myself to title 2015 the year of the Phoenix. *Insert smoke bomb quick change effect here.*
The concept of quality music has entirely re-birthed itself and with it the consumer base’s understanding of artistry has grown ten-fold. Artists like Grimes and Kendrick have experimented with elements that have been foreign to any of their previous works, Thundercat has stepped on the scene in a mainstream way that I would have never thought possible, and the Biebs has actually issued public apologies for his shenanigans and it is on that principle that I include him on this list. Just kidding, he just made a great track with the help of good ol’ Wes and Sonny.
But I feel weirdly proud of all of them. And with that, I bring you my list of the best tracks of 2015. Hope you enjoy.
I know this song is everywhere all the time, but credit is due where it’s deserved, and thanks to this track made Bieber 10x more attractive. Probably ‘cause Diplo touched it. Mmmm Diplo.“Buried” provides a haunting introduction to one of his best works so far, Dark Red, that I to this day cannot stop blasting, and sometimes I put a sheet over my head and lurk around to it and that’s not strange.Off their self-titled EP, “Continental Shelf” best encapsulates the emergence of a new age rock band that just seems to know what the freak (it might be 2015 but my lingo’s stuck in ’05) is up.A new kind of dubby club music—this track just makes me feel like straight struttin’ and was one of the hottest releases in electronic.This whole EP was just a great release for electronic music, and “Diamonds” is a beautiful example of the finesse Lane 8 put into this work.I had the privilege of being on the Mad Decent tour this summer and watching the things that this song does to a crowd every night is incredible– this track gets my best vibes vote, and Wes gets the chillest life vote.My god I love the genre she pioneered with this release, and I love how incredibly distinct she’s made her character within every single thing she bestows upon us. Also possibly one of the most clever lyricists of 2015: “I think you’re a joke, but I don’t find you very fuuuuunnuuunnuunnuuunnny.”Jamie xx has always been a favo(u)rite of mine, and we send him our deepest congratulation(u)ns for the work of art he’s given the music wo(u)rld with his EP In Colour, and especially the track “Loud Places.” Also sorry for making fun of u. Jesus, this song has the most talent I’ve seen since Jordan. The depth of this track is astounding and I thank Thundercat for his supporting role in Fly Lo and Kendrick’s works, but I’m so happy he’s made it big with his own stuff this time around. This song is much heavier than the rest and the artist is not well known, but Deru’s “1979” along with the rest of the EP is a work of genius—especially when you read how he recorded it. Just awe-inspiring.Another real talk post—Father John Misty you are inspirational and prophetic and thank you for delivering this ballad to us. The quality quotient of this song is so high that I’m convinced it will be listened to for decades.Grimes kicked major ass with Art Angels and “Flesh without Blood” instills in me the happiness, weightlessness, and honestly hope that no other song in 2015 has. She is 100% the role model that all women, and all people because eff gendered statements Jordan, need.Woof, this is getting intense. “Let It Happen” wins the best alternative song of the year, hands down. I haven’t heard a breakdown like this since never.Kendrick Lamar - u And finally, closing out the best of 2015, comes the best track off of the best album of the year in my opinion, “u”—a song that explores consciousness, vice and transformation like no other musical work I’ve ever heard. Kendrick’s theatrical performance in “u” sends the listener to their deepest and realest state—one of the wonders of musical composition that I am probably most thankful for.
And with that… here are Jordan’s top 15 tracks of 2015 listed from 15 to 1. Hope you enjoy.
Which witch house wins? Balam Acab’s witch house wins. Balam Acab, otherwise known as Alec Koone, caught our attention a long time ago with his work, and a few days ago he released a new EP—Child Death. Aside from the real cute name, Child Death shows us not one side, but many sides of the Ithaca-based producer. The 5 track release takes the listener on an electronic journey that’s both light and dark at times, but mostly dark. It’s like the soundtrack for that really messed up version of Hansel and Gretel. Fun, right?
The second track off of Child Death, “Spent Lives,” caught our attention here at TMN the most. This mini-journey just takes you everywhere. It starts out with sci-fi spacey sounds, placing you in a twinkling landscape that speaks in chrome. Then Alec brings us into a darker place that seems more apropos given the EP’s name, and we’re sucked into a wormhole of echoing vocals, screeching samples, and deep and haunting bass tones. We actually find it to be very similar to Arca’s works, and that’s a big compliment. We think as subgenres of electronic get more and more exposure, witch house will be one that everyone knows. And when that happens, Balam Acab will be at the forefront right up there with oOoOO and Holy Other. And rightfully so.
As we end 2015 I still think about the first day of it. I’ll never forget waking up to the Kanye West x Paul McCartney x Rihanna collaboration “FourFiveSeconds” and wondering what it would lead to. I certainly didn’t think my Macbook would give out one bittersweet evening this year. It was no easy task giving up my perfect iTunes library & curated playlists of “downloaded” music for my, now groomed, Soundcloud & Spotify accounts. We all had to make adjustments, and most of it was fun. Slacker Rock won me over. See ya in 2016.
Shut your eyes & pout to this cut with production courtesy of Kaytranada.The kindle to your campfire.Find my favorite chorus of the year on this powerful cut.Undeniably cool, the soundcheck all-star had an amazing 2015.Tor Miller
- Hold The Phone It would have been a crime to keep Tor off this list with his tremendous ability on the keys.The self-proclaimed “overall decent chap” delivers my favorite beat of the year. Elton, please make more music.Taken from Soulection’s SADE compilation, oriJanus is masterful.This San Diego duo strikes gold with their psych-pop bender.Royal gentleman Good Morning take the crown for activating the most senses.“I can taste your poison on my lips.”This is the kind of collaboration that happens in your wildest dreams.Easily listened to HONNE more than any other band this year.Future trendsetter with slick flow, looking forward to more tunes from Jorge.Kali with the ultimate “put the top down” tune, revamped by DJ Dahi.
Here it is. The last Indie Dojo of 2015. Take a moment to soak in all the wonderfulness of the past year. If you need to go back for a refresher, we’ve got all the past Indie Dojos easily accessible. If you want to move right on into something new, we’ve got you too.
So cheers to the year behind us and to the new year ahead. And as always, thank you for coming back for more. See you on the other side!
It has been an AMAZING year for music, especially in the electronic scene. As EDM gets a much greater exposure, every other song you hear is “Lean On” and “Where Are U Now” if you turn on the radio. Sharing your music is a breeze because of the vast selection of social media platforms. Now as 2015 is coming to a close, I’ve gathered my 15 personal favorite tracks released this past year to share with all you ninjas and ninjettes. Check it out and let us think what you think!
The Australian producer’s only original release in 2015. Deadmau5 actually collaborated with singer Grabbitz on this track. Need I say more? This song has a very unique sound and features some very unique vocals. Probably the most remixed songs of 2015 (other than “Lean On”).
Signature work from an upcoming British producer. A lovely tune resulted from a heavenly match. A dance track that best represents the Indian producer’s cultural influences and heritage. Another heavenly match that is soon becoming household names. Fantastic future bass music that doesn’t sound overly commercial. Great track by a producer who’s keeping soul music relevant. An awesome track off of one of the most anticipated sophomore albums in 2015. The talented duo’s best track off their second album. Perfect showcase of the complexion and production skills of the talented British producer. Galantis is reviving progressive house with this wonderful track. An amazing track from one of the best albums of 2015 – “Currents”.
Even though I’ve been writing for TMN over the past five years, I certainly don’t expect any of you to have me or my musical tastes pegged. In fact, I’d much rather you see this site as a whole, enjoying the eclectic blend that all the ninjas bring to the table. But, if you have paid attention, you’ll know that I love nothing more than hunting through submissions, SoundCloud, BandCamp, tweets, and smoke signals to try and find the best and brightest emerging artists.
2015 brought a few new acts to the scene that I simply couldn’t get enough of, a few of which made it into this year-end playlist. In addition to those, my musical world was blessed with albums from artists who haven’t released something in quite some time, including one band that surfaced after a six-year hiatus.
My 15 favorite tracks are listed below in no particular order because that would be painfully difficult and time-consuming. Instead, I’ve compiled them in a way that should provide you with an enjoyable listening experience, start to finish. If you’re unfamiliar with any of them, I’ve included a one-sentence description that should help highlight what to expect.
Patrick Watson continues to further the question that he could be an alien sent to mesmorize the human race. Mew is finally back, in full form, and it’s magnificent. This new act took the blogosphere by storm, myself included. Upbeat number with from the golden-voiced singer/songwriter, who also became one of my favorite live acts to watch in 2015. A little 70’s funk and pop mixed in with gorgeous vocals landed this newly released track into my best of 2015. This new act put out a track that’s ideal for a raucous night out, an adventurous road trip, or your next backyard BBQ. One listen to this catchy-as-hell song will have you singing along with ease. These guys will soon be heard across radio stations, shopping malls, commercials, and major motion pictures with their extremely infectious pop. Perfect tune for a montage of you and your special someone frolicking through a field. This memorable track displays what we love most about Mr. Garratt – the unknown. Catchy Brit-Pop that will be coming to a stadium or festival mainstage near you in late 2016/2017. If you ever feeling like a drunken episode of lawlessness, put this on. Sexy, seductive, and alluring, this tune sticks with you longer than unwanted relatives. A combination of haunting deep house, a timeless movie, and iconic vocals. Sometimes I like to party, and this song is the cause for most of those times.
Merry Christmas to all the Ninjas out there! Today we come bearing gifts.
Early yesterday morning longtime favorite and friend of TMN, Jordy Saämena, released his latest work of art. In our exclusive interview with Ganz and his management team this past summer, Saämena referenced a desire to move away from his signature flip-style. In addition to producing more original works, he also noted his intentions to grow the newly minted collective The Hard Headed with up and coming producers out of The Netherlands.
In taking a momentary step away from those longterm plans, Ganz unexpectedly dropped another flip to end 2015 with an electronica-fueled bang. By sampling one of the most popular hip-hop tracks of the year, he turns Tory Lanez’ “Dímelo” into a club-raving anthem.
The Dímelo flip is a blend of two of the more notable breakout artists this year, combining the smooth rhyming vocals of rising star Tory Lanez with the dynamic technical aspects of previous Ganz works. Take the advice of the TMN staff and add this one to the snowboarding playlist. Happy holidays!
Capping off the biggest year of his career, The Weeknd decided to play the part of Santa Clause tonight and drop off a few Christmas gifts for all his loyal fans in the form of two new singles. The first track, “Low Life”, finds the Canadian crooner teaming up with Future, who’s had a pretty memorable year all his own, while the second is a remix of Jeremih‘s “Pass Dat” off his most recent project, Late Nights: The Album. Both tunes fit right in Abel’s wheelhouse, as his vocals sound right at home on the hazy, trapped out instrumental provided by Metro Boomin on “Low Life”. On the other hand, we couldn’t have asked for a more natural fit for a remix of Jeremih’s laidback stoner anthem. Stream both tracks above and stay tuned for more from The Weeknd as we head into 2016.
Autograf’s latest single “Metaphysical” has already seen several remixes over the last few weeks from anointed artists including Daktyl, Kilter, Fehrplay, Exmag, and Vijay & Sofia; but it was this latest revision by DC’s leading lady of saccharine, thumping house and disco, Eau Claire, that nailed us hook, line and sinker. This year alone, Eau Claire’s already issued releases on institutions like Warner Brothers Records and Elektra, while her latest offering sees release on Autograf’s Metaphysical EP through Ninja Tune’s Counter Records, and once again the bubbling artist sprinkles a highly addictive, effervescent dance glow onto a malleable tune and come up with another diamond. Eau Claire largely keeps the original vocal track intact, but added the choice amount of subtle pitch and tweaking, adding: “I like to keep most vocals intact in my work which I did here but additionally added pitched vocal cuts that balanced out the track. ” We’re just lucky she also happened to be one of 2015’s busiest producers, and managed to bless with a plentiful cornucopia’s worth of tasteful disco touch-ups, bootlegs, edits and remixes. With the recent opening of her own curated night, ‘Feed Me Disco’, at one of DC’s most reputable venues, The U Street Music Hall, we hope you won’t take us lightly when we say 2016 will be perhaps a global breakout for one of our favorite new artistic entries into club land. Enjoy Eau Claire’s “Metaphysical” remix above.
In a world where DJs keep their secret weapons locked up like nuclear launch codes, it’s refreshing to get a sneak peek so we can relive the party through our headphones. Luckily for all of the VenessaMichaels fans out there, she has agreed to leak a few of her favorites from her live performance as a part of her Residency with us. Having just witnessed her set last week, we’re certainly excited about getting an insider’s look at some of the tunes we boogied to that night.
As expected, there is one bootleg in her list that’s no longer available on SoundCloud, so if you want to find Dreamchild – “WDYM,” you’ll have to put your internet sluething abilities to the test. You’ll find the other nine below, which should be more than enough to carry you through the last few hours of work.
1. BB Dont Cry (Its Gon Be OK) – Sango
2. D.R.A.M. – Cha Cha (Dj Sliink Remix)
3. Drake – Legend (Shaunic Remix)
4. Lege Kale – Syzurp (w/ KMB, OY, Amazing Prophet)
5. Dreamchild – WDYM
6. SpydaT.E.K. – Esa Muchacha
7.Yo Magesty – Club Action (Smookie Illson Boot)
8. Drake – Hotline Bling (DATHAN Flip)
9. Diplo & Sleepy Tom – Be Right There
10. Snakehips – All My Friends (Wave Racer Remix)
It’s the holidays! We’re supposed to be full of love and joy and gratefulness. BUT THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO and in so little time that we find ourselves swirling around in bah humbugs and stress-ridden shopping. And in the snap of a finger, it’s all over. NOTHING worth stressing over, that’s for sure. So let’s do us all a favor and remind each other to take a step back from the hectic, consumer-ridden craze and enjoy the moments we are able to spend with those closest to our hearts. Money can’t buy us love, but kicking back with our favorite people while listening to a free Indie Dojo…priceless.
We only get to use this festive image once a year, but we’re making the most of it with a hint of Christmas cheer to kick off proceedings this week. While usually the “Chillmas” branding for our Dojo is purely a token gesture for this holiday period, a very fitting cover of ‘Let it Snow’ brings that chill feel to a Christmas classic that we’ve been wanting for so long. A charming collaboration between domino, NATEY, SUBI and kev, this rendition celebrates that unapologetic cheesiness that is an intrinsic part of Christmas music, while bringing a modern spin to the genre with a slick beat and smooth flow. It’s all a bit of fun, but could easily be played out amongst friends without any cause for embarrassment whatsoever.
While that ends our features of anything particularly festive, Christmas has definitely come early this week with the reveal of Chet Porter’s glorious remix of one of the best tunes of 2015. Louis The Child launched themselves into the industry spotlight with the blissful vibe of ‘It’s Strange’, and now as the year comes to a close, we’re gifted with one of our Dojo favorites working his whimsical sound to bring an even greater sense of joyous emotion to a track that needed no help in that area. This is one of those smile-inducing songs we’ll always have on hand for when we need it most. There’s not a lot of info out there on our next featured artist yoshinobu, but if this upload is any indication of their talent, they are definitely one to watch. ‘Distance’ is a sweet little jam that brings that easy-listening sensation that is all too needed in this busy time of the year.
We round out our features with two stunning jazz filled productions from Free n Losh and Dallas Cotton. While not specifically Christmas-themed, it’s a sound that is perfect for this time of year, stirring up all those feel-good sentiments this season is all about.
And just like that, we’re another year down. We hope this playlist brings even more cheer to you this Christmas. Thanks for listening! Peace out.
The holiday season is in full swing, with Christmas’ velvet red hat peeking right around the corner. By now, most of you have had your fill of Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, Dean Martin, and Elvis, and for obvious reasons. Yes, they are timeless classics sung by musical greats, but they’re also classics from a very small pool of selections. With this in mind, we scoured the internet to collect some newer Christmas tunes from acts you listen to on a daily basis, and some from acts you might not have heard just yet. Some just popped up in our feed this year, some are favorites from years past.
If you can convince your parents or grandparents to let you take the musical reigns at your holiday gatherings, throw this on. Who knows, maybe your family will find a new favorite from this mix.
Lastly, happy holidays to all of our fans out there. We wish you a happy and healthy season filled with great food, great booze, and great memories with your loved ones.
Finding the right thing to do on New Year’s Eve is always a difficult task. Sometimes you might ask yourself it’s really worth it, deciding to stay in for a quiet night with a few choice movies and a bottle of bubbly. However, there’s always that slight fear that you’re missing out on an epic evening. So, what’s your other choice? Head out to some sort of year-end celebration, in hopes of dancing it up past the countdown and well into 2016.
This year, we’re going with the latter. One of the events we have highlighted is NYE at LAMother, which features a collection of artists which promise a deep, danceable selection of tunes. If you haven’t heard of LAMother yet, it’s probably because they don’t typically host events like this. Promoters L’Affaire Musicale and Ouji Entertainment promise to turn this space into a indoor and outdoor wonderland, complete with champagne toasts, confetti cannons, food trucks, live visuals, premium open bar, and, of course, some top notch talent.
The night kicks off with a collection of accomplished LA-based artists, including Eli Glad b2b Brian Tarney and Adam Auburn. From there, you’ll see two artists that we’ve previously featured on the site, first with with Eric Sharp then Bobby Nourmand. The headliner is, as you probably guessed, Chris Malinchak, the NYC-based Producer/DJ who is best known for his smash hit, “So Good to Me.”
After you get done jamming out to the playlist below, make sure to pick up some tickets, before it’s too late.
Typically, the end of the year brings us smaller selections of new releases. It’s probably due to the intense schedules so many industry folks hold throughout the year, mixed with the need to spend some time with friends and family around the holidays. This year, though, we’ve had no shortage of great tracks to cover, and our next highlight comes via New York-based duo Aeroplane Mode.
We’ve had these two on our radar since their first release, just a month ago, but this is actually the first time we’re writing them up. What caught our ear with “Aphrodite?” Well, there are Jess’ ethereal vocals, which carry equal parts finesse, range, and power. Her vocals effortlessly convey her story of finding love from adolescence to maturity, roping the listener in after just the first verse. The backdrop for those lyrics is equally impressive, bringing a myriad of fluttering synths, booming percussion, and softly strummed guitars, all of which create an expansive soundscape.
Seeing as how this is just the second song from these two, you have the unique opportunity to get onboard early. We highly suggest you do so.
It’s probably safe to say that this is the first time you’re hearing about Noah Kenton. It’s also probably safe to say that this certainly won’t be the last. We have a pretty strong feeling that after folks catch wind of his latest few releases, this Virgina-based indie popster will get his much-deserved attention.
Today, we’re excited to bring an instantly memorable track, as well as the accompanying music video. “Crimson” simply dazzles from the beginning, initially locking listeners in with subtle finger picking. From there, momentum picks up, carried by the powerful vocal prowess from this youngster. The hook is radio ready, complete with catchy-as-hell sections that might get you caught in an embarrassing moment at a stoplight. But, don’t let that awkward look from a stranger stop you from belting it out. Based on what Kenton said in regards to the track, he would probably want you to have as much fun with it as he did.
Crimson was the first track we recorded for the EP and when it was finished I felt incredible. We were perfectionists when it came to these tracks, which can be stressful, but I think that Crimson really just shows how much fun can come out of all the hard work. Lots of people worked on the video and I felt so thankful for it. It’s truly Incredible to see people breathe their own life into my work.
The music video, which was shot by HMD Films, displays a captivating story from director Nathan Mcfarland. Take a quick break from work and check it out below.
The thing we love most about Laguna Beach-born garage rock prodigy Ty Segall is that his, or their, music speaks for itself. Without the need of an introduction, one listen to their stuff and you’ll know exactly what they’re all about—some badass, lo-fi, grungy rock n’ roll. The prolific Segall has done it again with his band in his track “Buick Mackane” off of his latest release Ty Rex. The fantastically named EP gives birth to more of what Segall has blessed us with over the years with upwards of eight studio albums, and we couldn’t be happier for the times their music brings us back to.
“Buick Mackane” features a Hendrix-esque introduction and a final product that perks up our ears especially as Zeppelin fans. We know these are intense comparisons, but trust us, their work deserves it. We find this release to be particularly refreshing in a world of electronic music (which we’re not knocking at all) and are thankful for groups like Ty Segall that continue to take us back to the roots of where one could argue it all began—rock n’ roll. Paired with a more modern mix of drums and hyper-distorted vocals, “Buick Mackane” is a song that can be enjoyed by all. Like, our parents would like this stuff. But like, cool parents. How awesome is that. Isn’t music grand.
Well, 2015 has been one hell of a year for our Residency program. Looking back, we’ve featured all kinds of artists, big and small, giving you a taste of some of our favorites in the game. To close things out, we’re roping in one of our favorite up-and-comers, Ms. VenessaMichaels.
If you’re not familiar with her #2090 style, you certainly will be after we highlight her and her work over the next few weeks. We just premiered her latest remix a few days ago, and we have a lot more on deck, including this tasty selection of her music. So, make sure you stay tuned in all month long, as we close out the year in style.
It’s been a little over a month since this soulful St. Louis-based artist released “Down,” and the enchantment that fans felt upon their first listen is being revived. This time, though, they’re getting to experience it’s engaging charm visually, as we offer up a first look at the official music video.
If you haven’t heard of this midwest-born progressive soul singer, you’ll surely be more in tune after today. Brandyn Burnette comes from an esteemed lineage of musicians, following in the footsteps of his father who was an R&B singer himself, on Capitol Records. Having appeared on the Billboard charts in the 1980s with hits like “The Gigolo,” it’s easy to see both how Brandyn was influenced through the years, and where his talents came from.
After his musical upbringing, he was offered a full ride to NYU on a musical scholarship, which eventually led to the gorgeous mix of genres you’re experiencing now. This song, as expected, is one that’s close to his heart. Check out what he had to say about it.
“Down” is a song for the fans, it is a song for my girl, it is a song to my friends, peers & collaborators. But more importantly & if I’m being completely honest, it’s a song to myself. I was going through changes as an artist & embracing my darkness out in the open with my artistry for the first time. I guess that’s kind of what inspired the visual as well.
Below you’ll find the captivating lyric video that will have you following along with the words in no time. Press play and get ready to sing along.
Why not just treat the whole weekend like it’s Friday? Hopefully everyone of you students are done with finals, and everyone else is getting some vacation time off work. This means one thing, you can let loose as much as your little heart desires. It’s the last weekend before Christmas, so unless your family loves to party, next weekend may be more on the chiller side of things. To get you amped for this weekend, we bring to you another baker’s dozen of freely downloadable songs from some top quality artists including Snavs, Candyland, Party Thieves, Kayzo and more. We even have a few tracks for you Star Wars lovers out there, including one of my favorite throwback tracks that concludes this week’s playlist. Have at them all, and enjoy the holidays!
Detroit indie-pop duo JR JR have had quite the 2015. Their self-titled album, which dropped in September, feels like their most polished work to date proving cohesive both sonically and in its lyrical content. “Gone,” the project’s lead single, exemplifies that refinement striking a flawless balance between inspirational and downright addicting. Seeing as JR JR have found themselves in regular rotation with the TMN staff, we’re beyond excited to be bringing you a remix of their hit single from fellow-Ninja favorites The Knocks.
The Knocks have been seemingly everywhere this year as well starting with the release of their So Classic EP which has been followed by numerous stellar remixes and the first singles from their upcoming debut album. Although more electronic in sound than JR JR, the Brooklyn duo similarly toe the line of mainstream without sacrificing a drop of integrity. While The Knocks’ recent originals fall squarely in the realm of electro-pop, their take on “Gone” sees them flexing their versatility crafting a massive bass-house tune. Contrasting vastly from the original’s playful sensibility, The Knocks’ re-imagination is fueled by a massive, brooding bass line that brings to mind their recent collaboration with Alex Metric and takes the song from a sunny summer day to a club dance floor. Kick your Friday off right with this one above–you can buy JR JR’s 2015 album here.
Alright, ninjas. We’ve been hooking you up with free entry to Beta over two years now. We know you’ve had some epic times, catching some of the most legendary talent EDM has to offer, and we’re on board to keep this thing going. So, we’re once again giving you an opportunity to check out the best night club in North America for free. What all do you have to do to get in? It’s pretty damn easy. Just follow these steps:
– Head to the front door and enter the club before 11 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Get there before 9PM on Sundays.
– Show this post to the cashier (Valid for 21+ only).
– The deal is valid for tonight, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
