[Secret Ninja Pass] This Week at Beta 3/31 – 4/3

As we continue along into 2016, we’re excited to bring you more opportunities to check out our favorite club. As you probably already know, we’ve been hooking you up with free entry to Beta for over three 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 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

See you on the dance floor.

Ferry Corsten - 3/31

ill Gates - 4/01

Manufactured Superstars - 4/02

AA Showcase - 4/03

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[Progressive House] The Fat Rat – The Calling

The Fat Rat has taken a bit of a break, but you might remember him as a house superpower from a couple years ago. Either way, we’re happy this artist is back to releasing music. And the new single shows that the producer’s abilities have stayed strong.

It’s titled, “The Calling.” You will definitely be singing this song in your head after you hear it. The Fat Rats pop melodies and songwriting abilities are stunning on this song and the overall production and mix are excellent. Below is the stream but check out the official music video below that’s really popping off. And pay attention to the cool symbols mid way through, maybe The Fat Rat is trying to tell us something…

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[Tech-House] Matthew Herbert – The Shakes (With You. Remix)

I just discovered this up and coming project called With You. With You. is made up of three seasoned producer who seek to “nod to the roots of dance music and capture the underlying emotions, rhythms & voices of soul music past, present and future to create a dialogue for positive cultural change.” They’ve been putting out some cool house tracks and I highly recommend you head over to their Soundcloud page to explore further.

Earlier this week, an album-spanning remix was released by the group called “The Shakes.” It’s a mix up of different samples from Matthew Herbert’s original album that wears the same title. The talent of this group shows through with their use of simplicity to craft a refined arrangement and sound while incorporating sounds from every song on the album. I hope you enjoy it!

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[Multi-Genre] Kicks N Licks – Young Mind Remix EP

Our homies Kicks N Licks had quite a successful release with their Young Mind EP. Now, they’re back with the Young Mind Remix EP, with three remixers, as well as a 2.0 of their single “Mind” with Lauren Hunter. Lost Identity and Trap Nation put out this four track EP for free, so make sure to download the tracks before you head out.

Kicks N Licks enlisted FLØRALS, At Dawn We Rage and Ditta & Dumont for remixes of both singles off their original EP. Before the remixes, Kicks N Licks 2.0 of “Mind” introduces the project with its hybrid future sound. The first remix that we get is FLØRALS who bring some heavy Flume influences to the table with his flip of “Young.” At Dawn We Rage keep in line with the future sound, but bring a bit more spacey vibe with their take on “Mind.” Lastly, Ditta & Dumont bring the bass with their heavy dub interpretation of “Young.” Altogether, the Young Mind Remix EP is a strong project through and through with each artist bringing something a little different to the table, while keeping things within scope.

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[Indie/Soul] Kai Straw – Hurricane

Kai Straw continues his string of pre-album single releases with “Hurricane,” the third single from his forthcoming Toothpick LP. We first encountered an indie tune, then moved to Kai’s more hip-hop centered sound with “The Business,” and now we get something different from either of those first two songs. “Hurricane” has Kai stretching his vocal abilities to deliver a soulful jam that may just be the song you need to throw on repeat and relax to.

Kai is one of the most dynamic musicians you will come across. This is clearly evident for anyone who’s been following his Toothpick releases, or have been a fan since his beginnings. “Hurricane” isn’t really like any song Kai has done before. Here we get a down-to-Earth record that as powerful as it is subtle. The minimalist tone is one of the song’s strengths, as is its organic sound that could easily be played in a live set up with a band. Kai has been unveiling something special one week at a time, and soon the full project will be out. We have one more single to share next week before the full release on April 12th. For now, stream “Hurricane” and if you haven’t checked the other tracks out, head over to the hyperlinked pages above.

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[Mixtape + Interview] Danger Village – No Guest List Required

Through the years, we’ve had the ultimate pleasure of developing relationships with some of the best and brightest people in music. From PR firms sending us emerging new talent, to working with managers to highlight artists through our Residency program, amazing music and opportunities come through our virtual door through our fellow music nerds in the industry. And, Danger Village is definitely one of our all-time team of music nerds.

To celebrate their awesomeness, both in musical tastes and in logo selection, we worked with them to curate the next iteration of their No Guest List Required Mixtape. In addition to that, we also fired off a few choice questions to the always impressive HOLYCHILD, which you can find just below the mixtape.

Below you’ll find a few of Danger Village’s artists that we’ve covered before, as well as a few others that they hand-selected as their favorites in the game. We’re pretty sure you’ll find a few new favorites in here, so scroll down and hit play already!

1. HOLYCHILD – “Happy With Me”
Laced with an exuberant instrumental, infectious hooks and sharp lyrics,”Happy With Me” vaulted HOLYCHILD to the forefront of the indie pop world and solidified their signature brat pop sound.

2. Bloodboy – “Human Female”
With Justin L. Raisen (Charli XCX, Sky Ferreira) behind the boards, Lexi Papillion aka Bloodboy shines in the anthemic electro pop affair “Human Female,” reflecting on her personal growth and grappling with womanhood.

3. Bedbugs – “Like The Earth”
Fuzzy vocals, a hooky chorus and bright guitar chords come together harmoniously in “Like The Earth,” encapsulating the sunny vibes of Bedbugs’ hometown of Los Angeles.

4. BETS – “Don’t Give A F#Ck”
Ominous yet alluring, BETS plays the role of femme fatale on a bed of glitchy production, proudly proclaiming, “I don’t fall in love.”

5. Hoodlem – “Kintsugi”
Twisting and crunching forward using a deconstructed deep house backbeat and a sweeping bass line to form a seductive groove, “Kintsugi” reflects on repairing a broken relationship.

6. ELVETT – “Everybody Say…”
A soulful piece of indie pop, “Everybody Say…” is driven by Lyn’s rapid fire vocals and a hazy soundscape comprised of flanger-tinged guitars, dissonant piano notes and looping Wurlitzer riffs.

7. ALICE MK – “Greed”
With menacing synths, thunderous drums, a blistering guitar solo and ALICE MK’s vocals commanding the charge, “Greed” tackles the downward spiral associated with the insatiable desire for more.

8. WILD – “Vagabond”
Strapped with humanizing, heart-on-sleeve candor, “Vagabond” is a stirring anthem that poignantly captures the uneasiness associated with self-acceptance.

9. F a l i n e – “Valet”
Vulnerable and charming, “Valet” invites us into F a l i n e’s psyche, examining the fallibility and fickleness of human emotions through vivid stream of consciousness storytelling.

10. Black Honey – “All My Pride”
Blending 90s alt grit, 60s pop sensibility and an explosive chorus, “All My Pride” is an exhilarating thrill ride that perfectly captures the band’s indomitable spirit.

As we mentioned before, this feature not only brings you a tasty selection of tunes, but you’ll also get an inside look at one of Danger Village’s legacy acts. We first covered HOLYCHILD back in 2013 with their absolute smash hit single, “Happy With Me.” Since then, this charming duo has put out a number of solid tunes, including a top-notch EP last summer. Now that they’re in the middle of recording some new material, we figured it was the perfect time to reach out and learn more.

Looking back on the past 2.5 years since you released Happy With Me, how have things turned out differently (for better or worse) than what you expected at that time?

Liz: The past few years have been a whirlwind. I don’t like to have expectations for anything, so I don’t think I had an image in mind of how I wanted things to roll out. I did know a few things. I wanted to be making art with social commentary and I wanted to be able to do it full time; no more waitressing or teaching dance or working at whatever shop. I definitely feel really grateful to be in Mexico right now and writing our second album because it feels like part of that dream is being manifested and that feels really amazing.

What have you learned about being a recording and touring musician in the past three years?

Louie: I feel like I have learned a lot! The most important thing I’ve learned is to just to try to keep my head low at all times, my eyes on the prize and take the good with the bad. The highs are so high and the lows are so low in this industry. At one moment, everybody loves you and the next they’ve moved onto something else. I’ve learned to take it all one step at a time and to never take myself too seriously. I want to be true to myself and everybody around me, enjoying the ride as much as possible not letting any of it get to my head.

We know that you’re living in Mexico City right now, recording more music. Can you tell us – what is the shape of HOLYCHILD to come?

Liz: Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds. The material we’re working on right now is definitely my favorite music we’ve ever written. It’s honest and genuine. Sometimes when it’s playing, I can’t stay in the same room because it’s so personal. At the same time, I’m inspired by that vulnerability. We’re trying not to overthink anything and just letting everything fall into its place. I’m happy that we have the time and space for that right now. I’m currently inspired by my ancestors, unrequited love, Frida Kahlo and also the unpretentiousness here. We’ll see where it all ends up.

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[Deep House] Uppermost – Talisman (feat. Lisa Alma)

Uppermost has always been a magician when it comes to chill music. The French producer is never afraid to experiment with new sounds while combining them with his own style. His previous New Moon EP was a classic example of that, as he provides us a series of funk/disco tracks with a little bit of indie vibe.

Uppermost’s new lead single, “Talisman” definitely reinforces a new direction for his sound. Featuring lovely vocals from Lisa Alma, this gem is a fusion of deep house elements with the producer’s signature dreamy furnish. It also lets us take a sneak peek into his upcoming Impact EP that’s going to be released April 22, which showcases Uppermost’s adaptation for the modern era dance music. We cannot wait to hear the rest of the EP, so stay tuned!

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Steve James – Renaissance feat. Clairity (ARMNHMR Remix) [TMN PREMIERE]

By the end of 2015, Steve James was making huge waves with his debut original track “Renaissance”, as we did a fun interview with him and got to understand his style of music a little better. Fast forward to four months later, the producer from Pittsburgh is set to release the “Renaissance” remixes compilation with the help of some talented friends.

Joseph Chung and Joseph Abella, together as ARMNHMR decided to add their own spin to the wonderful track and absolutely crushed it. Known for having a wide range of sounds, you never know what to expect from the two producers, and this remix is yet another genuine surprise. The melody-driven buildup gets straight to the point, and the vocals provide an infectious melody that will make you sing along to every word. The two different drops definitely highlight this track and provide some electrifying synth work, together with throbbing drums and occasional breaks.

ARMNHMR is no stranger to the dance scene, and this remix of “Renaissance” perfectly exemplifies that. We definitely look forward to more exciting tracks by the two Josephs in the near future.

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[House] Rudimental ft MNEK – Common Emotion (The Golden Pony Remix)

It’s hard to imagine that we’re almost 1/3 of the way through 2016, and we still haven’t managed to feature one of our favorite, quietly-slaying-the-game, house acts in the entire landscape of dance music: The Golden Pony. Well friends, allow us to quickly make up for their 2016 absence and bless your Ninja ears with the Brooklyn based duo’s latest remix for U.K. live electronic superstars Rudimental & Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter & producer MNEK’s collaboration “Common Emotion”. Finding a place on Big Beat Records‘ official remix EP for Common Emotion”, The Golden Pony rolls a very U.K. club formula into a NYC house anthem rife with electronic nuance and a subtle manipulation of catchy rhythms & drum work. Always ones to bridge a classic backbone with a contemporary edge, The Golden Pony find themselves in the middle of their most tasteful and addictive slew of tunes since their inception, and we couldn’t let our Ninjas sit idly by without getting in on the fun.

About the tune the pair remarked: “Were huge fans of Rudimental! Especially live, they are able to effortlessly blend instrumentation with electronic vibes.  We believe their music straddles a current and classic vibe at the same time, giving it a ton of crossover appeal.  With that in mind for the remix, we decided to use hard hitting pianos reminiscent of the 90’s New York House with some modern pitched vocals and Future Bass sounds.” It’s safe to say gentlemen, that you’ve clearly knocked this one out of the park as well. Stream The Golden Pony’s remix of “Common Emotion” above.

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[Throwback] Nicole Dollanganger – Chapel

Hearing something for the first time is great, but how good is re-hearing something that you forgot existed for 9 months? That’s magic. How did it come up again? We don’t know. But it did. And it’s glorious. The throwback is real, and today we’re throwing it back to a song released by an artist named Nicole Dollanganger whose innovation is welcomed by us time and time again.

Nicole Dollanganger has been releasing completely angelic music for the last few years and we’re happy to see her getting some more spotlight. Her release “Chapel” is especially representative of some of Dollanganger’s most enjoyable artistic characteristics—her vocal and lyrical talents. With a voice that possesses its own dialed-in breathy reverb that any artist strives to attain strictly in the studio, Dollanganger showcases her blessedly-toned voice in conjunction with some of our favorite lyrics she’s released yet with this release.

A song for the tragic, “Chapel” has lyrics that impart a kind of emotional gravity on the listener that they might not have been ready for, and we’re fans of songs that can move like that. One of our favorite lines comes at the end of the sorrow-stricken chorus: “You know I don’t love anyone, but I love you.” Wow. That’s real. Nicole Dollanganger makes us feel. We can say that for certain. Oh, and let us not forget– our favorite superstar Grimes is a big fan of her, too. She brought her on to her Eerie project pretty much before anyone else, and anyone who’s a friend of Grimes is most certainly a friend to us.

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[Event Preview] Phoenix Lights – 4/2 – 4/3

After a week of non-stop pool parties, intimate club sets, and endlessly fighting people to get from stage-to-stage at Ultra, it’s hard to imagine gearing up for another festival, especially with Coachella right around the corner. But, the good people down at Relentless Beats have made it just too damn tempting. So, we’re packing our bags, catching a flight on Saturday, and heading down to Phoenix for Phoenix Lights.

This two-day festival takes place in Margaret T. Hance park this weekend, bringing a stacked line-up across both April 2nd and 3rd. Tickets are pretty affordable, considering the talent they’re offering, listed at $119 for both days. Single day tickets are $79 for Saturday and $69 for Sunday, so you might as well just drop the extra coin and enjoy the full package.

If you’re feeling like you want to take your experience to the next level, our friends over at Cadence & Cause are offering up some VIP upgrades and a chance to meet Ephwurd at the show. Each time you contribute for a chance to win, you’ll be providing music therapy to kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Once you’re done over there, get amped up for the show with this artfully crafted playlist, which features each and every performing artist on the bill. And, make sure to look for your favorite masked bloggers out on the dance floor, come Saturday. Chances are, you won’t be able to see us – seeing as how we’re ninjas and whatnot. But, you can still try.

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David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Crush Effect Remix) [TMN Premiere]

David Bowie’s passing at the beginning of this year prompted an outpouring of genuine appreciation from artists across genres. The legendary English musician traversed the ever-changing landscape of rock / pop effortlessly for half a century helping shape the trajectory of musical history along the way. His various musical and narrative experimentations directly inspired countless artists but his fearlessness in creativity has had an even broader impact. Musically, Bowie paved the way for electronic music in the mainstream and his constant reinvention mirrors the genre’s need to continually push the boundaries.

Today, we’re excited to bring you the premiere of a particularly fun Bowie tribute courtesy of SoCal’s Crush Effect. The production duo have proved versatile with a style that incorporates elements of future funk, dubstep, house and disco. Their rendition of “Let’s Dance” is a proper Nu-Disco jam accompanying the iconic vocals with plucking synths, funky guitar riffs and a healthy horn section. Get your groove on above and check out what Crush Effect had to say about Bowie’s influence below. The duo have an EP due this year so also make sure to keep an eye out.

Musically David Bowie was always on the cutting edge and was such a big influence throughout the years. Around the same time that he passed away, we were preparing our set for the Gem & Jam Festival and wanted to write a couple new dance tracks. ‘Let’s Dance’ is just such a great song and worked perfectly into the Nu Disco context. It seemed like the right time to pay homage to Bowie.

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Consolers – Harry [TMN PREMIERE]

We’ve been seeing a noticeable uptick in the amounts of bands paying artful, modernized versions of rock legends from the late 60s and 70s. Whatever the reason is, we’re pleasantly enjoying the ride, connecting past to present with tunes we’re gleefully sharing with our folks. Each release brings our two generations together, showing our elders that music is actually pretty damn good these days.

Consolers are made up of vocalist/guitarist Florian Hofer, drummer Albrecht Bibas and bassist Till Schomburg, who began their musical careers playing house parties and clubs in Hannover, before ultimately setting off to tour around Germany, Poland, and play Lunatic Festival just last year. Citing influences from The Velvet Underground and Jimi Hendrix, they’re developing an iconic indie persona that’s rooted in both timeless and contemporary styles. “Harry” certainly showcases that, coming together under a blanket of playful guitar work, a pronounced bassline, and memorable lyrics.

This is the first track coming off their upcoming EP, Astronaut Babies, which is due out later this year. It was co-written and co-produced by Soren Christensen (GoGoBerlin, TheBlueVan, M.i.l.k , Reptile Youth, Fallulah), using a semi-disused tape machine. If you’re digging this tune, make sure to keep an eye out on these lads for upcoming releases and tour information.

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[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (March 2016 Round #3)

Hard up for some good ol’ indie music? Don’t you fret. We’ve got enough indie dojos for you to listen to until your ears fall off, it that’s even possible. You can definitely always find out.

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[Electronic] Bonzai – Sleepy Hungry EP

There’s something personal about discovering music through your favorite artists–either via remixes, tweets, Soundcloud likes or official co-signs. In the case of Bonzai, it was wunderkind producer, Mura Masa, who introduced us. The Irish vocalist first popped up on Mura Masa’s debut album, Soundtrack To A Death, and subsequently became the first artist signed to his label, Anchor Point Records. Following up a strong 2015 debut EP in Royah and a more recent appearance on Mura Masa’s latest single, Bonzai dropped her sophomore EP last week and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorite projects of the year.

Backed by production from John Calvert, Royce Wood Junior, and Mura Masa, the Sleepy Hungry EP is a project built on jarring, yet well executed, juxtapositions between beautiful sonics and harsh, glitchy low-end elements. Bonzai’s versatile vocal chops are what truly reel in the chaos, adjusting flawlessly with every twist and turn. Her fearlessness in both songwriting and delivery helps bridge the gap between between alternative R&B and underground UK electronic music. “Daniel Gets It Wrong,” the opener, begins with a bright, fluttering signature Mura Masa progression before quickly dropping into a heavy, minimal UK-garage bass line–truly encapsulating what’s to come on the remainder of the project. While “No Rest” and “Kassi” follow that heavily contrasting feel of the intro, songs later in the EP like “Lights On” and “Where Are You Now” provide a breather with their gorgeous, addicting textures.

The avant-garde nature of the Sleepy Hungry EP demands that you truly immerse yourself as a listener: the mark of a truly unique piece of work. So, do yourself a favor and give this one a full listen from start to finish below. You can purchase a digital copy of the project over at iTunes now.

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MAEKL JORDN – BRKDNC [TMN Premiere]

Oh wow, do we have something extremely dope to share with you today. We do a lot of premieres, but this one stands out as one of the favorites. Mysterious act MAEKL JORDN just went hard on their original record “BRKDNC” that we are premiering to you. If you need a fiery record to get yourself through Monday, you’ve got it with this one.

MAEKL JORDN put together a breakbeat masterpiece with “BRKDNC.” There’s no doubt it will get people up and dancing either, as its vicious grooves are unlike anything we’ve gathered this year. The vocal chopped melodies are crafted to perfection, accompanied by the subtle hits and highly animated percussion. “BRKDNC” could easily become one of the records of the year, especially since breaks has been coming more into the fold lately. High Scream Records got their hands on this superb release, which you can purchase through Beatport today.

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Fytch ft. Alisa Nappa – Over My Head [TMN Premiere]

Who doesn’t fancy some bass music to start off their Monday morning? Well we’ve got just the right track for you today. Following the success of “Sirens Over Paris”, which was played out by Porter Robinson during his Holy Ship set earlier this year, French producer Fytch has granted us with another gem off of his upcoming Falls Like Rain EP, and it’s definitely one of our favorites.

Fusing Alisa Nappa‘s alternative vocals with his signature heavy bass synths, Fytch knocks this one out of the ball park. “Over My Head” embodies an ominous and eerie atmosphere while getting your attention through infectious melodies provided by the lustful vocals. The drop combines the tweaked vocals and some electric sounding bass synth together with some trap elements. It’s unique in its own way, and we promise you’ll get hooked from your first listen.

If you dig the track, be sure to check out Fytch’s Falls Like Rain EP coming out on March 31 via Heroics Recordings. Trust us – you do not want to miss out.

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[Pop] Imad Royal – Selfish

Imad Royal is one of those dynamic artists that are hard to come by. He started out with minimal underground productions and has grown into an artist that has been able to fuse the commercial with the underground. He hops between styles without strain, moving from trap to pop with no issues. Just take his latest original, “Selfish,” that sees the DC producer bringing another radio-friendly jam to the table that has all the merit you could ask for in a record.

“Selfish” was produced by Imad Royal and Brenton Duvall, with the former performing the vocals on the track as well, which has now become a traditional element in Imad’s creative process. Because of the minimal style of Imad, his records tend to be ones that are easily memorable, and this one is no different, especially with these lyrics. With “Selfish” comes the promise for even more music with the artist declaring we can expect much more soon. We’re certainly not mad about that, and I don’t think you will be either.

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Evangeline – My Kingdom (DEVAULT Remix) [TMN Premiere]

There are a ton of artists that we continually support here at The Music Ninja. One of those is the LA producer DEVAULT. Today we are lucky to be the first to share with you his brand new remix of “My Kingdom” by Evangeline. The electro-pop original was just asking to be flipped into something new, which is where DEVAULT came in with his future sound.

For being just nineteen years old, DEVAULT brings some fresh sounds to the table, and is able to re-imagine anything he gets his hands on. With “My Kingdom” he utilizes his signature sound with a little subtle twist on it. DEVAULT has mastered the future meets trap hybrid, which is one of the reasons he has been able to establish himself as a creator to have your eye on. It’s also a reason his past few records have been pushing or exceeding the 100K count on Soundcloud. This new one is about to make a splash. Check it out, and make sure to grab the free download.

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[Event Preview] Bayonne – Lost Lake Lounge – 3/28

Roger Sellers aka Bayonne is bringing his one-man act to Denver in support of his debut album, Primitives. Luckily for all of us in the Mile High City, we get to take in a live look at his musical abilities at one of the most intimate venues in our fair city, the Lost Lake Lounge.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out this budding Austin-based musician, we’ve included a few choice tracks to wet your whistle. If you’re feeling those, and we assume you will, head over to Spotify and spend some time with the whole album. In our opinion, it’s best to start at the first track and listen all the way through. We can’t say for certain that this is a concept album, but it damn sure listens like one.

After you’re done, head over and pick up some tickets for tonight’s show.

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The Chill Dojo #173

We’re back with a stacked playlist to cap off your Easter weekend, and we’re kicking it off with a talented group who have come together for Skrillex’s remix of ‘Show Me Love’. We haven’t seen too many productions from Skrilly grace our Dojo over the years, but this mellow beat over the original from Hundred Waters is as beautiful in its sound as it is in its message. The lyrical contributions from all 3 vocalists carry the enchanting vibe from start to finish, crafting the perfect track to play out with your crew. That same vocal quality had us hooked from the first moment we heard ‘All That’s Left’ from Manila Killa at the start of this year, and now thanks to a velvety edit from Audiobot we get to experience that all over again. More than that though, the euphoric journey is the result of masterful production that drifts through wonderfully varied elements, forming the pieces of this dream-like tune.

In a similar fashion, the astral atmosphere of ‘Mind’ was the cornerstone for this different approach from Kicks N Licks, and At Dawn We Rage championed that feeling at every stage of their remix for the EP. Their hypnotic spin adds a little more kick, but the focus is very much still on the interplanetary sensations that the original soundscape emitted. While Yacht club doesn’t intend that same imagery from ‘keep you close’, the melodies constructed are definitely out of this world. He’s been keeping this one under wraps for a while, but we’re glad it’s found its way out of the archives to be shared with the Soundcloud universe.

With a playlist of this size though, you’re guaranteed to still be chewing through it long after your supply of Easter chocolate has vanished. Peace out.

 

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[House] Justin Jay & Friends – Weatherman Ft. Josh Taylor (Extended Mix)

You don’t need to dig deep through our old posts to know that we love LA-based Justin Jay. In fact, we’ve been so smitten with his smooth yet quirky beats that we hosted him as one of our Resident Artists, way back in February of last year. Today, we’re bringing you his freshest track, which features Josh Taylor, Benny Bridges, and Henry Was.

As we’ve seen with past releases, like “Karma” and his remix of “Take it to Reality,” Justin is extremely focused on instrumentation lately, especially when it comes to guitars. “Weatherman” showcases that fusion of rock and dance effortlessly, giving you nuances of rock gods like Rush, carried over into a 21st-century setting.

This tune comes with the announcement of his Fantastic Voyage album, along with an EP series. If that last part threw you for a loop, it’s pretty simple once you break it down. Instead of following the classic album release format, he’s going to be dropping singles and EPs through different labels to reflect each track’s unique nature. Ultimately, the project will come together as his debut album, showcasing the breadth of his musical exploration.

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[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 188)

It’s Good Friday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party to get Easter weekend started. That’s why we couldn’t skip out on collecting tracks for this week’s Friday Party Playlist. Plenty of awesome free records came out, both of the original sort and the remix type. Originals this week come from Willdabeast, ill Gates, Rob Gasser, Borgore, No Mana, Bro Safari and more, while remixes come from Uplink, Luca Lush, Koinu, and Convex. We have a bit of everything this week, from funk, to drum & bass, to future, to house, trap and even one dubstep record to cap off the playlist. Check out all the tracks, enjoy your holiday weekend, and most importantly, #danceirresponsibly.

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[Multi-Genre] Adam Tell – Purpose EP

I don’t think there’s much to do in Iowa, which probably helped Adam Tell become such a good musician. His newest project, the Purpose EP, exemplify his skills in depth with four records that Cloudhead Records couldn’t pass up. Adam’s statement on Soundcloud states, “The music speaks for itself,” and it certainly does. It’s that good.

Adam gives us a taste of some synth pop and some complex electro-style tracks that will have lovers of 8-bit going crazy. He doesn’t go overboard with sounding too much like video game music, instead he takes just enough influence from there, along with several other places to create something unique. Adam also sings on the records, giving himself another avenue of expression and giving himself the opportunity to say that he created the Purpose EP all on his own. The first two records on the project fit the more poppy style that Adam was going for, while the next to get more deep into the dance music, capping things off with “A Taste of Purpose” which is our favorite song of the EP. Check it out below, and make sure to head over to iTunes to buy the tracks.

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NALL Feat. Samuel – St. Jude [TMN Premiere]

Dirty Soul Music are the people to know if you’re looking for good house music. Today we share with you the premiere of a brand new single they released from Paris producer NALL. “St. Jude” is his creation, alongside Samuel who provided a memorable vocal topline that you’ll be singing through the rest of the day.

“St. Jude” starts out with an ethereal intro that quickly leads into a smooth verse delivered by Samuel atop a chill piano-centered beat. The deep house style continues with Samuel’s vocal that runs throughout the record apart from a break in the middle of the song, where we meet a short cut time break. NALL put something really special together with “St. Jude” that has potential to make some waves on the web and the radio. For all you students out there coming back home to visit the family for Easter, you have yourself the track you need for your long travels. Throw it on repeat, and you’re set.

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LIMBS – Moonshine [TMN PREMIERE]

Just last month, bi-coastal dream pop act LIMBS released their debut track, “Don’t Stay,” which not only showcased this duo’s ability to write genre-bending, lush, and textural music but also to enchant listeners with dazzling, well-choreographed visuals. Now, with their first track and accompanying video making their rounds across the blogosphere, they’re ready to serve up another gem for your listening pleasure.

“Moonshine” is an encapsulating listening experience, brought to life with a multi-layered depth of production and vocals from members Kevin Abdella and Kim Mayo. The lyrics come to you in a heavily treated style, which counter-balance perfectly with the light guitar work, booming bassline, and atmospheric clicking. It’s positively haunting, leeching on in all the best ways.

If you’re feeling warm ‘n fuzzy from “Moonshine,” make sure to throw a calendar reminder on April 1st. That’s when you’ll be able to grab it, and the rest of the EP, for your personal collection.

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[House] The Magician – SHY (feat. Brayton Bowman)

There are so many reasons to fall in love with the mysterious ways of The Magician. From dazzling live performances, to artfully crafted Magic Tapes, to stunning remixes, to inventive originals, this wand-wielding producer/DJ continues to showcase why he’s so highly regarded amongst both the underground heads and the popsters alike.

“SHY” is the latest Ace mysteriously pulled out of Stephen Fasano’s sleeve, and it’s sure to get feet on the dance floor happily tapping away at its enchanting aura. Featuring vocals from singer/songwriter Brayton Bowman that could easily fit into a top Hip-Hop/R&B crossover, it’s immediately memorable, allowing listeners to sing along after the first chorus.

Make sure to keep an eye out for this monstrous summer jam come May 2nd. It will most assuredly fit into your warm-weather rotation perfectly.

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[Minimal Pop] MORLY – Plucky

MORLY’s style is casually addicting. Think of it like this – you know when you first meet someone you might have a connection with? At first, there’s a few flirtatious smiles, but then you go about your day without a second thought. A few weeks later, you catch yourself thinking about them, wondering what they’re up to. After a few months, you find yourself completely smitten, unable to go the length of the day without fixating on them at some point. That’s MORLY’s music. And you can bet that after listening to “Plucky,” and the rest of her tunes, you’ll be gleefully adding them into your Favorites Playlist.

Released just a few days ago, “Plucky” is a delightfully well-constructed tune that effortlessly combines elements that are commanding and some that are beautifully understated. Light clicks and pops, engaging vocal harmonies, and ethereal synths come together in a way that’s both groovy, and emotive, ultimately leading you by the hand through a wildly unique listening experience.

You can find this tune in her upcoming EP, Something More Holy. If you’re into collecting vinyl, this EP will be combined one with her previous one, In Defense of My Muse, and released via Cascine on April 8th.

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[House] Fabich – One, Two

Last week, we spent some time with the Potion Records crew for their label showcase at the Delano. From top-to-bottom, they had a talent-stacked night, including some artists who have released music under The Magician’s careful curation, and some who were just there to join the party. One of our favorite sets came from a Munich-based newcomer, who goes by the name Fabich.

If you’re just tuning into this up-and-act, you’ll be pleased to know he has some fresh new tunes for you, just in time for you to proudly strut through spring and into summer. “One,Two” is a lethal dance floor pleaser, boasting heavy kicks, a robust piano melody, a hard-hitting future house bassline. Trust us, this track triggers the insatiable need to shake your hips, shuffle your feet, and boast a broad grin. We witnessed such events in person and pleasantly fell victim to “One, Two’s” sweet siren call.

You can snag this tune via Potion records on March 28th.

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[Secret Ninja Pass] This Week at Beta 3/24 – 3/27

As we continue along into 2016, we’re excited to bring you more opportunities to check out our favorite club. As you probably already know, we’ve been hooking you up with free entry to Beta for over three 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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

See you on the dance floor.

Laidback Luke - 3/24

Rain Man - 3/25

Manufactured Superstars - 3/26

Daniel Bortz - 3/27

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[Deep House] Kyle Watson – Moments

Big Beat Records put out a cool jam from Kyle Watson recently called “Moments.” The South African artist makes his original debut on the label that he has already been a part of by way of official remixes. With this single, Kyle was able to give deep house an atmospheric side, while still keeping in place the groove that makes deep house so enjoyable. “Moments” feels a bit shadowed, but there’s something warm and enticing about it at the same time. This mix of emotions is partly why I think this record is so emotionally powerful. “Moments” has quickly become a go-to record in our book, and it’s good for numerous occasions. Grab the single through iTunes, get some headphones and throw this on repeat for a bit. It will make for a beautifully relaxing Wednesday night.

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[Hip-Hop] Kai Straw – The Business feat. Keak Da Sneak & Roach Gigz

Another single off the upcoming Toothpick album has hit the web thanks to Kai Straw. The San Francisco artist already released “Friction” last week, and now “The Business” is here. This single has Kai keeping more in line with his hip-hop roots and teaming up with fellow Northern California artists Keak Da Sneak and Roach Gigz. For all you Bay Area cats out there, you now have another anthem to slap.

“The Business” has each of the emcees sharing a bit about their hometown within the bay, covering Oakland, Fairfield and San Francisco. James The Bear produced this record, which has one of the sickest beats we’ve heard in a while. Fans of Kai’s older works will find this especially dope, as it is a sort of new-school homage to the hyphy movement where Kai got his start producing records. “The Business” stands out as something exceptionally special within Toothpick. One more single is to be released before the full album is out on Tenth Gate Records on April 12th.

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[Indie Dance] Ardency – Mechanism EP

Ardency never ceases to amaze us. Whether it’s their unique “neon 80’s” sound or their evolution as artists, the production duo undoubtedly sets a very high standard for other indie electronic acts. They’ve teased us with tracks like “Crystals” and “Races” off their EP, reminding us of their incredible talent. Now the wait is over, because their brand new Mechanism EP is finally here!

The four-track EP is definitely a game changer, as it perfectly showcases Ardency’s wide range of sounds. They step away from their usual neon dance vibe with “Like That”, which embodies a darker and heavier beat. The bassline resembles groups like Oliver who can masterfully fuse a retro sound with modern electropop music. “Crystals” is their hit single that has has an infectious melody with a the use of crystal synths. It shows a more chilled out side of their sound without losing authenticity.

“Races” stood out to us the most because of how different it is. The hardhitting bass towards the middle of the track was something we’ve never heard from them before, and it absolutely bangs. The melody-less bassline resembles the sound of REZZ, as it keeps adding to the epic buildup and outro of the track. It was definitely a favorite of ours. The EP ends with the title track “Mechanism” which once again features vocals by Icelandia. The soothing harmonies and the well-crafted synth create a dreamy and heavenly atmosphere, which is perfect for an ending track.

The whole project was a breath of fresh air, and it was easily their best work to date. We know for a fact that Ardency does not just make music that people want to hear, but rather some very original material that utilizes their creativity and brand of sound. Sky is the limit for these guys, and we certainly hope to expect more refreshing tunes in the near future. Peep the EP below and show some support if you dig!

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Ryan Vail – Mirrors [TMN Premiere]

Etchings of a person’s entire life can be experienced with the right song. Ryan Vail‘s second offering off of his debut LP, For Every Silence, brings together his family, his past, and his ability to wrench every iota of emotional gravity out of minimal instrumentation. The true power of “Mirrors” lies within Vail’s propensity to mesh electronic and classical music in such a way that the two naturally weave into something beautiful.

Inspired by the storied past of a family heirloom piano that dates all the way back to 1927, Ryan Vail explores all of the motivating facets in his life up this point and builds them into his own world of resounding sonic bliss. For Every Silence will be released April 1st, and, if “Mirrors” is any indication, this project will find its footing as a memorable exploration into a very talented individual’s story.

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Welcome Our Next Resident Artist: 99 Souls

With March well underway, it’s time we introduce another Resident artist to our ranks. We’re always excited to highlight some of the best and brightest acts in the world, but we’re especially excited about this month’s.

You may have heard of 99 Souls at this point, or, at least, caught a fleeting note or two from any one of their international smash hits. From Destiny’s Child and Brandy, to Blonde, to Martin Solveig, this duo has been making waves with their work both remixing and creating original tunes. With only a handful of releases to date, they’ve quickly managed to grab the collective intrigue of the industry, racking up millions upon millions of streams across YouTube, SoundCloud, and Spotify.

We both love acoustic music – and we want to connect with people. I grew up on hip hop and got into house music at Uni. From my mid-teens, I went to d ‘n’ b nights and later on electro house and dubstep events before finally deep house. Who’s our ultimate dance music act? I don’t know if we have one: we’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done before. We’re making an epic soul meets gospel meets 2016 house album, where every song means something. We just want to make a classic, timeless album!

With a heavy focus on live instrumentation, jazz, hip hop, soul, and house, 99 Souls are quietly working on a debut, full-length album. And, speaking of quiet, there hasn’t been much said about who these guys are and how that their smash hits came to be. That is, until now.

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[Future Funk] Willdabeast x SwAy – Crossing Borders EP

Super Best Records just put out a gem of a project with the collaborative Crossing Borders EP. Created by duo’s Willdabeast and SwAy, this three track project is a collection of future funk records that revolve around the concept of love. There are a ton of songs about relationships, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an EP this cool about it, especially within the glitch bass realm.

Willdabeast and SwAy’s sound fit together like a hand in a glove, it just works. Throw some sweet vocals on the tracks from Brittany Littke and Sinclair Hucke, and you have yourself something extra spectacular. All three tracks are magnificent, bringing a slightly different mood to the table; even within the productions the songs ebb and flow through different emotions and sounds. Crossing Borders starts off strong with “Cuz I Need You Baby,” then moves to the cerebral “On My Mind,” and finishes off with perhaps the best record on the EP, “Peace Offering.” Lastly, Willdabeast and SwAy released this one for free, so get to downloading!

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SWIMM – Mind’s Eye [TMN PREMIERE]

With SXSW and the Austin skyline slowly fading in the rearview, we’re now looking ahead to a summer filled with newly-found, top-notch talent. One of the acts that grabbed the collective eye of the musical community last week was SWIMM. Even though these guys have already experienced tremendous success, touring with acts like Dr. Dog, Bright Light Social Hour and Young Empires, and appearing at CRSSD Festival and The Okeechobee Music Festival, last week’s events will continue get them to a much-deserved household name status.

Today’s premiere brings tastefully modern psych-pop vibes that also call on associations of legendary music from the past. With gorgeous guitar work, softly-sung and highly addictive lyrics, and light, beachy percussion, “Mind’s Eye” brilliantly comes to life, showering listeners with all the feel-good vibes necessary for the start to a work week. You’ll be hard pressed not to bob your head, tap your foot, and bear a toothy grin the whole way through.

You can find this summery jam on their upcoming Beverly Hells EP 12-inch on April 8th. Click here to pre-order and add to your collection.

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[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (March 2016 Round #3)

Spring has finally sprung. And along with spring comes months of music festivals, backyard parties, and everything else you find yourself doing in the sweet, sweet sunshine. You know what else goes well with spring activities? Playlists. So when you’re ready to jump outside and take advantage of the warmth ahead, you know where to find us.

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The Old Adage – Brother [TMN Premiere]

This April, Detroit’s The Old Adage will be releasing their LP. Today, we’re lucky enough to share with you one of the singles from the album early as a Music Ninja Premiere. “Brother” is what we have to share, their humble record tinged with nostalgic emotions. The duo really knocked this one out of the park, which is why we had to jump on this one and give you listeners an exclusive full preview.

“Brother” is a soft synth pop record whose sound is feels more organic than electronic. The instrumental is phenomenal, but for us the main highlight of the track is the superb vocal performance from Mimi, with Nino providing background vocals that create the perfect tone; not only with regard to the sonic quality, but also with the lyrical content. If you haven’t reminisced about the past in a while, you’re sure to with someone close to you soon after taking a listen to “Brother.” Give it a stream, and get ready for the duo’s album release coming this April.

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[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 187)

Whether you’re at SXSW, Miami, or just at home, we’ve got some music for you. For those of you who are not attending this month’s music festivities, we’ve gathered a dozen tracks to help you feel like you’re there. Sure, there will still be some fomo, but hey; there’s always next year. Despite many artists being out gallivanting about, a heap of dope records came out and we’ve narrowed them down to the free downloads you need for the weekend. We have a little future funk, some trap, and a variety of house tracks that are sure to help get your party started. Favorites from this week include Manic Focus, Major Lazer & Grandtheft’s collaboration, and a single from a brand new project called Sebrus. Check out the lot, and get to downloading the ones you enjoy. No matter where you are, make sure to #danceirresponsibly.

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[Indie] Kai Straw – Friction

San Francisco artist Kai Straw is making his return over the upcoming weeks until his album, Toothpick, comes out in full. Prior to the release date on April 12th, Kai will be releasing a few singles for fans to enjoy before the full project is out. He’s kicked things off with “Friction,” which has the artist moving a bit away from his hip-hop sound and more to an indie style.

“Friction” is a ballad that many millennials can connect to. It’s love-laced lyrics are fraught with passion that seeps into the funky beat created by James The Bear, who produced the album in its entirety. Kai has performed a live show in the past, opening for such acts as Big Krit, Clyde Carson and more, but this track is really built around that live band experience, utilizing acoustic components for a life-like expression. We’ve been lucky enough to preview the album in full, and we have to say, you’re in for a real treat. Check back each week until the album drops so you can get some sneak previews into this extraordinary LP.

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Ultra Music Festival: Day by Day Playlist

Today’s the day! You’ve saved your hard-earned money throughout the winter, putting away dollar-after-dollar for the start of festival season. Now, you get to march proudly into Ultra Music Festival and dance for three days straight. Before you do, though, we’re pretty sure you’ll need an epic pre-party playlist. And, guess what? We have you covered.

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[Video] Vanessa Elisha – Out of Time (Prod. XXYYXX)

Australian songstress Vanessa Elisha has been on our radar for a few years now, so we’re definitely proud to see her reach yet another milestone in her career with the release of her first ever music video for her recent single “Out of Time”. The addicting tune–which has been in steady rotation ever since it dropped back in November–finds the vocalist pairing with producer XXYYXX as she despondently dwells upon being painfully separated from her significant other. Trapped in an inescapable glass container, the forlorn lover earnestly croons about her agonizing feelings of isolation and her desire to escape before the clock ultimately ticks down to zero. Unfortunately, her surroundings only grow darker and grim over time, as her vision gets cloudier and the box is shrouded in mist. By the end it seems like she learns to accept her circumstances, but we decided to ask the songwriter herself about the song’s somber message and harrowing visuals to see what she had to say:

Conceptually, we really wanted to capture the feeling of isolation. It was all about embodying the lyrics, “running out of time”. For me, the box is the physicalisation of the loneliness or anxiety someone feels when they are about to be left alone for a long period of time. It could represent something different to everyone who watches it, that’s what I love about interpretation.

Peep the ominous Matt Earl-directed visuals below and if you’re feeling the single make sure to grab yourself a copy from iTunes. Stay tuned for more from Vanessa as she continues to prep her upcoming EP, set to drop later this year.

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Cracking The Code: Delving Into Blue Electronica & Understanding The Mystery Behind The Duo [TMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

When we first introduced them as our resident artists for this month, we challenged you to see if you could crack The Code. That’s proven even more difficult with the release of their Blue Electronica EP, as the genre bending duo have continued to defy expectations since their emergence on the scene two years ago. The minute you think you’ve got them all figured out, the pair manage to throw a curveball your way that completely changes the way you view their music. We sat down with them recently to understand their recording process and the inspiration behind their music. See what they had to say about Blue Electronica, and listen to the entire project below. If you like what you hear, make sure you pre-order the album here.

TMN: It’s crazy to think that you’ve been able to amass such a large following without anyone learning your identity. These days there’s a lot of pressure for artists to open up and engage their fans via social media, but at the same time there’s been a growing contingent of reclusive artists trying to keep the focus exclusively on their music. Can you guys discuss some of the reasons why you decided to pursue this path, and some of the challenges that come along with it?

The Code: Well just like you said to focus on the music. At this stage nothing else is important. There are challenges in everything, so by choosing whatever path you should prepare and accept them, positive or negative.

TMN: Like we said, no one’s quite been able to crack The Code just yet, and we’re interested in learning a bit about the significance behind your name: what does it mean to you and what does it represent?

The Code: It’s more what we are, not who we are. It represents the music, and our visual compass.

TMN: You guys have basically created your own signature sound, blending elements of electronica with R&B rhythms and hazy melodies. Can you talk to us a bit about your inspiration and how you came to develop this style?

The Code: Organically. Just creating what makes sense to the mood at the time, whether that be something energetic or chilled. Inspired by everything, not just music. In this day there is so much going on in the world its hard not to be inspired by everything.

TMN: You recently released your Blue Electronica EP, and the color seems to be a pervasive theme in both your music and artwork. What is it about the color blue that makes it so prominent in your aesthetic?

The Code: Blue is a calming color which can be dark, light, soothing and irate. It can also represent so many different things and the contrast between our interpretation of the color “blue” and “electronica” really fits.

TMN: In 2014 you introduced yourself to the world with the release of your debut mixtape, 1|11. This last project though, was much smaller in scope. Were there any changes in your approach when it came time to record Blue Electronica?

The Code: Not really, it all comes down to timing, both were made at different times in different moments.

TMN: There’s a lot of exciting talent emerging on the UK music scene lately. It seems like every time we turn our heads we find someone new. Are there any names you guys are keeping your eyes on, or anyone specific you’d like to collaborate with?

The Code: Anyone who wants to make music, any who is positive. If the time is right then anything is possible.

TMN: Now that you have two projects under your belt, what else is on the horizon for The Code? Do you guys plan on doing any touring?

The Code: More of everything. It’s all been absolutely amazing so far.

TMN: Is there anything you’d like to say to someone who’s just hearing your music for the first time?

The Code: We appreciate your ears.

TMN: The biggest misconception people have about the UK is ______

The Code: Not really sure, every area has stigma’s and stereotypes, good and bad.

TMN: If you could teach a robot to feel emotion through music, what album would you show them?

The Code: Daft Punk – Discovery

TMN: If your music was a drug, how would it make people feel?

The Code: You’d have to ask the listeners that one.

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Sam Paye & Eleventy Million – The Yoga Pose [TMN Premiere]

Sam Paye of Seattle has brought forth his latest original single “The Yoga Pose” as a premiere for us ninjas. We present to you his creation with rapper Eleventy Million. “The Yoga Pose” is a danceabale mixture of hip-hop, pop and electronic music. There’s a lot going on in this three minutes of audio that is tailored for the eclectic taste.

Sam delivers an instrumental whose sound jumps around with different sounds ranging from progressive synths to 80’s basses to saxophone. On top of the diverse beat is Eleventy Million’s vocal performance that, for the most part, isn’t just straight rapping. We get a crowd-controlling expression that is more akin to a hypeman than someone spitting lyrics; although there are phrases of straight rap. After all, this is a party record. “The Yoga Pose” will be available through Bomb Recordings on March 25th. For now, stream the full preview until it’s up for grabs.

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[Future Funk] SwAy x Willdabeast – On My Mind feat. Sinclair Hucke

Super Best Records has something dope coming next week. SwAy and Willdabeast have teamed up for the Crossing Borders EP that is set for release on March 22nd. One of the tracks on the EP, “On My Mind” has come early, so fans can get a taste of what’s to come.

“On My Mind” is a soulful future funk original that features Sinclair Hucke. Willdabeast is known for fusing the live with the electronic, whether it’s in live format or with tracks, and that’s what we get here. Fans of GRiZ are going to be jiving with this one, as it shares a similar vibe to some of his records. “On My Mind” is just one glitch-ridden piece of a whole project; one that is coming in full soon. Stream “On My Mind” and check back next week for when Crossing Borders is out.

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Ninjas At Ultra Music Festival: Our Must-See Acts

There’s no doubt about it – Ultra is a massive, sprawling festival featuring numerous well curated and impressively put together stages. Close to 200 acts will be populating these stages throughout the three-day festival, playing every single kind of dance music you could possibly think of. It can be daunting, at times, but fear not. We’ve taken the time to hand-pick a handful of our absolute must-see-acts, and included a sample set from each.

Make sure to stay tuned later in the week, too. We’ll have an artfully crafted playlist for each of the three days at Ultra Music Festival.

John Digweed | Friday @ Resistance

When I think of sets that are guaranteed to be an epic time, John Digweed is one of the first that comes to mind. He has slowly built a DJ empire over the years that’s acclaimed as being one founded on quality over hype, and for many years (as many as 10 some could argue) existed as an undiscovered talent in his UK home. That stealthy Digweed. Thankfully he’s now on a global touring circuit of grand proportions, and Ultra is the perfect time to catch him. Check out his set “Live in Cordoba” and try to not have the insatiable desire to see him live immediately. I dare you. – Ninja Jordan

Gryffin | Sunday @ Live Stage

Recently shifting into original material after a slew of successful remixes ranging from Years and Years to Bipolar Sunshine, Gryffin takes to the live stage for what is guaranteed to be an uplifting experience. He’s garnered quite a following already, but still seems relatively under the radar considering his millions of plays and impressive renditions of pop and alternative tunes. After working with Hotel Garuda and Josef Salvat, his stock continues to exponentially grow as a possible household name for indie dance and electronic music as a whole. – Ninja Mitch

Party Favor | Friday @ Worldwide Stage

If you’re looking for a diverse set centered around booty shaking beats, Party Favor is your guy. There’s a reason this dude has been co-signed by the likes of Dillon Francis, Diplo, Brillz and Flosstradamus, he knows just how to turn things up. He already rocked major festivals last year, including EDC and Ultra, and now he’s back to make an even bigger impact. Expect an unforgettably wild experience as he returns to Miami to top his momentous 2015 live set. – Ninja Ren

Black Coffee | Sunday @ Resistance Stage

The unofficial leader of Johannesburg’s booming and eclectic electronic dance scene (check out the mini-docs about Black Coffee and Johannesburg, put together by Resident Advisor for an in-depth look), Nathi Maphumulo is a national icon in his home country, known much more widely as Black Coffee. In the past few years, Coffee’s finally been receiving the global acclaim and credit that his artistic counterparts have been heaping on for years. A true programmer, Black Coffee’s sets display house music that simply oozes with soul. His take on house draws inspiration from the indigenous music of his homeland, blended with a penchant for classic hooks and simplified song structure. It’s a blueprint that’s helped him inspire a generation of South African producers, and it’s high time you got in know. – Ninja Matthew

Patrick Topping | Saturday @ Resistance Stage

If you’ve got co-signs and collaborations from the likes of Claude Von Stroke and Green Velvet, chances are you’re doing something right. UK-based producer Patrick Topping has done just that on his meteoric rise to the top of the tech-house scene. “Voicemail,” his 2014 collaboration with Green Velvet, remains in regular rotation for DJs worldwide, but Topping’s sound has continued to expand making every new release an adventure–ranging from dark and ominous to uplifting and soulful. His DJ sets have been hailed as some of the best on the biggest stages so he’s definitely an act worth catching at this point in his career. – Ninja Ashraf

Miike Snow | Friday @ Live Stage

After a three-year hiatus, the Swedish indie pop trio is back in full force. Their long-awaited album “iii” was finally released, including hit singles like “Genghis Khan” and “Heart Is Full”. It will be interesting to see these veterans get together again and perform at Ultra Music Festival. Their immense energy and entertaining live sets will definitely bring down the house as the Friday headliner of the Live Stage. – Ninja Ivan

Tycho | Friday @ Live Stage

I’ve been a massive fan of Tycho for quite some time. His passion for ambient, multi-layered electronica and graphic design is inspiring, keeping me anxiously awaiting each time he plays. I know a lot of you are heading to Ultra to rage, but please trust me. This is one act of electronic mastery you don’t want to miss. – Ninja Clayton

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