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We hope your Friday morning started off with some coffee and donuts, or a nice big brunch, because those will come in handy later. Starting your day off right is important, but so is how you end it. We hope you get to party your face off tonight, and kick out to catch all the z’s you missed during the week. To help you prepare for and execute the party plans, we have collected another dozen songs for you this Friday. Tracks this week come to us from artists including Ghosts, Axel Boy, Warez, Luca Lush, Wildfellaz, Spag Heddy and more. As usual, all of the tracks presented in this playlist are available as free downloads, so don’t be shy; run through the various links to grab the ones you really want. Don’t want to download them just quite yet? Just pull us up at the party, and stream them here with your friends. Most importantly, #danceirresponsibly.
What happens when you put Flosstradamus, graves and Post Malone together? We can’t be exactly sure, but when FKi and Key are thrown into the mix as well, you get “Came Up.” Ultra Records released this single today, and it is set to be one of the biggest records of the Summer.
Flosstradamus move away from their usual trap style and bring some future sounds into the mix. From the producer side of things, “Came Up” is interesting because you can hear the contributions from each party. Obviously with the vocal route, that’s more obvious. With that side, we get a more R&B meets hip-hop style that has been plaguing the radio within the past year. “Came Up” is only partly what you may have expected, but any expectations you had about songwriting quality surely will be blown away. They really did a nice job with this one, making it a familiar, yet unique single that is accessible to both the mainstream and the underground. As we mentioned earlier, this single dropped today, so if you would like to get a copy, head over to iTunes.
HWLS, the production project of Justin Elwin, just released a cross-genre dance gem that will pump up your Friday morning. HWLS first came into spotlight after Elwin teamed up with Ta-Ku with the release of tracks like “Plays” with Ty Dolla $ign and a remix of Tokimonsta‘s “Realla”.
Co-producing with fellow Australian producer ShockOne, HWLS combines a hardhitting bassline with sharp synth stabs to create an all-out infectious melody. To our surprise, Gamma’s high energy and upbeat production is drastically different than the chilled out and ambient vibe. The two various drops also put Elwin’s versatility in production in display. The genre-ambiguity will definitely satisfy a wide range of dance crowds.
Released via Future Classic, “Gamma” will be sure to make some waves for HWLS going into his debut US tour with Flume in August. Make sure to stay tuned for more tour info and exciting news for the talented HWLS!
With a slew of popular remixes under his belt already, Matt DiMona has kept himself busy while at USC. As the creator of several tracks totaling over 5 million plays, it goes without saying that DiMona is popular with more than just his peers on campus. Emboldened by the success of remakes like “90210” and “Devil And the Deep Blue Sea”, DiMona released his first original work last October. The sultry “I Just Want You” as it was titled, was merely a taste of what was to come from the young producer.
Following an encouraging illustration of his original production skills, DiMona has released an electrifying 5-track EP titled Up All Night. Although the entire project is worth a listen, the standout track of the bunch is “Touch.”
In a catchy lo-fi melody, DiMona crafts “a song about staying in”. The real success of Up All Night – and “Touch” specifically – is how the aesthetic reaction to the music is syntonic to the imagery DiMona conveys. In painting a picture of a day spent on the SoCal coast, “Touch” masterfully brings home the slowly unwinding scene painted by the lyrics.
Fans seeking a more comprehensive experience with Up All Night can download the EP for free over on Toneden. With no tour dates listed as of yet, fans can also stay up to date with Matt DiMona and relive Up All Night on Spotify and iTunes.
Coming from the depths of Soundcloud to gain a respectable fan base is an insurmountable challenge for most producers. While all it takes is a single breakthrough production, it also requires a mix of luck and self-promotion in order to make waves and take off. This path to success has been replicated by the likes of Ryn Weaver, Khai, and Bryson Tiller. While it isn’t exactly a hotbed for electronic producers, Nashville-based producer Super Duper has made a big splash this week with his lone release, titled “Angela”.
With just under 4,000 followers, expect that number to grow exponentially once “Angela” makes its way around the blogosphere and receives a deserving amount of love from fellow artists’ via reposts. Thriving without the additional boost provided by a lead vocalist, “Angela” is a short, sweet instrumental masterpiece. Using a similar sound structure to popular works by Odesza, Super Duper manages to craft an uplifting tune that leaves listeners wanting more.
Speaking of wanting more, the Ninja team will be following along with Super Duper on his journey this summer as he unleashes his talents. “Angela” is available for download via Warner Bros. Records; stay tuned by following his Soundcloud page, or get “Angela” over on iTunes.
Our Artist Residency program is one of our most prized possessions. Every month, we get to shine a spotlight on one of our favorite artists, showcasing them through a string of exclusive pieces. We try to rotate from month-to-month, as well, giving you a taste of both legendary and unknown artists. Well, this month falls under the former, as we welcome in long-time dance music icon Benny Benassi.
For us, our infatuation began early in Benny’s career. In fact, we were in attendance at his very first appearance in Denver at The Church Nightclub. The anticipation for this show was overwhelming, partly because Denver didn’t have the bustling music scene that it does now, especially when it came to dance music. The other reason was, of course, due to the tremendous success his global smash hit “Satisfaction,” from his debut album Hypnotica. The show was one that has stuck with us to this very day.
After that memorable tour, Benny continued his storied career, playing festivals like Coachella, EDC, Beyond Wonderland, and so many more, in addition to releasing two more albums, Phobia and Rock N Rave. As if the millions of adoring fans, and a stellar collection of originals and remixes wasn’t enough to solidify his legacy, he also added a Grammy to the list in 2008 for his remix of Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise.”
2011 brought another strong pillar to his resume, as the world became enamored with the release of “Cinema” which dropped on his fourth album, Electroman. Subsequently, a young, quickly rising producer by the name of Skrillex got his hands on it, and both his remix, and the original were cemented in dance music history. Following that, the hits continued to come through collaborations with Chris Brown on “Beautiful People,” and John Legend on “Dance The Pain Away.”
With the recent release of his fifth album earlier this month with Ultra Records, we figured it would be a perfect time to rope him in to be our Resident Artist for the next few weeks. Stay tuned for some exclusive content from one of the industry’s best and brightest.
Once again, 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 11pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Get there before 5:00p on Sunday.
– Show this post to the cashier (Valid for 21+ only).
– The deal is ONLY valid for Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights this week.
If you’re from Chicago, then you know that Lollapalooza is one of the biggest–if not the biggest–weekends of the year. There’s nothing else comparable to being able to see all your favorite artists in the heart of the city, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the scenic downtown skyline. This year’s Lollapalooza is even more special than usual, considering that the festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. In honor of that, an extra day(!) has been added to the lineup, making it one of the most packed, can’t miss events of the year. Because of that, I’m sure the choices of who to see can be a bit overwhelming. Of course, that’s where we come in to help. On the next few pages, we’ve highlighted some of our picks to help guide your decision-making process and possibly influence you to check out some new talent. No matter who you end up choosing, make sure to have fun and be safe out there guys!
(P.S. Even if you won’t be partaking in the festivities this year, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun. The beauty of Lollapalooza is that all your favorite artists are gathered in one location, so chances are there’s another gig in the city you’ll want to be at. You can check out the full list of aftershows over at Do312.)
Why: While making it into a festival for the first set often feels like a chore, Tennyson will make chugging your morning mimosas well worth it. The brother-sister duo combine creative percussion arrangements with playful, outlandish melodies creating their own futuristic take on jazz improvisation. With Skrillex, Slow Magic and Mat Zo amongst their fans, Tennyson’s unique live set isn’t one you want to miss. – Ash
Why: One of the many faces of Toronto’s emerging hip-hop scene, Jazz was profiled on our pages last year as part of our Hip-Hop Dojo Artist Spotlight series. Since then, the Canadian rapper’s star has only gotten brighter with the release of his mixtape Hotel Paranoia in February, followed by his most recent single, “Lil Wayne”, which was endorsed by Weezy himself. Armed with an array of raw and edgy rhymes, Jazz’s electric performance promises to provide a jolt of energy to kickstart your early afternoon at Lolla. – Baseer
Why: “Underappreciated” is usually not a phrase used to describe multiple Grammy-nominated bands, but Hiatus Kaiyote is by no means as recognized as their talent would dictate. Leading the way in the future soul and nu-jazz realms, they have been immeasurably successful in outpacing their contemporaries since their formation and debut album release in 2012. For this reason, HK’s set promises to be unlike anything else you’ll hear this weekend – Dom
Why: At first glance, it might seem that Bob Moses’ stunning “Tearing Me Up” is just a groovy, deep house tune. But, seeing it played live at Red Rocks Amphetheatre gave it an entirely new meaning. It was an absolutely phenomenal show with full, live instrumentation and some of the most swoon-worthy vocals I’ve heard in a while. – Clayton
Why: It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say there’s no one else like Danny Brown in hip-hop. His eccentric voice, spitfire delivery and frantic flow are entirely unmatched in combination, and serve as reason enough to catch him live. Danny’s presence has been sorely missed the release of his album Old back in 2013, but he recently returned with a vengeance with a brand new single titled “When It Rain”. He’s also announced plans for an upcoming LP titled Atrocity Exhibition, so we’re crossing our fingers that we’ll hear some new material on Thursday. – – Baseer
Why: Tchami promises to be one of the more unique acts to grace Perry’s Stage the entire weekend. The French producer brings with him his distinctive brand of future house that is guaranteed to have you on your feet and dancing in ways you never thought possible. – Baseer
Why: After releasing one of our favorite LP’s of 2015, B’lieve I’m Goin’ Down, the former War On Drugs member turned primetime festival headliner has been carefully honing an already engaging live show with backing mates The Violators. Easily some of the most transferrable music from studio to stage, Kurt Vile & The Violators’ live performance will surely be a heady and captivating way to tune in on Thursday night.- Matthew
Why: Norwegian wonder-producer Magnus Hoiberg is back for another summer of touring, stopping by the Pepsi Stage on Thursday evening. Get there early; Cashmere Cat tends to open his sets with a truly enchanting remake of Hudson Mohawke’s “Forever 1”.- Dom
Why: Unless you’ve been a complete stranger to the pages of TMN over the past few years, you’ve more than likely come across lo-fi indie-pop darlings Day Wave. Since evolving from the slick electro-pop duo Carousel, comprised of Jackson Philips & Kevin Friedman, to now a complete four-piece ensemble, Day Wave has been the vehicle for which the rest of the world has truly begun to recognize their talents. Most recently the So-Cal based troupe released the Hard to Read EP and have been touring vigorously in its wake. Expect a dialed in, intimate set. – Matthew
Why: Many of you out there probably recognize Saba for his collaborations with Chance The Rapper on songs like “Angels” and “Everybody’s Something”, but the Westside Chicago native has been making a name for himself locally for quite a few years now as the leader of the Pivot Gang. Pivoting his success into a coveted spot on the Lollapalooza lineup, Saba looks to impress the hometown crowd with his early Friday afternoon set. – Baseer
Why: A member of Chicago’s SaveMoney crew, Joey Purp has been featured on our pages as far back as 2012. After four long years, this past May Joey released iiiDrops, the well received follow-up to his debut project, The Purple Tape. Joey’s street-savvy rhymes are unapologetic and defiant, and we expect him to bring that same attitude to his life performance on Friday. – Baseer
Why: In 2016 it’s safe to say the resurgence of funk is in full effect with acts across genres repurposing its distinct groove to birth entirely new vibrations. Lettuce, however, are a funk band in a more traditional sense—a 6 piece who absolutely jam out. Even still, they don’t shy away from experimentation with electronic soundscapes making for an enthralling show and a perfect one to prepare for Big Gigantic and GRiZ. – Ash
Why: In what will undoubtedly be one of the show-stealing performances of the weekend, Rufus has a sound that was tailor made for live performances. With the recent release of Bloom and a slew of remixes under their belt, Rufus will be setting the bar high with soothing, ambient tunes. PS: stick around for the live extended version of “Innerbloom”. – Dom
Why: Veterans on the scene, Frightened Rabbit will be appealing to the counterculture fans with their catchy indie rock set. Although they had been quiet for quite some time – since the 2013 release of Pedestrian Verse – their fifth studio album Painting of a Panic Attack has been out for a few months and will surely be making heads bang at the Lakeshore stage. – Dom
Why: We’ve been following JAHKOY since the release of his Dying To Live Forever mixtape in 2014, back when he was a rapper known as Raheem. Since then, the Toronto native’s undergone somewhat of a rebirth, releasing music under his given name and focusing more on a future-inspired R&B/pop sound. Clearly the new formula’s worked for him, as he recently signed a deal with Def Jam and looks to make waves during his performance Friday afternoon. – Baseer
Why: I’ve said this once, I’ll say it 1,000 times more. If you haven’t seen M83 live, you need to do so as soon as possible. This band was built to play live. It’s absolutely mesmerizing watching them. Even if you’re not a huge fan of their music, put their show on your list. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed. – Clayton
Why: In the realm of electronic music, few artists have done a better job of carrying on the funk tradition than the sax-wielding GRiZ, whose “future funk” combines the enormity of electronic bass music with big-band funk of the 60s and 70s. His sets are a seamless and intertwined combination of bass-heavy takes on classic funk, soul & jazz tunes, some near-exclusively dubstep interludes and his next-level solo material. Not to mention, GRiZ often busts out his trusty saxophone, completing his distinct style and taking the performance aspect to greater heights – Ash
Why: If you saw his A$AP Mob cohort Rocky at Lollapalooza 2015, you should already know you’re in for a real party. While Ferg was the only notable member missing from last year’s festivities, we expect his set to be just as insane, if not even more so. A$AP Ferg knows how to cater to a crowd, and we’re excited to hear some of our favorite cuts from his recent album, Always Strive And Prosper. Plus, we wouldn’t be surprised to see another apperance from the entire A$AP Mob. – Baseer
Why: The British songstress has charmed us with a string of solid singles like “Hotter Than Hell”, “New Love”, “Last Dance”, and “Be The One”. Those songs have propelled her onto the radar of indie pop fans everywhere, making her an intriguing act to catch early on in the afternoon on Saturday. – Baseer
Why: Tory Lanez has been a fixture on our pages for quite awhile now, but his career has really blown up since the release of his platinum single “Say It” around this same time last year. Fast forward to today, and the Toronto native looks to be one of the more dynamic performers to hit the Pepsi Stage on Saturday, bringing with him a unique blend of quick-witted rhymes and tremendous singing chops that are sure to please the crowd. – Baseer
Why: Admittedly, I have a soft spot for these guys, considering they come out of my home state. That aside, they’re an absolute blast to watch live. If “S.O.B” doesn’t make you want to throw down some beverages and start dancing, I don’t know what will. – Clayton
Why: Fans of the Urban Flora EP can catch this beautiful vocalist live mid-day on Saturday. While the international duo (Alina Baraz and Galimatias) will not be teaming up in Chicago, the L.A. based Baraz will certainly give a performance soulful enough to turn the heads of passersby. – Dom
Why: We still have to pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming whenever we see this combination together. Big Grams unites two of our favorite acts on the planet, Big Boi and Phantogram, making it one of the hotly anticipated sets of the weekend. Along with material from last year’s self-titled debut EP, we also expect to hear both acts dive into their own respective catalogs as well. – Baseer
Why: Our TMN Resident Artist for the month of March last year, you’d be hard pressed to name an artist with more talents than Jack Garratt. A gifted singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jack is fresh off the release of his debut album Phase, where he handled nearly all of the vocals, lyrics, instruments, production and mixing himself. Now, translate that to a live stage and you have yourself one hell of an experinece. – Baseer
Why: Perhaps the younger attendees were scratching their heads at Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell’s most notable music project Jane’s Addiction listed in giant font between Disclosure & The Chili Peps, but rest assured, JA is one of the most influential and storied alternative acts on Lolla’s 2016 bill. Of course, they play every year, but there’s something about the prospect of hearing “Jane Says” and the “Mountain Song” amongst swaths of candy-kids and festy bro’s that really tickles this writer’s fancy. Go learn yourself some history with Jane’s Addiction. – Matthew
Why: You’re probably already familiar with Grimes’ music but you haven’t truly experienced it until you’ve seen her prance the stage seamlessly jumping from instrument to instrument. With an unrivaled stage presence and the same DIY attitude she approaches her music with, Grimes’ performance is guaranteed to get you dancing. – Ash
Why: Currently one of the most influential duos in UK garage and electronic music, Disclosure are an absolute must-see if you have not caught them live before. If you loved last year’s Caracal as much as I did, trust me when I say those album cuts sound even more crisp in person than they do in your own speakers. If you’re looking for the perfect end to your Saturday night, you can’t do much better than grooving the night away to some amazing house tunes. – Baseer
Why: Two years ago, Vic Mensa was stuck on the Lakeshore stage, with a pretty sizable horde of fans compacted together trying to catch a glimpse of their hometown hero. That won’t be a problem anymore, as Vic headlines the Pepsi Stage to close out Saturday’s festivities. Since then, Vic has gone on to sign to Roc Nation and collaborated with the likes of Kanye West and Skrillex while preparing for the release of his major label debut. If you’ve ever seen Vic live, you know he leaves it all on the stage, so this is one performance you will not want to miss.
Why: Låpsley was long a staple in our Sunday Night Soul series, largely because of her gorgeously angelic vocals, but also because of her astonishing ability to embed herself in pockets of eerie instrumentation and breathe life into them in ways unimaginable. We spent quite a few years eagerly anticipating her debut album, Long Way Home, which she finally delivered to us earlier this Spring. Låpsley’s soothing melodies are likely to serve as the perfect way to open up your Sunday at Lolla.
Why: With the over-saturation of bass music over the last few years, it feels rare to find a producer that truly stands out. Far more than just another “Future” artist, OWSLA-signee Mija has made a name for herself finding the perfect balance between hard-hitting and catchy productions. Her set should be the perfect way to get your energy up on Day 4. – Ash
Classixx
Petrillo Bandshell | 1:45 PM
Why: California’s Tyler Blake and Michael David got their start on the internet remix circuit under the Bowie-nodding moniker Young Americans way back in the bloghouse heyday. After re-christening themselves as Classixx, the pair created two of the most accessible, genre-bending LP’s worth of indie-disco & dance in the form of 2013’s Hanging Gardens and this year’s stellar feature-laden Faraway Reach. Bubblegum disco should never be this tasteful, yet Classixx prove time and time again that most music critics are laughably wrong and what looks like pure troll bait on paper is actually irresistible in your ears. – Matthew
Why: Perhaps best known for his breakout single, “Cha Cha”–which was then spiritually hijacked by Drake–D.R.A.M. proved he was no one-hit wonder when he dropped “Broccoli” early this summer to wide acclaim, which featured bubbling ATL up-and-comer Lil Yachty. Possessing possibly the widest grin in hip-hop outside of maybe Busta Rhymes, D.R.A.M.’s nonchalant stylings are likely to have you smiling ear to ear as well. – Baseer
Why: Philadelphia based duo Marian Hill will be taking the stage on Sunday afternoon between Låpsley and Halsey. In the middle of a countrywide tour, Marian Hill released their latest album ACT ONE nearly a month ago. Needless to say, they will be bringing the jazz-infused electronic party to the Second City in promotion of their latest work. – Dom
Why: The Chicago based duo of Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett struck gold last year with the release of their single “It’s Strange” alongside K.Flay. More recently though, the pair have collaborated with Icona Pop for their latest single, “Weekend” and promise to bring the party with them to the stage on Sunday. – Baseer
Why: If Instagram is any indication, the New Jersey based rock star has been having quite a time since the release of her debut album Badlands last summer. A worldwide tour has brought the 21 year old back to the city of Chicago, where she will be unleashing an electrifying, alt-pop performance on the unsuspecting crowd. – Dom
Why: TOTEM has been a mainstay on these pages for a few years now. His debut EP pride was a personal favorite of mine last year, and songs like “Countdown” and “Sunrise” are still on repeat to this day. 2016 has seen him push his sound further into new boundaries, but his pristine vocals and uncanny pop sensibilities still remain unrivaled. – Baseer
Why: In one of the best musical rags-to-riches stories of the past year, Bryson Tiller will be championing his Kentucky upbringing and letting his talents for rapping and producing shine through. As one of the fan favorites from Bonnaroo, and behind the universal approval of TRAPSOUL, Pen Griffey is one show not to be missed. – Dom
Why: Often imitated, but never duplicated, Flume remains one of the most influential acts on the planet well after the release of his self-titled debut in 2012. After dropping his follow-up album, Skin, this past May, it should be clear to all listeners that the Australian native is still lightyears ahead of his competition. Flume’s performances can be classified as spectacles, and whether you’re a fan or not, it’s not something you’ll want to miss. – Baseer
Why: London natives Snakehips have made quite a few waves over the last couple years, establishing themselves as one of the premiere production duos in the UK through a steady stream of amazing remixes, as well as some incredible recent collaborations with Chance The Rapper, Tinashe, Anderson .Paak, ZAYN, and Tory Lanez to name a few. It’s pretty clear that the pair have a bright future ahead of them, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us at Lolla. – Baseer
Why: Even though it’s technically Bloc Party 2, you still have Kele as the front man, which means you’ll still be belting out lyrics to classics like “Banquet” and “Hellicopter.” These guys are legends and should be treated as such while planning your Sunday schedule. – Clayton
Why: Vince Staples is a brash, no-nonsense storyteller who’s willing to speak his mind at every given opportunity. He brings that same approach to his live shows, where his main goal is to simply just rap his ass off. While his performance likely won’t be flashy, you’ll certainly be engaged and impressed throughout. Chances are you’ll also leave with at least a few memorable soundbites to take home with you as well. – Baseer
Why: The mysterious EDM artist Zhu has been building a grassroots fan base since the release of “Faded” back in 2014. This year, he has the distinct privilege of playing the final show of Lollapalooza 2016. With the release of Generationwhy on July 29th–the Friday of Lolla–listeners will be hearing all of Zhu’s new music for the very first time live. – Dom
With so many great festivals this summer, we want to keep feeding you the best and freshest finds to get you excited for some massive sets. In addition, we know how exhausting a single day at a festival can be, so why not conquer the night time fatigue by building up the endurance before hand? To help you all boost that stamina, we curated a playlist that will keep you guys going even longer during those exercise regimens. By the time your favorite artist’s set begins, you’ll still have as much energy as when you arrived.
It’s no secret at all that The Underground Music Showcase in beautiful Denver, CO has become a mainstay for our Mile-High Ninjas, and as we’re just a day out, we are once again gearing up for another edition of one of the U.S. festival scene’s best kept (not-so) secrets. One of the few remaining music gatherings in the fair city of Denver to eschew the typical smattering of major label festival fare, The UMS boasts a lineup of over 400+ acts strewn across various shops and bars dotting Denver’s historic South Broadway district, and we’ve been salivating like one of Pavlov’s pit-bulls in anticipation of this year’s entry.
Headlined by a number of intriguingly eclectic acts including Poliça, Thee Oh Sees, Sunflower Bean, Allah Las, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and The Bright Light Social Hour as well as some of the city’s most promising acts like Flaural, Shady Elders, déCollage, The Yawpers, Inner Oceans and Sunboy; 2016’s version of The UMS offers us yet another tastefully curated weekend of music in one of the best settings possible. We’ll be out in full force all weekend, and in anticipation of this year’s festivities, we’ve put together a playlist highlighting some of our favorite UMS artists. Get your sunscreen ready, and we’ll be seeing our Denver friends in the sun all weekend!
Lush Records just came out with with a huge new single from Xavier White and Paul Couture. Their work on “Bad Blood” is just what the crossover R&B style needs at this moment in time. Nothing is watered down, and we get a real work of art from some talented individuals.
“Bad Blood” meets in the middle of a crossroad between R&B, soul and trap. Instead of watering down each element and creating something that doesn’t identify as unique, Xavier and Paul worked to have their single stand out. From the get-go, the piano chords grab your attention, and things only get more enticing as the song moves forward. Paul’s work on the instrumental is as good as it gets. That leaves us with Xavier’s vocal. The same can be said for his performance. His voice encroaches on perfection for this type of song, and he even flexes his pipes towards the end showing just where he can take things. “Bad Blood” is the one song you need today. Great thing is, it’s out now as a free download.
It’s not every day we stumble across a stellar, up-and-coming artist from Boise, Idaho. In fact, this may be the first time we’ve ever written up an Idahoan. But, today proves that the state’s official nickname holds true, as we uncover this gem of a song, “Two Places at Once.”
If this is the first time you’re catching wind of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Martin, also known as Up Is The Down Is The, you’re definitely not alone. With only a small following of a few hundred fans, you’re in the unique position to start supporting him from the very beginning, something that holds a special place in every music lover’s heart.
“Two Places at Once” is officially coming out on this act’s debut album, Memory, which is due out on August 3rd. It’s an interesting blend of indie rock and R&B, rooted in sultry guitars, and powerful, wistful, and highly infectious vocals. Its calming yet bold nature gives the song a unique weight, showcasing Andrew’s affinity for acts like James Blake, Sampha, Radiohead, and Madlib.
Coolwater Set is a project made up of Far East Movement and the Scandinavian artist, Autolaser. As if that doesn’t already sound sweet, they bring in house legend RAC to collaborate on their latest single, “The Coast.” Right now they only have two songs out and we haven’t seen new music from Coolwater Set since last year’s single “Up To No Good” so I honestly didn’t see this one coming. On “The Coast” theses artists blend their own unique styles into a sick electronic/hip-hop groove. Jvzel keeps the cool with R&B backing vocals as the rhythms and bass build together. The resulting tune possesses a diverse sound, one that almost everyone can appreciate. After tuning in, you’ll be happy to hear that a full Coolwater Set EP is on the way.
If you like electro house, then you need to know Loopers. There’s no way around it. Despite the fact that he is an up and coming producer, his talents outshine where his fanbase is at. If you’re not a fan already, after hearing his new single “Roll Up” you will be.
“Roll Up” comes to us through WOLV Records, which has been supporting Loopers for around a year now. Not only does Loopers put out insane records, but he continues to hone is skills and his sound as time moves forward. Summer time is all about raging, festivals and getting your party on; which is just the atmosphere that his tracks thrive in. Take “Roll Up,” with its unwavering fervor. Even when the the song’s full force isn’t engaged, it’s still dance-able. One thing that always sticks out to us with Loopers is his sound design, and he really took it next level with “Roll Up.” This Summer has had plenty of party tracks, but this is THE one. Stream it today, or head to a digital store to get a copy.
As team of music bloggers, we strive to find acts that stand out. Sometimes those acts join forces to deliver a song that stands out even among each artist’s discography. Today, we’re lucky to premiere “Glimmer” which is the result of such previous actions. Who created it? That would be 2ToneDisco and Dreamcasts.
Together these video game loving producers melded their sounds together to create the future-tinged single “Glimmer.” The really cool thing about this melodic masterwork is that it shares a style similar to class games, while bringing it into contemporary times and infusing it with acoustic elements. “Glimmer” is one of those good vibes tracks that will cheer you up in an instant, and never let you get rid of the grin through the piece’s three minute lifespan. Although the song comes in at just over the three minute mark, chances are high that you will be playing it again, and again. Much like we have prior to this premiere. Although, that’s not entirely true, as we’re still jamming to it. One last thing, 2ToneDisco and Dreamcasts dished this one out as a free download, so don’t sleep on it!
Earlier this month, a fusion of dream-folk and calming electronica came together via a budding young artist named Haux. His debut EP, All We’ve Known, is a 6-track collection of delightfully transient, wandering, and simply encapsulating work, highlighted by positively stunning vocals. One of our favorite stand-outs, “Seaside,” recently got a proper remix treatment from the oft-mysterious Turtle.
Turtle’s Rework features a wonderfully long build up that slowly layers in elements, creating a gorgeously-crafted ambient soundscape. From fluttering synths, to deep bass hits, to the eventual incorporation of subdued percussion, each accentuates Haux’s glowing vocals with a gradual, textural, and enveloping manner. All that’s left to do is close your eyes, lie back, and get lost for a few blissful minutes.
Currently, you can pick up All We’ve Known through Akira Records on Spotify or iTunes.
Well hello there. Fancy meeting you here. Why don’t you take a seat, kick up your feet & stay awhile. We’ve got an indie dojo all queued up just for you.
