[16 To End 2016] Ninja Dom Edition

#1 – “Tangle Formations” by Explosions In The Sky from their seventh studio Album, The Wilderness.

• The experimental post-rock band has moved past their days of scoring Friday Night Lights and set their sights on even more ambitious goals with a reinvented sound. The Wildnerness is as much of a conceptual and enjoyable journey as the previous projects, but with more structure and direction.

Explosions In The Sky-Tangle Formations

#2 – “Laputa (Taylor McFerrin Remix)” by Hiatus Kaiyote from their remix LP, Recalibrations Vol. 1.

• After releasing one of my favorite projects from 2015, the Early Riser LP, McFerrin made another splash this past May by reimagining a track from Hiatus Kaiyote’s 2015 album Choose your Weapon.

Hiatus Kaiyote-Laputa (Taylor McFerrin Remix) (feat. Anderson .Paak)

#3 – “It’s A Memory Feat. Elohim and Mansions on the Moon (Amtrac Remix) by Fred Falke from his remix EP, It’s A Memory – the Remixes.

• In an unsurprising turn of events, Amtrac has put together the most impressive EDM remix of 2016, fusing the elements laid out by Fred Falke with his own brand of wizardry to create a one-of-a-kind track.

Fred Falke-It’s A Memory ft. Elohim, Mansions On The Moon (Amtrac Remix)

#4 – “Earth Girls” by Jesse Boykins III from his mixtape, Bartholomew.

• While the album has features from the likes of Noname, Little Simz, Willow Smith, Syd, Mick Jenkins and others, his best work is done on a solo piece, Earth Girls. I wrote about this song earlier this year here.

#5 – “Nights” by Frank Ocean from his second studio album, Blonde.

• While it took Frank 4 years to give us another album, he certainly delivered with Blonde. In releasing his 2016-version of “Pyramids”, Frank gives us a growing piece that stands up to any criticism lobbed his way.

Frank Ocean-Nights

#6 – “Ultralight Beam Feat. Kelly Price, Donnie Trumpet, Chance the Rapper, The-Dream and Kirk Franklin” by Kanye West from The Life of Pablo.

• The introduction track from the most hyped release of 2016 also gave us the best hip hop verse of the year – in addition to the most diverse contributors to a single track. Another instant classic to go in Kanye’s hall of fame catalog.

Kanye West-Ultralight Beat (feat. Chance The Rapper)

#7 – “My True Name” by Bloc Party. from their fifth studio album, Hymns.

• 4 years after the release of Four, and after a major band member shakeup no less, Bloc Party returned to the studio headed by Kele to deliver one last time with another intimate, topical record.

Bloc Party-My True Name

#8 – “With Me” by Lane 8 from his project, This Never Happened.

• The Leipzig-based producer started out 2016 with “Midnight” and has been a beacon of consistency for the electronic music world. Each of his releases have been of superb quality, but “With Me” is the best of the bunch. I wrote about it earlier this year here.

Lane 8-With Me

#9 – “All Night Feat. Knox Fortune (Kaytranada Remix)” by Chance the Rapper from Kaytranada’s 0.001% mixtape.

• In a year where Kaytranada finally got over the hump, graduating from blogospher fame to mainstrem musical fame, he took a victory lap of sorts in the latter months, giving us some of his best material yet. His remix to Chance’s “All Night” will be a mainstay in dance clubs for many months to come.

Chance The Rapper-All Night (feat. Knox Fortune) (Kaytranada Remix)

#10 – “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers.

• Maggie Roger’s rise based on the strength of Alaska mirrored the same path Ryn Weaver took after her song Octahate became the flavor of the year in 2014. While Roger has not yet amassed the same following, her single is as impressive and minimalistic as one could hope for from a debut.

Maggie Rogers-Alaska

#11 – “Eva” by Punctual.

• As an eclectic deep house track with samples and influences ranging from Indian pop to 80’s synth, Eva is as groundbreaking and novel today as it was the first few hundred times I listened to it.

#12 – “Clementine Feat. Lex Famous” by Rambo V.

• Claiming this song as “Soul House”, Rambo V set off the soundtrack to my summer with Clementine. This dreamy, fun-loving track grooves along fusing the line beautifully between future bass and house.

#13 – “All Night Feat. Dornik” by SG Lewis.

• SG Lewis released one of my early picks for song of the year, dropping All Night with Dornik in February. This track harnesses some of the emotion captured in his previous classic “Warm” while adding a more upbeat, poppy spin to the piece.

SG Lewis-All Night(ft. Dornik)

#14 – “Homemade” by Matthew Chaim.

• Hailing from Montreal, this Canadian pop producer unleashed a catchy piece along with the help of Noah Barer and Cavewerk earlier this year. I wrote about the track previously here.

#15 – “Gettin’ it Done” by Ross From Friends.

• As perhaps the best named artist from this group of sixteen, Ross from Friends also put together one of the best house tunes to come out in 2016. While injecting elements of 90’s R&B with a persistently building bassline, the song has elements that appeal to a wide range of aficionados.

#16 – “The Look” by Halpe and Sophie Meiers.

• My favorite track that maybe 2% of my friends have heard before. This vocalist has a handful of mesmerizing tracks, but pairing with Halpe pushes The Look into another category entirely.

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[16 to End 2016] Ninja Baseer’s Best of the Year

Despite all those “2016 was the worst” memes you see floating around these days, there’s at least one good thing we can be thankful for this year: music. Even if 2016 was highlighted by anger, grief, frustration and a cavalcade of other complex emotions, I can easily say this was one of the strongest years for music that I can remember. I tried to do my best here in summing up the songs that soundtracked my year, but this list doesn’t even begin to represent all the amazing artists and projects I discovered throughout 2016. So, just like last year, I’m going to shamelessly plug my “Best of 2016” Spotify playlist in case anyone is curious to hear what other songs could have potentially made the cut.

Kanye West-Ultralight Beam

There’s nothing quite like the experience of hearing the first few notes of this song live for the very first time during Kanye’s album premiere party at Madison Square Garden–not that I was there in person, but the moment still felt very surreal nonetheless.

A Tribe Called Quest-We The People….

The Tribe could not have chosen a more appropriate time to make their comeback. “We The People” fits right in with their established catalog without sounding dated at all. The themes present in the track are unfortunately pervasive throughout society, but Tip and crew have helped us begin the healing the process. Rest in peace Phife Dawg, we’ll certainly miss you.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical of Donnie’s vocal transformation at first too, but his recent appearance on The Tonight Show certainly made me a believer. Even if you hated the album, you have to respect the man’s hustle.

Anderson .Paak was unavoidable in 2016, making it nearly impossible to decide which of his amazing songs to include. Here he teams up with Pomo to help Mac Miller reinvent himself on undeniably one of the catchiest tracks of the year.

It would be hard to argue that anyone had a bigger 2016 than Chance The Rapper. “No Problem” is probably the greatest feel good anthem of the year, with Lil Wayne contributing one of his most memorable verses in what feels like years.

It would have just felt so wrong to exclude MAALA from this list.

“Location” may have been the song that first introduced us to the talented 18 year old from Texas, but “Let’s Go” is the perfect soundtrack for the beginning of any adventure.

Easily one of the most comforting tracks of the year; I was saddened to hear about the disbandment of the group 2 weeks ago, but at least we’ll always have breathtaking music like this to remember them by.

It’s amazing that someone could drop two amazing, well received EPs and still be overlooked, but the fact that Joe Hertz hasn’t appeared on more end-of-the-year lists leads me to believe that’s certainly the case. One of many talented young producers based out of London, Joe certainly cemented himself at the top of the class when he released this groovy number early in 2016.

Kaytranada basically dares you to resist the urge to dance with this one. He’s even got the robots doing it.

Denzel Curry can flat out rap. On “This Life” he crafts one of those hooks that forces you to throw your hands up in the air and sing right along with it, even if this is your first listen.

Don’t let the squeaky voice fool you. “When It Rain” is Danny Brown at his most vicious, backed by an ominous instrumental that signals a storm is brewing.

Frank Ocean-Nights

This easily could’ve been just about any other track from Blonde, which should tell you how amazing that album was from top to bottom. It would have been unfair though to simply choose Frank Ocean for all 16 tracks. Seriously though, if you haven’t listened to it yet, what are you waiting for?

Incredible vocals combined with indelible lyrics are what make this one so special. Even if you were to ignore the social commentary behind it, this is one song that’ll have you captivated from start to finish.

Nothing describes this song quite as well as its listed genre on SoundCloud, “psychedelic soul rock and roll.” “Acid Test” is so incredibly intricate that you’ll find yourself needing to lay back and listen to it with your eyes closed in order to absorb every single modicum of it properly.

One of the more pleasant surprises of the year, STRFKR’s “Being No One, Going Nowhere” is the perfect soundtrack for all those times you drift aimlessly through space.

Signifying the triumphant return of Clams Casino in 2016, “Blast” exemplifies the distinctive sound the brilliant producer first began cultivating back during his introduction to the music scene.

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[16 To End 2016] Ninja Ash’s Best Of The Year

As many grievances as 2016 brought, it’d be a lie to say it wasn’t an incredible year of music. Perhaps, that’s how it always works–the best art comes in the worst of times. Music has always been my primary coping mechanism and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the artists that made this year bearable and, quite honestly, pretty damn fun despite it all. These are the songs that soundtracked my best moments and lifted me up during my lowest–I hope they can do the same for you. Happy New Year!

No song quite captured the struggle of depression in a more captivating manner than Solange‘s ‘Cranes In The Sky.’ Kaytranada‘s edit makes it glow even more.

2016 was a well-deserved breakout year for the incredibly talented Moses Sumney. “Lonely World,” with its intense progression, would be my song of the year if I had to pick one.

Autolux were easily one of my favorite discoveries of the year and “Change My Head” is them at their most potent–haunting, grungy and catchy with raw, dynamic percussion.

Moderat- Reminder

Moderat‘s III was my favorite album of the year and ‘Reminder’ exemplifies the super-group’s incredible production in both its stark lows and explosive highs.

This is just a beautiful protest song in so many ways. From Mick Jenkins‘ versatile rapping and singing to Badbadnotgood‘s flawless live instrumentation, it possesses a unique balance and thoughtfulness that few similarly themed songs display. Make sure to check out the entrancing music video as well.

Blood Orange-E.V.P.

This one’s for Prince! Blood Orange couldn’t have given us Freetown Sound at a better juncture.

Kaytranada-Glowed Up (feat. Anderson .Paak)

Two of 2016’s all-stars team up for pure gold capturing Kaytra’s intriguing cadence and Anderson .Paak‘s soulful flows.

Innanet James‘ introduction to the music world comes with this no-fucks-given summer anthem that also highlights The Kount, a candidate for best new hip-hop producer.

Kid Cudi-By Design (feat. Andre 3000)

Kid Cudi, Plain Pat, Pharrell & Andre 3000…yeah, could’ve guess this one would be in my 16 before I even heard it. Can’t stop listening to this one.

A Tribe Called Quest-We The People

A message of inclusion that came when I needed it and from exactly the crew I wanted to hear it from. RIP Phife Dawg!

Rufus Du Sol-Innerbloom

“Innerbloom” is truly Rufus Du Sol‘s manifesto–an epic that captures the essence of their endlessly playable 2016 release, Bloom. This song also spawned one of the best remixes of the year from What So Not.

Kenton Slash Demon-TT

Kenton Slash Demon continue to enamor me with their trippy, textured take on dance music. ‘TT’ manages to feel both ethereal and ready for the dance floor.

Frank Ocean-White Ferrari (Jacques Greene Edit)

The original version of “White Ferrari” may be my favorite track from Frank Ocean‘s emotional masterpiece, Blonde–capturing both its most and least accessible elements. Montreal producer Jacques Greene released nothing but phenomenal productions this year but this remix of Frank takes the cake.

Aside from having the best name in dance music, Ross From Friends flipped everything I thought I knew about house music on its head. “Gettin’ It Done” certainly makes you want to dance but the lo-fi sonics teamed with a masterfully utilized soul sample create a vibe unlike anything I’ve heard before. If you dig this one, check out this mind-blowing live performance from Ross & crew.

Mall Grab wins the award for my favorite house discovery of 2016 and this take on the sample from Kanye’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1” was a staple in my DJ sets this year. While I love Kanye’s version, his cringe-worthy opening line disqualified it from any best of lists.

Billy Kenny-Work Me (Justin Jay Remix)

Werk into the New Year!

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[16 To End 2016] Ninja McNulty’s Best Of The Year

Music is subjective and it is not. “What?” Well, we all have our own conception of what taste, treasure, and trifle are in music. The following list comprises my favorite musical treasures from 2016. They may appear as trifles to other ears tuned for different frequencies than my own are. Yet I’m confident that each cut presented here in one way or another makes a contribution to an overall upward trajectory, a positive progression for music which aims at an objective high-quality. Many songs harp on or exemplify trends in popular or underground music which I consider valuable. Some introduce new, well-turned phrases into the eternally in-flux dialogue. Others repackage old wisdom in a shiny new bow. Many simply evince the extremely high production value which I worship, idolator that I may be. If my rhetoric already seems innane, skip it, but do yourself a favor and enjoy a few of these sixteen songs.

Sunflower Bean is a rock trio from Brooklyn. “Easier Said”, the first single from their debut album, is a near perfect pop song with it’s simple but emotive guitar licks and frontwoman Julia Cummings’ serene voice and poetic lyrics – “Should have just stayed home, but I’d rather be alone instead.”

Tom Misch can do no wrong. This one-man-band – vocalist, guitarist, pianist, producer – released his Reverie EP in July, featuring this softly aching song about looking back on one’s past.

According to the producer’s Soundcloud, Open Ocean is about “depth”. 2016 saw the rise in “Wave” music, a strange concept when one considers all music is one intricate arrangement of waves. Open Ocean offers my favorite conceptualization of “Wave”.

This tune came early in 2016 and captivated me for employing production techniques atypical in R&B, even its contemporary strains. “Waves” has an uncompromising energy that hit the sweet spot. Travis Scott’s verse precurses his massive success and innovation through the rest of the year.

Jade Cicada from western Massachusetts makes me almost incredulous with his profound production capabilities. What was first a 30-second clip on Soundcloud was then debuted in full when Jade Cicada opened for Dave Tipper at the latter’s Full Moon Gathering in April in Florida. It’s been a standard in the underground glitch hop scene since.

COPYCATT is a 19-year-old producer from Brisbane who released this track with the MC Maksim on Inspected 2, a compilation from the boundary-pushing music/fashion collective Inspected which dropped in November. The British bars over the nutty sound design evokes Grime, but the sound design is far more sophisticated. I desperately hope to be caught by surprise and flattened by this song on a dance floor in 2017.

Wax Future, a producer/guitarist duo from Philadelphia, have been upping the ante on the sample-collage, electro soul sound popularized by Pretty Lights. Budding Connecticut-based bass music producer Tsimba brought his “future roots” sound to bear on this WF original. The subterranean bass and esoteric thematic material made it an easy pick for me.

I was introduced to this too-fire track by Bassnectar who dropped it one Halloween weekend. We expect great things from one of Kannibalen Record’s most promising young talents, who has the touch. To end the song the producer samples Doors frontman Jim Morrison who presciently describes the future of music. I see you, Shivaji.

The singer, songwriter and axe-wielding phenom from Agadez, Niger named Bombino stole my ears mid-2016 with his album Azel. With it’s simple popish formula and striking riff, “Akhar Zaman (This Moment)” is my favorite song from this vital North African rock-and-roll masterpiece.

Bassnectar’s 2016 album was more subdued than most of his work from the past five years, but “Mind Tricks” featuring Lafa Taylor on vocals and G Jones on production is an unequivocal banger. The syncopation between the bassline and the drums is a hallmark of both Greg Jones and Lorin Ashton, native Santa Cruzans from different generations who apparently have an EP in the works for 2017. Lord help us.

Clearly, my ears are mostly keenly tuned to dirty, heavy neuro bass music. Few sauce it better than the mercurial producer Kursa who released this absolute flamethrower in October. I was fortunate enough to hear a top notch selecta spin it live before year’s end.

I’m not being punny or cute when I say this was a sleeper on my list. Dave Tipper released this song for his stepfather PJ the day he passed away. For someone like me who also lost a close loved one in 2016, the existential beauty of this song stimulates self-reflection and an appreciation for life’s fleeting treasures.

It would be convenient and almost accurate to substitute my list here for Chance’s entire Coloring Book. Same Drugs soars above the rest because of how sensitive and relatable it is. “Same Drugs” highlights the artist’s versatility as a singer and songwriter, while humanizing someone whose star was soaring so high all year.

“Only Yesterday” was an early song-of-the-year pick when it dropped in April as the first new music in almost two years from Derek Vincent Smith aka Pretty Lights. Words can’t describe the catharsis this man creates through sound. He takes the most endearing elements of America’s musical past, and synthesizes them to pioneer its future. Anyone who’s felt lonely or lovelorn could probably bump this tune ad infinitum.

I’ve saved the best for last. Perhaps this is unwise in an age of ever-decreasing attention spans. Regardless, if you’ve made it this far then enjoy this acoustic masterpiece furnished by Uyama Hiroto. This favored collaborator of Japanese beat legend Nujabes is a master. His 2016 drop Freeform Jazz takes the Japanese hip-hop/soul sound to new, emotive heights. Minano is a town in central Japan, but whether or not Hiroto is referencing this place is unknown to me. Nonetheless “Minano Pride” is my favorite cut from my favorite record in 2016. Thanks for reading and listening.

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[16 To End 2016] Ninja Clayton’s Best of the Year

After a full twelve months of sifting through submission emails, IMs and tweets from artists, and pages upon pages of SoundCloud, BandCamp, and Spotify, I’m finally ready to sum up 2016 with my absolute favorite tracks. Some I wrote about, others I simply enjoyed. But, none the less, these 16 tracks filled my headphones, car speakers, and SONOS system over and over again throughout this past year.

Ranging from alternative, to indie dance, to outright dance floor heaters, this year stayed true to my typical tastes. I’m all over the board, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Viola Beach – Boys that Sing

Viola Beach’s debut album was one of my favorite pieces of collections of music in a long time, and I wholeheartedly believed that this budding young act was on their way to be the next big thing. As many of you know, all of these young musicians passed away in a tragic car accident on their way to a gig. But, don’t let that somber your mood. Their music will live on forever. Throw on “Boys That Sing” and get ready to belt out the chorus.

Viola Beach-Boys that Sing

Argonaut & Wasp – The Sneeze

If you’re not onto these cats just yet, it’s about time you start paying attention. Their inventive, quirky, and highly addictive style is spreading quick. They don’t take themselves too seriously, which is evident in the playfulness of “The Sneeze.” Definitely one of my favs in 2016.

Hidden Charms – Cannonball

I’m a huge fan of the gritty, heavy, and weird. Unfortunately, I don’t typically write up tracks that fit in that wheelhouse, just because it doesn’t fit here on TMN. However, Hidden Charms were a fringe act for me, allowing you to get a glimpse of some of my other musical tastes, while still fitting what we’re all about. It’s dark and hazy, with just a hint of pop and to be perfectly honest, I still can’t get enough of it.

Ethan Burns – Homeward

Ethan Burns is truly an old soul, as evidenced through his smokey, iconic, and downright dreamy voice. I’m usually a fan of artists who call on styles and influences from earlier decades, and this selection definitely has a 60’s soul feel that I just can’t shake.

Ethan Burns-Homeward

Morly – Plucky

Coming in on the calmer side of the equation, this emotive offering from Minnesota-based Morly caught my attention earlier this year. Blending together some future bass elements and traditional singer/songwriter/pop styling, it’s a creative offering that should have you quickly engaged. I know it did for me.

WEIRDO – Butter

I can’t help but smile when “Butter” comes on. It’s weird and wacky, yet still maintains perfect pop sensibilities, giving listeners an unexpected thrill ride throughout. If you’re into quirky indie pop, look no further than WEIRDO.

Gallant – Skipping Stones feat. Jhené Aiko

I couldn’t have a “Best of 2016” recap without giving an emphatic nod to Gallant. Excuse me, I meant the GRAMMY nominated Gallant. He’s spread across the globe faster than one of Donald Trump’s poorly crafted tweets, and it shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. He’s the new voice of R&B and there’s nothing else to really say.

Tycho – Division

To be perfectly blunt, I just really fucking love Tycho. His spaced-out, indie-infused, electronica comes through my headphones quite regularly, whether I’m working, writing, or just hanging around the house. His albums never get old, and this year’s release certainly showcases that once again.

Tycho-Division

Pierce Fulton – Borrowed Lives

I was a bit thrown off when I first listened to this track. Could this really be Pierce Fulton? The same guy that put out “Kuaga?” It is. It seems like Fulton has had a change of heart, chasing after music he’s truly passionate about. The end result? Definitely one of my favorite tracks and EPs this year. As an added bonus, this particular track features one of my artists to watch in 2017, NVDES.

Kidnap Kid – Moments

If one track encapsulates an entire year, it’s this one. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to it, or how many people I’ve introduced to it, or how many Moments I’ve experienced to it. It’s absolutely amazing and deserves the highest of praise.

Justin Jay – What Do You Want

To be perfectly honest, I could list a few tracks from Fantastic Voyage, but since I’m trying to spread the love to some other artists, I’ll just go with my fav. “What Do You Want” has had a heavy place in my regular rotation since the day it came out. I can’t wait to see what Justin Jay does in 2017.

Justin Jay – What Do You Want

Julian Maverick – Move Magic

This one flew under the radar a bit, coming in at just over 50k plays on SoundCloud, but it was fantastic, none-the-less. Silky, smooth, tropical, and perfect for a lazy day by the pool. I definitely blasted this out my windows throughout the last few warm-weather days here in Denver. And, I’ll be holding onto it for future summer playlists.

Goldwash – U Wont

I’m in love with Goldwash, and everyone who’s around me knows it. “U Won’t” showcases everything I adore about this up-and-coming act, highlighted by his piano work, funk-laden beats, and gorgeous falsettos. I’m expecting great things out of him in 2017.

The Magician – Shy

I first caught onto The Magician at UMF in 2015, and I haven’t looked back since. From his captivating sets, to his legendary Magic Tapes, to his curated artists on Potion, to his remixes and originals, I just love everything he’s got going on. “Shy” definitely had it’s place in my heart this year, often getting me revved up for a wild night on the town.

The Magician-Shy (Dear David Remix)

Bobby Nourmand – S I S T E R

Being the huge classic rock nerd that I am, Bobby Nourmand always impresses me with his reinterpretations of iconic songs. It takes a confident artist to remix acts like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle, and Billy Idol. There’s a lot that can go wrong. Fortunately for this LA-based artist, it always comes out right. Tastefully done and quite memorable.

Roby – Waterfalls (Dear David Remix)

This song is so subtle. So delicate. So sensuous. The vocal samples are so meticulously and creatively crafted and placed, creating an otherworldly experience. I could listen to it over and over again. And, I have.

Roby-Waterfalls (Dear David Remix)

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[Secret Ninja Pass] This Week at Beta 12/29 – 1/1

With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, we have one thing and one thing alone on our mind. It’s time to head down to 19th and Blake and ring in the new year in the best way possible – by dancing to some top notch beats. Per usual, we’re making it incredibly easy for you to get off your couch and head down. Why’s that? Because we’re hooking you up with free entry.

Here’s how:
– Head to the front door and enter the club before 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Get there before 9:00 on Sunday
– Show this post to the cashier (Valid for 21+ only).
– The deal is valid for SUNDAY this week.

Rusko - 12/29

Feed Me / No Mana - 12/30

Goodnight 2016 NYE Party - 12/31

Henry Saiz - 1/1

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SHEAFS – Nobody’s Watching [MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE]

After forming just a year ago. Sheffield-based indie act SHEAFS are on the right track. Highlighted by an iconic, guitar-driven sound, they’re quickly turning the collective head of tastemakers, bloggers, and some of our favorite emerging bands alike. And, it doesn’t look like there are any signs of slowing down.

Their style is one that fuses multiple genres and influences together, lead by dark and twisted lead guitar work. At times, it calls on associations of the legendary Surf Rock guitarist Dick Dale, if he were crafting the soundtrack to a sadistic horror movie. And, at other points, we can’t help but think of the Arctic Monkeys, if they were hopped up on too much caffeine and going through a bout of darkness.

Today, we’re bringing you the first look at their debut music video, produced by Sheffield Filmmakers Ben McFarlane and Jordan Carroll. Shot in the basement of Theatre Delicatessen in Sheffield, the story of “Nobody’s Watching” comes to life through a black and white treatment, an industrial background, and quickly shifting shots that keep up with the fast and furious tempo lead by impressive bass and percussion work.

If you’re feeling the haunting vibes from this tune and accompanying music video, we highly recommend visiting the other selections from their 4-track EP.

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[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (December 2016 Round #4)

Here it is. The last Indie Dojo of the year. It’s been a wild ride, dear friends, but here we are. We made it. And we are ready to face another next 365 days with 52 more indie dojos to put in our pocket. Cheers!

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[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 227)

First of all, Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukkah to holiday celebrators. With Christmas this Sunday, we wanted to give you all we could in this week’s edition of the Friday Party Playlist. Within it, you get a whole lot more than the twelve usual tracks. Sure, you get songs from the likes of Breathe Carolina, Choppa Dunks, Twofold, Tha Trickaz, YOOKiE, Dubloadz and more, but you also get multiple records from Kastra and Aylen, who have short mixes of some song packs. Lastly, Carter Cruise dishes out a nostalgic mix for all to enjoy. As usual, everything is downloadable for free. No need to spend anymore money, treat yourself to these free presents today! Most importantly, make sure to #danceirresponsibly.

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[Dubstep] Datsik – Sensei EP

Datsik is all about ninjas. We’d hope he’s all about the Music Ninja’s as well, since we’re all about him and his new EP, Sensei. Datsik has long been a leader in the dubstep community, pushing severely dirty growls onto headbangers worldwide. With his new EP, we get just what we bargain for with the Firepower Records‘ head.

Sensei features seven songs, including collaborations with Virtual Riot, Excision, AD, Lox Chatterbox and Zack The Lad. If we could only choose two words to describe this project in full they would be sharp and heavy. Sharp is a katana, and as heavy as a sumo wrestler. Throughout Sensei Datsik kicks forth his signature vibe that pays homage to the more classic, pre-2013 dubstep sound. Despite this, he still manages to keep things fresh and forward thinking, showing yet again why he is one of dubstep’s big hitters. Get your copy of Sensei today!

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[Future Bass] Sweater Beats – Did You Wrong feat. MAX (FRND Remix)

FRND only has a few tracks out, but already is one of the hotter up and coming acts in dance music. After releasing two originals, the producer already has put out an official remix for Sweater Beats, which we share with you today.

“Did You Wrong” featuring MAX is what the mysterious songster got to remix. FRND has a unique style that, although not entirely new, is a step in the right direction for electronic music, especially for styles surrounding future. 2017 will surely be a big year for the producer, who has a whole lot more coming. In just a few months to wrap up 2016, FRND made incredible headway and won’t stop gaining fans with his amazing music anytime soon. It’s almost Christmas, so get yourself a little present by purchasing this single on the digital service of choice today.

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[Indie/Electronic] Mothica & Icarus Moth – Reputation

New York is full of talented artists, but one that you absolutely need to know is Mothica. The talented artist teamed up with fellow NYC creator Icarus Moth for the single “Reputation.”

Together, these two acts put a soulful spin on the future bass genre. Despite the obvious influence the genre has on “Reputation,” the song doesn’t fit quite neatly into the box. Mothica’s intoxicating vocal is certainly the highlight of the track, but that doesn’t take anything away from the top-notch production that Icarus Moth put forth on this single. With the weather being cold and the plans likely being stay in to jam some tunes, this one is perfect. Shout out to the Majestic Casual team for dropping this one.

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Talal Qureshi – After Party [TMN PREMIERE]

Talal Qureshi has woven through so many styles of music throughout his near decade long career as a producer, from hip-hop beats to hard-edged dance and dubstep, ambient textures, and arrangements which rebuke genre. His new single “After Party” blends colorful synthesizers, strong drums and a sultry melody to create a fun and accessible sound that lifts high a radiant vocal feature from the 16-year-old singer Rehma out of Los Angeles.

If this track came on in a cab on my way from a party to an after party, I would be zoning. The elements are all there – a beautiful voice, synths that shmooze then soar, just the right amount of pop frills, and critical, kicking percussion. With the windows down heading to that after party, maybe just to find a certain someone, and this track would cinch it all together.

Qureshi, born in Saudi Arabia but based in Pakistan, continues to diversify his offerings. After remixing great pop selections and producing grade A instrumentals, it’s exciting to hear him bring in a vocal feature and create a catchy top-40 style tune. “After Party” is a preview of what we can expect from Qureshi’s upcoming Acha EP due out in early 2017.

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The Aston Shuffle Talk New Remix For Neo-Soul Legend Maxwell [TMN Interview]

This track boasts seven minutes of Neo-Soul legend Maxwell’s falsetto voice paired with The Aston Shuffle‘s groovy, deep house production and is simply stated, a perfect match. The Australian duo recently impressed us with their “Only 100s” mix and now they’ve given us a track worthy of placement in their own series. With basslines capable of inducing a trance like state of mind matched to a smooth body moving melody, The Aston shuffle have created a project to end 2016 in a bold way.

“Huge fan of The Aston Shuffle, they keep it so soulful and raw for the dance clubs.” – Maxwell

2017 is soon approaching and news is they’ll be gracing us with another original release on The Magician’s Potion label. After what we’ve seen in 2016 there’s no question these two should be on everyone’s watch list. I got the chance to ask the guys a bit about the new remix. You can stream the track on Spotify or Youtube.

TMN: 2016 has been quite the year for music – How have you guys grown throughout the year and what would you say was your greatest moment?

TAS: 2016 has been great for us! We had 3 releases (High With You, Only 1 and Make A Wrong Thing Right) come out on one of our favourite record labels, Potion (The Magician’s label). We did a few national tours here in Australia and Vance has been busy spreading The Aston Shuffle message across the US with his recent move to NY, and we’ve continued to get great listenership with our Friday Night Shuffle radio show.

TMN: MAXWELL is no rookie when it comes to music. The NYC soulful R&B singer has been around for quite some time. What did you like best about remixing this particular track?

TAS: It was all about the vocal, it’s so dope and catchy! The producers treated the vocal with some really cool effects which really grabbed our attention and ultimately drove the direction in which we took the remix.

TMN: How did it feel to have Maxwell reach out to you about this remix? Describe your reaction.

TAS: We’ve been long time fans of his since the 90’s. He reached out to us saying he really vibed on our song “Tear It Down” It was unbelievable to have an artist of this calibre resonate with our music. We’ve been in regular contact since. He’s an absolute legend so to have remixed a song off his album was one to tick off the bucket list!

TMN: Did you have a certain direction in mind for this or was it more go with the flow?

TAS: Not really, we just went with the flow like we normally do when doing remixes. It was totally unintentional but it ended up with a bit of a nod to some classic Armand Van Heldon vibes.

TMN: Not only have you released this remix but started the Only 100s mix – What do you look for when selecting music?

TAS: Between our radio show and DJ sets, we are seriously inundated with new music. It’s seriously crazy the amount of music we have to go through each and every week! So to help with our workflow we create a shortlist of club weapons. These tracks are what we consider to be the standout tracks of the moment whether it’s a Balearic house jam or a certified techno banger, if it’s dope, then we’re playing it on Only 100s.

TMN: What direction do you see yourselves going in 2017? Is there anything particularly exciting you can share?

TAS: We already have a few releases ready to go in 2017 which you’ll be hearing about very soon. We’ll be continuing our Friday Night Shuffle radio show and also building the Only 100s name. It’s going to be a busy year for us but we’re already looking forward to it!

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Jonas Blue – By Your Side (Two Can Remix) [TMN Premiere]

It’s not Christmas quite yet, but do we have a special present for you today. Your ears get the pleasure of having the first listen to a brand new remix from our friends Two Can, who took on the official task of flipping “By Your Side” from Jonas Blue. Nothing like one of our favorite premieres to help close out the year!

Two Can are known around the world for their expressive, exciting music. Ever since they came to the fold, they’ve put forth nothing but great tunes and this remix is certainly one of their best. They take a bit of a different approach than they usually do with the result being nothing short of spectacular. Their vibrant chords and vocal chops play together to perfection and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much good stuff in this one, you’ll be listening through on repeat just to appreciate every little detail. Stream today, and enjoy!

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[Album Review] James Lanning – Another Day Wasted

James Lanning, the man fam Maryland who merges urban exploration and hip-hop in New York City, releases a deep, dark and extremely relevant EP Another Day Wasted on Onamazu. The rapper’s debut EP is laced with the dark and depressed vibe of the broken buildings he loves to photograph, as well as the high-strung tension which likely pushes him to risk his life climbing skyscrapers.

The topic of mental health among musicians has breached the mainstream recently after Kid Cudi and later Kanye West both admitted struggling mightily with their selves. In a brief interview with Mass Appeal, Lanning states he wants to “alter the discourse” about mental health and the way mentally unstable people are treated when they come forth for help. Making music helps Lanning to channel his own frustrations, and that creative process lead to the cathartic tracks on Another Day Wasted.

The first cut, “Spring” features voicemail messages from the artist’s life set with a backdrop of tense string and music-box notes, culminating in a deep wave of bass. The abrupt finish leads into the chill-inducing title track on which Lanning bears his soul over a paradox of a beat produced by Kace. “People say that I’m crazy, but I say that I’m patient / what’s today but another day wasted?” Depression, the invisible illness, afflicts millions of people. Lanning exposes his own affliction to the world with no frills or filler, and for this, he’s to be commended.

“Run Away” and “Regina” find Lanning walking the thin line between sanity and success over more unique, wavy Kace beats. “Until 27”, featuring a hot verse from Michael Christmas, finally finds Lanning radiating a positive vibe and finding his step.

Another Day Wasted is a raw musical expression that blends hip-hop with more avant-garde ambient and electronica styles. The subject matter and the music can strike a chord deep within anyone who’s struggled with their own motivation and mental health. You can purchase EP from iTunes.

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[Electronic] Liquid Stranger – Hot Box

Music made by Liquid Stranger aka Martin Staaf almost always eludes all classification, so we won’t even try to put his new single “Hot Box” into (what else?) a box.

Staaf himself calls his music “freeform bass music”, and “Hotbox” is no different. It’s got the build-drop structure of a traditional EDM song, but the drop itself features a viciously sharp and stabbing synthesizer over a clean hip-hopish beat. Gritty vocals from an unnamed source ratchet up the energy, and a “boss” sample from what sounds like Chuck D creates a perfect prelude for the drop. This song is begging to be spun live on a proper sound system.

“Hotbox” releases on Wakaan, a label Staaf himself founded just over one year ago to showcase freeform bass music in all it’s ambiguous and filthy glory. Pick u a free download of “Hotbox” here.

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[Album Review] Weaver Beats – Conscience

Weaver Beats has been quietly producing some of the best chill-hop, wave music, and future sound from Honolulu, Hawaii, and how he’s dropped the crown jewel of his collection, his Conscience LP.

The hallmarks of this beatmaker are supremely deep but subtle bass, crisp percussion that consistently slaps, and ethereal pads which he employs to great emotional effect. All three elements are blended to perfection on this LP, making Conscience a vital contribution to the growing tidal bore where wave music, hip-hop and future music collide and mix. So aware of this bore is Weaver Beats that he founded his own label, Future Vibes, where “all sub-genres of future music are welcome.”

Weaver Beats tends to stay away from the sample-collage style and lo-fi aesthetic that is so typical of beat purists, preferring instead to work with the elements listed above. In this way, his music can appear formulaic, but that doesn’t take away from it’s raw impact. Crank your speakers up, especially your sub, and try not to be washed away by the waves emanating from this LP.

The producer states on his Soundcloud account that he attempted to introduce more vocal sampling for this project. For the most part, such sampling sounds more like an instrument, a piece of the sonic puzzle, than an indispensable vocal lead. The title track exemplifies this. The songs ran a gambit of tempos, from the title track’s familiar get-low trap tempo to the unexpected soft-stepping house beat of “Hybrid”, and the stutteringly slow and sweet “Fall In Love” featuring the talented, tongue-in-cheek producer Multirex. The title track is flipped three times by producers Kazukii, MiscellaneousT, and Danky to round out the album.

This is superb study music, driving music, background or forefront music. In its beautiful simplicity Conscience achieves this versatility. Listen deeply and you can get lost in between the rupturous kicks and snares on “Villain”, within the looped guitar sample on “Indigo”, or beneath the subterranean bass on “Hold Me”. Add it to your collection here.

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

Nothing says “I Love You” or “I Like You” quite like making someone a playlist. So, if you’re one of those, currently scrambling to find a few last minute gifts for those fantastic people in your life, we’ll let you take credit for finding some awesome indie jams and placing it all into a wonderful little playlist for them. After all, it is the season of giving and we love nothing more than a little bit of giving.

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[Indie] New Mystics – Sparrows

Somewhere along Route 66 where decaying service stations quietly rest and rustling tumbleweeds cross regularly, “Sparrows” plays lightly in the background alongside cascading plumes of smoke from a Marlboro Red, the stale smell of old coffee, and rays of sunlight filtering through an aging strip of tint at the top of the windshield.

“Sparrows” brings to mind time-worn images like this.

The funny thing is, it just came out — yesterday, in fact. And already, it’s blanketing me with a delicate sense of nostalgia. I just can’t shake its gripping familiarity in an intriguing new package.

New Mystics and the man behind it are, perhaps appropriately, mysteriously shrouded, so there’s not much to disclose about this artist yet. That said, I’m certain that he has an old soul. The sheer power of these songwriting abilities feels like it would be at home on an old, dusty 45 getting broken out with a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle for one of those special occasions. The verses call on associations of one of the most iconic folk artists, Neil Young, while the choruses give way to memories of listening to Lennon and McCartney.

Its style beckons on the greats of 50 years ago, and the modern twist of the falsetto that floats in before the last run through the chorus brings this song solidly into 2017.

For both young and old music nerds across the globe, New Mystics is one to watch — open road ahead of you or not.

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[Experimental] MODEL 86 – Missing

We last heard from this electronic producer with his EP generously titled, “When You Realise People Are Not One Dimensional Characters In A Movie Of Your Life“–check out our thoughts on it here. The London beat smith, MODEL 86, is back already with the first single release from another incoming album. The lead single, “Missing” has many of the experimental elements we’re familiar with, but there seems to be a more driven and organized sound. With changes around each corner “Missing” is a dynamic listen and the main melody is just infectious.

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Thomston – Float (Anden Remix) [TMN Premiere]

NYC duo Anden are known to push boundaries and experiment with music outside of the norm. We’ve heard bouncy up beat dance tracks to dark and emotional ballads and the direction that it’s taken them has proven to be successful. “Float” is another prime example of how unafraid the duo is to think outside the box. The original track by Thomston boasts emotionally driven lyrics and a deep melody, but Anden digs even deeper adding their personal experiences and history into the track.

Anden does a great job of keeping their remixes close to the original while still giving it a personal flair for those who want a taste of both artistic touches. The lead synth brightens Thomston’s original yet doesn’t hinder the darker side of the track and while this song proves to be a bit different, it’s a good different and we’re excited to see what else these two have in store. I got the chance to ask the duo a few questions about the remix; check it out below and make sure to listen to the track which is also a free download.

TMN: How did doing this remix come about?

A: We first heard the original song at the beginning of the summer and immediately reached out to Thomston’s management about doing the remix. We connected very strongly with the vocal and the songwriting and are really excited we were able to do the remix. We actually finished it back in August, so we’re happy it’s finally out now!

TMN: What was the hardest part about it?

A: Our first ideas for the remix were to expand on the writing in the original and build out a longer arrangement. The initial sketches for the remix were around eight minutes in length (much like the final version), and so it was tough at first to commit to something that was already a bit unconventional. With a song this long, we wanted it to evolve and progress in order to stay interesting, so that was a really fun challenge we took on in our approach to the remix.

TMN: Favorite part about creating this remix?

A: Writing the lead synth part in the main breakdown of the song. We were hoping to have something more hopeful and elevating to contrast the darker feel of the chords and bass, and we’re really happy with how that section of the song came together. Technically speaking, we made that instrument with our Korg MS20 (a hardware synth), so the whole process had a very natural and organic feel to it.

TMN: You guys have been experimenting with darker and more emotional music, why is that?

We had a collection of experiences earlier on in the year that inspired this new sound – many were music specific experiences (parties we went to, etc), but others were more personal ones. One important personal experience was quitting a day job to do music full time. Along with the happiness and excitement of doing music for a living came an increased amount of anxiety and stress. Experiencing such an intense range of emotions definitely played a part in wanting to create music that captured that same feeling – something that is dark and melancholic, but also uplifting and beautiful.

TMN: Can you give a little insight on your production process for this remix? Did you try anything you may not have tried before?

A: Most of the writing actually happened very quickly, we wrote pretty much all the instrumentation in just about a day. There was still quite a bit of tweaking and fine-tuning after the fact, but we find that the songs where the ideas flow out quickly and naturally are often our favorite ones in the end. In terms of new things, not using a normal 4×4 kick drum pattern was a first for us!

TMN: When will we see another original track from you guys? and what does 2017 look like?

A: We actually are in the process of signing our first original record (more details to follow soon!) and are working with a few artists on a remix pack for it. That should be out early next year, along with a number of other remixes and originals we’ve been writing. We also recently started a monthly radio show called Sound Room, which you can check out on iTunes and Soundcloud. For performances, we are wrapping up the year with a show at Hammerstein Ballroom for NYE, and we will be hosting our 3rd popup party in NYC early next year. These popups have been an awesome way to showcase our recent work and take a unique space in the city and convert it into a house party for one night only.

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[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 226)

Christmas is right around the corner. In true holiday spirit, we brought some extra music for you today in this edition of our Friday Party Playlist. You get your twelve tracks as usual, as well as a whole bunch more thanks to a celebratory Star Wars mix from Black Tiger Sex Machine. While you’re out partying after you see Rogue One, enjoy music from LUUDE, AGLORY, LOUD LUXURY, IMLAY, as well as artists who don’t fully capitalize their names including, but not limited to, Jayceeoh and Monsters on the Horizon, who close things out for us before the mix. Everything, including the mix, is downloadable for free, so make sure to run through and grab all the ones you want. Plenty of great tunes in here. You shouldn’t have a problem doing what we make you do best… that is, #danceirresponsibly.

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Helena Legend Talks New Direction, No Explanations Series & 2017 [TMN Interview]

It’s not easy for artists to master a new sound. It’s even harder for them to commit to trying something new, especially when they’ve had so much success with a signature style. However, that didn’t stop Helena Legend from putting together her strongest project yet, appropriately named No Explanations.

Helena’s EP marks a new chapter for the UK born, Australian bred DJ/producer. She’s conquered the world with her powerful house sounds, but now she’s diving down a different path, bringing fresh bass sounds to new BPM territories and even providing her own vocals. We previously covered her excellent EP, but we wanted to catch up with her and talk about this new direction and what comes with it. Moreover, we recap 2016 and find out, perhaps most importantly, where Helena thinks the best food in the world is. Enjoy our chat with Helena Legend, as well as some songs off No Explanations Pt. 1.

TMN: What prompted this change in direction for your music?

HL: Personal tastes change, I wasn’t vibed anymore on what I was making and I needed to do something fresh, I have found my new direction to be way more inspiring for me and more fulfilling than anything I have ever done.

TMN: How have fans reacted to these new sounds, both in a live atmosphere and online?

HL: The reaction has been incredible, I have had better feedback and more interaction on this EP than any of my previous work. the tracks are still fairly new to the world to get a really good reaction live, though it still has been good, but the more they know the tracks the bigger the reaction will be, so I just need to get the awareness of the EP out and get people listening to the new sounds.

TMN: When did you decide you wanted to hop on “Illusion” and make your vocal debut?

I wrote “Illusion” with me in mind to sing it, it was something I always wanted to do, I just needed the guts to actually push myself to do it. I was pretty nervous about putting myself out there singing on the track, but the reaction has been amazing, so maybe i’ll do more in the future.

TMN: Are you planning on getting any remixers for No Explanations?

HL: It’s still being decided, I think we’ll just push this EP and see how it goes. Maybe I’ll follow it with remixes.

TMN: No Explanations is listed as being Part 1, is Part 2 already in the works?

HL: Part 2 is already finished, set to be released Feb 10th, another 3 tracks this EP changes it up a bit more.

TMN: As I was digging through some of your past interviews and work, it seemed to me that you have been always evolving as a creator. What drives you to keep advancing/evolving as a creative human being?

HL: I am certainly not the same person as I was 10 years ago or even 5 or 2 years ago, people change, life changes, tastes changes, hair color changes haha.. you need to move with life and roll with it, being stuck and not evolving creatively will give you a very limited career.

TMN: How would you sum up 2016 for yourself?

2016 for me was good but it was a bit of a weird year to be honest.. I was lost for half of it trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go in and spent the other half creating a new direction. I have kept my head down and worked hard in preparation for 2017 and I’ve never been more excited than I am right now.

TMN: What can we expect to see from Helena Legend in 2017?

HL: A ton of music, I feel now I have my new path set, there is nothing in my way, I will be going hard. I just make a kick ass music video for “RU Feeling it” featuring Lyre, in Shanghai I can’t wait to see final version, this is out in Jan, a tour with my homeboy Kennedy Jones of North America Jan-March plus so much more. I feel my best is still yet to come.

TMN: I think New Year’s resolutions are ridiculous, but what’s one goal you have for yourself, creatively or personally, for 2017?

HL: Don’t let up. This is my time I feel to show what I can really do.

TMN: One last question: You’ve traveled the world playing shows, so I must ask, who has the best food?

HL: AUSTRALIA OF COURSE!

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[Electronic] Dimond Saints – Stay feat. Yaarrohs

Today we share with you the final single before the full release of Prism In The Dark. Dimond Saints have been pushing a few tracks out before their album release and now they’re back again with another one featuring Yaarrohs.

“Stay” comes in to hold fans over until the album’s release date on January 3rd. The album is currently available for pre-order, which you can take care of at the artist’s Bandcamp page. We’ve loved every single they put out so far and that doesn’t change with this new one. Together Dimond Saints and Yaarrohs put together a genre-bending single with a deep aesthetic. We don’t want to have to wait any longer for Prism In The Dark, but luckily “Stay” is amazing enough to hold us over the next few weeks.

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[Event Preview] Buku Music & Arts Project March 10-11

Every city in America has its own music scene, but in New Orleans, music is a way of life – a cultural infrastructure as essential to the city as its freeways and French Quarter. Jazzfest attracts the best in rock, folk and jazz to Nola each year, but for those of us who want more youthful, visceral music and a more colorful, fluid experience, Buku Music and Arts Project goes down on March 10-11, 2016 for the sixth year straight.

Buku stands out in a saturated music festival market both for its timing (arguably the first big event of “festival season”) and it’s consistently nuanced lineup. No one is reinventing the wheel by stacking their lineup with hip-hop, indie, and dance music, but whom are you booking specifically? It takes balls and creativity to craft a card of eclectic, forward-thinking and often experimental artists like what Buku has assembled. Where else can you see Deadmau5 and Travis Scott? Clams Casino and Troyboi? Shiba San and Thundercat? If you’ve answered, “I can see them at Festival XYZ,” it doesn’t matter, because that’s not in New Orleans.

Buku is set just outside the city’s French Quarter on a sprawling riverside esplanade. The Power Plant stage is adjacent to the river and sits in the shadow of an abandoned industrial colossus. Two indoor stages diversify the vibe with The Ballroom offering an intimate aesthetic, and the Float Den serving as a massive gathering spot lined with Mardi Gras floats and craft vendors. A fourth stage, the Back Alley, is tucked beneath the Crescent City Connection bridge and offers an unbroken stream of dance music all day and into the night.

Buku is also one of the most colorful festival environments in America, and in the Front Yard one can enjoy the vibe created by dozens of local visual artists. The fest is filled with a seemingly endless amount of bold and bright street art and graffiti, some painted right in front of you in the Live Graffiti Gallery. Buku break-dancing squads set up shop throughout the grounds to entertain and set off random dance parties. All in all, Buku is an explosion of art, music, motion and vibes. According to the Buku crew themselves, they “bring avant-garde art with a heavy industrial focus, creating a functional and interactive playground for everyone to participate, relax, and get #TOOBUKU”

The VIP experience is especially rewarding at Buku, as you gain access to the S.S. Buku. Aboard this steamboat docked off the esplanade, guests can get down to OG dubstep from Ganja White Night, fierce futuristic trap from Ekali, or new-age freeform pop from Stelouse among others.

It’s hard to overemphasize how fire this lineup is. Undercard names like AF The Naysayer or Opiuo will spin something you’ve never quite heard before. Space Jesus spinning back to back with Minnesota is sure to be a bass extravaganza, and Shiba San b2b with Justin Jay is a house lover’s dream. Always keeping the focus on the artists and not the spectacle, Buku will host showcases for New York’s sultry R&B label Saint Heron, and New Orleans’ own dedicated artists the Dohm Collective. Suicide Boys, another group from Nola, will shock your socks off with their hard-edged nihilist rap, or you can cool out with 21 Savage, Young Thug and Lil Yachty. A performance from the innovative hip-hop producer Clams Casino is rare and not to be missed. Tycho’s raw ethereal sound is well-suited for the Project’s grounds, and Zeds Dead is sure to hold it down for the EDM heads. As for the rest of the undercard, Buku books creative, often low-key artists who’ve got serious sounds and style to offer.

Highlights from my own Buku experience still seem fresh in my memory, from an extremely energetic Gramatik get-down in the warehouse, to Ghostface Killa performing Michael Jackson with a live band, and bumping into a plain-clothes Derek Vincent Smith aka Pretty Lights on the way to a bonkers Odesza performance in the Float Den. At the end of the weekend, I sprawled on a massive net hung between two shipping containers too spent to catch the closing sets. I was simply happy to take in the sounds and colors and cavort with lovely strangers who all seemed as satiated as I was.

If I could describe the best part of Buku in a word, it would be “vibe”. The energy is unparalleled among non-camping festivals because as the organizers emphasize, this is a Project, something every attendee can actively contribute too. Check out some fresh sounds from Buku’s lineup below, and purchase your tickets here. The Project also offers travel packages for a fully curated Nola experience.

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Quinn XCII Speaks On New Track Straightjacket [TMN Interview]

You wouldn’t think the temperature is starting to drop when listening to Quinn XCII’s music, including his recent single “Straightjacket.” This vocalist/songwriter has seamlessly melded electronic, hip-hop, soul, and pop and brought heat to everything he’s touched this year. His singles and EP’s have landed him a tour with Louis the Child, #1 spots on HypeMachine, over 40 million plays on Spotify, and regular spins at Top 40 radios around the country.

The single, produced by The Wiild, is a buoyant tune that floats just in between hip-hop and electronic, a skill that Quinn has mastered. The simplified melody keeps focus on the lyrics and the story behind them telling a relatable story that some, if not all, of us may have experienced when dealing with love. We were excited to catch up with Quinn and ask him more about his year and the single.

TMN: What got you into music? Have you always been a singer?

Q: I can remember being a fan of music since I could walk and hearing my parents play it around the house. That, and I was always into creative writing. It wasn’t until my freshmen year of college, though, that I really put the two together and started writing my own content and sharing it with friends. At the time it was actually more indie-rap stuff, but then I started focusing on singing and things started to evolve into my current sound.

TMN: Detroit is a huge hub for music and art in general, has growing up in Michigan influenced your music in any way?

Q: Definitely. The older Detroit music I feel has strongly shaped my writing in terms of melodies. Motown, du-wop style melodies that have that ear-candy quality about them has always attracted me, and I think have definitely crossed over into my own music.

TMN: A lot of your work is in collaboration with ayokay, did he help with “Straightjacket” or did you work with someone new?

Straightjacket was actually produced by The Wiild, a very talented producer from Australia who works with a lot of the pop acts out there. ayokay and I are still working very closely on my new music though, he’ll be producing majority of my next project again. We live together and have a studio in our house so we’re constantly writing new things together – it’s a really creative environment.

TMN: Almost a year ago you released the Bloom EP – Is “Straightjacket” just a single or can we expect something more after this? Another EP or LP?

Q: Straightjacket is the first song from my upcoming debut album. We’ll be releasing a few more singles from the project in the coming months and then we’re expecting to have the full album out by Spring/Summer of 2017!

TMN: Any specific inspiration behind Straightjacket?

Q: The idea behind Straightjacket was really about shedding light on the girl that has secrets, more bad ones than good. She acts a certain way in public and in front of your friends, but behind closed doors is a bit of psycho and can’t be contained. The two-faced mentality was very appealing to me to try to put into words and narrate.

TMN: You were on tour with Louis The Child, what was that like? What would you say was your favorite stop?

Touring with LTC was amazing. They’re both super talented guys and it’s really inspiring to see them at such a young age connect with people the way they have been. I’d say my favorite stop on the tour was in Minneapolis.. All the stops were amazing but that show has stuck out to me since getting off the road.

TMN: How would you sum up your 2016? Any specific moments stick out in particular?

Q: I signed with Columbia Records over the summer, which has definitely been one of the most memorable moments of the year. I’d say 2016 as a whole can be summed up as a big stepping stone for both ayokay and myself. I think we really made a big stride in our careers and are finally beginning to get placed on the platform we’ve been striving for. Now it’s just a matter of how much we want this to continue, and putting in the work is what will dictate that. I’m ready for it.

TMN: What’s 2017 looking like for you?

Q: 2017 will include the release of my debut album, a lot more touring, festivals, some really cool collaborations, and hopefully a lot more.

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8Er$ – Smoke Shop [TMN Premiere]

If you’re not already a fan of 8Er$, you’re late to the party. Even if you’re not on board, better late than never. The trap lord just released “Smoke Shop” today as a free download. It’s coming fresh and hot out the oven for this premiere, so prepare yourself.

“Smoke Shop” is a bit of a different style than what we usually get from 8Er$, however it is still within his signature ballpark. The hybrid sound echoes some of 8Er$ past works, but he takes things next level with new structures and sound designs. The entire Block Society crew are extremely talented, but 8Er$ is one of the producers leading the charge with notable creations, this included. Stream it today, and don’t sleep on the download. 2017 is going to be a big year for 8Er$, so stay tuned.

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[Music Video] Val Fleury – Rain Dancing

Val Fleury just landed on our radar with her debut single “Rain Dancing.” Not only were we impressed by her song, but we were floored by the music video that accompanied it. The Liberian born creator is now out in Los Angeles, readying a takeover with her captivating sound and aesthetic.

“Rain Dancing” is a magnificent piece of music. The funky, poppy tune will entice both indie-dance lovers and house heads alike. Her dynamic approach to creating has resulted in a highly accessible tune that has already received love from radio stations and music blogs around the world. With the music video, we get a black and white visual containing dance routines, as well as the star of the show, Val Fleury herself. Watch the video below, and head over to iTunes to get a copy of this wonderful original.

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[Trap] DEMUR X Duelle – Streets On Fire

DEMUR continues his rebellion against the mainstream branch of dance music with “Streets On Fire.” This single was created with the help of the Los Angeles duo Duelle and released as a free download this week.

“Streets On Fire” is just as you would imagine. It’s a song with a whole lot of attitude just up to the point of being abrasive in the best way possible. Together DEMUR and Duelle bring to life more than a song, but a message to the rest of the dance music world who are clinging to their trends and superficial cliques. Dirty, in your face, and totally awesome, “Streets On Fire” is what the scene needs to hear, whether they are ready or not.

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[Electronic/Pop] London Future – Don’t Stop feat. Jem Cooke

As 2016 begins to wrap up blogs are releasing their “Artists to watch in 2017,” and while there are many deserving names among these lists, London Future is one artist that should be included. “Don’t Stop,” released on ULTRA Records, features the soothing and billowy vocals of Jem Cooke, builds into a climactic dance laden drop and slowly exits via a simplified guitar pluck melody showcasing Jem’s soulful voice.

London Future has become a sought after producer throughout the years in his hometown Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago through his artful ability to bring Soca, a genre of Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 70’s, to the forefront of mainstream music. He’s caught the attention of names such as Jillionaire from Major Lazer and Diplo and scored a release on the Mad Decent imprint, Jeffrees in 2013. We’re excited to see what London Future brings in 2017 and suggest keeping this multi platinum record producer on your radar.

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[Electronic] Artifakts – Hustler

“Hustler” is the most recent release from the “ever-evolving hip-hop project” known as Artifakts, the musical mantra of Garret Meyer from Milwaukee. This cooler-than-cool, six-minute jam session may be the greatest work yet from this highly-capable producer. A sturdy funk bassline and drum break form the backbone of the song, while piano keys flutter above this foundation whimsically. Resonant samples from what sounds like a string quartet take center stage, followed by a saxophone sample. “Don’t you Know By Now?” a vocal sample repeatedly questions. The mix moves along modestly in this manner until an unexpected drop makes way for a wobbling space-age synthesizer.

Hip-hop was once made by collaging an infinite array of samples, and electronic music by manipulating drum machines and synthesizers often past their breaking point. Both of these once rarified techniques are more accessible to producers today. Those like Artifakts who take advantage of this embarrassment of riches can provide us with sublime soundscapes which simultaneously sound like they’re prepared in the past and flung backward from the future. Meyers is organizing so much musical material on “Hustler”, showcasing his skills for sampling and synthesis and creating a tune with tangible texture and warmth. Pick up a free download from Philos Records here.

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[Trap] Ryden – Unbroken

Ryden is a true artist. She’s not here for the hype, she’s here because she has some messages to express with the hope of connecting to listeners in a meaningful way. She’s already put out two amazing singles and now she’s here with “Unbroken.”

Hip-hop has permeated all of Ryden’s work prior to this, so it isn’t so surprising she would keep that trend going. With “Unbroken” we get what I would say is her best track yet, which abides by her second trend of topping each previous release. Ryden dips a bit more into the EDM style of trap with this one, making it not only an emotional roller coaster, but a banger in every form of the word. It’s hard to keep a balance between connecting with people on a deep level and making them rage, but Ryden does so with ease. Grab “Unbroken” today for free.

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