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We really shouldn’t have to write anything to get you to listen to a Said The Sky song. No review is needed, no extra information or analysis to allure your ears into what he’s released. Everything is amazing and you just need to close your eyes and click play. Do that now with his song “Show & Tell” featuring Claire Ridgely.
Now, we can’t just tell you to click play and be done, so we’re going to talk a tiny bit about it and let you go ahead to digital stores to grab a copy of the song. “Show & Tell” is the producer’s first original of the year. It has a more pop-centric tone than some of his usual works, but it’s not far out enough away for long time fans to be butthurt about where the sound is headed. Said The Sky keeps his unique voice alive while testing his diverse abilities. While he did that, Claire Ridgely gave a performance we can’t forget and neither will you anytime soon.
Enter the darkness by diving into “The Primordial Soup” of KenKode. KenKode comes out of one of our favorite duo’s, Cyberpunkers, to deliver new music under a completely different style. The project just launched with a debut single and music video that are sure to turn some heads.
“The Primordial Soup” has been concocted with ingredients from synthwave, lo-fi and pretty much anything dark meets experimental. It’s a striking blend of sounds that some are just flat out not going to be able to handle, but that is the point with experimental music. It’s probing the outskirts of the ocean of genres. With KenKode’s music video, we get a similar mood in the visual format with images shaking up our brain just as the music does.
Sit down, strap in and get ready for one wild ride. Although it’s hip-hop at heart, “Plastic Gangsta” by Karl Phillips & The Rejects is more than meets the eye. Who would have thought ska and rap could go well together? These guys did and they didn’t stop at those two genres when blending their mix together.
“Plastic Gangsta” was played on BBC Radio 1, which goes to show where you can end up even if you stick your middle finger up to convention. Today we have not just the song for you, but the music video that sees Karl and company going about the town. It’s a straightforward music video that adds a bit of fun to the already exciting song. Check it out today and let this be a reminder that you’re probably not as gangster as you imagine.
A little over a year ago I stumbled across Enthusiastic P via “On Like Rick,” a clever Rick and Morty-themed party anthem that felt like more than just a novelty–showcasing his distinct voice, flows and songwriting approach. In digging a bit deeper into his catalogue, I found an interesting contrast. While his baritone delivery blends well with often sparse, heavy-hitting trap beats, his lyrics, even when delving into partying, tell a somewhat more existential story. That juxtaposition adds some spiritual depth to what on the surface may feel like run-of-the-mill odes to inebriation.
The Bay Area-based emcee is back in 2017 with a new, fitting moniker, Hyphy Zen, and we’re excited to bring you the first single from his upcoming debut album. “Kelly Kapowski” features an extended, Rihanna-esque intro from Hayley Goldstien that sets the tone. When the Seriph-produced beat drops in, it hits hard, but moves slow, making for an intoxicating backdrop only further emphasized by an interlaced Weeknd sample. Hyphy Zen matches the production with a steady, spaced-out flow boasting individuality. Fellow Bay native JNew steps in for the second verse showcasing a more nimble approach that ties the song together perfectly.
Give this Saved By The Bell-inspired jam a listen above. Hyphy Zen’s debut album, YEA HIT ME UP WE SHOULD TOTALLY HANG SOMETIME, is due out in the fall.
The best hooks take a big idea and mold it down to the simplest form. They can carry specific emotion or instantly inspire you. And the greatest often get a universal reaction. I was thinking about that the other night while playing some music and this song “Medusa” came up. The line, “frequencies between you an me are exchanging” just stuck out and got me thinking. The artist is Driftwood and I recommend checking out the project for yourself. Chill hip-hop and minimalist influences go perfectly with the songwriting and Aurora Rose’s vocal feature. There’s also a music video that fits well, the concept is simple and mysterious but effective. Driftwood is just getting started but this new single is quality and I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next.
It’s rare that I find a a music video that truly catches my curiosity. However, HUKO recently released a peculiar visual project for their recent house hit in Europe, “Blind” ft. Cozy that promises to pull your interest. The video, directed by Greg Kozo features a man with an egg-shaped head roaming around a luxurious modern house filled with beautiful people. Panoramic shots, humorous scenes, riveting romance, and an unexpected ending make this video stand out from the rest. Standing in support of the track’s feel-good synths and catchy vocal hook, this piece does an excellent job of ushering in summer’s uplifting energy. Check out the video here and enjoy!
Good pop is great, but Sophia Ayana‘s new one is absolute gold. “If I Had Your Love” is a dancehall-embracing pop record that we wish took over the radio in a hurry. It’s worthy of such exposure and it just could get to the top of the charts.
Regardless of where it deserves to be, it’s her for you to enjoy. Sophia’s voice is one that we’ll gravitate towards every time she picks up the mic. As this is her debut single for her own project, we’re sure to have many more that we can pleasure our ears with, but for the time being “If I Had Your Love” is what we’ve got. It’s upbeat, fun and exciting; no matter if you like pop or electronic music, this is going to satisfy. Want the song for yourself? Get it on iTunes.
Blinded Hearts, Chris Burke and Louise CS? Yes please. Thanks to the song “You & I” this collaboration was made possible. Released through Diamond, “You & I” is an emotionally striking song that isn’t going to get just one play from you as you’ll be inclined to listen at least a few times through.
“You & I” has a unique sound, which isn’t surprising when you look at the three artists who contributed to the project. With each artist infusing their own flavor into the batch, “You & I” turned out to be something that anybody could consume. It’s a song even your parents would like – grandparents, maybe, but it’s worth the shot with how beautiful it is. If you want to do more than stream the single, you can add it to your digital library via iTunes today.
“One More” is the newest single from the artist Rohan da Great. You may recognize him from his previous works or his epic collaboration with Dani Deahl on her hit single “SMYK” that also received a remix treatment from Reid Speed.
Rohan is back, but this time he is bringing his dancehall vibes with him instead of his hip-hop heat. Anybody who likes genres like reggaeton, moombah or artists like Major Lazer will be down for a helping or two of this song. A lot of artists have been coming out with dancehall-influenced tracks lately, but Rohan da Great managed to keep his single in line with the more familiar style, instead of attempting to make a pop single which has been the current trend. “One More” was produced by Def Starz and is currently available to stream!
It’s not often that we post drum & bass, but when we do it is something special. Today we have that something special for you and it comes to us from Amsterdam’s Gridlok. The Z3R0 H0U2 album has been released through Blackout Music, complete with thirteen songs, including a collaboration with Black Sun Empire.
Through and through, this LP is gold. When we first came to this project, we weren’t sure if we were ready for thirteen straight drum & bass records, but Gridlok made sure to keep our attention the entire time through with engaging records and a range of sounds to shift the vibe and pace of the EP nicely. It is well done on his part and not easy to keep the majority of listeners involved in a project like this one if they’re not already used to the fast-paced percussion and mind-blowing basslines. Get ready to throw your money at Gridlok for this one, because Z3R0 H0U2 is one hell of a collection.
In just its second year in existence as a four city national event (Denver, Portland, Philadelphia, Atlanta), the barley-pop funded Project Pabst has quickly cemented itself as one of the hottest tickets in each town it lays it Laser Horse inspired hooves. Always an eclectic lineup, in its brief run Project Pabst has consistently boasted a mix of both established and upcoming acts spanning myriad genres from Tame Impala, STRFKR, Violent Femmes, FIDLAR, Duran Duran & Iggy Pop to A$AP Ferg, Danny Brown, K. Flay & Big K.R.I.T. to name but a few; and this year’s Denver date served only to stoke the already vibrant fire within our Ninja hearts. It was yet another excellently curated day in Denver’s hipster bastion of the RiNo neighborhood, and we’ve got plenty to dish about the second Denver Project Pabst date.
As always, the day kicked off sprightly at 2:00 p.m. behind a choice segue into the beautiful day with a frenetic performance from Chicago indie rock outfit Twin Peaks. In a rather short span beginning in 2013, Twin Peaks have rapidly evolved from a hectic, sloppy group of teenage rockers into a firmly polished five piece with the ability to command a stage with the best of them. Twin Peaks cycled primarily through fare from LP’s Wild Onion and Down in Heaven including staples like “I Found a Way”, “Making Breakfast” and “Holding Roses”, but more than made sure to satisfy their diehards as well with a few cuts from debut long player Sunken. With the day’s first performance under our belts, it was time for some $3.00 PBR and a jaunt to the other end of Larimer Street for a little slice of scuzzy L.A. rock duo Deap Vally.
Read Our Entire Project Pabst Review After the Jump!
Deap Vally, who find themselves coming off of another worthy addition to their catalog in the form of long player Femejism, kept the afternoon energy high and mighty while breezing through their 45 minute set. If you closed your eyes, it would be easy to forget that the pair of Lindsey Troy and of Julie Edwards, who are able to weave together the sound and vibrant rock energy of a full four-piece, are just that: a duo. Witnessing just the two of them absolutely rip apart a stage, it’s clear the twosome have a special energy together. Deap Vally managed to captivate a steadily increasing number of attendees during their performance, continuing to solidify their reputations as a live act not to be missed for even a moment.
It was time for a PBR refuel or two, as unforunately Chicago female MC Noname had to unexpectedly pull out of the festival for uncited reasons. In their place was one of Denver’s fastest rising troupes Montoneros (read our premiere of their last single “Not Now, Not Never” here). As we had just seen them inside of functioning festival venue for the day, the Larimer Lounge, a much needed, cigarette-fueled brief respite was in order before perhaps the day’s brightest spot: STRFKR.
Never ones to disappoint in a live setting, STRFKR, who are coming off of the superb 2016 album Being No One,Going Nowhere, strolled out equipped with an army of astronaut hypebeasts who sailed the seas of the crowd on inflatables that even Steve Aoki would have been jealous of, while shooting confetti bombs aplenty. Of course, while that was all a nice accoutrement, it was obviously STRFKR’s music that sealed one of our favorite performances of the day. Now almost a decade into the game, STRFKR strolled us through their beautiful early fare (yes, yes, they played “Rawnald Gregory Erickson”), plenty of the aforementioned Being No One’s singles (“Open Your Eyes”, “Satelite”, “Never Ever”) and even a piece from their Vault series in the form of “Basically”. After a very indie-focused beginning to the day, and as more and more concertgoers began pouring in to the city block, we were ready for a warranted shift into hip-hop church with Danny Brown acting as our Reverend.
What can we say about Detroit’s leading voice of hip-hop? Danny Brown has a way, and it was on full effect in Denver. Like a nasally machine gun, Brown emptied clips of ciphers into the attentive audience, shooting his time-shifting cadence straight into the ears of what seemed like the entire event’s populous. The vivacious crowd rapped along to some of Brown’s most powerful catalogical entries including fan favorites “Smokin & Drinkin” (watch the recap video at the bottom of this post if you want to hear it again) & “Grown Up” alongside glimpses from 2016’s amazing Atrocity Exhibition including “Really Doe” & “Ain’t It Funny”.
As the day’s clock struck 6:30 p.m., our attention fell towards former War on Drugs member turned prized solo-singer/songwriter Kurt Vile and his misfit band The Violators. Vile’s library has grown consistently and steadily since his breakthrough long-player Wakin on a Pretty Daze to 2015’s critical darling b’lieve i’m goin down, and his musical prowess and stage presence never has been as clean as we’d seen it that weekend. Vile and Co. strode tall above numbers like “Pretty Pimpin'”, “Lost my Head There”, “Wakin On a Pretty Day”, and “Air Bud”, which pulled mightily on this writer’s heartstrings in the process. As the sun began to set near the end of Kurt Vile’s performance and we were gifted with an even more subdued version of “Like Like This”, it was admittedly a bit tough not to get misty-eyed… Anyhow where were we?
It was onto the electronic maximalism of Phantogram‘s pop sound. While Phantogram have for years layed their stamp as perhaps the most notable U.S. electro-pop darlings turned mega stars, their latest offerings have fallen on wanting ears for this writer. While Three, the group’s last full-length has seen a large dose of more mainstream success, their earliest singles still hold as their best work, which was largely untouched by more commercial production and soundkits, and was on full display during their hour-long slot at Project Pabst. But let’s be clear, Phantogram have earned a reputation as stage generals during their ascension, and all of that presence was felt. Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter played a lovely slot into the night, pleasing the cochlear cavities of all that were consuming their performance.
Perhaps the most raucous hour of the day occurred when N.W.A. gangsta rapper turned star of the thrilling RV drama Are We There Yet (c’mon, we had to), Ice Cube played the set everyone was hoping for from the hip-hop legend. Cube literally took us on a journey through his expansive, decades spanning catalog from N.W.A. staples “Straight Outta Compton” & “Fuck The Police”, to some of the 90’s biggest singles including “Today Was a Good Day” and “Put Your Back Into It”. It was a highlight finish to yet another epic, cheap-beer fueled day in the Mile High City, and we can’t wait for yet another year of debauchery.
Check out Denver’s event recap video below, and be ready for Project Pabst’s next three dates to round out this Summer. Project Pabst’s flagship event, the Portland weekend will be held on August 26th & 27th, while the event will touch down in Philadelphia on September 16th, and Atlanta on October 7th. Until then….
After living across the pond in London and Liverpool for nearly a half decade, Cody Randall, aka Gonzalla, is back in the states and up to some serious songwriting. Today’s offering, his first in nearly a year, was crafted just after his most recent move.
“T.M.V.” sparkles with pure, warm-weather brilliance, calling on associations of acts like Dan Croll, St. Lucia, and Absofacto, a few of our personal favorites around here. Wonderfully drum-centric in nature (hence the nod to Jean-Philip Grobler’s work), the big booming toms are counterbalanced soft, accentuating synths that, together, create an enveloping soundscape that’s perfect for Randall’s voice and catchy hooks.
After a successful stint at SXSW this year, we’re guessing Gonzalla is gearing up for one hell of a year. Make sure to tune in by following him on Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud.
Chris Stewart’s darkly tinged avant-pop, lofi bedroom recording project turned Ghostly International staple, Black Marble, has always managed to stir within a slew of our writers some of the most emotive connections to music we’ve formed in years. Last October, Stewart put out a second long-player under the Black Marble moniker, It’s Immaterial (check out our coverage & video for “Woods” here), which followed highly acclaimed debut full-length A Different Arrangement; while now, Black Marble find themselves finally embarking on It’s Immaterial‘s accompanying North American tour. With an expansive run of dates which extend through July, there will be plenty of chances to catch Black Marble in the coming months.
This Saturday, May 27th, The Music Ninja is delighted and excited to present Black Marble at one of Denver’s most intimate indie venues, Lost Lake Lounge, along with Draa and Voight for what will be top-to-bottom an excellently curated night of music. As always, we want to pack the venue with some fellow Music Ninjas, which is why we will be giving away a pair of tickets in utter anticipation. As always, entering our contest is as simple as ever.
How to Enter
1) “Like” us (The Music Ninja) on Facebook here:
2) Comment below this post (click on the post header if you are still on the homepage) and tag who you’d bring to the show and BOOM, you have been entered!
There are a few rules, of course:
– Must be 18+
– You are responsible for your own transportation.
– You must bring a valid form of ID to guarantee entry at the Lost Lake door.
– 1 Winner will be announced May 27th, the day of the show.
Enjoy our mini-playlist in anticipation of the show, and we will see you on the 27th Denver! Start commenting below!
If you don’t have Rebecca Black playing in your head, is it really Friday? Whether you’re tortured by the viral song or not, it doesn’t matter, because the calendar says Friday. Friday means Friday Party Playlist. Friday means the weekend is here. With all that, let’s move forward to the music so you can let loose and get rid of the weekly worries that plague you outside Saturday and Sunday. Friday night is the segue into those days and aiding your transition this week are Xan Griffin, Lady Bee, Two Friends, Axel Boy, Luca Lush and many more. With twelve tracks you should be covered for some of your party plans. Don’t forget, all twelve are available as free downloads if you still do that sort of thing. Most importantly, make sure to #danceirresponsibly.
QUIX is coming off a highly successful single that seemed to take over the dance music blogosphere with a vengeance. One single wasn’t enough as the producer has come forth with his debut Dim Mak EP called Heaps Cool that is, well, HEAPS COOL. Sorry, there was no way around that one.
Heaps Cool is made up by six tracks including the previously released “Riot Call” that we mentioned before. Throughout the EP, QUIX takes us around the map with differing sounds, hitting future bass, house and some heavy trap that leads the EP. Tracks like “Lucy’s Place” and “Sweet Thing” exude the swagger needed to make a hit within the genre. Not only that, but QUIX manages to infuse his own signature into each track, which is really where the EP’s prestige comes from. Check out all six songs and grab a copy of the EP from digital stores today.
Sean Turk keeps the heat coming with a remix for Two Friends. The duo’s collaboration with Cosmos & Creature got a sweet makeover from Sean himself, who shows us a new side to his sound with this single.
Released as a free download through Spinnin Records, Sean’s version of “Out Of Love” is a genre-defying hit. It doesn’t exactly fit neatly into one box, unless that box’s label has two thumbs up on it. Sean’s usual bedroom bass sound, a take on future, has seduced us, but he’s been giving us some variation lately that just goes to show where he can take things if he so chooses. Sean Turk remains one of the brightest new talents and this remix is just one of the many reasons proving that.
As the weather heats up, we’re all on the hunt for top-not dance records we can hold onto throughout all our summertime adventures, from road trips, to pool parties, to late-night kitchen dance sessions. Luckily for us, Birmingham-based beatsmith Luke Hassan has dialed up one hell of a clubby remix that’s sure to keep you grooving throughout the summer.
This interpretation of “Codeine Hate Cloud” is inherently groovy, pushing forward through pronounced percussion. We’re particularly thrilled with the inclusion of the tropical steel drums, which help counter-balance the dark, haunting vocal samples and synths. The bassline is heavy, which will serve this number well in the club, not to say that it shouldn’t be played through your $20 Bluetooth speaker either. Sometimes the best dance-offs are had surrounding one of those.
If you’re digging this piece of work, we highly recommend checking out the original number, crafted by the newly-founded Jolliffe. Dropping on Rui Da Silva’s Kismet Records, this track, and three others encompass his debut EP, which offers up a myriad of field recordings, sampled drums, and moog synths.
With festival season upon us, it’s hard to choose which exact festivals to go to. Sure, you want to make them all, but you’re not made of money. Luckily, there are giveaways and contests to get you those festival passes for a charge of $0. One such festival who’s running a contest is Dreamscape and they happen to be running it in the dojo. Now that you’re here, you’ll get a chance to get the prize!
The three day festival boasts a lineup that includes Autograf, Barely Alive, Destructo, Ekali, Keys N Krates and many more talented artists. However, despite the fun of the festival starting on Friday, the current giveaway will allow you to roll in Thursday to get all your camping needs set up so your Friday can be spent simply enjoying the music. Two, 3 Day Full Immersion Passes can be won, alongside a Standard VIP upgrade. Enter below and you just might be taking a friend to Dreamscape next weekend! If you would just like to purchase tickets, you can do so here.
Contest Entry Instructions:
1) “Like” us (The Music Ninja) on Facebook here:
2) “Like” the Dreamscape on Facebook:
3) Comment below this post with why you deserve to win. Can you say the entire ABC’s with one burp? Did you just get a speeding ticket when you were only going 1 over? Do you hold the record for most fish caught bare-handed at your local lake? Whatever your reason, we want to know!
Contest Details:
– Winner will receive 2, 3-Day Passes
– TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
– You have to be 18+ to enter.
– Winner will be chosen on May 30th at 8:00 EST.
– You must come correct with some wicked dance moves all festival long.
UK-based songstress RHAIN caught the music world’s attention in 2016 with her enchanting, eerie voice and inventive lyricism. “Tall Ships,” the closer on her debut EP, Oscar November Echo, is a gorgeous, somber reflection on the passage of time and moving on. Today, we’re excited to premiere an equally powerful remix from Henry Green, one of our favorite up ‘n coming producers/vocalists.
Green’s take on “Tall Ships” holds a similar feel as the original but takes a completely different angle. Green lures the listener in with a 4-note piano loop accompanied by inching percussion and a faint guitar. Just before dropping into pure bliss, RHAIN’s vocals take center stage–the only time when you can make out the lyrics. The remainder of the song interlaces and layers her voice with subtle percussion taking full advantage of its emotional depth. That beautiful repurposing makes for a listen that’s sure to melt away the stresses of the week. Get lost in this one above.
Everyone remembers Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s “Dilemma” collaboration. If somehow you missed it, sorry, you should go listen to it right now. If you stay – or when you come back – you’ll be listening to a version of it from Antra, who enters the dojo for a premiere with his remix of the hit single.
Antra traps out the hip-hop/R&B single with his flip. Melodic and memorable, this remix is coming just in time for the Summer season and don’t be surprised if you hear this in some sets at festivals. It’s got the groove and swagger that a big time remix needs to catch the ears and bodies of large crowds and independent ears alike. Antra made it his own with ease and now you get a first listen to it here. Grab the remix today, as it has been released as a free download!
House heads gather, we’ve got a slick EP for you. Shivers comes to us through Uprise Music, but was created by the Paris duo ASDEK. Their two track project is deep, dark and as satisfying as could be. It’s also been released for free.
“Shivers” could have been a single on it’s on, but we’re glad we got the b-side with it, because it is hardly a b-side. Before we get to that we have the title track, a brooding hypnotic treat that lives up to its name. Just check your skin after listening. Secondly we have “Midnight.” This tune is equally is dark as the previous, but has a certain mystifying quality to it that pulls you in as its bass booms against your ear drum. Both tracks would be worth a charge, but they come to you freely, so grab them both!
Charge The Atlantic is back. Since the boys performed their song “I Know You’d Be There” with IPA beer bottles, they put together another video for the single. This time around it’s an official music video that is equally as cool as their previous.
The thing we love about Charge The Atlantic is their laid-back vibe and humility; they let the music speak for itself. You’re probably wondering how the music speaks for itself when a video is involved, but we’re getting to that. The video itself plays well off the music, playing up a fun tone while not going overboard. It was all filmed within a neighborhood setting, with no added fluff to catch your attention. The wavy, reggae-tinged tune and it’s visual counterpart are just two examples of why this band NEEDS to be at the top of your radar.
Step right into the dojo for another first listen in this Music Ninja Premiere. This time around we have a host of artists including Joey Dale, Anthony Dircson and Kennedy Ihaka who put together “Taking Me Home” that we have for you today. Thanks to Sony Music, we’re all getting a sneak peak before the song’s full release tomorrow.
Joey and Anthony birthed a lively future bass single, with light-hearted tones that are perfect for the changing season. As we move toward the warm weather, we have this gem to look forward to in our Summer playlists. Every playlist needs a fun track with a strong vocal and that’s what “Taking Me Home” is. Kennedy’s performance on the record is magnificent. It’s a voice we’d like to hear on some more electronic collaborations. All in all, “Taking Me Home” will light up your day and ease you into the coming weekend.
There’s something about great bass music that connects on all levels. Sure, you can say that the low frequencies rattle the body, but it’s more than that. One such project in the bass realm that we’ve come to love to a high degree, some might say even relentlessly. All puns aside, the project at hand is the Relentless EP from Rekoil.
Whether you believe it or not, this four song EP has been released as a free download for fans old and new. With how good Relentless is, Rekoil is sure to add a whole host of newcomers. His hybrid style is conveyed through each single that brings a slightly different tone and mood each time out. Although it’s hard to choose, the ninja favorites on this are the collaboration with Raiden on “Elevate” and “Bounty Hunter” that has a familiar sample that you may recognize. Relentless has been released for free, however if you would like to donate, the option is available through Bandcamp.
Statik Link teased his album with a music video for the single “We Came To Party” that we previously covered. You knew Carpe Momentum was coming, but now it is here in full.
As the case a lot of the time with future funk projects, the length of collaborators is lengthy. A lot of love and heart goes into these projects, as well as live instruments and vocal performances. So is the case for Carpe Momentum which is packed with nine songs total. Statik keeps it funky throughout, but broadens his range hitting genres like house, twerk and beyond. It’s a thorough project, with plenty of hits that can’t be missed. If you want to support the project, you can do so via iTunes.
Sometimes all it takes is one song or project for a producer to jump high up onto our radar. That just happened with the Tombs EP from Philly’s own Magna. This four track EP has been released through SUPERDEAD and sports a variety of sounds that shows some uncanny creative abilities by Magna.
Let’s take Tombs one step at a time. First we get “Skin.” This introductory tune slowly leads us into the madness with a seductive introduction. After that we reach the dark depths of Magna’s bass. With the title track, the bass continues, this time in a dub format with grizzly growls and raging synths. Next comes “Let Go” which shares a similar vibe to “Skin” and then “Run” closes out the EP. We’re just gonna say two things about it: DRUM, BASS; you get the idea. If you sleep on Tombs, then you fail, because this EP is available as a free download.
Get ready for take off with B-Let whose latest single is a smashing dubstep heater. Dubstep has steadily been making a comeback to the forefront of dance music since it lost some steam years ago. Big name producers and up and comers alike are putting forth some sensational songs, such as “Flight Ceiling” from B-Let and Anoctave.
“Flight Ceiling” airlifts the listener into a swirl of gripping basses and savvy synths. B-Let and Anoctave take you on a wild ride an array of sounds. The song’s theme of flying is one its creators lived by, delivering a song that truly makes you feel as though you’ve been taken away. Enjoy “Flight Ceiling” today and stay tuned for more work from San Francisco’s B-Let.
With a few fast-paced guitar strums, some upbeat snare work, and a groovy bassline, Wrexham-based Kidsmoke have us daydreaming about sun-soaked adventures. In fact, it’s pretty damn hard not to picture this, the second single off their upcoming EP, as the soundtrack to whatever lies ahead of us over the next few months. It’s bright, shimmery, and full of a youthful vibrance–the kind we tend to look for around this time of year.
Aside from the release, which dropped nearly a month ago, we’re also here to bring you a first glimpse at the music video for “And Mine Alone.” A playful cinematic interpretation of the tune, it’s perfectly informal, offering up plenty of time with all four bandmates.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood, we highly recommend catching this highly-infectious tune, among others, at one of their three upcoming shows.
Live Dates
May 13 – Focus Wales, Wrexham
June 09 – Telford’s Warehouse, Chester (EP launch)
We’re absolutely pumped for what Ash Riser has on the horizon. We’re also pumped for what he already has released, being the single “Lord Don’t Fail Me Now” off his upcoming LP. The single sees Ash collaborating with Left Brain for a dark rap treasure.
Ash Riser has been honing in his style and it’s one that we have fallen in love with. His ominous energy is unlike anything else and this single exemplifies the mood to a tee. Vicious beats and scorching rhymes is all we have to say about this one, it speaks for itself. The single also has a cool music video you should check out if you dig the song. Although the full album isn’t out yet, “Lord Don’t Fail Me Now” is currently available on digital platforms if you would like to get a copy.
Hoody Time is living the dream. After relocating to Los Angeles, the emcee relocated once more to Middle Earth aka New Zealand. Since he started out he’s been one of our favorite hip-hoppers and he’s not fallen off yet and we don’t see that happening any time soon.
Last year he released several singles, one of which was “The New Everything” that now has a music video. We’ve got that for you here today. Contrasting between a classy, refined visual tone and a bright, colorful one, this video plays with the eyes in a unique way without going over-the-top. It’s actually quite simple, following Hoody Time on a stroll as he delivers the heat. If you’d like a copy of “The New Everything” then you can grab it from iTunes today.
Sometimes a radio-centric R&B track comes along that we just can’t get out of our heads. “Why Me” is the latest one and it comes to the dojo from Rayven Justice. Not only do we get his female-friendly single, but we get a cool little music video to expand the project.
Hailing from Oakland, Rayven’s got a style that can bring him out of the Bay Area and into the starlight with world-wide recognition. The playful, tasteful nature of his music and video echoes the underground nature of his hometown’s music scene, while also allowing himself room to peak outside his own territory. It’s a sound that is highly accessible and although it’s not something completely new, the sound is fresh and exciting. It’s nice to hear something dope from a new name that can make a break for the top. Check out the video below and get a copy of “Why Me” from iTunes today.
After a week away at Form Arcosanti, there were a bunch of new albums to catch up on from Slowdive, Nick Hakim, Nite Jewel, Hoops & more. The resulting mix made for a more laid back episode until the end where we got into some vocal-driven indie electronic tunes from Nick Murphy and newcomers Worth Way along with some hard-hitting bass music from the likes of Vincent, Flume and Sinjin Hawke.
We know you’re really only here for the music, so we’ll keep it short and sweet. Every Tuesday, right here, a brand new Indie Dojo. Set an alarm, write it in your planner, tie a ribbon around your finger. Whatever you do, don’t miss out (but if you do, we’ve got archives too).
“Out Like This” is the debut single from the act Hypa Karate. Not much is known about this act; the only things we’re given are a dated school photo that looks like it came straight out of the 80’s, he’s from Brighton and was born in the early 2000’s. There is one other thing we do know… that “Out Like This” is a straight jam.
Hypa Karate is already distinguishing himself despite his young age, with a formidable frenzy of sounds taken from synthwave, UK garage and beyond. The result, so far, is “Out Like This” which is going to be a song we come back to time and time again in the dojo. Even though it just came out, it has that timeless nature to it. No matter when it was released, it would be a hit. It’s one of those type of songs. Get hyped, get your dancing shoes on and get ready for Hypa Karate.
There’s just something about midtempo tracks that is so appealing. There are a ton of them out there and plenty of good ones too, such as “Somebody Will” by Lincoln Jesser and Gabrielle Current. Released through Congo Records last Friday, this pop-driven single is just what you need to lose the Monday blues.
“Somebody Will” is a dazzling, acoustically blended record whose cool sound will infiltrate through your ears and go straight for the heart. It’s soft, gentle and majestic. Gabrielle’s soft-hearted voice shines brightly despite her keeping things quite intimate with her style. It fits the instrumental that Lincoln created perfectly, making these two quite the match. “Somebody Will” is currently out, so digital stores can be browsed if you’d like to get a copy for yourself.
Everyone loves a good melody. Ultra Records has released plenty of tracks with memorable ones and now they have a full on track called “Melody” by MOUNT and Bright Sparks. As you would expect from a song with this name, it’s got some catchy melodies that aren’t easy to forget.
“Melody” doesn’t just rely on one single tonal structure to make up its composition. Sometimes when artists focus too much on the melody, that’s all there is, but MOUNT gives us that and more, while Bright Sparks delivers a hot topline that we’ve been singing in the dojo over the weekend since its release date on Friday. Let it takeover your ears and windpipes as it has done to ours and make sure to get a copy of the track if you’d like to support it.
During the work week, it can get pretty difficult for us music diggers to squeeze in the time to hunt for new tunes to share with everyone. For this reason, we never cease to take advantage of the weekend. This week we were met by an incredibly heavy stream of fresh note-worthy tracks.
One that we especially couldn’t wait to share is Droeloe and San Holo’s latest collaboration featuring Cut_, “Lines Of The Broken.” Greeting listeners with a combination of chiming and buzzing synths, Dutch duo Droeloe and bitbird head honcho San Holo blend their signature sounds together for an outcome that is shear musical bliss.The final product is stitched together with the help of singer Cut_’s delicate and dreamy vocals, which add just the right amount of softness to the single.
Through contrasting sounds and textures, “Lines Of The Broken” will have electronic music lovers’ ears glued from start to finish.
We see it all the time. Artists are continually evolving as people, and with that lifelong progression, their sound typically follows. Sometimes it takes shape by way of a completely unexpected album (think Thrice’sVheissu), and other times it comes to fruition through another project. What we’re bringing today is the latter, as Someone is the brand new act via former teenage singer-songwriter Tessa Rose Jackson.
This new project is all about creating, as showcased by a series of EPs that will cover a notably different theme. The first, which we’re highlighting currently, is The Deep which loosely describes the somewhat messy evolution from TRJ to Someone.
I wanted a name that meant: Don’t worry about who I am. Just check out what I make. I make a lot. Some you may like, some you may not. But I’ll like it. And you know what, I’m someone too.
The self-titled single has been streaming in our headphones for the past few days and we just can’t get enough. It still has elements of that well-defined pop sensibility, given the quite catchy hooks and heavenly voice, but the addition of buzzing guitars, laid-back percussion and basslines, and soaring strings bring it into an entirely different realm. And, it’s one that we’re sure you’ll be quite fond of.
If you’re reading this, then you have survived another week. Luckily, so have we for many reasons, but one of them being that we get to share with you another batch of free downloads. Another twelve tracks have been gathered over the past several days and put together in one party playlist for you to let loose on. Leave your worries behind, leave the work week in the past and chill out, or party depending on your preference for the next two days. To help you let loose are works from artists like Jackal, Milk N Cooks, dEVOLVE, Hasse de Moor, DISKORD and Meaux Green who has a remix of Britney Spears that just can’t be missed. None of them should be missed really, so run through all twelve of them and enjoy your weekend. Most importantly, #danceirresponsibly.
If you’re looking to get your hands on something fresh right out of the oven, then you’ve come to the right place. A brand new project has come about called The 95ers. When Dirty Monkey isn’t cooking up his usual dose of dubstep (and other various genres) and Amp Live isn’t paving his own lane, these two dynamic creators are taking care of this brainchild – which also means Dirt Monkey must live in his studio, because he also has another side project with Jantsen called Soltri.
The 95ers kick things off with a strong first step via the Work Hard Play Harder EP. With five saucy singles, this EP is almost too hot to handle. Trap with various flavors and sounds is what makes up most of the project, with tracks like the introductory “Lean” and “Man On Fire” bringing some much needed flair to the genre. Trap isn’t all we get though, as the duo shift the pace with the break-driven “Jump” that is hype AF. You can get Work Hard Play Harder all for free, which is highly advised.
Just six days ago we covered a sweet little music video from Vargas & Lagola. A whole week hasn’t even passed and they already have something else that has come out. That something else happens to be the single “As Long As I Have To.”
The duo’s indie meets electronic style is played out in a vibey tune that is perfect for your weekend soirees. It’s a bit different than their previous release, but it can hardly be expected from these two that they would simply release an echo of their previous record. With tracks coming out at this pace, it has us wondering what is on the horizon. We’d wait as long as we have to for something like an LP, but hopefully that is coming sooner rather than later. For now, enjoy “As Long As I Have To” today.
Following his 2016 solo EP, From That Land, Bay Area emcee Tyler Hawkins has returned recently with a string of singles showcasing his artistic evolution. While his debut felt like an origin story, Hawkins seems to be creating music that reflects the present. In doing so, he’s exploring new sonic palettes with his long-time collaborator Yung H33M, who continues expanding his production repertoire.
Hawkins latest release, “Folks,” puts a twist on the classic crew appreciation cut with wavy, eerie production and a downtempo flow. The combination of hard-hitting 808s, a reverb-ed chop and interspersed chimes make for a hypnotizing contrast perfect for an array of flows. “Folks,” with its melodic chorus, grows on you with every listen while showing another side to the duo of Hawkins and H33M. Check out this cut above along with his other recent releases below. “SV” and “Lyin” each give a different glimpse into Hawkins’ growth and we’re definitely excited to see what comes next–stay tuned!
Get your trap arms ready. Retrohandz came through with an extra hot remix of “Talk” by Salvatore Ganacci that just came out on Refune. AS epic as the duo’s mustaches are, this track creeps up on that prestige.
The Italian’s take on “Talk” is both dirty and clean at the same time. The gritty basses will stick themselves in your head, refusing to leave for quite some time. The production from beginning to end, with every little detail being taken care of, is about as crisp as you can get. They really put something cool together and even mixed things up a bit in the middle to add some dimension to the remix. If you want a copy of this and to check out the other remixes on the EP, you can do so through digital services today.
“All We’ve Lost” is the latest tune from the Chicago producer Mielo. This jam was created in collaboration with the fellow windy city resident Danél who offers up a graceful vocal performance. Together, they have a smashing future bass expression.
Independently released, “All We’ve Lost” is not a loss at all. It’s a win on all sides, with Mielo and Danél showing they can put together a hit record and push it out on their own accord. Not only are ninja props going their way for a great song, but also for releasing it on their own front to back. What makes this one exceptional besides what we’ve mentioned is each bring their own unique style, making the single fresh among a sea of drab releases. Get your copy today through digital services.
Strap in for a special treat from Douchka and Nowadays Records. The release of the genre-breaching EP Infantile came late last month, but it’s so good that we’re going to have to show it some love still. If it slipped through your grips like us, don’t fret, Infantile is here now for your aural pleasure.
Douchka cooked up a handful of tracks for this project, including the single “Call You Mine” that we previously supported prior to the full EP’s release. Collaborators on the project include Lia who was on the previously mentioned single, as well as Hi Levelz who brings an artistic splash on two tracks. The thing is, we have four of those songs for you today, but you can exclusively listen to the intro, interlude and outro through digital services. Every song on here is something you’re going to want to sit back and listen to in full. Do so today and treat yourself on this hump day.
“A Wonder” sees one of our favorite R&B artists in Xavier White teaming up with Paul Couture yet again for another solid single. This one comes to us through the imprint Lush Records who has backed both of these artist’s work several times before. These three parties are a match made in music heaven.
Usually we get a very edgy, hip-hop meets R&B sound from Xavier. This time around, he brightens things up with a bit of a more pop-centric tone. Wavy and light, “A Wonder” shows a new side to both artists involved, giving us a glimpse of where their sounds can go. We’ve said this many times before and we’ll continue to say it: keep your eyes and ears on Xavier. We can’t stress enough that he’s got what it takes to go to the top.
Fresh off of the release of genre-busting LP Electric Lines (from which you can stream “Lose Your Love” & “Music Is the Answer” below), Hot Chip founding member and all around production kingpin Joe Goddard has kicked off 2017 glowingly, finding himself in the midst of a lengthy run of North American and European performances. Over the next few weeks, Goddard’s schedule is littered with sets across the U.S. including nights in New York City (5/19), Chicago (5/26), and Miami (5/27); and we’re all kinds of perked up to catch the studio wizard in the flesh, especially on the heels of Electric Lines. Back in December we featured the music video for “Lose Your Love”, which is just one of the many bright spots on his latest long player. Goddard flexes his production muscle effortlessly throughout Electric Lines, tackling the structures and sounds of disco, house, pop, R&B & techno head on, and coming out on the other end largely unscathed. If we’re going off of Goddard’s latest release, we can expect an eclectically programmed set filled with many of his contributions to the worlds of dance and electronic music.
Tomorrow night Joe Goddard will man the decks at the intimate Bar Standard in Denver, CO on behalf of our friends at TheHundred Presents, for which you can still get tickets for here. Enjoy our mini preview playlist in anticipation of Goddard’s remaining U.S. tour dates, and for our Denver friends, we’ll see you on the floor.
After OIJ‘s release of his single “Back To The Start” with Gia Koka, he and his Epic Amsterdam team wanted to gather together some remixes. They did what they set out to do, commissioning three official remixes from Y.V.E. 48, Joshua J and Paul Hazendonk.
Y.V.E. 48 starts off the remix EP with a laid-back, future tinged flip whose cool vibes will bring a chill to your bones. Joshua J comes through next with his take on “Back To The Start” that shares a similar style to the previous remix, however Joshua takes future to heart and brings the genre out more vibrantly. Lastly, Paul Hazendonk switches everything up by bringing his deep, techy take on OIJ’s original. Enjoy all three today and let us know which take on “Back To The Start” was your favorite!
It’s been over two years since we were first introduced to the quirky, alt-hip-hop duo High Rule. Often known for their tongue in cheek social commentary and unconventional beats, they’ve continued to pique our interest over the past two spins around the globe, with no signs of slowing down.
“Someone Else” is the first release since their debut EP dropped eight months back, and it’s a true embodiment of what people have come to know and love from this Chicago-based outfit. Complete with a casual flow, well-held notes during cascading background vocals, and pleasantly bizarre vocal-style synth hits, it’s a catchy ride throughout.
We caught ourselves singing along after only a few spins through and we fully expect you’ll do the same. After you belt out the lyrics, make sure to head over to Facebook and show these dudes some love.
Following the release of his debut full-length albumJardín (see our review here) in January, it was only a matter of time before Gabriel Garzón-Montano shared his creation with fans in person. After kicking off his tour to start the month of May, Garzón-Montano introduced himself to San Francisco’s music scene at the Rickshaw Stop this past Saturday. The sold-out crowd enjoyed 75 minutes of passionate soul-baring as Gabriel gave the crowd his all.
With the help of drummer David Frazier, Gabriel Garzón-Montano delivered an incredible musical experience in the intimate, hazy ambiance of the Rickshaw Stop. Highlights included GGM’s sensual crooning on “Six-Eight”, and the funky vibes of popular song “Crawl”. He relied heavily upon a participatory audience during the show, one that was very excited to engage in clapping, snapping, and singing along to Gabriel’s call-and-responses. Furthermore attendees were delightfully treated to a bilingual set. After interlacing a song or two in Spanish throughout his repertoire, Gabriel’s encore was nearly entirely in Spanish with the exception of first track “Bombo Fabrika”.
Garzón-Montano took us through a musical journey of his entire discography, and then some. With his masterfully-crafted music and soulful approach to showmanship, we continue to have high expectations for this artist in the future.
Future tour dates can be found here— don’t miss a chance to see Gabriel Garzón-Montano live!
Enjoy a freebie from the good people at Daily Earfood today. What track is it? The newest single from the melody master himself, Chime. “Starstorm” is the producer’s latest bass adventure that mixes some dark basses with some light and airy synths.
“Starstorm” feels like just that, an intergalactic firestorm. Now, if it were for real you wouldn’t want to catch yourself in the middle of cosmic bodies flying through space, but with this you’re going to want to bask in it as much as you can. Which you can do, as this one is available as a free download, so you can take it with you wherever you go, even when there is no data to stream. Don’t sleep on it.
Get your indie fix from a new act on the scene that goes by the name VERO. “Hello” is the Sweden trio’s debut single, out on their home country’s sector of Sony Music. There’s a reason a major label hopped on these cats and you’re about to find out why.
Although it’s labeled as pop on Soundcloud, “Hello” has a grungy, indie edge that can’t be refuted. It’s a cool little jam with psychedelic vibes that will get you all spaced out if you’re not too careful. Expect more from VERO who have a few more records ready for release, so those will be coming out this year. In the meantime, enjoy their introductory expression in “Hello.”
Ultra Music has incredible artists from all over the globe. They mange to find gems like Turkey’s Mahmut Orhan and swoop them up. Mahmut is a bit of a sensation however, garnering a ton of success and love from fans with his previous works and his latest is likely to satisfy as well. “Save Me” featuring Eneli is what we have for you today.
Acoustically influenced electronic music always has a special place in the dojo, especially if it’s house music. “Save Me” is a just that, a bubbling pop-tinged house record whose unique sound sets it apart from the usual rush of tracks. Mahmut’s instrumental is a treasure, but the same can be said for Eneli whose vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular. “Save Me” is currently available on digital services if you would like a copy.
We’re kicking off Monday with a special premiere from the Phonat camp. On May 19th, a project will be released by the London to Los Angeles producer that will include a remix from Mr. Saccardo. That remix is what we have for you to preview in full today before the release date.
Mr. Saccardo was commissioned to officially take on Phonat’s single “Because of You.” His vibrant, progressive take is a melodic masterpiece. It’s catchy through and through. From beginning to end you’ll be singing and dancing along to your full capacity. House music will always reign supreme in the dance music world and it’s tracks like this that contribute to that. Enjoy the stream of Mr. Saccardo’s version of “Because of You” today and check back on the web on release day to get a copy.
