[Electronic/Techno] George FitzGerald & Bonobo – Outgrown

Earlier in November, we featured an excellent slice of blissed out techno from superstar tastemaker George FitzGerald: “Burns”. Near the end of the article, we promised to solidify any rumors of a 2018 full-length LP from the British producer, and alas, that day has come. Just last month Fitzgerald announced the impending release of a brand new long-player, All That Must Be, confirming our excitement and gifting a few more slices of the album in the process. The latest from All That Must Be to trickle out in single form is an all-star collaboration with fellow British electronic artist, Bonobo, “Outgrown”.

One of the many collaborations from All That Must Be (including tunes with Lil Silva, Tracey Thorne & Hudson Scott), “Outgrown” showcases FitzGerald’s trademark aural aesthetic which bounces intricate electronics on top of his emotive piano tones, culminating in one of the central moments of the record. We’re getting all geared up for the rest of the world to hear All That Must Be in its entirety, but until then, listen to another piece of FitzGerald’s forthcoming LP below, and check out his recently announced worldwide tour dates after the jump.

George FitzGerald Tour Dates

March 19th – Munich, DE – Ampere
March 20th – Berlin, DE – Schwuz
March 21st – Cologne, DE – Yuca
March 22nd – Paris, FR – Nouveau Casino
March 23rd – Brussels, BE – AB Club
March 24th – Utrecht, NL – Catch Festival
March 26th – Brighton, GB – The Haunt
March 27th – London, GB – Islington Assembly Hall
March 28th – Glasgow, GB – The Art School
March 29th – Manchester, GB – Gorilla
May 9th – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
May 10th – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
May 12th – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court Gallery
May 13th – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
May 15th – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
May 16th – Toronto, ON – Drake Hotel
May 17th – Montreal, QC – Bar le Ritz PDB
May 18th – Boston, MA – Great Scott
May 19th – New York, NY – Rough Trade

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2F90XTr

Roger Wilco & Creepa – Shimmer [TMN Premiere]

Today we’re kicking things off with a premiere from Roger Wilco and Creepa. Sliding in the dojo through the Majestic Casual pipeline, “Shimmer” is not your typical electronic record. Instead of doing things the easy way, these collaborators built a unique structure from top to bottom.

“Shimmer” doesn’t lose any steam from start to finish. Roger Wilco and Creepa blend different sounds and styles together and fuse them into one chilled bass original. It shines bright with its fine textures and atmospheric attitude, uplifting the listener to new sonic heights. We’re stoked on this one and you will be too. Enjoy a first listen here and make sure to add the song to your Spotify playlists!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2ovTi84

Justin Timberlake – Sexy Back (Birthdayy Partyy Remix)

The brothers Birthdayy Partyy are on fire this year. After launching in January they’ve already released four tracks, with the latest being their remix of “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake, a classic. It couldn’t have been an easy task to take on, but the twins went ahead and succeeded with one of our favorite flips.

Birthdayy Partyy’s boisterous sound is levied against a breakbeat backdrop. Looking for bass? They’ve got you covered with dirty, sexy basslines that you won’t be able to get enough of. With festival season just around the bend, look out for this – and the duo’s other works – to be played out by DJs all over. If you’re a DJ yourself or just a collector of songs, you’ll be glad to know this remix dropped as a free download!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2HPWQtH

[Pop] Dan Miz – DIVE Vol. 2

The New York singer, songwriter and producer Dan Miz has just dropped volume two of his DIVE compilation series. This project comes in a bit larger than his previous, with one more original than prior, as well as a remix for six tracks total.

Released independently, this collection of pop works shows just where Dan can take his sonic abilities. It’s not your average pop record in that it moves through various styles to keep things fresh and exciting from start to finish. The entire EP is top quality, but our favorites include “All Falls Down” and “T Shirt” with its lively disco vibe. Check out the EP for yourself and let us know your favorite in the comments!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2FAwI5o

[R&B/Electronic] starRo – High Tide feat.TZAR

2018 is already looking up for the Grammy nominated starRo. His single “High Tide” with the Russian artist TZAR has been released on Highball House Records in conjunction with another major project, a clothing capsule with the highly sought after company The Well.

What makes starRo so unique is his obvious international sound. He takes influence from unlikely sources and brings them into his contemporary popular music. His partnership with TZAR on this soulful R&B meets electronic song is just one superb example of that. Together they fuse their own diversified influences for a hell of a record that we can’t get enough of. It has us asking ourselves, can’t it always be high tide?

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2t4J5Eu

[Deep House] Kav Verhouzer – Love Into Gold

With Miami Music Week just around the corner that means that house music is going to be taking over. A recent release from Kav Verhouzer fits perfectly for all of the upcoming pool parties – or if you’re not going to be there, to imagine like you are soaking in the sun.

“Love Into Gold” features the vocalist Lawrie Martin and was released on Disco:wax. The deep, yet poppy original is melodically memorable and has a hook that you can’t easily get out of your head. Kav has always managed to deliver top quality tracks and he doesn’t seem to be losing his touch, in fact the opposite is true. Look for him to keep up his great production work this year.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EYfzle

[House] Chris Lake – Turn Off The Lights feat. Alexis Roberts

Chris Lake is starting off 2018 with some huge moves. Not only did he just release his latest original “Turn Off The Lights” with Alexis Roberts alongside a remix from Cages, but he also launched his label, Black Book Records.

“Turn Off The Lights” marks the partnership between Chris and the streaming app WAV, lead by the hip-hop legend Steve Rifkind who helped bring the likes of Wu-Tang Clan to the forefront. With regard to the actual song, Chris delivers a club-ready house hit that fans have been asking about for quite some time. It’s finally here and available on various digital platforms.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2ouvQI9

[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (February 2018 Round #4)

Routine. Love it or hate it. But when there’s a brand new Indie Dojo waiting for you every Tuesday, how can you possibly hate it.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GKgh5Z

[Pop/Electronic] Surprise Party! – Suprise Party! EP

We had no idea that Suprise Party! was launching, which makes sense given their name, but we’re glad they did. The duo is made up by our friend Brooks Brown whose own solo project has been making waves, as well as vocalist J Ingram.

Together they created their self-titled EP, complete with six songs that fuse electronic and pop together. Both artists’ strong suits are shown in full with this project that could see them making waves in the crossover communities. These youngsters could make some waves this year if they keep up the good work. Who knows when the next project is coming; it will likely come without warning. Stay tuned!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GLpbA6

[Future Bass] VLNTN – Moan (ShiShi Remix)

The LA artist VLNTN recruited the Indian artist ShiShi for a magnificent remix of his track “Moan.” The stylistic jump isn’t jarring as ShiShi keeps it in the same arena as the original, but puts his own characteristics to it.

“Moan” in its original form is a poppy future cut and the same could be said about the remix. However, ShiShi brings some more international flare to the mix with his own sounds that really take the track to the next level. It’s a bit more jovial than the original and even more catchy. Leave it to ShiShi to astonish us again. We’ve been fans of his for a while now and we’re looking forward to seeing what this year is going to do for him.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2HNmvU3

[Hip-Hop] Manila Grey – Friends of Friends

The Vancouver duo Manila Grey dropped their latest song “Friends of Friends” last week. Produced by azel north, this hip-hop heater is two and a half minutes of flames. They dip into the R&B style with the performance, blending the line between rapping and singing, a trend that’s been going strong for quite some time. “Friends of Friends” is a dope tune to throw on at any time, whether you’re looking for something to move along to during your work day or at a party. Share it around with your friends in the hopes they share it around – after all it is called “Friends of Friends.”

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2BVXd5o

[Electronic] Spotovsky – The Weekend EP

The Black Marble Collective has graced us with a stunning EP straight out of left field. If you’re not ready to get weird, then you’ll need to prepare. The Weekend EP by Spotovsky and company is not your average electronic project.

Hailing from Saint Petersburg, Spotovsky came through with a cerebral set of originals accompanied by a host of remixes that share those same abstract sentiments. Together it makes for a sonic journey unlike anything we’ve experienced this year. It definitely fits the bill for burner events or even the main attraction itself, Burning Man. Have a listen for yourself and let your spirit free. The Weekend is currently available on Bandcamp.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2orUc5g

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 105: Eclectic Selections

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm  from 4-6PM PST every Friday. 

Soundcloud || Spotify Playlist  || BFF.fm Archive & Tracklist

This week’s episode featured some serious ketchup across a wide range of sub-genres in indie, hip-hop and house. Highlights include Beach House‘s flawless latest single, Paul Cherry‘s slacker pop, MGMT‘s synthpop anthem “Little Dark Age,” Makeness‘ genre-defying jam, SOB x RBE’s relentless hyphy flows and Crackazat’s jazzy house monster.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2CJGpeO

Thanks everyone!

Friends, it’s been a while. Aurgasm launched in 2004 and soon after was one of the top 50 music blogs online, with thousands of music lovers visiting daily.

But things change. The posts have slowed down. And over the past 4 months, most posts were totally missing. (Sorry about that, but I’ve now painstakingly restored as much as I could!)

We don’t plan to post new artists, but the site will stay online for you.

Also, if you’d a more varied tour on the past 14 years of Aurgasm, you can now poke through the archive in random order:

 http://aurgasm.us/?random

Hugs and hearts to all the Aurgasm fans out there. 

from Aurgasm http://ift.tt/2FvS7wt

[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 285)

Let’s turn up the heat and get the party started! It’s Friday, the week is finally over and you can let loose. As we do every Friday, we’re partying it up in the dojo with some hot free downloads from incredibly talented producers from across the world. This week is no different, unless you count the fact that we’ve delivered one extra song more than usual as different. This week we’ve got tracks from Paperwings, Snowmass, Motoko, Teknicolor, Kompany, Crankdat, Sam Lamar and many more. We’ve even got the 21 Savage remix that UZ dropped in conjunction with his tour announcement. If you’re looking to party, that’s the place to be… after the dojo of course! So dive right in and get the party started properly with some epic music.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2ELE8FK

Pure Colors – Make Things Better [TMN Premiere]

Get ready to turn Friday into a funk-fest with Pure Colors new single. Premiering today in the dojo, “Make Things Better” is going to just do that. No matter if you’re down in the dumps or flying high, this jam will give you a mood boost.

“Make Things Better” is a groovy, acoustically driven jam that would be an absolute monster live, whether in a DJ set or being played out by a band. Pure Colors did a number on this with all the melodies and riffs working together in conjunction for a classic record. Do yourself a favor – throw this one on repeat and soar through the rest of your day on the funky wings of Pure Colors. Need the pot to be sweetened further? Pure Colors dropped this one as a free download. You’re welcome!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2ELmJgo

ZAXX – Belong [TMN Premiere]

It’s not an easy thing to put your music out there and it’s even harder when you’re singing. ZAXX has done both for the first time together with his single “Belong” that we’re premiering for you right here in the dojo!

“Belong” sees ZAXX further expand his creative abilities not only in that he sings for the first time on one of his records, but in that he is trying different styles out. Here he delivers an almost industrial sounding original that doesn’t fit neatly into one genre-box. What makes this song particularly spectacular in our minds is that it develops from beginning to end, not simply being a copy and paste tune like many producers do between halves. Enjoy the first listen to “Belong” and make sure to get a copy of it from digital platforms.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2omgB43

[Electronic/Pop] John.k – Best of Me

John.k moves forward in 2018 with his first original of the year. “Best Of Me” is a smash, further showing just what John can do with his musical creativity. As he’s done before, but maybe to a higher degree here, he mixes genres beautifully for a wonderful record.

“Best Of Me” has an old-school feel to it with a few modern treats mixed in making this a hit for crowds of any age. It’s invigorating, lively and inspiring with its message that John defines simply below. John.k is set to have a massive year this year and this is just one of the many steps he’ll be taking to the top of the game. If you’re not on board yet, you will be after this one.

“‘Best of Me’ is about evolving through young love, admitting to past mistakes and committing to giving someone the best possible version of yourself.”
– JOHN.k

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2HAbOUB

[Electronic/Pop] Cape Lion – Week One EP

Do you think you could make an EP in a week? That’s just what the Stockholm’s Cape Lion did between 5th and the 12th of February. The result of his hard work was four incredible tunes all packed into one project.

Week One starts off with the soulful “Moped” whose atmospheric sound is as intoxicating as it is alluring. Next comes “Be So Bad” that has a retro vibe to it that makes it sound like an instant classic. Our favorite single on the EP, “Call Of The Void” comes next with its clubby sound. “The Open” closes things out with its epic sound, lead by strong horns throughout the production.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GBG801

[Indie Dance] Allertz – Brave

Just a few days ago the Swedish producer Allertz dropped the new single “Brave” to the world. It is one of the many releases that are signaling the shift of sound to the more Spring/Summer friendly vibe. Although it’s among a stream of releases of people readying for the season, this one is among the top.

“Brave” shares an indie dance sound that is perfect for the upcoming pool parties – don’t be surprised if this one shows up while you’re at Miami Music Week if you happen to be going. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from Allertz, but he’s coming back extremely strong with this original. We’re looking forward to more from him this year, a year that could be a big one for him!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GyDPuz

#TMNMailbag #4: Sam Eagle – 15/8

This is actually the second time 18-year-old Sam Eagle has submitted music to the #TMNMailbag. This time, it stuck with me.

While I believe that he would benefit from a little refinement with his recording, mixing, and mastering, there’s something inherently charming about this Essex-based act. He’s lyrically adept, weaving in engaging storytelling through unique instrumentation. He goes well beyond “the guy with the guitar” stereotype, offering up playful, yet simplistic percussion work and intriguing song structures.

“15/8” has me head over heels, to be perfectly honest. And, we’re not alone. He recently got love from Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Six Strings playlist, and got some love from BBC 6Music and XFM. You’re catching on before almost anyone else, as this up-and-comer only has 50 soundcloud followers. Give him a follow, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2CeZ6uY

#TMNMailbag #3: Flower Cult – Violet

Hailing from the Pelican State, Flower Cult is our latest addition to our #TMNMailbag series. Consisting of Dave Fol and Chandler Young, two producers from the pop/soul 5-piece OK Music, this developing act is following down a road of personal inspirations like Wilco, Yo La Tengo, and Local Natives.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with “Violet.” The calming and intriguing vocal harmony was the first thing that piqued my interest, calling on associations of TV On The Radio. Coupled with ethereal guitar work, smooth bassline, and a pronounced kick drum, it wound up hooking me in for the long haul.

With less than 50 Soundcloud followers, you’re coming in at ground level. Enjoy the ride as they continue to pick up steam.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GBgrwC

[Dream-Pop/Indie] Mt. Si – 911 EP

Throughout every corner of music, “supergroups” are all too often hyped to an unthinkable degree; resulting in music that sounds forced together failing to live up to lofty expectations. Such is nowhere near the case for electronic-pop project Mt. Si, who have been quietly authoring an excellent palate of sonic expressions.

Mt. Si is the tasteful union between friends Michael David of Classixx, Jesse Kivel of Kisses and Sarah Chernoff formerly of Superhumanoids –now creating music as a solo artist. The trio first began collaborating during recording sessions from Classixx’ excellent LP Hanging Gardens, and discovered together they wielded quite the creative chemistry. Their latest release, the 911 EP, a follow up to their Limits EP in 2016, recently saw release via Cascine and features three new tracks from the group.

Mt. Si’s 911 EP follows the group’s blueprint, which is the effortless ability to brush pop sensibilities into a dreamy brand of low-key dance music.  Title track “911” is an addictive electronic gem featuring Chernoff’s weightless vocals vaulted against a bed of alto-saxophone, gentle harmonies, and rolling percussion. B-side “Annie” is another earworm of a pop diamond that excellently rounds out the EP after the Reed Mix of “911” has run its course. Perhaps the term side project will gradually be taking a backseat behind releases like this from Mt. Si, and you can be sure that we’ll keep you in the loop until then.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2orlRTs

[Dubstep/Electro] Black Tiger Sex Machine Drop Two Singles + Contest Ahead of LP

Black Tiger Sex Machine have been making some major moves in 2018. From their multiple festival billings, including EDC Las Vegas, they’re readying the release of their second album, New Worlds, on Kannibalen Records. Since the turn of the new year they’ve dropped two singles from it, as well as one of the biggest contests in dance music ever. Period.

With regard to the music, first BTSM dropped an electro anthem called “Zombie” with their past collaborator Panther. Next they hit us with the metal meets dubstep fusion single “Madness” with the rising star Sullivan King. Together these two tracks, along with the previous release of “Lions” with YOOKiE has us excited for the LP.

What has us even more excited is the giveaway the tigers are currently doing. They’ve went ahead and set up a major contest with one winner that will receive one of the first edition tiger helmets and will be flown out to a festival of their choice to hang with the trio and get the helmet. We can’t think of another contest as big as this one, so make sure to enter asap!

Enter To Win A BTSM Helmet

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2FgIQIz

[Electronic/Soul] smalltalk – wait

Don’t wait to jump on the smalltalk bandwagon. The LA/SF duo of Peter and Parker have shot forth with their debut record “wait” that has all of us in the dojo at the edge of our seats. We love this and are itching for more.

“wait” is about as smooth as it gets. The soulful single is a strong dose of chill that is inescapably dope. Dreamy, serene and incredibly catchy, the debut of smalltalk is a huge first step for these two creators who could have a huge year if they move forward with more releases like this one. Throw this on repeat and make your day better whether you’re down in the dumps or already flying high.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2HvXBYV

[Electronic] culpriit – Closer Still

Congo Records hit us with “Closer Still” from the LA duo culpriit and we fell in love instantly. It’s a mix of pop and dance music, a trend that is continuing to grow in strength and result in wonderful records like this one.

“Closer Still” comes after the duo’s debut release with the same label. This one is has less of an indie feel to it and abides more with pop sensibilities and guidelines. What makes culpriit really stand out is there ability to make genuine music. We’ve only heard two tracks so far but it feels natural. When producers make the shift to this style, sometimes it comes off as forced, but with culpriit they just make good records that fit this more popular bill. Look for them to continue to make a splash as the year moves forward and get a copy of “Closer Still” today.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2sHoZzU

[Jazz/Soul] Ruth Koleva – I Don’t Know Why

Today we’ve got a jazzy new single to cap off your (hopefully) long weekend. Bulgarian singer-songwrite Ruth Koleva has shared her new single “I Don’t Know Why”, ahead of her upcoming sophomore album Confidence. Truth. Take in the soulful serenades of this new track to kick off your week!

With heavy R&B and soul influences, Koleva’s style can best be described as sensual and seductive. The talented Koleva found great early success in her Eastern European home country before eventually making her way stateside to Hollywood. Her musical stylings feature a seamless integration of many different sounds. Her upcoming album is expected to pack quite the punch. Koleva has gathered quite the ensemble– she receives help from “keys maestro” Ron Avant of Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, Jameel Bruner formerly from The Internet, and drummer Gene Coye of Flying Lotus. Throughout her tracks, you’ll also hear the string accompaniments of the renowned Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra. Quite the collection of musical chops indeed.

Check out this new single– if you like it, keep an eye out for Ruth Koleva’s upcoming album, Confidence. Truth out on March 30th through Blackbook.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2odoI2U

[Electronic] cozmoe – Brand New Day

When you come across an artist’s debut and their first release stands out, it’s a great sign to say the least.  Cozmoe is a new electronic project and I’m really connecting with his new, very first song, “Brand New Day.“ The single has a fat driving bass, balanced with a warm analogue buzz. It keeps everything locked into a fast pace. As you listen you’ll find the song gives off a manic energy but at the same time you’ll catch your mind wandering off into the clouds. Without a doubt this is thanks to the production style along with a washed-out mix that’s frankly quite impressive. This paradox where dreamy-chill meets crazed-lunacy is rare to come by in any type of music, so when I find something like this I savor every second. Take a listen and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2okdB7n

[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (February 2017 Round #3)

So here we are. Another Tuesday, another talent-rich indie dojo at your fingertips. At this point, we should probably just change Tuesday’s name to TUNESday. It kinda has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EVDrcw

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 104: Lonely Hearts Pt. 2 (fka Sunday Night Soul)

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm  from 4-6PM PST every Friday. 

Soundcloud || Spotify Playlist  || BFF.fm Archive & Tracklist

With special guest-Ninjas Baseer and Clayton calling in, we revisited a classic TMN playlist: Sunday Night Soul. While Baseer took the reigns on curating this episode, Clayton dropped by to talk about the latest Cadence and Cause campaign, a charity sweepstakes to attend The Buku Project in New Orleans. The rest of the show is perfect for post Valentine’s day blues–a perfect mix of relaxing, soulful and emotional. Make sure to check out the Spotify playlist this week because Baseer threw a few bonus tracks in!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GrpSOP

[R&B/Electronic] VenessaMichaels & Holly – Real One (Feat. Outlaw The Artist & Effy)

VenessaMichaels is a real one. Holly is a real one. Outlaw The Artist and Effy are both real ones too. Given this information it makes sense they would all come together for a song called “Real One” that has been released on 2090.

“Real One” blends R&B with future to the perfect degree. Each creative contributed their A-game to this. From the vocal duet pairing Effy’s soft, serene performance to Outlaw’s edgy cuts, to the masterfully detailed instrumental, this single has all the pieces in the right place. It’s shot straight up to the top of our playlists and likely will do the same for you. Click that play button and make sure to get a copy of this treat on iTunes.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EDULmP

[Music Video] Close Encounters – Soulacosta

Get ready to get funky, because Close Encounters has a new aural ride you’re going to obsess over like we have. Take a ride on “Soulacosta” and let its wonderful grooves whisk you away from the worries of the week. You deserve a micro-vacation and this is it.

“Soulacosta” kicks things off quickly by getting the funk going right from the start. It has an old-school feel to it, which the group run with in their retro music video. Just as the song is immensely playful, so is its visual counterpart. Under the incredibly upbeat tone of the video is something that isn’t as in your face happy, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. See for yourself and get a copy of the song from Close Encounters’ Bandcamp.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2Ca8jVm

[Trap] Alexander Lewis – Clockwise feat. Nick Row

Chances are high that you’ll be playing Alexander Lewis‘ new single “Clockwise” around the clock. In collaboration with Nick Row this trap/hip-hop hit has everything going for it from top to bottom.

Even if you’re exclusively a hip-hop or dance music fan, you’re going to like this one. It’s a musical black hole that sucks you in no matter what you do. From start to finish its heat, heat and more heat. It never lets up with its power, engaging your ears like few tracks can do. Alexander Lewis enlisted Nick Row to bring his bars to the mix which did not disappoint. Together they made “Clockwise” one of our favorite tracks of 2018 so far.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EP4GFs

[Future Bass] Flight School – Pieces

Uprise Music continues their streak of releases this year with “Pieces” from Flight School. The New York duo set an aim less than a year ago to make music that will make you stay fly and they’ve done it with this one.

“Pieces” is the gem you share with your friends and they thank you incessantly for it. The melodic future original certainly has an atmospheric, soaring nature to it. It readies you for launch and rockets you upward with its sound. Flight School nailed the uplifting vibe with this one that is motivating us through the Monday torture. Save yourself today by clicking play and grab a copy of the single if you enjoy it.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2C5hdnn

[Pop] Julie Bergan – Turn On The Lights LP

Ever since our ears first heard the luscious voice of Julie Bergan on her breathtaking records, we knew she had something special. Signed to Warner Music Norway, she’s been on a hot streak releasing singles and captivating her home country and the rest of the world. Instead of keeping with singles, she’s gone and released her debut full length album, Turn On The Lights.

The twelve song project features hits such as “Arigato” and “Blackout” that captivated us when they first hit the web. Her fusion of pop with electronic is something that permeates the album and although pop is making the transition to a more EDM friendly sound, Julie soars above the crowd of noise with her magical, dynamic records. It’s not pop for popularity’s sake; it’s amazing music that just happens to fit the bill. Turn On The Lights is stocked full of incredible tunes without any moments of lackluster listening. Hear for yourself below!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2Gs1Lzy

[Hip-Hop] A-Trak & Falcons – Ride For Me feat. Young Thug & 24hrs

It’s been long said that A-Trak and Young Thug have a lot of material ready to fire off. Recently we got a piece of the action by way of their song “Ride For Me” with Falcons and 24hrs. This hip-hop heater was released on Fool’s Gold Records with quick praise from fans and media alike.

“Ride For Me” sees each collaborator work off each other selflessly. Instead of having too many cooks in the kitchen with sounds/styles clashing, these four acts came together as a team to make something particularly dope. “Ride For Me” is currently out on digital platforms, so if you’re looking to add it to your library you may do so.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2ob4kzl

[Hip-Hop] Frank Leone – Huffing Paint

Illinois native Frank Leone has been on our radar for quite awhile now, but he’s been on a bit of a hiatus lately, finally returning with his first single in over a year in “Huffing Paint”. Don’t let the charming melodies fool you though, as this isn’t an entirely joyous occasion. Premiered last week by Zane Lowe, this brand new track finds Frank mourning the loss of his close friend Westley Banks who unfortunately took his life last spring. Over a sparse instrumental mixed with subtle bass, a reflective Frank walks us through his coping process before flexing his beautiful vocal chops to close out the song.

You can listen to the bittersweet tribute above, but we highly suggest checking out the awesome pixelated visuals below as well. If you can relate to this tune and feel like adding it to your library, make sure to follow Frank on your streaming platform of choice. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait quite as long for the next release from the talented young artist.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EDspJp

Vanesssa Elisha – Under My Skin [TMN PREMIERE]

If you’ve been losing sleep waiting for the latest release from Vanessa Elisha, then you’re in luck this morning as she finally returns with her first single of 2018. Although it’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the Australian songstress, she’s certainly been keeping busy in the meantime, collaborating with the likes of XO, Falcons, Ekali and XXYYXX.

Produced by LOXE, “Under My Skin” represents a bit of a shift in sonic direction for the crooner. Rather than the atmospheric slowjams that we’re used to, Vanessa opts for a more vibrant and groovy sound on this tune, reminiscent of the pop stylings of NAO. While she might claim that she “can’t find the words to say,” Vanessa’s lyrics remain as poignant as ever, creating an infectious hook that will definitely get under your skin (in a good way, we promise). Check out the track above, and if you like what you hear make sure to follow Vanessa on Spotify and SoundCloud!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2sC4TXN

[Electronic] Egzod & Anna Yvette – My City

Two of our favorites, Egzod and Anna Yvette, have come together for “My City” on NCS. This is a MAJOR tune and it’s been released as a free download, but it’s so good you just might have to buy it to support these talents.

“My City” isn’t exactly a one-sound song. It doesn’t fit nice and neat into one genre, but rather it takes influence from things including future bass. The melodic masterpiece is some of the best work from both contributors. Everything was done right, both musicians must have been firing on all cylinders during its creation. Hear for yourself and share it with your friends over the weekend!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2o8tCy2

[Dubstep] INF1N1TE – In My Head

“In My Head” is the latest original from Calgary producer INF1N1TE. He continues with his vibrant dubstep sound on this one that you can download for free. You’re going to want to do that.

INF1N1TE doesn’t keep things as straightforward as we’ve made it sound so far. He spices things up by switching up the percussion and some of his composition as the song develops through its four minute, seventeen second span. That it going to double or triple after you throw it on repeat a few times. It’s just the raging tune you need for your weekend parties!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2Ff8nlL

[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 284)

Let us rejoice, Friday is here. With Friday comes the Party Playlist, a batch of a dozen free downloads that us ninjas have gathered over the course of the last seven days. This week is no different as we’ve collected works from William Black, Flapo, Tony Romera, NuKid, RIOT, HAMI and many more, including something extra special from A Boy & A Girl that we close things out with. All together you should have what you need to get the party started tonight. Even if you’re just going to take things easy, this playlist will do you some good. No matter your plans, enjoy!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GmuuG5

[Giveaway] Bassnectar Teams Up With Cadence & Cause For Ultimate BUKU Package

Usually, in the dojo, we focus in on music specifically, but our friends over at Cadence & Cause have a massive contest with Bassnectar for BUKU Music + Art Project that we couldn’t help but to share with you. This charitable sweepstakes will not only benefit Upbeat Academy – whose mission is to provide music education for at-risk youngsters in New Orleans – but also give you a chance to be flown out to New Orleans with a friend to hang with Bassnectar himself.

To enter, head over to Cadence & Cause’s campaign page below and donate. The more you donate, the more entries you get. Share it with a friend and get them to enter, then you both are more likely to win. Just make sure you don’t get duped and your friend actually takes you instead of someone else! The winner will be chosen on Thursday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm ET. With less than a week left, you better hurry!

Enter Giveaway

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2HnE2lm

[R&B/Electronic] Gabriel Gassi – Weekend

It’s almost the weekend, so we thought it was the appropriate time to share Gabriel Gassi‘s latest song “Weekend” with you today. The R&B meets electronic crossover is the exact vibe you’re looking for to usher in the weekend.

Released on Manifesto, “Weekend” kicks things off quickly with some dembow chops and Gabriel’s vocal to get your attention. It’s a dreamy, surreal original that isn’t your PARTY PARTY PARTY weekend track, but more like the soothing, jammy hit you throw on for the after party or pre-game. No matter where or when you play it though, you’ll be satisfied. What makes it more satisfying is they dropped it as a free download as well.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2C2BEB8

filous – Knots feat. klei (MOUNT Remix) [TMN Premiere]

October 2017 saw the release of filous‘ EP For Love. February 2018 is seeing the release of For Love (Remixes) that includes a stunning flip from the Austrian producer MOUNT. He took on “Knots” featuring klei and brought it straight to the dojo to premiere to you today!

Released today through Ultra Records, this cool, crisp remix is just what you need to end the week on the right note. MOUNT playfully reworks the original’s pieces into a new frame with his own flair. The future coated melodic treat jumped its way to the top of our playlists for the upcoming festival season and it likely will do the same with you. Enjoy your exclusive first listen here!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2By4xnC

[Dream-Pop/Indie] Current Joys – Fear

Current Joys, the hazy indie solo project of LA-based artistic chameleon Nicholas Rattigan, has been making waves behind a recent slate of singles & videos that have this writer’s full attention. Rattigan’s credits are many, from work as the frontman for two-piece Surf Curse, to solo work authored under numerous aliases, to directorial work for indie-rock sweethearts Girlpool; the multi-talented songwriter never seems to pigeonhole himself into any one corner. Most recently, Rattigan has been making music again under his solo incarnation, the aforementioned Current Joys, and we’ve been happily consuming his many rumblings to pace 2018.

“Fear”, a lurching indie-pop ballad tracked by a simple 808-sounding drum line, a very Brooklyn inspired jangly, reverb-tinged guitar loop (fitting as Rattigan recently maintained residence in NYC) and his aching vocal refrain, is one of the latest additions to Current Joys’ expanding catalog; and with every passing listen, manages to worm its way even deeper into our psyche. Its simple structure and intoxicating melody never seem to release its grip throughout the tune’s entirety, letting its listener dive deeper into Rattigan’s mind and songwriting with every passing verse. A Different Age will see release on March 2, and as Nicholas Rattigan is set to embark across a U.S. Tour (full dates can be found after the jump) with the likes of Porches and Zola Jesus, we’re gearing up for its release and a chance to catch Current Joys in the flesh.

Stream “Fear” above, and check out Current Joys’ full tour dates by clicking the link below.

Current Joys Tour Dates:

* w/ Porches, Public Access TV

# w/ Andrew W.K., Zola Jesus, Titus Andronicus, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya and more

03/09 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room, A Different Age LP release show

03/14-03/16 – Austin, TX – SXSW

03/17 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada NSFWknd *

03/19 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge

03/22 – Boise, ID – Treefort Festival #

03/24 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey

03/25 – Portland, OR – Holocene

03/27 – Arcata, CA – Outer Space

03/28 – Reno, NV – Holland Project

03/29 – Sacramento, CA – Sol Collective

03/30 – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel

03/31 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room at the Observatory

04/03 – Chicago, IL – Schubas

04/04 – Iowa City, IA – Mission Creek Festival

04/06 – Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s Locker Room

04/07 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar Upstairs

04/08 – Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMoCA

04/09 – Brooklyn, NY – Park Church Co Op

04/12 – Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo

04/13 – Toronto, ON – Smiling Buddha

04/14 – Lansing, MI – Mac’s

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2o2Mfnb

SMASHA – TightRope [TMN Premiere]

Quality Goods Records is known for pushing the envelope. Like, actually pushing it, not just saying they are. Part of their mission to expand the borders of bass music and give rise to upcoming talent consists of their compilations. Two have come through and now they’re on their third, set to be released on February 16th. A day ahead of release we’ve got an exclusive stream for you of SMASHA‘s single on the project called “TightRope.”

The DC producer went in on this one. Upon first listening there was no way we could pass on premiering this one in the dojo. “TightRope” is a hybrid heater whose rhythms are going to melt your brain and have it leaking out of your head onto the floor. It’s so clean and yet so dirty. SMASHA’s got something special on his hands here and we hope to hear more from him soon! Enjoy the exclusive stream and make sure to pre-save the compilation on Spotify!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2BwG8Px

Big Time3 Enter The Dojo With Epic Radio Mix & Q&A [TMN Exclusive]

It’s been a bit since we’ve shared a mix, so we nabbed an exclusive treat from the New York City trio Big Time3. To heat things up this Winter, Big Time3 cooked up a fiery – and often nostalgic – mix for your ears and body.

Complete mostly with remixes, this booming collection of energetic tracks is forty-five minutes of dance-driven fun. The trio have been making moves and are carrying out their big plans this year. From touring to releasing new music, Big Time3 have some ammo in their chambers. We caught up with the group for a quick chat to supplement the exclusive mix. Dive into both and enjoy!

TMN: What’s this year looking like for touring?

We’ve been gearing up the past few months for a spring tour to showcase our hit song “Moving On” and to share our different style of music. We are still locking up a few more dates but we have a broad spread of places on the east coast. First stop of our tour will be at Noto in Philadelphia playing with 3lau on February 23rd. In March we will be playing a few local clubs in NYC and Long Island as well as traveling to a few schools in upstate NY. April we are working on a festival which will be huge for us as we can engage with more fans and play our new music for them.

TMN: Can you tell us a bit about the mix you guys put together?

This mix is a blend of new remixes with some timeless favorites. We like to dabble back in time and evoke emotions out of people where they can hear something that will remind them of their childhood and fond memories they had listening to music then.

TMN: Are you guys looking to release any music this year?

We have been working on a few tracks that we want to release in in the Spring and Summer months. Music is an art and we like to take our time and perfect our sounds and the vocals. We have two tracks, “Dead Weight” and “DM” that we have been working on for the past few months and we plan to release them soon. “Dead Weight” features Robbie Rosen, a former American Idol which is different from the BIGTIME3 signature sound. “DM” is more of a future bass track and will be crowd pleaser.

TMN: What’s your favorite song of 2018 so far?

Drake started off 2018 with a really good album. Our favorite song is “God’s Plan” and we will be releasing a remix to it in the coming month.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2BqEGhE

(MP3 Playlist) Indie Dojo (February 2018 Round #2)

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day (just in case you forgot) and what better way to share the love than with a brand new Indie Dojo. Show that special someon how much you care about them by sharing your undying love for indie music. And don’t worries if you’re Valentine free this year. We’ll always be super into you (and Valentines day is overrated anyways).

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2BWrVMJ

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 103: Soultronica x Black Panther x Dance Bliss

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm  from 4-6PM PST every Friday. 

Soundcloud || Spotify Playlist  || BFF.fm Archive & Tracklist

This week’s show was mostly a mish-mash of various Soundcloud/Bandcamp finds across genres plus a few favorite cuts from TDE’s Black Panther OST. A few other projects highlighted in this episode include stellar new EPs from Ravyn Lenae, Mija & Geotheory alongside Keinemusik‘s eclectic self-titled album. Closing out the show was a selection of left-field house cuts ranging from funky to hazy lo-fi to ethereal electro.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2G8rdKm

Birthdayy Partyy – House Partyy [TMN Premiere]

Mondays don’t have to be a drag. For a few Mondays now Birthdayy Partyy has been starting our weeks off on the right note with their festival-friendly releases. Today they have another and we’re proud to present it to you in the dojo first with a premiere. Enter the “House Partyy.”

The Chicago twins jump back on the original grind with this one, coming off their acclaimed remix of P!NK that you should check out if you haven’t yet. With “House Partyy” we get a genre-twisting, clubby tune that continues with the duo’s plan of giving their music away for free. You’ll want this one, trust us. Stream it here first and grab a copy for free!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2o1rQhz

[R&B/Electronic] MORILLA – Love Me

“Love Me” is the newest jam from the Sydney songster MORILLA. This is his second solo single and its fusion sound is something fans from several genres can come together around. In mixing R&B, soul, electronic and more, MORILLA came in hot with some extra sauce.

Australia’s rich creative community is commented on all the time and it seems to continue to grow no matter what and MORILLA is going to be a key figure in that scene. He’s new, but his work stands tall among his fellow country creatives. “Love Me” has a whole lot of good going for it and its not hard to imagine this one being blasted through the airwaves. Have a listen for yourself and grab a copy of “Love Me” if you like what you hear.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2Exf58L

[Electronic] Conrad Clifton – Kylo

Conrad Clifton is back with his new original “Kylo” on Infinity Pool Recordings. He’s coming off his tech-inspired house original with this darker, trap creation. Just as he’s done many times in the past, this original is slightly off kilter, a sound that isn’t what everyone else is pushing.

“Kylo” was created in honor of Kylo Ren of Star Wars and once that fact becomes known you understand why the song has a shadowed, mystifying quality to it. It’s the modern march for his First Order. Conrad continues to impress us with quality records that aren’t the norm which have established him as a need-to-know producer in most circles. “Kylo” is currently available on digital formats if you’re looking to add it to your digital library.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2spaRLl

[Pop] More Giraffes – Basement

There’s a new name in the mix that’s a must know: More Giraffes. The duo’s debut single “Basement” is something you’re going to enter and never come out of. Let’s dive into “Basement” and see what we find.

More Giraffes keep things very chill with this pop treat. It’s feel good qualities are inescapable; they’ll shift your mood up before your first time listening through is over. The soft sound is easy to absorb, so whether you’re fully encompassed by the track or playing it while you work, you’ll be enjoying yourself entirely. “Basement” is a first step in the right direction and we hope to hear more soon from More Giraffes!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2EmZCVu

[Get Crunk] Friday Party Playlist (Vol 283)

Do you still grab free downloads? Whether you do or don’t is pretty irrelevant because we’ve got streams and downloads for you here today as we do every Friday. Twelve of our favorite freebies are recapped here with this week’s coming from some recognizable talents. ËMMË kicks things off with a big original while artists like inverness, Modern Machines, Notixx, Dubloadz and more follow with their own gems and jams. As usual, we get the pre-game going with a few more jammy ones then we turn up the heat until the party is in full force. Friday is finally here again. Let’s let loose.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2G3iEka

[Electro] Val Fleury – White Winter (Tuff Ghost Remix)

There’s something hot that’s come out of the Val Fleury camp. This time it’s not one of her lovely originals, instead it’s a remix from the fellow Los Angeles creator Tuff Ghost. We’re only just over a month into the new year and there’s been a wild amount of remixes already, but this one is something special.

Tuff Ghost peaks over the top of a lot of remixes – a lot of them of mainstream songs – with her take on Val’s housey original. She takes things up a notch, blasting more bass into her flip giving the track an edgy quality. It’s not all energy though as Tuff Ghosts implements a solid groove throughout the song, making it easy to dance along to. Take it with you into the weekend and get those bodies in motion.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2BkInFp

[Electronic] LMBO – Fake It

The beginning of 2018 has seen the debut of several acts, but one of those you especially need to pay attention to is LMBO. Today they kick things off officially with their single “Fake It” that shows off the duo’s unique sound.

“Fake It” is its own thing. It’s not really this or that as far as genres go. Instead its fluid motion between sounds is what makes it breathtaking. Moving melodies embed themselves into your brain while the shimmering vocal work echoes into your ears. Both have a catchy quality that you just can’t shake. You’ll have “Fake It” in your head over the weekend, just as we will.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2Egozpg

[Dubstep] Panda Eyes & Chime – White Magic

We’ve got some “White Magic” to share with you. No, it’s not that kind of white magic, it’s the new single from Panda Eyes and Chime that the pair independently released at the end of January. As you would imagine coming from these two, there’s a whole lot of melody and a whole lot of heavy low frequencies.

“White Magic” draws the perfect line between the lighter, melodic style of dubstep and the in-your-face with bass. The blend makes for a majestic tune, one that is both memorable because of its beauty, as well as its power. Together Panda Eyes and Chime cooked up one of our favorite dubstep tunes of 2018 so far and we hope to see them together again soon.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2H2F06E

Codes – Bumps (Stranger Remix) [TMN Premiere]

Stranger is heating up the dojo with his official remix of “Bumps” by Codes. The single is due out tomorrow through Psycho Disco on the remix pack for Bumps & Boom Bapps, but we’ve got you covered a day early with an exclusively first listen!

One things Stranger has managed to do over the past couple of years is establish a dynamic sound that can be taken in different directions. Here we get that breakbeat driven style with an extra dose of smooth, deep bass. This tech-influenced flip is just the kind of left-field treat you want to come sliding through for your festival season playlists. It’s the track that’s going to take you by surprise this upcoming Spring and Summer with its vicious grooves. Stream it today and check back on the web tomorrow to get a copy!

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2H0iFq3

[Show Review] The Belle Game @ Cafe du Nord, San Francisco 2/6

Belle Game @ Cafe Du Nord. San Francisco, 2/6/18

Vancouver-based indie pop band Belle Game made an appearance at the cozy Cafe du Nord here in San Francisco this week. Playing in the basement of the Swedish American Music Hall to a small yet eager crowd, Belle Game put on quite the show of passion and skill. Lead singer Andrea Lo absolutely brought the energy on a Tuesday night, holding nothing back. By the end of the show, her infectious spirit was reciprocated by the small gathering of music fans in attendance.

Guitarist Adam Nanji

Described as being “somewhere between new-age visions and unkempt basements”, Belle Game masterfully walks the line between lo-fi garage band vibes and dreamy crush-pop magic. Lead singer Lo put her pipes on full display, effortlessly floating between the impassioned lyrical invocations on “Bring Me” and the ethereal serenading heard on “Spirit”. She flawlessly hit the falsettos on the latter track, giving us a sense of her versatility and talent. Other highlights included their live rendition of “Yuh” (my personal favorite Belle Game track), and “Up Again” (a close second for me). These four tracks represent an excellent starting point if you’ve never heard anything from this group before.

Lead Singer Andrea Lo and Keyboardist Katrina Jones

Backed up by guitarist Adam Nanji, keyboardist Katrina Jones, and drummer Alex Andrew, Belle Game rocked out for an absolute treat of a show on an otherwise slow weekday night. They’ve got a few more tour dates coming up here in the US– catch them if you have the chance!

Jones and Lo of Belle Game. Feb 6th @ Cafe Du Nord.

 

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2GYAg1T

[Indie/R&B] Kai Straw – GUN LP

You know when you’ve been waiting for something and it finally comes, but then it’s a bit lackluster? That’s not what happened with Kai Straw‘s LP, GUN. We were waiting, yes, but upon its arrival today we weren’t disappointed in any way. From start to finish this project takes Kai’s artistry to new heights.

Released on his own label Tenth Gate Records, GUN is a beautiful mixture of indie, pop, R&B, soul, hip-hop and EDM. It sounds like it’s all over the place, but Kai carefully crafts each track and weaves them together into one project seamlessly. It’s like watching a movie, one that’s easy to absorb and dynamic – flooding your senses with lush tones and melodies that you will never forget. It’s not easy to pick a favorite, but up on in our tops are “They Sent You” and “Jesse James.” Have a listen for yourself and make sure to get a copy of this, or add it to your streaming library from Kai’s website.

from The Music Ninja http://ift.tt/2C0ESk5