The Music Ninja

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[House] Hear The Story Of: CHKLZ

Posted by Marcus Daly - May 2, 2024

CHKLZ’s narrative continues to unfold as they aim to unite and excite music enthusiasts through a shared celebration of rhythm and community. Each performance is an homage to their origins and their muse, Chuckles, elevating their story above mere musical triumph to underscore the unifying force of their art.

Awarded Best Dance Artist of 2023 by Phoenix New Times, CHKLZ stands out not just for local recognition but for their substantial impact on national dance music charts. Their distinct fusion of electronic music with live instrumental elements has enthralled audiences worldwide, with tours reaching across the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Costa Rica. The duo manages their extensive touring and public engagements independently, without the aid of an agency, showcasing their adeptness in strategic planning and industry navigation.

The genesis of CHKLZ dates back to a memorable Fourth of July when DJ iLL Choppo and LeMarshawn Jean rescued a small white dog named Charlie, affectionately known as “Chuckles,” from beneath a truck in the heat of Phoenix. This dog did not merely inspire their name but also shaped their musical and communal approach. Chuckles’ resilience and appeal reflect CHKLZ’s commitment to fostering joyful and inclusive musical settings.

LeMarshawn Jean’s creative choice to style the duo’s name as CHKLZ marks a deliberate break from the norm, which then combines DJ iLL Choppo’s extensive drumming background with fresh electronic production techniques. This combination energizes their live shows, making them celebrated for both their vibrant energy and the real connection they forge with audiences.

House

[Multi-Genre] Alex Alexander – 2080s (Album)

Posted by Marcus Daly - May 2, 2024

Swedish artist Alex Alexander, a celebrated figure in the music industry, has impressively garnered over 135 million streams on Spotify with hits like “Everything With You” and “Won’t Let Go.” His debut album “On My Way” was a breakthrough that is a easy go-to any time of day.

Alex’s creative talents also shine through in his appearances in various commercials and music videos. His latest album, “2080s,” offers 12 tracks that explore new musical ideas and sounds, featuring standout songs like “Leap Of Faith,” “Better Off Alone,” and “Sleepless.” The saying ‘the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts” applies here full-scale.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Alex is the visionary founder of LoudKult, driving forward creative ideas and having a platform to truly express himself. His continued influence and leadership are clear, making him one to watch in the short and long term.

Electronic

[Chill] TWO LANES – Mind

Posted by Marcus Daly - May 1, 2024

Electronica duo TWO LANES, featuring Berlin-based brothers Leo and Rafa, has released their new single, “Mind,” from their upcoming EP titled Innervision. The track weaves soft, consistent percussion with reflective arpeggios and echo-rich vocals, creating an absorbing and thoughtful mood. “Mind” exemplifies the emotional depth and introspective quality that fans appreciate in TWO LANES’ music, offering listeners a glimpse into the duo’s unique musical universe. The release teases the depth and allure of the soon-to-be-unveiled full Innervision EP, which promises to be a another incredible experience as their previous EP and albums are.

Leo and Rafa combine their expertise in acoustic piano and analog synthesizers, respectively, enriching their music with subtle rhythmic components that form their distinctive sonic signature. Leo, classically trained from a young age, studied at The Juilliard School in New York City, specializing in Historical Performance. Rafael’s passion lies in electronic music, focusing on sound design and digital production. This fusion of classical training and electronic innovation led to the creation of TWO LANES, garnering them acclaim and substantial radio play from major stations like BBC1, Sirius XM, and Triple J.

Check out the song for yourself directly below.

Uncategorized

[Latin House] San Pacho, Buitano & Fatboi – Afloja

Posted by Marcus Daly - May 1, 2024

It’s time to light up your party playlists with “Afloja,” the latest track from San Pacho, released on Terminal Underground. This fiery Latin-tech house blend, created in collaboration with Buitano and Mexican-American rapper Fatboi, promises to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any event. “Afloja” is a thrilling banger that transforms every set into a high-energy showcase of Latin-house infused beats and enthusiasm.

Each artist brings their unique flair, combining intense rhythms with Fatboi’s lively vocals to produce a party anthem that’s impossible to ignore. From the moment it plays, “Afloja” elevates the atmosphere, positioning itself as a future favorite in both clubs and festivals. San Pacho’s skill in fusing spirited Latin sounds with the raw energy of tech house ensures that no one can stay still.

Turn up the volume and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of “Afloja,” a single that gets down and dirty with the rhythm, and sheer joy is exudes throughout. With “Afloja,” San Pacho invites you to join in a vibrant experience that promises every moment to be memorable.

Hailing from Croatia, San Pacho has quickly established himself as a notable name in the tech house scene. His style, shaped by influences like Skrillex, Diplo, and Dillon Francis, has resonated widely, marked by his debut on Tchami’s Confession label in 2019. His track “La Pasion,” in collaboration with Matroda, shot him into prominence in 2021, followed by a slew of successful releases on notable labels and top chart positions. With a mixtape full of enticing, unreleased tracks, San Pacho continues to hit high markes year after year

Uncategorized

[Hip-Hop] Kaelin Ellis – Ain’t You Mad feat. Guapdad 4000, Buddy, and Kenny Mason

Posted by Tyler Trew - April 29, 2024

Kaelin Ellis brings us the new single “Ain’t You Mad,” featuring Guapdad 4000, Buddy, and Kenny Mason, announcing the second release from his anticipated album You Are Here, Start. via Fool’s Gold Records.

The single “Ain’t You Mad” presents a unique blend of rough and raw edges with a mix of alternative hip-hop, crafted to draw in listeners with its eclectic sound. The collaboration of Guapdad 4000, Buddy, and Kenny Mason adds an exciting layer centered around hip-hop.

Ellis opened his latest musical venture with the release “Celebration” featuring Tobi & Anomalie last month, which combined smooth jazz elements with a distinct electronic flair. Growing up in Lakeland, FL, Ellis absorbed influences from Gospel, Madlib, J Dilla, and Flying Lotus, weaving together funk, hip-hop, and electronic vibes with an experimental jazz twist.

With over a decade in the music industry and Multi-Platinum status, Ellis has worked with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Joyce Wrice, and K-Pop giants EXO. His behind-the-scenes collaborations span an impressive list including Monte Booker and Kaytranada. Ellis also engages his growing Twitch audience by streaming his creative process and has collaborated with brands like Ford and Apple on various projects.

Ellis’s impact extends through his music reaching audiences on platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon. His track record includes performing at prestigious venues and festivals, contributing to his bright outlook for 2024. His contributions to the music world are acknowledged by leading media outlets like NPR Music and Complex Magazine, proving his influence and reach in the industry continue to grow.

Hip/Hop

[Electronic] Able Grey & Meridian – In The Forest

Posted by Tyler Trew - April 29, 2024

Able Grey, head of the Ex Medias label and a rising figure in Chicago’s electronic music scene, are bursting out of the Chicago scene and quickly gaining attention along the way. These performances are enhanced by his use of an electronic drum pad and MIDI controller, which add an engaging element to his multi-genre presentations. His recent performances include opening for Clozee and Daily Bread at Radius Chicago, and his – not one but two – sets at the 2023 North Coast Music Festival. Moreover, Grey is slated to perform at the inaugural Chicago Beyond Wonderland festival, showcasing his talent on a grand scale. His musical creations have also found a home with Subsidia, a label founded by Excision, the man is making the right moves in the right ways.

“In The Forest,” a collaboration between Able Grey and Meridian, is a standout track released by Ex Medias. Set at 110 BPM, the track engages listeners with deep bass and sharp percussion that invigorates and compels a deep, rhythmic experience. Each listen unveils further intricacies within its richly layered sounds, punctuated by clean and forceful wubs at the drop, which show off its mysterious and moody atmosphere.

Meridian, performing under the alias Tom Giannola, has crafted a excellent musical identity that refuses to conform to one genre. At 26, his dynamic performances at renowned Chicago venues like Prysm, Soundbar, and Chop Shop, alongside his participation at the North Coast Music Festival, mark him as an artist with a promising trajectory. His style, which blends various elements of electronic dance music, continues to evolve, drawing a dedicated following eager, larger and larger fanbase to his side.

Electronic

[Drum And Bass] Feint – Hope I Did Okay

Posted by Tyler Trew - April 27, 2024

“Hope I Did Okay,” stands out in the large Feint catalog. It starts off strong and maintains a gripping pace, effortlessly drawing listeners in with its energetic rhythm and cleverly incorporated mid-tempo elements at the drop—a smart twist that enhances the thrill. It’s a carefully crafted piece that fits perfectly into Feint’s impressive portfolio, showcasing his flair for blending stirring rhythms with emotional undertones.

Andrew Hu’s journey from a fresh-faced artist to a mainstay in the scene is as inspiring as it is impressive. From his early label signings to Monstercat paving the way for numerous hits, along with his work with Liquicity Records, the man continues to bring quality to the forefront when it comes to his productions.

Feint’s collaborations, especially those with Laura Brehm, such as “We Won’t Be Alone” and “Words,” have not only resonated but also skyrocketed in terms of streaming numbers, reaching millions of listens. This speaks volumes about both where he’s been and how far he will go.

“Hope I Did Okay” is expected to thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike. Feint’s knack for keeping the adrenaline high while delivering new and exciting music keeps his work fresh and continuously engaging. As he moves forward, his impact on the drum and bass scene is undeniable, proving that his journey is far from peaking—it’s just getting more interesting.

Electronic