Author Archives: Clayton Warwick

TMN Dives into Ableton with Point Blank Music School

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 29, 2017

I’ve spent a lot of time in studios, whether it be an expansive, professional set up, or a buddy’s laptop with nothing more than a set of mid-ranged headphones. It just kind of happens in this industry. Sometimes interviews take place when an artist is taking a break from crafting a tune, and sometimes you just want to have some whiskey and jam out on your guitar while your buddy is fiddling around with Ableton. Either way, the process of music production is a very familiar thing for me.

As familiar as I am with the process, I’m not so familiar with the software. I grew up as a punk rock kid, cutting my teeth in musical experiences with Green Day’s Dookie, then onto acts like Strung Out, Thrice, At The Drive-In, and A Wilhelm Scream. As I scowered album after album of blazing fast riffs, I picked up a guitar somewhere along the line and started taking lessons. They never went far, but I still enjoy jamming out to this day.

In my late teens, I got swallowed up in the cultural shift of early dance music. Attending raves before most of today’s party kids could do multiplication, I developed an early affinity for progressive house and drum ‘n bass. Those lead to hard house (a genre most won’t remember) and have since come to enjoying ambient and deep house. Maybe it’s Father Time catching up with me, but my tastes have definitely settled down.

With those two portions of my life in the rearview, I had always wondered what it would be like to combine them–fanciful guitar work and some seductive beats. With a schedule as busy as mine, there were only so many options, and one stood out above the rest.

If you haven’t guessed it by now (which I’m pretty damn sure you have), I’m enrolled in Point Blank Music School’s online Albeton class. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving into music production, most assuredly stumbling along my way. However, my hopes is that you’ll share my journey as I cover it piece-by-piece here on the site.

If you’re interested in checking out their programs to see what they’re about, just click here to get familiar.

Electronic

Jolliffe – Codeine Hate Cloud (Luke Hassan Remix) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 26, 2017

Codeine Hate Cloud Remix
Luke Hassan Remix

Soundcloud

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.

Kidsmoke – And Mine Alone [TMN VIDEO PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 24, 2017

Kidsmoke
And Mine Alone

Soundcloud

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 four upcoming shows.

Live Dates

May 26 – Dot To Dot Festival

June 09 – Telford’s Warehouse, Chester (EP launch)

June 16 – The Finsbury, London

June 28 Wrexfest 2017

Someone – The Deep [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 22, 2017

Someone
The Deep

Soundcloud

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’s Vheissu), 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.

High Rule – Someone Else [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 16, 2017

High Rule
Someone Else

Soundcloud

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.

Hip/Hop

Northern Faces – Messin’ With Me [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 12, 2017

Northern Faces
Messin' With Me

Soundcloud

The old saying, “three’s a crowd,” doesn’t apply here. It’s quite the contrary, in fact. We’re beyond excited to guide you into the third album (via Equal Vision Records) from Big Apple-based rockers Northern Faces. While we can’t showcase the entire body of work just yet, we can uncover just a tidbit for you today. But, it should provide ample reasons for you to get excited for what we’re calling “one hell of a progression.”

Not to say that we weren’t already fans of this impressive trio, but we’re thoroughly enjoying their growth and maturation. “Messin’ With Me” proudly boasts just that, providing the inevitable desire to nod your head, tap your feet, and shake your hips. It’ll be hard not to, considering the driving bassline and catchy-as-top-40 hooks that lay oh-so meticulously on intricate guitar work.

More so than other bands we write up, we’re especially excited to catch these dudes live. Why’s that? It’s all in their attitude towards their live show.

Our live shows are our pride and joy. We take a lot of pride in trying to put on a show that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The stage really is our home.

We’re planning on witnessing this tune, amongst others, at their upcoming show in Denver. We highly recommend you get out and do the same. Take a look below, figuratively circle that date, and get ready to lace up your dancing shoes.

6/2 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House
6/3 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Sache at Intersection
6/4 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
6/5 – Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s
6/6 – Indianapolis, IN @ The HiFi
6/7 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
6/9 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
6/10 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
6/11 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion***
6/13 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Catalyst Atrium
6/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
6/16 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s
6/17 – Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo
6/18 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
6/19 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux
6/21 – Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge
6/22 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
6/23 – Dublin, MN @ The Red Herring Lounge
6/24 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club

foreverandever – so guud (w. Summer Heart) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - May 1, 2017

foreverandever<3
so guud (w. Summer Heart)

Soundcloud

Hailing from Stockholm, foreverandever has effectively crafted a tune that’s worthy of a rambunctious evening out on the town, or a chill night at home, occasionally popping and locking across the kitchen floor. How’s this possible, you ask? Well, a combination of punchy percussion and progressive synths provide enough oomph and energy to induce rowdiness. Conversely, highly engaging and memorable lyrics from Summer Heart, whether they’re untreated, pitched down, or pitched up, offer up the proper laid-back vibes that make this tune approachable for all of us homebodies, as well.

David and I got together in my studio last year. We played around with some synthesizers, had some good talks and made some good songs. “so guud” is one of them. I am super happy about it! For me “so guud” and the other songs of the upcoming EP is about attraction. The tensions and releases when meeting someone new. The line “I need you around. Need you in my space. Make me new.” sums it up pretty good. – foreverandever

While I debate whether or not I should head out for an epic night on the town this week, you should cruise over and follow foreverandever and Summer Heart on Facebook. You won’t want to miss future releases from either of these stellar, budding artists.