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[15 to End 2015] Ninja Michael’s Best of the Year

Posted by Michael Serratore - December 30, 2015

Chill Dojo regulars shouldn’t be too surprised about what comes up in my 2015 playlist. The volume of amazing music just gets bigger and bigger every year, and as hard as it is to keep up with it all, it’s even tougher to narrow it down to just 15 tracks. Nevertheless, the entrants below have endured a series of rigorous challenges to emerge from the Dojo as my chosen few…

…Well it really wasn’t that dramatic. They’re just the ones that have been stuck in my head consistently all year. Here are the reasons why:

’Mura Masa – Firefly (ft. Nao)’

Out of all the artists who have had a big 2015,Mura Masa has definitely shown the most promise for me. Not only has ‘Firefly’ been my number 1 addiction all year, but together with a number of his other stellar releases, he’s managed to define his own signature sound which has served as an inspiration to the producers around him. That’s no small feat.

’Cosmo’s Midnight – Walk With Me (feat. KUČKA)’

Cosmo’s Midnightdelivered not only one of 2015’s indie dance anthems, but also one of the most entertaining music videos to go with it. Huskies, matching tracksuits, and a killer piece of choreography all come together to show that these spirited Aussie twins can nail a dance routine just as well as they handle production. ‘Walk With Me’ was recently released on their Moments EP, which showcases more of their phenomenal work this year.

’Snakehips – All My Friends (Wave Racer Remix) PREVIEW’

Wave Racer was always going to make his way on to this list in one way or another. ‘All My Friends’ has catapulted itself into mainstream success, but Wavey’s trademark colorful sound elevates this hit to another level. That said, any one of the tracks on his Flash Drive EP could easily have found themselves included as well.

’Sable – One And Only’

The promotion of Sable’s URL LUV tour across Australia was one of the most creative social media campaigns this year, incorporating a series of comics and a steady release of new songs in the lead up to the gigs across the country. Though his alter ego Shadow Sable allowed him to showcase a darker side to his music, the blissful vibe of ‘One And Only’ will be the lasting memory of this incredible show.

’Izzard & Blankts – Threads’

One of the best revelations of 2015 was the emergence of the Soda Island collective, giving light to a glorious group of artists crafting songs which act as an aural window to the magical world they represent. Of all their 2015 releases, Izzard and Blankts’ ‘Threads’ tugged at the heartstrings from the very first listen and hasn’t let go since.

’Ryan Hemsworth – Snow In Newark (Grynpyret Remix)’

Another inhabitant of Soda Island is the mysterious Grynpyret, and while ‘Boba Beach’ was his official contribution to the cause, his remix of ‘Snow in Newark’ was such an imaginative interpretation of the original that it just couldn’t be overlooked.

’Louis The Child – It’s Strange (Ft. K.Flay)’

This one has made its way into plenty of best of 2015 lists across the blogosphere, and with good reason too. ‘It’s Strange’ encompasses the pair’s ethos of creating music that makes you happy, and the music industry has taken notice.

’San Holo – We Rise’

His moniker couldn’t be any more relevant right now, but a clever choice of name is certainly not the thing that San Holo can hang his hat on for his success this year. The combination of slick beats and euphoric basslines do that job just fine, and ‘We Rise’ is one of his best displays of that.

’WRLD – Razor Leaf’

The young mind of WRLD is a vibrant universe inspired by a number of different influences. His prolific efforts in the future bass space are the outcome of that mind at work, and ‘Razor Leaf’ is an example of his enchanting melodies on full display.

’Gallant – Weight In Gold (Brasstracks Remix)’

Clocking in as one of the most remixed tracks of 2015, Gallant certainly left his mark with the soulful anthem ‘Weight in Gold’. Brasstracks ensured they gave this one the edit it truly deserved in the best way they know how.

’Lido x Brasstracks – Four Five Seconds’

Not content with only one remix on this list, Brasstracks demanded a second feature thanks to their collaboration with Lido on this joyful take on ‘Four Five Seconds’. When you combine the musical powerhouses that provide the lyrics with these adepts of the production game, you know something unforgettable is about to be heard.

’Towkio – Heaven Only Knows (Ft. Chance The Rapper, Lido & Eryn Allen Kane)’

The lineup of names was enough to prelude the enormity of this track before a single bar was dropped. Straight fire!

’Action Bronson – Baby Blue ft. Chance The Rapper (Prod. Mark Ronson)’

From one piece of hip hop brilliance to the next, Action Bronson and Chance combine for one of the ultimate breakup songs. The simple hook yet incredibly catchy hook is just made to sing along with, while the rest of the clever lyricism embodies a much deeper message about hurt.

’RÜFÜS – You Were Right’

RÜFÜS shook up the airwaves with their numerous hits this year, but the deep, driving beat and addictive chorus cement ‘You Were Right’ as the pinnacle of the bunch. This one was made to be played out in front of a packed audience.

’Fatboy Slim – Mad Flava (Autograf Remix)’

The last spot in this list belongs to my favorite groove of 2015, courtesy of some remix heat from Autograf. Musical trends will come and go each year, but nobody can deny a slick jungle beat to send a dancefloor into an absolute frenzy. The serious Crash Bandicoot vibes bring back a flood of nostalgia every time.

Electronic

The Chillmas Dojo #4

Posted by Michael Serratore - December 22, 2015

We only get to use this festive image once a year, but we’re making the most of it with a hint of Christmas cheer to kick off proceedings this week. While usually the “Chillmas” branding for our Dojo is purely a token gesture for this holiday period, a very fitting cover of ‘Let it Snow’ brings that chill feel to a Christmas classic that we’ve been wanting for so long. A charming collaboration between domino, NATEY, SUBI and kev, this rendition celebrates that unapologetic cheesiness that is an intrinsic part of Christmas music, while bringing a modern spin to the genre with a slick beat and smooth flow. It’s all a bit of fun, but could easily be played out amongst friends without any cause for embarrassment whatsoever.

While that ends our features of anything particularly festive, Christmas has definitely come early this week with the reveal of Chet Porter’s glorious remix of one of the best tunes of 2015. Louis The Child launched themselves into the industry spotlight with the blissful vibe of ‘It’s Strange’, and now as the year comes to a close, we’re gifted with one of our Dojo favorites working his whimsical sound to bring an even greater sense of joyous emotion to a track that needed no help in that area. This is one of those smile-inducing songs we’ll always have on hand for when we need it most. There’s not a lot of info out there on our next featured artist yoshinobu, but if this upload is any indication of their talent, they are definitely one to watch. ‘Distance’ is a sweet little jam that brings that easy-listening sensation that is all too needed in this busy time of the year.

We round out our features with two stunning jazz filled productions from Free n Losh and Dallas Cotton. While not specifically Christmas-themed, it’s a sound that is perfect for this time of year, stirring up all those feel-good sentiments this season is all about.

And just like that, we’re another year down. We hope this playlist brings even more cheer to you this Christmas. Thanks for listening! Peace out.

’domino – please, let it snow (w/ nate subi & kev)’

’Louis The Child – It’s Strange (feat. K Flay) (Chet Porter Remix)’

’yoshinobu – distance’

’Free n Losh – Runnin’ (ft. Busty And The Bass)’

’Pegboard Nerds – Just Like That (Dallas Cotton Remix)’

’Saje – Freefallin’ Dreams’

’Mr. Carmack – Go Get Her, w/ jordan rakei & tom misch’

’Dirty Chocolate – Flutter’

’Spire – Petal Falls’

’Kozoro – Cloud Runner’

’AK – Reflections’

’AK – Fragile (ft. Holly Drummond)’

’AK – Wonders (ft. Mona Moua)’

’AK – Parallel Worlds (ft. Veela)’

’XYLØ – Afterlife (Ark Patrol Remix)’

’CHVRCHES – Leave A Trace (Goldroom Remix)’

’Chris McClenney – Pearl’

’Mozambo & Max Liese Ft. Julia Church – Vapours’

’Beat Connection – So Good (Thrupence Remix)’

’Inas X – Love Is (Shibumi Remix)’

’Inas X – Love Is (SevnthWonder Remix)’

’vbnd – something ive been wanting’

’SEVDALIZA – ONE ARMED LULLABY’

’MaLuca – Forever’

’Babbit – Painting Greys’

’XYLØ – L.A. Love Song (Exit Friendzone Remix)’

’A R I Z O N A – Let Me Touch Your Fire (Stratus Remix)’

The Chill Dojo #160

Posted by Michael Serratore - December 14, 2015

This time of the year is often a time for reflection on the year of music that was, but Chet Porter is bringing out that nostalgic feeling with something new. In what could easily be a hidden track from Worlds, the Toronto native really channels the latter half of his moniker in ‘Awakening’, a title which together with its whimsical melodies conjures up subtle nods to the Zelda series. It makes for one incredible journey through the blissful sound he weaves so well. Snapping us out of that daze and into more of a party-ready state is the latest remix to be featured on Cosmo’s Midnight’s ‘Walk With Me’ Remix EP. Following up last week’s effort from Maxo, this week it was Sydney’s KOA catching our attention with their more dance driven take on one of 2015’s best indie electronic anthems. There’s no reason we can’t loosen up on a Monday as the holiday season approaches, and this is the perfect tune to keep those weekend vibes flowing.

Up next, a meeting of past and present helps keep that upbeat feeling going strong as a pair of crafty Frenchman bring their slick touch to a hip hop classic. The opening of this De La Soul remix from LeMarquis and Marlin offers much promise of what is to come, but there was certainly no indication of the insane funk that they were to unleash as things progress, all the while keeping the timeless soul of the original intact. In much the same way, German producer Mogul delivers a stunning rendition of groove to a more recent hit in ‘I Found You’ from the highly talented Gibbz. The incredible vocals are given plenty of breathing space early, before an explosion of funk takes over with every intention of carrying you deeper and deeper into a sweaty night of uncontrolled dancing.

We had every intention of keeping things very chill this week, but it’s party season so we’re all about bringing a smile to your face in any way possible. Peace out.

’Chet Porter – Awakening’

’Cosmo’s Midnight – Walk With Me ft. Kučka (KOA Remix)’

’De La Soul – All Good (LeMarquis & Marlin Remix)’

’Gibbz – I Found You (Mogul Remix)’

’Rationale – Fast Lane (MXXWLL Remix)’

’Audiobot – Mars 2040’

’GRIMECRAFT – Stickerbrush Symphony’

’Elgus – Dancing In The Rain (ft. David Resch)’

’Maxiimus – 4uitried’

’TastyTreat – For a Minute (feat. MOONZz)’

’halpe – crystal tower (steelix remix)’

’KAASI – Who You Are’

’Moe Shop – Slow Motion Sunset’

’A R I Z O N A – I Was Wrong (Thero Remix)’

’Shoffy x Sondrio – Downtown’

’Shoffy – We Had It All’

’Shoffy – Wild’

’Tennyson – Fault Line’

’Tennyson – Too Long’

’Fhin – Your Heart Sounds Like’

’Kozoro – Curious (feat. Noctilucent)’

’tekvision – Lament’

’oshi – life’

’3 roses – afternoon at the park’

’$heWon’t – E a r t h R a d i o’

’StéLouse – 4 U’

’Medasin – leaving earth’

’airwav – don’t’

’Gravez – Stay Tough (feat. JMSN & ELHAE)’

’Sivey – Waterbed (Slow Mo)’

’R.O.M – excuse me. (i think you’re so beautiful)’

’Seinabo Sey – Poetic (Norde Remix)’

’olivia – Need’

The Chill Dojo #159

Posted by Michael Serratore - December 7, 2015

It’s been an eager wait for fans of mystical Aussie twins Cosmo’s Midnight, but the release of their Moments EP has been worth every day of anticipation. Heralding its release was the reveal of their captivating collaboration with Sarah Bonito of Kero Kero Bonito fame. For anyone familiar, ‘Hurt’ delivers all the magical vibes that would be imagined from such a pairing of creative minds, with plenty of emotion to boot. If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also been given a taste of the ‘Walk With Me’ Remix EP courtesy of a red hot edit from our resident chordslayer Maxo. True to his name, the Dojo favorite shreds through complex chord structures as he casts his spell over the addictive original.

A young man who has been on a tear lately is the talented Steve James, and for those who slept on our interview a few days ago, his debut original is not one to be missed. ‘Renaissance’ displays an ear for innovative sound that continues to push the bounds of musical expression, combining pop elements with the fresh inspiration that the up-and-coming producers exhibit so damn well. Jarreau Vandal is another name who is constantly on the edge of this creativity, and with his new EP Suburb Superhero on the near horizon, it’s a great opportunity to showcase just what he has in store with this incredible collab with Brasstracks and the sultry vocals of Niya Wells. The progression is on point at every moment of this smooth jam, with the slick beat guiding the listener further and further into musical euphoria.

It’s only the start of December, but the gifts are coming in early this year. Peace out.

’Cosmo’s Midnight – Hurt (feat. Sarah Bonito)’

’Cosmo’s Midnight – Walk With Me (feat. KUČKA) (Maxo Crashmix)’

’Steve James – Renaissance (feat. Clairity)’

’Jarreau Vandal – Nobody Else feat. Brasstracks & Niya Wells’

’Autograf – Metaphysical (Exmag Remix)’

’A Trak – We All Fall Down feat. Jamie Lidell (Cory Enemy & Syre Remix)’

’Invoker X JULiA LEWiS – Intercontinental Funk’

’esta – Special Affair’

’esta – Feathers (ft. JBird) ~ esta.sucks’

’salute – Diamond (Gold Rush) (XO Remix)’

’FloFilz Feat. Ivan Ave – Shinethru’

’LAKEY INSPIRED – Journey’

’LAKEY INSPIRED – Wonder’

’Metanite x obn – Soft.Touch.Girl’

’Kaizen – Eternum (Madnap x Send Off Remix)’

’NoxInBox – tmrw’

’Sober Rob & Goldwater – Dessert’

’Grant Walker – Blue City’

’Imagined Herbal Flows – Departure’

’Patrick Baker – Gone (Vijay & Sofia Zlatko Remix)’

’ARIZONA – Where I Wanna Be (GAMPER & DADONI Remix)’

’LOYAL – Blue & The Green (Edit)’

’Elline – No Pressure (Telescope Thieves Remix)’

’TIGERBLOOD – All In You’

’Cosmic Quest & RJ Tripps – Diamond Leopoldi’

’GoldLink – Dance On Me (Phazz Remix)’

’Kwabs – Cheating On Me (Tom Misch Refix feat. Zak Abel)’

’James Blake – Retrograde (Feki & Glasshouse Cover)’

’Lolaby – Goodbye Moonmen (Rick and Morty Cover)’

’chelsea cutler – the middle (dj snake cover)’

[Electronic] Ark Patrol – Primo (Album)

Posted by Michael Serratore - December 1, 2015

Ark Patrol first teased his foray into an experimental approach with ‘At All’ at the start of the November, but now that his latest album Primo has dropped, the full realization of that style is on display for all to hear. There’s certainly an eclectic mix of influences at hand here, and it’s impressive just how skillfully he is able to manipulate the intricate electronic sounds to bend to the emotions he wants to emit. An array of sophisticated melodies flow from the eerie, to the pensive, and even back to the chill style we’ve come to know him by in the title track. Such variation is testament to the artist’s confidence in composition, with the willingness to break the comfort zone of the formulaic structure that is all too prevalent in the electronic game today.

For those yearning to explore a musical world outside of the norm, do yourself a favor and stream the entirety of the album below, or go one further and pick up the release to add some complexity to your collection.

’Ark Patrol – At All (ft. Veronika Redd)’

’Ark Patrol – Escape (ft. Dooqu)’

’Ark Patrol – Halcyon’

’Ark Patrol – Intermission’

’Ark Patrol – Purgatory’

’Ark Patrol – Primo’

’Ark Patrol – Sinner’

Electronic

The Chill Dojo #158

Posted by Michael Serratore - November 30, 2015

If there wasn’t enough to be thankful for this week, we’re kicking off the Dojo with two glorious remixes of ‘All My Friends’ in two very different styles. Seeing Wave Racer’s name next to Snakehips brought an instant smile to our faces, and that wide grin remained fixed for every second of this colorful ride. Though this track was already at anthem status, his trademark wavy touch elevates it into another state of euphoria, making it virtually impossible not to belt out the chorus at the top of your lungs. Our second feature from PREP may be just a preview, but the tease of that smooth funk was too good not to include in this week’s proceedings. We know it’s not enough to satisfy, so make sure to head over to Spotify to hear the full thing. You’ll have no such wants with FKJ though, because he once again delivers his stellar brand of feel good groove. He’s never put a foot wrong in his choice of soulful vocals to play with, and this time it’s Selah Sue who receives his vibe-filled remix treatment.

That’s got us in the mood for a beat now, and you can trust Tom Misch to dish up something to ease our cravings. We needed no reassurance of his prolific beat-making skills, but ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ showcases far more than that, with slick sampling, irresistible flow, and a shimmering harp that adds an element of freshness you don’t often hear in the game today. For anyone begging for some Goldlink bars to go with that instrumental, we’ve got the next best thing in the form of an insane ‘Spectrum’ remix from GEOTHEORY. The sweltering groove would get any dance floor sweaty within seconds, but it’s the latter end of this track where things get taken to the next level in an epic procession of chord-slaying.

We’ll give your body a rest eventually, but we just couldn’t resist injecting some energy to start our week off right. Peace out.

’Snakehips – All My Friends (Wave Racer Remix)’

’Snakehips
All My Friends (PREP Remix)’

’Selah Sue – Alone (FKJ Remix)’

’Tom Misch – Twinkle Twinkle’

’Goldlink
Spectrum (GEOTHEORY Remix)’

’Hounded – Crazy Love Ft Beau Young Prince’

’Foals – Give It All (Bondax Remix)’

’Duke Dumont – Ocean Drive (B.R. Centurion’s Ballad Mix)’

’Couros – Turning’

’Ahh ooh x Muzzy Bearr (ft. K.B. Starr) – Call You Up’

’LoneMoon – Firefly’

’Dakat – Raindance’

’Dabin – Hold (feat. Daniela Andrade)’

’Oliver Nelson Ft. Heir – Found Your Love (Kill Them With Colour Remix)’

’Saje – Lost Tonight (Saje Rework)’

’Tennyson – Like What?’

’Lonemoon – all too well (w/ coze)’

’anoxia – So Long’

’The Spacies – Infinity (Far Lands Remix)’

’Gate – Genesis (Arcien Remix)’

The Chill Dojo #157

Posted by Michael Serratore - November 23, 2015

What better way to release a super chill remix than all the way from the tropical paradise of Fiji. A lucky few will have been partying it up with Sydney producer Kilter at the Your Paradise festival over the weekend, but for the rest of us, his stellar take on Autograf’s ‘Metaphysical’ will have to suffice as a taste of what would have taken place. Thankfully the groove is so sublime that it’s enough for us to get our own little dance on wherever we may be listening. Still on that summery vibe, Branchez takes us back to what he does best with a slower-paced emotional anthem that is sure to be stuck in your head all week. With a style that is very reminiscent of the flow on his legendary ‘High You Are’ remix, ‘Dreamer’ has all the makings of becoming the same crowd-pleasing success it was only a few years ago.

Anything Odesza has generally been a winner with this year’s music tastes, and while 2015 has had more than its fair share of remixes, we’re still being surprised by some of the gold that is out there. This week Kidswaste dove into the archives to dig out this previously unreleased edit of ‘Say My Name’, and it hasn’t lost a hint of freshness despite its time tucked away. Upbeat synths reinvigorate the energy behind the iconic vocals, breathing new life into a song that will continue to be reinvented well beyond the bounds of this year. We’ll round out this write-up by shining light on a Dojo newcomer in Tonton and his glorious collaboration with WTN3. Well it’s less about us shining light on ‘Try Me’ than it is this future-laced tune grabbing our attention in a remarkable display of colorful sound and blissful beats. Either way, it is well worth a listen or three.

Who said the party ends once the weekend’s over? Peace out.

’Autograf – Metaphysical (Kilter Remix)’

’Branchez – Dreamer (feat. Santell)’

’Odesza – Say My Name (Kidswaste Remix)’

’Tonton x WTN3 – Try Me’

’NRMИ – How It Feels’

’KRNE x Traxell – Initiation’

’MakeLove – Dive In (Pat Lok Remix)’

’BOY – Drive Darling (Anaa Remix)’

’Shaggy – Wasn’t Me (Viceroy “Jet Life” Remix)’

’Astronomyy – Somethin About U’

’Shoffy – Takes My Body Higher (feat. Lincoln Jesser)’

’De Hofnar X Goodluck – Back In The Day (Radio Edit)’

’JNTHN STEIN – CMPRSSN’

’Brasstracks – Say U Won’t’

’Varien & Mr FijiWiji – We Are The Lights’

’Imad Royal – Troubles’

’Joe Hertz – Tied Up (feat. Huntar)’

’Tennyson – SLIPPERZ’

’Tülpa – Lemon Ft. BLANKTS’

’Tontario x Leo Islo – Coexist’

’Finding Hope – Wonder’

’Gill Chang – Dandelion’

’KR$CHN – Forever, She said.’

’TastyTreat x Dathan – Get Creative’

’Venza & D.Vault – U Get Me ft. Eve DeVault’

’Kultur – Jeux d’Enfants’

’silo – Streams’

’Charlotte – So Sick’

’Drishti Beats – Journey (CloZee Remix)’

’Lege Kale – Syzurp (w/ KMB, OY, Amazing Prophet)’

’SINGULARIS – Teach’

’Celadon City – Sweethearts’