[Chill] Nick Leng – Playing With Fire

Nick Leng
Playing With Fire

It’s been almost a year since we’ve heard new original material from producer and vocalist Nick Leng but his Tunnels and Planes EP remains a go to for laid-back listening. Earlier this week, the LA-based producer and vocalist announced the release of an upcoming EP and unleashed the first single.

“Playing With Fire” truly engulfs the listener with a pretty piano melody layered with ambient electronic elements. Leng’s vocals are mixed flawlessly managing to avoid overpowering their gorgeous accompanying elements. Just as his voice serves as an instrument, so do the lyrics about being on the verge of an argument as they give way to the head-nodding chorus. Leng’s Drivers EP is due out just in time for summer on June 3rd via B3SCI Records–pre-order it now here.

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[Indie] MOSAICS – Year of Valor

MOSAICS
Year Of Valor

Longtime Ninja readers may recall San Francisco’s MOSAICS from our 2015 interview shortly following the release of their debut, Of Colors–an impressive fusion of creative electronic production and acoustic guitar licks. Last week, the 3-piece returned announcing a new EP and unveiling its title track.

“Year of Valor” shows a clear evolution of the MOSAICS sound, in part with the help of new lead vocalist Maryam Sadeghian. The song opens with an infectious guitar loop that blends with syncopated hi-hat percussion making way for Sadeghian’s voice, which leaves an immediate impression. The production, even with its constant progression, gives just enough room to draw light to compelling songwriting regarding the world’s constant struggle with superficiality. During the chorus, the backdrop takes a psychedelic turn as the guitar reverses before an almost EDM-esque drop back into the verse.

Given that I’ve been listening to Moderat’s album on repeat recently, there’s definitely some comparison to be made in MOSAICS intersection of soul, indie and experimental electronic elements. However, the SF trio possess a more accessible, pop-leaning sensibility making Year of Valor, which drops May 20th, a likely summer breakout project. Keep your eye out and, in the meantime, vibe above.

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[Electronic] K.Flay – FML (Vanic Remix)

K.Flay
FML (Vanic Remix)

When you know you work well with someone’s material, you don’t mess that up. Vanic recently dropped his fourth (!) remix of the always entertaining K.Flay, and, per usual, it knocks HARD. He continues to capitalize on his jubilant production style, twisting together big bass and melodic tendencies into an equally accessible and intriguing result.

Vanic has proven time and time again that he knows his way around a great pop vocal, and we’re all certainly the lucky ones to be beneficiaries of his hard work and talent. Everything this guy does is big, and that certainly won’t be changing anytime soon. Enjoy the fun above and grab your own free download of the tune here!

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[Pop] Starley – Call On Me


You may not have heard of Starley, but she will definitely win your heart by the end of this tune. Coming from a mixed cultural background, singer/songwriter Starley is no stranger to the pop music scene, as she’s worked with musicians like MNEK and Labrinth. With her new release titled “Call On Me”, Starley has officially stepped into the electronic music scene, and it is definitely a breath of fresh air.

A lovely guitar intro leads into a melodic drop that resembles the sound of The Chainsmokers‘ “Roses”. Starley’s vocals add onto an infectious melody that completes the wonderful tune. It will have you whistling to gem after a few listens, and we simply can’t get enough of it. “Call On Me” definitely shows us what the talented musician can do with her creative genius, so stay tuned for more cool tracks coming your way in the near future.

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[Progressive House] Manila Killa ft. Joni Fatora – All That’s Left (Myles Travitz Remix)

Manila Killa
All That's Left Ft. Joni Fatora (Myles Travitz Remix)

If you’re familiar with the popular artist collective Moving Castle, then you’ve probably a fan of Manila Killa‘s massive hit “All That’s Left”. Featuring lovely vocals from Joni Fatora, the original track is wonderful in every way. To add onto the epicness, a remix pack was just released featuring killer remixes from producers like The M Machine and Yung Wall Street. Myles Travitz‘ version particularly caught our ears, as he goes back to his roots and turned the original track into a progressive house gem. This rework provides us with tasteful synth melodies and a casual dance beat. The piano progression adds to the mix and gives it a delightful vibe, which will make you fall in love with the tune even more.

Myles Travitz once again shows us his versatility and his ability to turn any track into a massive hit. Be sure to check out the rest of remixes if you dig this one, as they each perfectly exemplifies the producer’s sound.

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Porter Robinson – Say My Name (Mielo Redux) [TMN PREMIERE]

Porter Robinson
Say My Name (Mielo Redux)

We may not have heard anything new from Porter Robinson in a little while, but Mielo is here to provide some major nostalgia with his own exceptional rendition of Porter’s “Say My Name.”. This version dials back the blistering progressive house edge of the original and reinvents it into a sonic concoction filled with futuristic ingredients.

When it comes to tackling such a classic tune like this, it always helps that it’s one of your favorites, and Mielo made sure to create something that is a reflection of his ability and, at the same time, a homage to Porter’s creation. There’s an uplifting feeling scattered throughout this redux, and it certainly is a pleasant reminder of the past. Festival season is here, so don’t be surprised if this starts to make the rounds. Don’t miss out on Mielo!

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[Electronic] New Mantra – Not LDN EP

If some laid-back vibes are what you are a looking for, then the Not LDN EP by New Mantra is what you need. Many of you will be venturing out to Coachella, so this will certainly serve you well on your drive, or fly over. The UK producer put together a superb project, with help coming from Barnaby and HOOPS on two tracks. The rest is all put together by New Mantra.

The Not LDN EP comes after the debut project of Sam Cooper, aka New Mantra. His productions have already brought taste-making ears his way, and these new tracks are sure to attract even more. Four new songs make up the newest EP, with the title track kicking things off with its chilled out sound. Throughout the entire record we get some strong R&B undertones that are veiled with electronic, future and indie masks that make for a dynamic listen. When you have a project that could have been led by all of the singles that make it up, you know you have a special collection on your hands. So is the case with the exquisite Not LDN EP that you can grab on iTunes today.

’Not LDN’
’All Over Town (Featuring Barnaby.)’
’Tradition (Featuring HOOPS)’
’Sayonara’
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