[Neo-House] Kryptogram – Scarlet

kryptogram
Scarlet

There’s no doubt a good lot of you are counting down the days to your annual pilgrimage to that infamous Southern California desert. Alongside packing, buying portable phone chargers, and finding an epic tank top, you’re also probably building out the perfect Coachella party playlist, calculating the perfect arrangement of tunes to fill the speakers in your Airbnb rental, hotel room, or tent. Well, we have another solid addition to toss into the mix, coming by way Chicago-based Kryptogram.

We’re no stranger to the silky smooth, self-dubbed Neo-House sounds from this up-and-coming producer, having previously covered tracks of his. However, it has been a minute since he’s popped up on our radar, most likely due to the fact that he’s also studying Audio Engineering at Columbia College Chicago. Balancing that and making music is no easy task, but we sure are appreciative he put in some long nights to bust out this gem.

“Scarlet” is the first release of 2016 from this Windy City resident, and it showcases what we’ve come to know and love from him. It’s light and groovy, featuring soft kicks, layers of delicate synths, and well-crafted vocal samples. The collective effort provides something that’s perfect for a pre-game poolside chill session, the lengthy line of traffic to the Polo Fields, or keeping things going after you get back to your spot.

Related items:

[House/Indie-Dance] zacheser – Skippy

zacheser
Skippy

Finding those rare, unsigned tunes brimming with quality and precision has been a vital part of the music industry’s publication side since music publicity even became a viable industry. Thus, it makes this writer all warm and fuzzy when we come across a carefully crafted slice of house music seemingly out of the blue. The tune in question this morning is “Skippy”, an effervescent piece of soulful, instrumental house, and the debut record from D.C. based DJ and producer zacheser. Having been on our radar since his #FatBeats mix series became a regular staple of this writer’s dance diet, “Skippy” marks zacheser’s departure into more production-driven territory, and it’s looking like it will be a great thing for underground dance fans. “Skippy” rides on a feelgood bed of pulsating synths, underpinned by a brooding bass swell and glossy pad work to create a tune equally consumable while driving down the highway or stepping out some footwork in the clubs. Enough from us though, it’s Monday. Let’s just kick back and let zacheser’s “Skippy” do its work.

Related items:

The Chill Dojo #175

It’s always heartening to see artists we’ve supported from the beginning achieve broader success with a breakthrough hit, and this week was PUSHER’s time to shine with a clean original that has all the makings of an indie electronic anthem. Having already been called out in the first edition of our Saturday Selection, it was only fitting we pushed ‘Clear’ up the feed once again. The crisp chill vibes are enriched by the angelic voice of Mothica, whose presence adds further depth to an already moving track. Rather than working from scratch, young prodigy Wynd utilizes the future pop stylings of Voia’s ‘Almost Human’ as a canvas for his artistry. His interpretation adds a little more restraint to the original’s bass, with the focus instead on crafting space for the blissful melodies to dance between the mesmerizing breaks.

Arguably already one of the biggest tracks of 2016, Flume’s ‘Never Be Like You’ will continue to receive the remix treatment as the months roll on. It’s no small feat to attempt a new take on the incredible song, but to do so while also covering Kai’s vocals makes the task at hand even greater. Though only surfacing recently, Nikö Blank has proven he’s more than up to it, creating a gloriously constructed soundscape laced with future feelings befitting an edit for one of the pioneers for the sound. The cover work from Marco Foster is equally as impressive, pouring emotion into the iconic lyrics with the proper treatment they deserve. On that note we leave you with another infectious rework from Jengi Beats, taking the stunningly beautiful voice of Billie Eilish from ‘Ocean Eyes’ and transforming the enchanting indie original into one of his trademark grooves. This one carries an exceptional polish, his funky touch oozing a sweetness that surpasses any point he’s reached before.

It’s definitely a week more magical than most, with captivating vocal tracks at the forefront of our chill experience for #175. Peace out.

’PUSHER – Clear (ft. Mothica)’
’Voia – Almost Human (Wynd Remix)’
’Flume – Never Be Like You feat. Marco Foster (Nikö Blank Remix)’
’Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes (Jengi Beats Remix)’
’oshi – vacant’
’tiedye ky – Take My Hand’
’Alina Baraz & Galimatias – Show Me (LOKI X Wildfire FLIP)’
’Tom Redwood – I’ve Fallen For You’
’gnash ft. Olivia O’ Brien – I Hate U I Love U (Oscar’s Remix)’
’Edd – Fade Ft. Tom Dunne (nimino Remix)’
’JONES – How Deep Is Your Love (Crvvcks Edit)’
’AURORA – Conqueror (Kartell Remix)’
’Robots Can’t Dance – stay’
’Finding Hope – Without You (ft. Holly Drummond)’
’LANIER – I’ll Be Alright (Cover)’
’Wet – All The Ways (Branchez Remix)’
’theMIND – Mercury Rising (Fwdslxsh Remix)’
’River Tiber – Gravity (prod. by River Tiber and KAYTRANADA)’
’Two Another – Shouldn’t Have Done That’
’Jerry Folk – Been A While’
’JMSN – Most Of All’
’ROM – I Want You (ft Wade)’
’ALVY – Tell Me’
’Side Project – Devoid (Side Project mix)’
’SYRE – Don’t Be So’
’Lindsay Lowend & Jonah Baseball – Jeremy’s Pet Peeve’
’Kozoro – Departure (Original Mix)’
’Mordecai x Wolfe Grey – I’m Yours’
’Aloka – Wait’
’Sizzlebird – Escape From Reality’
’Sizzlebird – Imagine’
Related items:

[Experimental] um.. – whos care

um..
whos care

It’s just about impossible to pinpoint a specific sound to um... They really do put the mental in experimental. Even with their absurd sound design abilities and ridiculous choice of samples, something about their unbridled insanity is magnetic. “whos care” makes no sense, and none of their previous work has either, but you find yourself losing your mind in the best manner every time they concoct another tune. Are they considered bass music? Possibly. Are they as confusing as they are talented? That’s a fact. No matter the questions asked when this song plays, just know you’re witnessing something truly new, innovative, and a little unhinged. In short, don’t overthink it, just smash that play button and go wild.

Related items:

Saturday Selection Vol. 1

Saturday Selection

We are VERY excited to be introducing a brand new segment here at The Music Ninja! Saturday Selection was created for multiple purposes. From hitting the high points of the releases from the week prior, to exploring an artist or label more in depth, we’re looking to fill your weekend with even more great music than before. There’s no genre hindrances. There’s no boundaries. It all starts with five songs. You won’t want to miss this. Let’s dive in!


NVDES – The Other Side

NVDES showed up out of nowhere about ten months ago, and it’s a great thing that they did. Incredibly upbeat indie can somewhat seem like a saturated sound, but this LA-based band keeps it just weird enough to find and own their unique voice. It’s about that time to enjoy the nice weather again, and you’ll want to have the newest by NVDES in your playlist rotation.


Midoca – Tell Me Your Lies (Feat. Dark Waves)

It’s such a relief to have Midoca back. He’s crafted his own sort of electronic pop that doesn’t shy away from brooding topics or heavy and dramatic production. There’s an understanding within his writing and music that resonates on an intangible level when dealing with the fact that everything isn’t meant to be super happy all of the time. And that’s a good thing. He capitalizes on emotion, and Dark Waves is a perfect complement for “Tell Me Your Lies” when it comes to demonstrating gravity in electronic music.


PUSHER – Clear (ft. Mothica)

With an upcoming EP on the way, PUSHER decided to grace us the first single off of the project that features the heavenly voice of Mothica along with his infectious and bright production. His history of remixes speaks for itself, and his originals reflect several influences from some of the best new names in bass music. “Clear” is quite the first taste of his new project, as he trades in some of his larger sounds for a tightened down creation that shows he can bend his novel approach into whatever he pleases.


Atlas Bound – Softer Still

These two are so ridiculously smooth. Atlas Bound‘s second helping off their debut EP continues their winning streak of laidback electronic soul that just feels good every time you hit play. “Softer Still” relies on a sublime balance of live instruments and electronic production chops that is slowly but surely becoming more common as many artists began to expand their sound. And that is a GREAT thing. Keep yours ear open for their EP and enjoy this slick new tune for a nice break during your afternoon.


Moon Bounce – Wingman

The latest addition to the Activia Benz Singles Club comes to us courtesy of Moon Bounce, and it is an absolute trip. There’s something addicting about this tune as it bounces all over the place with a jovial and carefree attitude, thumping drums, and an absurdly catchy groove that punches right through your speakers. It may be short, but it’s certainly sweet. The London-based Activia Benz never fails to show that they enjoy every song they release, and Moon Bounce certainly added more fun to their particularly boisterous mesh of club and pop music.


Related items:

[Electronic] Zara Larsson & MNEK – Never Forget You (Slushii Remix)

Zara Larsson & MNEK
Never Forget You (Slushii Remix)

After a hard day of work, we all seek out those sources for the energy we’re short of when we walk out the door. Whether that be an intense work out session at the gym, a much needed confrontation with the bed, or taking your spot in front of the TV to give your undivided attention to Netflix, we can all agree we would be nearly non-functional without it. For us here at TMN, our go to source is music, and as of this week, more specifically it’s been coming from electronic producer Slushii.

With a gift of provoking carefree vibes with every track he touches, Slushii’s music immediately induces positivity and what we are all truly seeking here, energy. For his latest feat, Slushii takes on Mnek and Zara Larsson’s “Never Forget You.” His rendition is invigorating and fresh, bringing a surging vitality with rich, uplifting synth work kicking it into full gear with infectious rhythms. His remix is certain to replace that post-work sluggishness with full force drive.

Related items:

Jamie Prado – New Era [TMN Premiere]

Jamie Prado
New Era (Original Mix)

Feeling in need of an intense yoga session to ease the stress knots after the brutal day at work? Allow us to provide you with a more than sufficient substitution, Jamie Prado’s latest release.

It was nearly impossible for us not to jump at the chance to premiere his intoxicating new piece, “New Era,” so, we did. The euphoric track, one of two debut releases on his brand new label with L’Affaire Musicale, Midnight In Paris, submerses you into its musical silkiness, combining an assortment of soothing textures that melt right into each other. Instantly ridding the mind and body of any and all tensions, the piece blends sensual percussion lines with vocal croons and “ah”s that beautifully fall into place right at the seams.

“New Era” allows you to find clarity and serenity as it transports you into a dimension that is free of clutter and distraction. As a result, you will find yourself making the decision to skip that evening yoga class since you’re definitely not going to need it.

Related items: