The Chill Dojo #152

The Chill Dojo is back after a few weeks off, but the music world certainly hasn’t slowed down while we were gone. Big news over this time was the release of Wave Racer’s eagerly anticipated Flash Drive EP, which included a massive collaboration with the one and only Lido. ‘World Record’ is everything you could imagine from this duo combining their production styles into one track, bursting with waves of happiness from start to finish. The care-free playfulness continues into ‘Bubble Wrap’, stirring up that warm fuzzy feeling that he weaves with so much ease. It’s definitely a sound that has caused a movement in the future game, and you can hear the inspiration in Dojo newcomer Shindig. ‘Hiccup’ shines with that same glint of blissful melody, but truly comes into its own with some serious chord shredding and a slick slap bass interlude. Melbourne’s own Moving Castle representative Dugong Jr is no stranger to a feel-good jam either, and together with TR!CK$ he’s crushed a jersey-influenced remix of ‘Goddess’ that emits positive vibes all day long.

UK producer Daktyl put his spin on a Future Classic hit, taking George Maple’s ‘Where You End And I Begin’ and amplifying the addictive chorus with some serious beats. Grande Marshall’s verse also receives a funk injection to add an extra layer of smoothness to the slick lyrical flow. The label has definitely been busy over the past few weeks, and fittingly we end the write-up as we began, with the release of another Future Classic EP. ‘Air’ is the final track in Basenji’s Trackpad EP, and much like the rest of the collection it’s steeped in vocally led emotion, layered with his ethereal goosebump-inducing sound.

As you would expect, two weeks off has left us plenty of catching up to do in the playlist below. Enjoy what we’ve been keeping track of. Peace out.

’Wave Racer – World Record feat. Lido’
’Wave Racer – Bubble Wrap’
’Shindig – H I C C U P’
’Fresh Hex – Goddess (Dugong Jr & TR!CK$ Remix)’
’George Maple (feat. Grande Marshall) – Where You End And I Begin (Daktyl Remix)’
’Basenji – Air’
’Thrill & Omniment – I Miss You’
’HudMo – Forever 1 (Cashmere Cat Edit)’
’Feki – Quiet Minds feat. Emily’
’Kultur – Take It Slow ft. Blest Jones (Akouo Remix)’
’Krucial – Feel Something (w/ Atlas)’
’ZEN & kev. – Pink Sand (Mark Redito Promise Flip)’
’Mark Redito – Lovers (Notdib Remix)’
’MØ – Kamikaze’
’Felix Snow – Now You See Me’
’Charlíe Puth x Kehlaní – Hotlíne Blíng (DATHAN Flip)’
’esta – 1738’
’Hoodboi – Palm Reader feat. Lido (SIROJ Remix)’
’Body Language – Really Love (Machinedrum Remix)’
’MOONZz – Satisfy (Khamsin Remix)’
’Kiiara – Tennessee (Milk N Cooks Remix)’
’Giraffage & Viceroy – Impression Of You (feat. Patrick Baker) (Electric Mantis Remix)’
’Fwdslxsh – Enough’
’Canblaster – Encore DX’
’clqqng – Y U Go’
’Blackbear – IDFC (SevnthWonder Remix)’
’Tontario – 5AM (ft. K.B. Starr)’
’Chet Faker – Bend (D Pulse Remix)’
’Duke Dumont – Ocean Drive (Michael Calfan Remix)’
’Nigel Good – Disappear (feat. Mango, Andre Frauenstein, & Stefan Ludik)’
’Kaizen – Eternum’
’StéLouse – Brave ft. Ill
esha (Stolensnares Remix)’
’Planet Funk – Chase The Sun (Just A Gent Remix)’
’whereisalex – new ways to long for you.’
’Lege Kale – Abberant’
’Sam Bruno – Search Party (Bearcubs Remix)’
’Frances – Let It Out (KAASI Remix)’
’VÉRITÉ – Sober’
’stwo – Haunted (ft. Sevdaliza)’
’AN & – Get A Chance (ft. Evil)’
’Alxndr London – Jupiter And Pluto’
’Disclosure – Magnets ft Lorde (SG Lewis Remix)’
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[Denver Giveaway/Event Preview] The Music Ninja Presents: Teen Daze w/ Cemeteries, Shark Dreams @ Lost Lake Lounge – 10/22

Denver Event Giveaway
Teen Daze @ Lost Lake Lounge, 10/22

Perhaps our favorite single common thread around the staff at TMN is the ability to showcase artists in our favorite cities across the U.S. We’ve been able to bring some of our absolute favorite artists’ live shows over the years as presenters, and this Thursday (10/22) in Denver, we’re incredibly proud to bring another very special show to the Mile High City with Teen Daze. Fresh off of the release of  another excellent and critically applauded LP addition to the enigmatic producer’s catalog (he uses only his first name professionally), Morning World, Teen Daze will no doubt bring with him another excellent incarnation of an expanding live show to Lost Lake Lounge. We’ve been able to gradually witness Teen Daze’s steady evolution from his earliest work, which was often times lumped in with the ‘chillwave’ movement, to an artist whose rhythms and melodies have taken center stage and allowed the Western Canada based producer to offer a more engaging, and even dance-oriented concert experience. Needless to say we’re chomping at the bit for another chance to see Teen Daze in such an intimate venue.

The night’s opening flavor kicks off quite tastefully as well with Portland via Buffalo ambient-pop experimentalist Cemeteries. Also coming off of an extremely well executed LP, Barrow, which had us drawing up comparisons to the current arc of post-punk revivalists and darkwave flag bearers including The Soft Moon, and A Place To Bury Strangers. Just excellent stuff really. Rounding out the bill is newly formed Dream-Pop troupe Shark Dreams, who thus far have released only one demo and have our curiosity piqued with their worthy entry into the world of singles.

Of course, when we present a show, we’d rather not just talk about it, but get our savvy readers in on the fun as well, so we’re giving away not one, but two pairs of tickets to this Thursday night’s show. As always, entering our contest is beyond simple. Just “like” Teen Daze, and The Music Ninja’s Facebook pages, and comment below on why you’re excited or deserve to win. That’s it! We’ll notify our winners Thursday afternoon, the day of the show at 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Stream our preview playlist below to get your ears ready, and good luck!

For those of you looking to secure a ticket, don’t fret either as tix are still only &10.00 for this one. Snag them here!

There are a few rules, of course:
– The event is 18+, so tell all your friends to increase your odds of winning!
– You are responsible for your own transportation.
– You must bring a valid form of ID to pick up your tickets at the Lost Lake Lounge door.
– You must find a TMN representative and let them buy you a drink (perhaps a Red Bull for our non legal friends?)

’Teen Daze – Along’
’Teen Daze – Morning World’
’Teen Daze – Brooklyn Sunburn’
’Cemeteries – Luna (Moon of Claiming)’
’Cemeteries – Summer Smoke’
’Cemeteries – Feed’
’Shark Dreams – Frozen Love (DEMO)’
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[House] Pat Lok – Your Lips ft. DiRTY RADiO

Pat Lok
Your Lips ft. DiRTY RADiO

It’s always a treat when two of our favorite entities come together for a warranted collaboration, and we’ve gleefully gotten to add another groover to that list on this fine Monday. TMN mainstay Pat Lok, who most recently stopped by our pages with his remix of The Knocks’ viral single “Classic”, has added another soulful house gem to his carefully crafted catalog by enlisting the vocal duties of fellow TMN regulars,  Canadian indie-R&B slingers DiRTY RADiO to create “Your Lips”. “Your Lips” is equally suited as a club-ready track or casual listener, pairing pulsating deep-disco vibes to DiRTY RADiO’s sensual vocal track, which results in a silky smooth melody that beckons its listeners to the dance floor. This one’s already garnered support from BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as artist support from the likes of Tensnake, Moon Boots, Goldroom, and more; solidifying Pat Lok’s staying power in the process. Stream “Your Lips” above and let’s start dancing away this Monday afternoon.

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[Festival Preview + Giveaway] Freaky Deaky Halloween (10/30-11/1)

FreakyDeaky2015

Freaky Deaky is returning to Chicago once again this Halloween weekend, and it’s about to be bigger and badder than ever! Now in its seventh year, the frightful festival has expanded to include a third day with a massive lineup to match. With a bill that boasts spine-chilling headliners like Bassnectar, 2 Chainz, Armin van Buuren, Big Gigantic, Pretty Lights and Carnage along with appearances from AlunaGeorge, A-Trak, Vic Mensa, Tchami, TOKiMONSTA, Mac Miller, Flying Lotus, Mr. Carmack, GoldLink and many more, it would take a full-blown zombie apocalypse to keep us from catching this year’s entertainment. Expecting its largest crowd ever, the event has also found a new home just outside the city in Toyota Park. With all these exciting changes taking place, Freaky Deaky promises to be the most spooktacular Halloween party in the Midwest this year, which is why we’ve teamed up with our friends at React Presents to provide one lucky winner with a chance to participate in the festivities for themselves.

The rules are simple. Fill out the form below with your first name, last name and email address and like both us and Freaky Deaky on Facebook. The prize will include one pair (2 tickets) of 3-day General Admission passes to the festival. Participants must be 18 or older to enter. Tickets will be available for pick up on the GUEST LIST/ Box Office with a valid government-issued ID.

If you’d like to buy some tickets for yourself, this is your last chance to grab them before prices go up on Tuesday! Head over to this link to snag yourself either Single Day or General Admission passes to the event and make sure to follow React Presents on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud to keep up with all the latest news and announcements. On the next three pages, you’ll find some of the artists we think you should plan to check out during the weekend, but you can see the full schedule here.

Enter To Win Tickets!

  • Step 1: Enter Information below

  • Step 2: Like us on Facebook

  • Step 2: Like Freaky Deaky on Facebook

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[Electronic] Stephen – Fly Down

Stephen
Fly Down

The current age of music is truly remarkable. An artist can independently release their work, instantly take the world by storm, transforming a hopeful musician armed with only a Soundcloud profile, and their music, into an internationally recognized persona. That quick rise to recognition often comes before an artist is prepared for it, which leads to painfully long hiatuses for those newly-developed fans. Stephen is a shining example of that, as he returns from a three-year break from the world of music.

We don’t know the specific reason why Stephen took a break, but what we do know is – he’s back. About a month ago, he dropped “Remembering Myself” onto a group of unsuspecting fans and bloggers alike, which ultimately saw over seven hundred thousand plays. Shortly after that, “Fly Down” was released, which only took one listen for us to drop everything and get a post written.

This is the second preview from his upcoming album, and it’s quite the spectacle of the passion and drive . Inventive production? Absolutely. Painfully beautiful vocals that carry a raw and real message? Definitely. Gorgeous piano work? You betcha. It’s simply captivating and thought-provoking, carrying listeners on a three-minute thrill ride.

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[Electronic/Hip-Hop] THEY. – Nü Religion EP

As the work week slowly winds its way down, we’re fully aware that you’re on the hunt for solid tunes to carry you into two days of pure, unadulterated freedom. Luckily for you, THEY. just dropped their debut EP via Mind of a Genius, and it’s rife with heavy bass hits, lush vocals, and inventive verses.

If this is the first time you’ve heard of this act, we’ll fill you in on their background. THEY. are Drew and Dante. The two were introduced in LA through a mutual acquaintance. Dante was dialing up beats with the ever-so-popular, and oft mysterious producer ZHU, and Drew had just relocated from Maryland. Together, both are influenced by a wide variety of acts like Taking Back Sunday, Nirvana, Babyface, and New Edition, all of which culminate in an unique, and highly addictive listening experience.

Three tracks are highlighted in their Nü Religion EP, which can all be found below. Our favorite out of the trio is “Motley Crue,” which may or may not be due to our secret love for songs like “Kickstart My Heart” and “Shout at the Devil.” Whether or not the title was a subtle nod to Vince Neil and the rest of those cats, it still caught our ear and won’t let go. The dark and understated guitar lick would certainly indicate a connection to some hard rock roots, but we’re pretty sure the title is referring to the lyrics. Regardless, the combination of huge 808 hits, clean snares, and layered vocal samples all culminate into the perfect song to crank up on your ride home from work.

So, make sure you have your shades ready. Roll the windows down. Press play and don’t forget to turn this shit up.

’Motley Crue’
’Back It Up’
’Bad Habits’
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[Electro-Pop/Dance] Tori Kelly – Should’ve Been Us (Lincoln Jesser Remix) [TMN Premiere]

Tori Kelly
Should've Been Us (Lincoln Jesser Remix)

For years now we’ve been falling head over heels for L.A. native Lincoln Jesser‘s smooth, saccharine-sweet brand of downtempo synth-pop. Whether we were gleefully consuming the majority of Jesser’s thoughtfully crafted singles & covers, or devouring his debut LP Modern Color with the careful listening precision it truly deserved; it’s safe to say the multifaceted producer has carved out a soft spot within our Ninja hearts.

After the recent release of his successful Ministry of Sound debut, “In My Place,” which echoed a club atmosphere more than we’d ever experienced with the production chameleon, he’s brandished the remixer hat for Tori Kelly’s “Should’ve Been Us” and we’ve got it before any other outlet. Again, we’ve become privy to yet another piece to Lincoln Jesser’s evolution as this time around the soundscape he’s crafted touches on numerous sonic aesthetics. Jesser imbues Tori Kelly’s boy-band hearkening original with a contemporary electronic hip-hop swing and pop sensibility that has us drawing up comparisons to pre-radio AlunaGeorge. Buzzy leads and pitched vocals give the tune’s strong melody all of the necessary breathing room to blossom into a blissed-out revision, and it delivers in spades. We’ve also gotten word that Lincoln Jesser’s already back in the studio working on more original material to follow on this latest angle to his rapidly developing sound. 

Stream Lincoln Jesser’s “Should’ve Been Us” remix above.

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