The Music Ninja » Interview

[EXCLUSIVE] Chris Lake – My Top Five Favorite Tracks

Clayton Warwick — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:30:30 +0000

We ask “What are you listening to right now”, and get a nice five-track playlist. We really love these posts because it’s always intriguing to get a glimpse of an artist’s personal tastes. In our latest installment of the “My Top Five Favorite Tracks” we bring you a select playlist from the Scotland born DJ/Producer Chris Lake. The description with each track is his own thoughts on why he chose it as one of his top five favorites right now.

1. Chris Lake – Build up [Ultra] – My new one, and it doesn’t mess around! Straight to the jugular music for those parties where you want to send the crowd crazy!

2. John Dahlback – Grunge [Mutants] – This guy is on fire right now. The bassline on this is insane!!!!!!!!

John Dahlback – GrungeDownload audio file (01 Grunge (Original Mix).mp3)

3.Taurus & Vaggeli – Transporter EP [Rising Music] – I love these guys, but they’re some of the biggest pranksters on the planet. They also make fantastic club tracks, and these are 2 of the best examples. Played them both throughout my summer residency on the Amnesia terrace in Ibiza, and they were both highlights.

4. Hatiras, Will Bailey, Nom De Strip – Swagnum P.I. [Hatrax Records] – BRILLIANT club tool. This was a big part of my shows I played with deadmau5 over the holiday period. Drives the crowd insane!

Hatiras, Will Bailey, Nom De Strip – Swagnum P.I.Download audio file (Swagnum P.I. (Original Mix).mp3)

5. Tommy Trash – Monkey See Monkey Do [Rising Music] – Tommy Trash is the hottest dance producer to come out of Australia since Dirty South, and he knows how to nail big room tracks with real attitude. One of my favorite producers right now, and a top bloke to boot.

Tommy Trash – Monkey See Monkey Do Download audio file (Monkey-See-Monkey-Do-Original-Mix.mp3)

[EXCLUSIVE] Absofacto – My Top Five Favorite Songs

Clayton Warwick — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:37:49 +0000

Absofacto is one of our favorites here at The Music Ninja. This Michigan musician is known for his calm, electronic style of indie-pop, free EPs, and his intriguing album covers. After posting a few of his tracks, we realized that not only is he a talented musician but based on his style, he has an ethereal view on music. Which is why we had to ask, what are your top five favorite songs right now and why? His choices and answers are below.

Gaslamp Killer – MonsterfromtheundergroundDownload audio file (05 Monsterfromtheunderground.mp3)

This track is so frustrating. The first minute is so amazing, just a seriously filthy grind, and then it dissolves into this long noise part that closes out the EP. The noise part is great too, but I’d give anything for the beat come back in at about 1:38 and keep developing for another couple minutes. Thankfully, if you listen to it on repeat, it kind of has that effect. I’ll just have to do that until his new LP comes out this year.

Panthu du Prince – A Nomad’s RetreatDownload audio file (05 Pantha Du Prince – A Nomads Retreat.mp3)

The whole album, not just a single song. Though if I had to pick just one, “A Nomads Retreat” is a prime candidate. I don’t think I could ever get sick of this record. What is there to get sick of? It’s paced and constructed exactly as I hope life can be. A simple, clean pulse steadily driving you forward and though you pass through clouds of beauty, mystery, and intrigue, you never lose your path. On it’s own terms, it’s as close to perfect as I’ve ever heard.

Fiona Apple – Tymps (The Sick In The Head Song)Download audio file (Fiona Apple – Tymps.mp3)

I hadn’t ever heard Extraordinary Machine until recently, and it’s completely brilliant all the way through… but this song stands out to me as something special. The exact combination of elements is just unlike anything else I’ve come across. I love the dry, thick vocal sound, and the way the emotional tone changes from cynical to wistful and back from line to line just on the movement of the chords.

Gorillaz – Empire AntsDownload audio file (empire-ants-gorillaz1.mp3)

It’s no secret I have a lifelong admiration of pretty much everything Damon Albarn has done with music, and the first part of the song is nice and all… but it’s the second half with Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon that is the reason I’ve listened to this a million times instead of only a hundred. That bassline! That melody!

St. Vincent – Year of the TigerDownload audio file (amgsua4x1n2kledxpdu6.mp3)

The only track from 2011 that I immediately thought of for this list. I can’t listen to St. Vincent unless I’m going to sit there and just stare at the speakers. Her music too absorbing and fascinating (and occasionally jarring and confusing) to safely or effectively do anything else while listening. If I ever wreck my car, I’m sending Annie Clark a bill.

[Exclusive] Zeds Dead’s Top 5 Favorite tracks of 2011

Clayton Warwick — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:37:35 +0000

With 2011 fading away in the rear view, we wanted to know what were some of songs that artists enjoyed for that year. You have to admit, there was a lot to choose from, which is why we’ll let the experts decide. First up in our Top 5 of 2011 series is neck-breakin’, beat-droppin’ bad boys, Zeds Dead. Check out their list of their five favorite songs from 2011, in no particular order.

Make sure to keep an eye on Zeds Dead soundcloud for their EP, Adrenaline, which is due out January 23rd!

Toddla T ft. Wayne Marshal and Skream – Streets So Warm (iTunes)
Toddla T – ‘Streets So Warm’ feat. Wayne Marshall & Skream by toddla_t

iTunes: Chris Brown- Look At Me Now Ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes (iTunes)
Download audio file (Look At Me Now Ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes.mp3)

The Weeknd – What You NeedDownload audio file (i6hbvosxxs.mp3)

Tyler the Creator – yonkers (iTunes)Download audio file (02-yonkers.mp3)

Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Noisia Remix) (Beatport)Download audio file (01 Raise Your Weapon (Noisia Remix).mp3)

[Need Feedback] The Music Ninja Shirts! (Coming Soon)

The Music Ninja — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:29:11 +0000

Before I say anything I want to tell you guys that we are very excited for this new step for the site. We have always wanted to print out shirts and are very committed to value and feel of the shirt. You are the reason we are doing this, we have kickass fans!

These designs are NOT FINAL, they are merely tentative designs that were provided to us and we are going to have to make the choice of what shirt we would like to print out first.

Design A:
I love the concept of this shirt, it still needs some work as I do not like the 80′s font. It has so much aggression but it still has the abstract vintage look that anyone could wear. I want to get your feedback to see what would you like done to it or would you wear it as is?

Design B:
This might be the second design we print out if we sell a lot of the Design A shirts. I love this shirt because it has OUR BELOVED LOGO! super kickass with a lot of attitude yet looks very clean and it perhaps will appeal more to the hardcore ninja fans.

So please comment on our facebook photo page with your feedback (or bellow this post, we just want to keep this organized). Whether it is a simple “Its cool” to an explanation what you like more than the other (or both). You guys are the reason we are doing this, we have kick ass fans.

Give us feedback here

[Download] The Music Ninja Christmas Mega Post (+130 MP3, 7 zip’s +1GB)

The Music Ninja — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:11:30 +0000

This was going to be a Thanksgiving post but due to the massive amount of work to put this list together, things got delayed a bit. Here at the music ninja we don’t just post about the awesome songs we come across every day, we are also here to make your job as music listeners a little easier.

We have compiled some of our favorite songs we blogged (and didn’t blog) over the last couple of weeks. Yes you heard it right, we are only going a few weeks back! Almost all these songs are completely fresh of the oven. This is not saying a couple from the beginning of the year didn’t slip through but we hope this makes it easier for you to find what you like. This is DEFINITELY NOT a “Best of” list but more like a fun and concise collection of songs following the great genres we blog every day.

Please share this post with everyone you know!

We are confident that a great gift you can give your music loving friends is a link to this page

INDIE/FOLK/HIP/HOP/ELECTRONICA

Some of our favorite indie tracks we have posted in the last couple of weeks. Download zip bellow.

Download Zip: Part 1 (166mb) – Part 2 (92mb) [mediafire]

Download: 65Daysofstatic – Come to Me ft. Robert_Smith
Download: Alex Clare -Caroline
Download: Awolnation – sail
Download: AzR – Thank You Steve
Download: Brick+Mortar – For Yellow Walls
Download: Brick+Mortar – Heatstroke
Download: Coeur de pirate – Ava
Download: Coeur de pirate – Saint-Laurent
Download: Cultfever – Knew You Well
Download: Dog Is Dead – Hands Down
Download: Feist – Pine Moon
Download: FLASHLIGHTS -New Hampshire
Download: Florence and The Machine – Shake It Out Remix (Feat. The Weeknd)
Download: Friends – Im His Girl
Download: Home Covers – The Flame
Download: Home Video – A Quiet Place
Download: Hoodie Allen – James Franco
Download: Hudson – Against The Grain
Download: Megafaun – Hope You Know
Download: Mumford and Sons – Ghost That We Knew
Download: Oh Land – Bloodbuzz Ohio (National Cover)
Download: Papertwin – Coma
Download: Peter Peter Feat. Cour De Pirate – Tergiverse
Download: Phantogram – Don’t Move
Download: Phoenix – 1901 (Birdy Cover)
Download: Rostam – Wood
Download: Saukrates – Say I
Download: Hungry Kids of Hungary – Scattered Diamonds
Download: Scattered Trees – Five Minutes
Download: Tahiti 80 – Easy
Download: The Color Bars – Mustached Messiah
Download: The Colors Bars = Structupoppie Rally
Download: The Dodos – So Cold
Download: The Rubens – Lay it down
Download: The Weeknd – Initiation
Download: Washed Out – Call It Off
Download: Youth Lagoon – Afternoon

Download Zip: Part 1 (166mb) – Part 2 (92mb) [mediafire]

DUBSTEP

DUBSTEP. DUBSTEP. DUBSTEP. Our favorite tracks that we posted, and many others that we didn’t. TURN IT UP!

Download ZIP: Part 1 (165mbs) – Part 2 (163mbs) [mediafire]

Download: 23- FUCK YOU (If You Like This Song)
Download: Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone (TBMA Remix)
Download: AWOLNATION – Sail (ill-esha Remix)
Download: Bare – Dirtybit
Download: Bassnectar – Voodoo
Download: Camo & Krooked – James Bond Theme-Rework
Download: Boys Noize – Arcade Robot (Sound Remedy Remix)
Download: Bullwack – Need by Eddy (Bullwack Remix)
Download: Caesars – Jerk It Out ( Sawgood remix )
Download: CAZZETTE – The Shining (Original Halloween Mix )
Download: Celldweller – Disposable War Pigs (Celldweller Klash-Up)
Download: David Guetta – Titanium feat. Sia (Eos Remix)
Download: Eos – Moves Like Jagger (Eos Remix)
Download: EXAMPLE – Changed The Way You Kiss Me (Creeptown Remix)
Download: Excision And Downlink – crowd control (original mix)
Download: Figure – Dominate
Download: Figure – The Monsters Revenge (Vinnie Maniscalco Remix)
Download: Figure — This is Halloween
Download: FS & Reid Speed – Bass Monster (Calvertron Remix)
Download: GRiZ – Where Is The Love
Download: Helicopter Showdown + IB – Gucci Gucci by Kreayshawn (Helicopter Showdown and IB Remix)
Download: Katy B – Katy On A Mission (Vinnie Maniscalco Edit)
Download: LIPS – Everything To Me (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix)
Download: m83 – Midnight City (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix)
Download: Midnight Conspiracy – Discord (Tolgar Remix)
Download: Mr. Little Jeans – The Suburbs (Cry Wolf Remix)
Download: Rollz – Plugged In (Bassnectar Remix)
Download: Skrillex & Feed Me – Loud Noises
Download: Skrillex & Nero – Promises (Beatnox Bootleg Remix)
Download: Spencer & Hill ft. Nadia Ali – Believe It (Cazzette’s Androids Sound Hot Remix)
Download: Starkillers + Alex Kenji ft. Nadia Ali – Pressure (Zomboy Remix)
Download: T.I ft. Christina Aguilera – Castle Walls (fAux Dubstep Remix)
Download: The Mavrik – Sexy And I Know It by LMFAO (The Mavrik Remix)
Download: Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know (Feed Me Cover)

Download ZIP: Part 1 (165mbs) – Part 2 (163mbs) [mediafire]

ELECTRO/FILTH/PROGRESSIVE/TECHNO

Download ZIP: Part 1 (186mbs)- Part 2 (184mbs) [mediafire]

From electro filth, goosebumping progressive and completely catchy techno, a great collection to dance your ass off to.
Download: The Rapture – How Deep Is Your Love? (A-Trak Dub aka Dub For Mehdi)
Download: Alesso – Raise Your Head (Alvin Doe Reboot)
Download: Baskerville – Devils Town (Bart B Mores Stuiter Remix)
Download: Bingo Players – Rattle
Download: Cal State Anthem feat. Kissed With A Noise The M Machine Remix
Download: Rihanna – California King Bed – Bassjackers Club Mix
Download: Calvin Harris vs. Hardwell – Feel So Cobra (Doctor Dave Bootleg)
Download: Chris Lake – Sundown (Laidback Luke Remix)
Download: Diplo & Oliver Twist – GO (Peace Treaty Remix)
Download: Duck Sauce – Big Bad Wolf (Dada Life Remix)
Download: Erick Morillo – Break Down The Doors (Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike Deep Down Dirty 2011 Mix)
Download: Felguk – Blow Out (Lazy Richs Impossible Remix)
Download: Housse De Racket – Roman (Alvin Risk Remix)
Download: Jerry Rekonius – Powahbunga (Original Mix)
Download: Kaskade – Turn It Down (Le Castle Vania Remix)
Download: Kaskade and Dada Life Feat. Dan Black – Ice
Download: Knife Party – Internet Friends
Download: Knife Party – Tourniquet – Original Mix
Download: Markus Schulz pres.Dakota – Miami (Extended Mix)
Download: Steve Aoki & Afrojack – No Beef Ft. Miss Palmer (Panic City & Supersede Remix)
Download: Nom De Strip TJR feat. Sue Cho – My Life (Original Mix)
Download: Pitbull feat Marc Antony – Rain Over Me (Stas Rich Remix)
Download: Porter Robinson – Unison (Mikkas Remix)
Download: Robbie Rivera – Funkatron (Tocadisco Remix)
Download: SHM vs Knife Party vs. Tim Berg – Alcohol Antidote (Pressure 12 Step Bootleg)
Download: Singapore Swing – Original Mix
Download: Steve Forte Rio & Lindsey Ray – Slumber (Tommy Trash Remix)
Download: Swedish House Mafia – Save The World (Tune Brothers Bootleg Mix)
Download: The Bloody Beetroots – Church Of Noise 1
Download: Tiesto – Maximal Crazy (Bassjackers Remix)
Download: Yeah! Woho! – Pushing (Canblaster Remix)
Download: zedd – shave it (501_remix)
Download: Zedd – Stars Come Out

Download ZIP: Part 1 (186mbs)- Part 2 (184mbs) [mediafire]

HOUSE/PROGRESSIVE

A couple of housy tunes that came across our way while we searched the webz

Stream
Download audio file (28i3.mp3)
Download audio file (28i4.mp3)
Download audio file (28i5.mp3)
Download audio file (28i7.mp3)
Download audio file (28i8.mp3)
Download audio file (28ia.mp3)
Download audio file (28ib.mp3)
Download audio file (28id.mp3)
Download audio file (28ie.mp3)
Download audio file (28if.mp3)

Download Zip Here (123mbs) [mediafire]

Download: Kap Slap – Kaskade Found Love (Rihanna x Nero x Chrizz Luvly)
Download: Avicii & Axwell & Bob Sinclar feat. Ron Carroll – Wonderful Levels (higHPosition Edit)
Download: Coldplay vs. Dirty South & Those Unusual Suspects – Every Teardrop Walking Alone (Project 46 Mashup)
Download: Deadmau5 – Aural Psynapse (Myndset Remix)
Download: Deniz Koyu vs. Kaskade – It’s you, It’s Hertz (Sunny Ventura Mashup)
Download: Goodwill & Hook N Sling – Take You Higher (Club Mix)
Download: Kaskade vs. Deniz Koyu – Its You Its Hertz (Kaskade Mash Up)
Download: Kelly Rowland – Down For Whatever (DJ Chuckie Remix)
Download: Muttonheads & Eden Martin – Going Away (Bodybangers Remix)
Download: Pitbull feat. Marc Anthony – Rain Over Me (APPLE JUICE Remix 2011)

Download Zip Here (123mbs) [mediafire]

MOOMBAHTON

Not the most complete list of Moombahton tracks, but definitely one that everyone should have. Some of the best we have heard this year.

Stream:
Download audio file (28ig.mp3)
Download audio file (28ih.mp3)
Download audio file (28ii.mp3)
Download audio file (28ij.mp3)
Download audio file (28il.mp3)
Download audio file (28im.mp3)
Download audio file (28in.mp3)
Download audio file (28io.mp3)
Download audio file (28ip.mp3)
Download audio file (28iq.mp3)

Download ZIP here (101mbs) [mediafire]

Download: David Heartbreak – Moombahma (Munchi Edit)
Download: babySTEPS – moomGAEton (Original Mix)
Download: CSS – Hits Me Like A Rock (Dillon Francis Remix)
Download: Dada Life – Unleash The Fucking Moombah! (Crowd Control remix)
Download: Deviance – 93 Million (2Deep Moombahton remix)
Download: Diplo – Horsey (Lazerdisk Party Sex Remix)
Download: Heartbreak & Toddla T – Blaze Up (BabySTEPS Remix)
Download: Arehouse – Hijo De Puta
Download: Porter Robinson – 100% In The Bitch
Download: Willy Joy – A Woman Like Me (Dillon Francis Remix)

Download ZIP here (101mbs) [mediafire]

DISCO/FUNKY/DANCE/OTHERS

This was all the other amazing tracks that did not fit the other categories, nevertheless they are all a must have for some funky melodic ass shaking readers out there.

Stream:
Download audio file (28hp.mp3)
Download audio file (28hq.mp3)
Download audio file (28hr.mp3)
Download audio file (28hs.mp3)
Download audio file (28ht.mp3)
Download audio file (28hu.mp3)
Download audio file (28hv.mp3)
Download audio file (28hw.mp3)
Download audio file (28hx.mp3)
Download audio file (28hy.mp3)
Download audio file (28hz.mp3)
Download audio file (28i0.mp3)

DOWNLOAD Zip (144mb) [mediafire]

Download: Chrome Sparks- All There Is (Feat. Steffaloo)
Download: CITIZENS – True Romance (Gigamesh Remix)
Download: DJ Fresh vs Daft Punk – Something About Gold Dust (Jimi Needles Blend)
Download: Firebeatz vs. Antranig – Whores Like That (Simon Sky Bootleg)
Download: Guy J & Henry Saiz – Meridian (Pryda Remix)
Download: Jacques Lu Cunt – Reload
Download: Justice – Newlands (The Blisters Boyz Remix)
Download: Kamp! – Cairo (Moullinex Remix)
Download: Mr. A & Something Good – B.A.B.E. (Lenno Remix)
Download: PH Electro – Stereo Mexico (Original Mix)
Download: The Boomzers – We Are Back (The S Remix)
Download: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Dream On

DOWNLOAD Zip (144mb) [mediafire]

GIFT THIS POST! Share it! (fb/twitter)

[GIVEAWAY!] Kings Of Leon DVD – Talihina Sky

Paul Martin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:17:56 +0000

Win a the new Kings Of Leon DVD ‘Talihina Sky – The Story of Kings Of Leon’ simply by tagging @ The Music Ninja on your Facebook status with some reference to the competition. Make your you’ve liked the page first here so you can tag in your status update. We have 3 DVD packs to give away so get tagging!

The Music Ninja review:

I must admit, I knew I’d love this DVD before i even watched it. As a big Kings Of Leon fan, their early years have always fascinated me. Coming from a strong evangelical background, regularly told that rock music was the devils music and traveling round with their preacher father – the band should never have become the forefront of rock and roll.

As it happens, they did… and this documentary gives you a real insight into their on going stuggle with their roots and how it fits into their new life of sex, drugs and rock & roll.

Slight word of warning – subtitles are a common need in the movie as rednecks are especially hard to understand – especially to an englishman!

This is a must for any KOL fan so pick up the dvd from their website or even better, enter our competition above to win your own copy!

[Dubstep] Clash of the Titans: James Blake’s Bash on American Brostep

James pagliuca — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:14:44 +0000

In the last few years, the dubstep genre has grown from an underground south London subculture into a world wide phenomenon. In the past year alone, dubstep has exploded into the international musical mainstream in a way that is unprecedented by any other style in our generation. That explosion has created an overwhelming amount of diversity among production styles, which has caused some stylistic rifts between dubstep producers and subgenres. In an interview with Boston newspaper The Phoenix, London R&B singer/dubstep producer James Blake had this to say about the steppers across the pond:

I think the dubstep that has come over to the US, and certain producers — who I can’t even be bothered naming — have definitely hit upon a sort of frat-boy market where there’s this macho-ism being reflected in the sounds and the way the music makes you feel. And to me, that is a million miles away from where dubstep started. It’s a million miles away from the ethos of it. It’s been influenced so much by electro and rave, into who can make the dirtiest, filthiest bass sound, almost like a pissing competition, and that’s not really necessary. And I just think that largely that is not going to appeal to women. I find that whole side of things to be pretty frustrating, because that is a direct misrepresentation of the sound as far as I’m concerned.

Brostep. The music that American frat-boys listen to for three to six weeks before claiming to be “really into electronic.” The ecstasy riddled raver culture that sprung up out of nothingness and is now pervasive among the American youth. In short, this:

So what’s to make of it all? Is Blake right? Have Americans bastardized “true” dubstep into a sensationalist, testosterone filled “pissing contest”? That much I can’t say. I don’t claim to be nearly so skilled (or pretentious) to be able to identify the “ethos” of musical styles as Blake apparently can. But I can see what he’s getting at; the appearance of an ignorant, meat-headed, die-hard dubstep audience in America has led to the popularity of numerous unskilled amateur producers who know little more than how to drop a beat.

But what does that mean? Is Brostep just a fad created by unskilled American riff raff? Will dirty drops and wobble bass be forever remembered as the disco of our generation? Yes and no. In an interview on BBC Radio 1, Rusko summarizes my thoughts perfectly.

It’s not heavy metal. I’ve been in America touring for a long time and even more so they just want it as hard as you can. They’re like ‘Rusko, I want you to melt my face off tonight! Play the hardest you’ve got!’ And I’m like, it’s not about playing the hardest, hardest tracks for an hour and a half. That’s like someone screaming in your face.

Hard tracks have a time and a place. The best DJs know that. That’s why Rusko has Everyday, Bassnectar has Timestretch and Skrillex has Ruffneck (Flex). Hard drops need build up, and the spirit of dubstep isn’t just having your face melted by the dirtiest bass there is. Anyone who thinks it is will quickly grow tired of the monotonous “face screaming” style that some amateur producers have come to bank on. Either that, or the macho-ist dubstep subgenre will soon grow as irrelevant as their heavy metal counter parts. The American obsession with the hardest dubstep possible is bound to fade with time.

But then that begs the question, “how hard is too hard?” Can there be any heavy bass that doesn’t cross the line between the original ethos of dubstep and an untalented, macho-ist pissing contest? That much is a matter of opinion. Being the soulful R&B/dub producer that he is, James Blake’s utter rejection of dirty bass in the genre is understandable. If you’re down for the dirty, more power to you. If you’re not, that’s cool too. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s hard to argue with the numbers.

Case in point, Skrillex, in the span of one calendar year, has gone from being a virtual unknown to an international DJ sensation. He has played Ibiza, and sells out shows in America, Europe and the UK. And although he is a polarizing figure, with about as many people who love him as hate him, he has an enormous audience. His style could be a bastardization of original dubstep, macho-ist, or the electronic version of death metal, but whatever it is, people love it. So while heavy bass might not be in the original spirit of the genre, it damn sure is popular.

In the end, that’s pretty much what it comes down to. How else can we define good music other than what people like? If Skrillex and the rest of the dirty dubstep producers can garner this much attention in this short of time, doesn’t it kinda seem like they’re onto something? Whether or not you like it, agree with its ethos, or acknowledge it as in line with its genre’s original spirit, they do what people like. How can you fault them for that?

[Interview/EDC Vegas] DROP THE LIME

Taylor — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:55:35 +0000

I have to say, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to interview a lot of amazing, talented artists. But certainly, never had I laughed so much as I did than when I had the privilege to interview one of the EDM world’s most future-thinking and fearlessly unconventional artists, Drop the Lime. There’s a lot to say about those rare artists who not only exhibit such an exceptionally compelling presence in their public life and present so much passion on stage, BUT WHO ARE ALSO so genuinely personable and sincerely modest face-to-face.

A very proud homegrown New Yorker, Drop the Lime, born Luca Venezia, rolls down the road of life in a 1950s Cadillac El Dorado and to the beat of his own heavy-rearing drum line – always with a smirk on his face and his gold-plated tooth gleaming. He is a self-proclaimed “dapper night creature”: a man of ever-evolving, globally-transitive sound combined with era-transcending audio concepts, that are intentionally light-years and many happy days ahead of most public comprehension. In other words, Drop the Lime’s productions are aurally intriguing as they are bizarrely infectious: Creole-booty bass, honky tonk techno, and déjà vu Doo Wop house all brought to the table with unparalleled sonic swank. And that’s only just the first track.

Drop the Lime founded AND actively runs taste-shaping label Trouble & Bass: the label arguably responsible for initially igniting the fire that caused New York City’s hip-centric dance explosion. Trouble & Bass is not only an industry-approved namesake across the EDM realm, it’s the fulcrum of next level big bass and genre-reimagining eclecticism. The label, commanded by Drop the Lime and its key members such as AC Slater, Mikix the Cat, Little Jinder among many others run an ever-evolving audio institution that has help put the US-born electronic music on the global map.

Thus unsurprisingly, his label’s industry-wide influence and of course his irrefutably distinctive original productions have far from gone unnoticed. Drop the Lime signed a worldwide partnership deal with globally-renowned electronic music imprint ULTRA MUSIC for the Fall 2011 release of his forthcoming debut album ENTER THE NIGHT, thus joining the ranks of fellow label mates & world-wide EDM giants DEADMAU5, WOLFGANG GARTNER, BENNY BENASSI, and THE BLOODY BEETBOOTS, among countless others.

And despite all the bragging rights this guy has and very much deserves to exert, the Luca is still one helluva nice guy that’s unquestionably excited and passionate about everything he does; it would be remiss of me to not mention also – the guy has just got unbelievably impeccable style.

Drop The Lime – Hot As Hell (Canblaster Remix).mp3Download audio file (Hot As Hell (Canblaster Remix).mp3)

TheMusicNinja.com got a chance to chat with DROP THE LIME at the ~~happiest~~ most colorfully bizarre place on Earth, at Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas no doubt. Despite the fact our microphone couldn’t ever be even half as cool as his chic as chrome-plated Big Elvis-style microphone he uses in his live sets, DTL still graciously took the time to talk to us about his forthcoming album, the latest happening over at Trouble & Bass, and even to point out some of EDC’s intrinsically bizarre curiosities.

The Music Ninja: Since you haven’t played your set yet, is there anyone here at EDC you are particularly excited to see?

Drop The Lime: Well, It is crazy because the line-up itself consists of so many friends, so it is good to see everybody all in the same place… Out in the desert in this crazy heat! But I really want to check out Skream & Benga, I just saw [Bloody] Beetroots (who were great!).

TMN: Very cool! So tell me, what do you have planned for your performance tonight, anything new?

Drop The Lime: A lot of new stuff! A lot of new stuff of my own and a lot new stuff from Trouble & Bass. But it’s the 3:30 slot; it’s a festival, and people are going to get a little crazy, so I am going to play pretty hard tonight!

TMN: I know you have a couple of new things coming out for us in the near future, can you tell us a little bit about them?

Drop the Lime: Yes, I have a single to my album “Hot As Hell” which just dropped, that has a little bit of rockabilly influence with kind of a house music sound. And the new album “Enter the Night” is dropping this Fall!

TMN: And the new album is going to fall on a more rockability sound?

Drop The Lime: Yes! It’s got kind of a “western outlaw vibe mixed with ‘escaped from New York,’ after Midnight.”

TMN: I like it! Other than “Hot as Hell“, is there a new track on the album that you are particularly excited about?

Drop The Lime: I am excited about ALL THE TRACKS! (laughs)

TMN: HA! Ok but I mean is there one particular track that you know in your mind is going to make people just go absolutely bonkers?!

Drop The Lime: Ah Yes! I did a cover of Ghost Riders‘ “On the Storm”, so yea it is kind of a twist on that. I played the riff [on my guitar]- I do it “Duane Eddy style.” And it’s dropping in the Fall!

TMN: How do you feel about EDC being in Vegas this year?

Drop The Lime: This is insane, Vegas alone is nuts, this place where crazy things happen you know? The reputation is true… (stares out window, eyes widen) As I’m starring out at this blob guy walking around!? is that a reflection a blob guy!? Or wait here he comes. Oh it’s just a giant sparkly cucumber.

TMN: Jesus that’s either a mirage or I think we’re both hallucinating from the heat!

Drop the Lime: HA! This whole sight is amazing, this racetrack is crazy. It’s crazy!

TMN: I think there is a lot going on here and a lot of great energy and having you being a part of it I definitely think adds especially a lot to the Neon Garden stage, where you are playing, which has got the most eclectic stage by far… So, obviously you will have a lot of great originals that you plan to drop tonight but is there any one track that you’re excited to drop from a different artist?

Drop the Lime: Yes. I really like the new Dr Gonzo tune, Springer. I am a big fan of that tune, because it’s kinda goofy. I did a little edit of my own and played the riff with my guitar, kind of twanged it up even more. I am excited to play that, and some new Zombies for Money (these guys from Portugal).

TMN: Are there any breakout artists this year that you are particularly excited about?

Drop The Lime: I really love this kid Samo Soundboy, who is actually from L.A., California. Canblaster, he’s been getting a lot more hype lately… and Pantero 666… Really that whole crew coming out of Paris, really strong. I love that sound.

TMN: Let’s move to your label Trouble & Bass, is there is anything new that coming out that you’re really excited about?

Drop the Lime: Yes! We have a brand new AC Slater single, we’ve got a new Star Eyes single, and a new Little Jinder single. We’ve lot more melodic material. I am just trying to push the label as a more diverse label, rather than being pigeon-holed as hardcore heavy dance.

TMN: It’s good to have a bit of diversity going on, although there is nothing wrong with the hardcore dance!

Drop the Lime: No not at all! We’ll have both!

TMN: You’ve been traveling about and you’ve been apart of some pretty exciting events this year. Is there any one experience that really stands out in your mind?

Drop The Lime: Phew! I played Toronto recently, and it was just nuts! It is always fun when you see people singing along to the song, and getting crazy. I have been doing a live band as well, and we did L.A., New York, D.C. and Montreal. That whole run for the first time was just amazing. We will be doing that [live band] in the Fall, on a new whole tour.

TMN: So how was it making your first music video for “Hot as Hell”? Did it feel kinda cheesy like MTV “Making the Video”?

Drop The Lime: HA! It’s funny, you have to pull influences from pop videos but then get them a little dirty, make them more underground. It was weird too because we had these guys, LoveHate from London directing it, telling us what to do and they were like, “We are gonna start the video out and you will be naked and -” and I was like, “Uhh, no. No I am not! I am NOT starting out the video naked!!” (Laughs) So we met half way and did topless instead. Which is fine. I’m not starting a video naked.

TMN: Amen! They should buy you a drink first at least right!?

Drop The Lime: Ha!

As always here at The Music Ninja, we will have you dialed in as soon as a date for the release of DROP THE LIME’S debut full-length album ENTER THE NIGHT is announced. ‘Til then, enjoy Drop the Lime’s topless debut in his video for his first single of the album “Hot as Hell” below!

And if you are in Hollywood don’t for get to see him tonight @ Avalon.

By: Taylor Doms (Founder/ TheMixster.com & self-identified Trouble & Bass fanatic)

[Interview] In Depth Talk with Boreta of The Glitch Mob + NEW EP Released TODAY

Taylor — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:56:57 +0000

While we hold the utmost respect for all electronic dance music artists/producers in the highest regard, there has to be something said, and an even greater level of admiration denoted to those rare artists who bring to life their studio sounds. Who take on the exceptional task of performing their electronic productions LIVE, and at the same level and audio potential they were intended to be heard.

One prime example of artists, who have been recognized world-wide for their next level performance endeavors is LA-based three piece The Glitch Mob – who continually distinguish themselves as true performance artists in not only the Electronic realm, but across the entire spectrum of music as a whole.

In just the last year, not only have they successful finished an extensive full-scale tour for their premiere album, “Drink the Sea”, but they’ve also performed at nearly all of the largest festivals around the world, including Electric Zoo Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Red Rocks. And of course, not forgetting to mention, their massively-anticipated forthcoming performance at mega-Chicago-based gathering, Lollapalooza.

Despite their intense tour schedule, The Glitch Mob found time to return to the studio when they were approached and asked to remix Daft Punk’s “Derezzed“, joining the prestigious short-list of EDM giants including Moby, The Crystal Method, Kaskade, involved in the official remix project titled “TRON Legacy: Reconfigured”.

Now The Glitch Mob are back again and delivering yet another installment of original productions: Their We Can Make the World Stop EP is being unleashed today July 12th – . The EP includes three all new sonic concoctions, that showcase TGM’s next level technologically-savvy sounds and undeniably hypnotic melodies. We featured Warrior Concerto just a few days ago and here is another preview for their song ‘We Can Make The World Stop’.

Buy The Glitch Mob – We Can Make The World StopDownload audio file (01 We Can Make The World Stop.mp3)

This should come to no surprise to our faithful ninja readers, but we at The Music Ninja (TMN), really really love The Glitch Mob. And because it has been ~~way too long~~ almost a year since our last interview with the boys, we decided it was more than time to reunite with our very favorite mob de glitch so they could catch us up on everything going down in their world, including their current tour and exciting forthcoming festival appearances, as well as about their über brilliant, brand new visual set-up. And what better place to do it than at the very happiest place on Earth – Electric Daisy Carnival, of course!

One-third of the mob, Justin, aka Boreta kindly took the time to chat with us about all the exciting developments going down within the ‘mob, giving us and you our delightful ninjas, an inside scope on the latest Glitch what’s whats and their new EP!!

The Music Ninja: What did you guys think about Electric Daisy Carnival this year!?

Justin TGM: EDC is amazing. Strictly from an artist perspective and my perception of the morality of the whole thing, the production is totally unbelievable.

There’s no other place in the world where we get to play on the stage with flame-throwers and a huge sound system and everything like that.

It was just awesome, we loved it.   And I think [EDC] felt a lot better being in Las Vegas. We were just concerned being apart of this whole thing where there’s under-age drug use and death, given what happened last year, so it was definitely a concern at the start. You know on a serious note, we want to obviously do something that does more good than harm… But everything, as far as I know, went very well and nobody died this weekend. It was fantastic and they put on such a good show, and they paid so much attention to every detail, and really blowing people’s minds with the sound. That effort they put in really means a lot to us because people hear it the way it’s supposed to be heard. And they did it, and they did it well. Having it in Vegas, there was a lot more breathing room as opposed to a smashed Sports Arena. No question the venue this year could definitely handle a lot more people. And it was great!

The Music Ninja: So according to a very vague email you guys sent out about 2 weeks ago, you guys have a new EP coming out on July 12th, “We Can Make the World Stop”. Let’s talk about it. How does your new EP differ soundwise from your previous album, “Drink the Sea“?

Justin TGM: You’re really just going to have to hear it to find out. There’s really not a lot I can say about it until people hear it. It’s a continuation of the same vision but it’s a new direction for us and cementing that idea.

For us, we like to be the type of artists who do something different each time… So it’s not like “Drink the Sea”, and it’s not like our old stuff; we feel like it’s different. And that’s kinda what came out.

But I think the music will speak for itself otherwise. But we’re playing most of these songs live on our tour so if you hop onto Youtube you can probably hear them now…

The Music Ninja (TMN): So the second to last song you guys played at EDC – that’s off the new EP huh?

Justin TGM: Yes that was the title track off the EP, “We Can Make the World Stop”.

TMN: Give me three words to describe the new EP.

Justin TGM: The Glitch Mob (laughs)

TMN: HA! Dammit! So I guess it’s all gonna be pretty vague until July 12th huh?

Justin TGM: (laughs)

TMN: So with the last album you guys had a couple of remix contests for your fans to participate in… Are you guys going to be doing a similar contest with this EP?

Justin TGM: No, this time we decided to change it up a little bit. Our main thing for this current period of time was really giving a nod out to our graphic designer fans out there, where we decided to do a merch design contest where we had people design the t-shirt for this tour. So we decided to focus on that instead of the music, because we had done that already and it was a way for us to get involved and interact with all the creative people in our fan base.

TMN: How about remix collaborations with other artists?

Justin: There are some talks of some remixes happening now but we can’t really talk about any of them just yet…

TMN: Alright well then tell me this: Who’s on your guys’ “wish list” to remix YOUR tracks?

Justin TGM: Ooo… You know a lot of them are just our friends… These aren’t people we’ve necessarily talked to recently because they’re always so busy but we keep talking about our friend Nosaj Thing doing a remix for us. But that’s also what’s part of being really good and busy is that we can never quite get them when they have free time… But hopefully one day we will get a remix from our boys!

TMN: Given The Glitch Mob’s intricate and technologically-forward live set-up, are there characteristics that particularly endear you guys to a particular venue? Venue qualities that enhance your performance or sound?

Justin TGM: There are just so many good venues around the country and there are pros and cons for each one, but at the basis of everything, it’s really all about the sound for us. So the venues with new, well-introduced sound systems are the ones that we really like. Even festivals too! We are really really excited to play at Lollapalooza, because the production company that puts it on really knows their sound. When you stand in front of the Lollapalooza sound system you can actually FEEL the music. You know for me, aside from just hearing it, really getting to FEEL it at festivals, is a really really cool experience. We’re actually playing a lot of places on this tour that we haven’t played before so it’s kind of hard to say, but we are really excited for [our show at] Terminal 5 in New York. They have a great sound system there. And yea, there’s so many new places actually but it’s kinda hard to say. The ultimate experience I want to say, if you want to come and really hear the music at 100% would be at Lollapalooza.

TMN: Outside of your own music, are there any particular artists or DJs you guys are excited about these days?

Justin TGM: You know, that’s one of our new favorite questions to answer as we are going on tour with some our favorite people. We have Com Truise is coming out on the road with us, who we actually hadn’t met before but we love his new record. And also Phantogram, who continually showed up on our playlists and we wondered to ourselves, “Wow, I wonder if these guys would like to tour with us!?” And fortunately they did! Also R/D who’s touring with us right now. Those are all just people that we really like and we’re happy to share the stage with. And also RJD2 is coming out with us to Terminal 5 in New York and also Club Nokia in LA. And we’re also playing a couple shows with Skrillex around the country who’s a good friend of ours and a super fun guy. We love his craziness. (Laughs)

TMN: Everyone knows you guys love your technology, so are there any new techie gadgets or programs you guys are diggin or even using these days?

Justin TGM: Actually there isn’t anything new that we’ve incorporated into our audio set this time around. The most fun thing we have are these electronic V drums that we play on stage, but aside from that we haven’t really gotten any new gear. We’ve kind of found a system that works but aside from the audio we’ve really upgraded the whole visual system. We have a lot of cool stuff going on behind the scenes to make the show happen and to make all the visuals be synced up, and everything like that.

TMN: The visual set-up you guys had at EDC was incredible, you guys aren’t obviously hauling that around the country with you for every show, right?!

Justin TGM: Yea what you saw at EDC will be at every show on our tour!

TMN: WOW. Like even at the small venue shows?!?!

Justin TGM: YES. We designed it to be modular, so it can shrink down or extend and get taller. We basically designed it to fit on a huge stage like at EDC or Red Rocks, and also to come apart like a puzzle to fit in smaller venues. We know it’s going to look awesome at a huge festival but it’s going to be really special when people in a small town get to come out and get to see like this huge, stadium-sized show at their local small venue.

TMN: Wow, that’s really awesome you guys are striving to do something special for your fans, even outside the festival territory. That’s no easy task…

Justin TGM: Yea it’s been a fun project for us.

TMN: Alright so what has been your favorite city on this tour thus far?

Justin TGM: The best show we’ve had thus far on our tour was in San Francisco. It was really just magical and kinda spiritual experience actually (laughs suspiciously…) for us to play. I mean that’s really where we got our start that’s where the whole thing really took off for us, was between San Francisco and Los Angeles. And we had a whole lot of family there, like my grandma came out to the show and my little sister. We had like a 65+ person guest list so it was more like a big family reunion/show, which was so awesome. We love our family, friends, and our fans dearly so it was a really amazing time for us, and there hasn’t been anything quite like it yet.

TMN: Alright Justin thank you so much for taking time once again to speak with us here at TheMusicNinja.com we are always thrilled to have the opportunity to catch-up with you guys so thank you once again and we look forward to hearing the new EP, “We Can Make the World Stop” when it drops July 12th, and to catching you guys on tour around the country!

Justin: Thanks so much we love The Music Ninja!

Be sure to scoop up The Glitch Mob’s new EP, “We Can Make the World Stop” when it drops on Tuesday, July 12th, and stay chooned to TheMusicNinja.com as always for potential exclusive tidbits that may or may not be released…

By: Taylor Doms (Founder; TheMixster.com)

[Catch-UP Playlist] What we missed late June 2011

The Music Ninja — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:24:59 +0000

June was a difficult month as I was traveling for personal reasons and at times it was hard to really hammer out some posts. With that said, all that is behind me and I dedicate this post to everyone that didn’t quite have the time to catch up on some new music. Not all songs below were released just on June but I have added others that I think we should have discovered sooner. ZIP Coming soon. Enjoy!