The Music Ninja

Latest posts

Play all

Steven Lee Covers FaderPro, His Musical Family, and the Black Mamba [TMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - November 19, 2015

Some of dance music fans out there might not be in tune with who Steven Lee is, and how much he influenced the scene they’re so heavily ensconced in, but we’re hoping to change that today.

At just 20 years old, Steven Lee had recently moved to NYC for business school, but as we often hear with so many talented musicians, life had other plans in store for this then unknown producer. Working at the #1 dance label in the world, Strictly Rhythm, he partnered up with the legendary producer Albert Cabrera, forming the iconic duo that so many came to know and love. What came out of this newly developed partnership? Only one of the most highly-touted records of all time – “Shake It (Move A Little Closer.” It quickly rose to the #1 dance record on the planet, garnering two Essential New Tune nods from Pete Tong, and a World Music Award nomination.

Since those early days, Lee has continued to produce music on his own, touring the world and playing for highly regarded clubs in the industry. As you’ll soon see, the future holds quite a bit of intrigue, as Lee is continually developing new tunes, as well as helping launch FaderPro, a new platform that should excite every aspiring producer out there.

TMN: Hey Steven. Thanks for taking some time to sit down with us. First up, let’s talk about this new project, FaderPro. Can you give our readers a quick elevator pitch on what it is?

Likewise and thanks for taking the time to hang with me, you guys have supported all my new Steven Lee music, appreciated.

FaderPro goes into the recording studios of the top names and films the production of a record from start to finish with the actual producer/DJ, then provides the same files used to make that record to the purchaser, so they too can follow along and re-create the same record that of their favorite DJ/Producer. We aren’t a tips & tricks company and we trim the fat by giving you the inside track of how the best in the world make their music.

Continue reading →

[Electronic] QUALIATIK – physicality

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - November 18, 2015

QUALIATIK
physicality

Buy

The wide world of “future” music pretty much can involve anything these days, but QUALIATIK‘s plan of attack involves a highly refined method of expression that is reflective of her current studies in neuroscience and her eager sense of liberating the constraints of tedious and flat music. She commands the entire process, from the production and vocals to the engineering and artwork, and “physicality” already has garnered support that demonstrates her capability as an all-inclusive artist.

Exhibiting elements of drum and bass, this tune touches on a message of transcendence, cutting through the psyche with a calculated path that not only hits home on a complex and higher plane, but thrives on the surface as a clean and pristine production with an attitude of purpose. QUALIATIK has a debut EP in the works, and this is quite the preview of what to expect when it drops some time next year. If you enjoy your music with a crystal clear directive, look no further, because QUALIATIK has you covered.

[Chill] Dream Koala – Synthetic Evolution

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 18, 2015

DREAM KOALA
Synthetic Evolution

Download

In light of the saddening tragedy that happened in Paris, French native Yndi Ferreira a.k.a Dream Koala has put out this unplanned release off of his upcoming EP. Titled “Synthetic Evolution”, this track starts off with ominous keys, followed by his signature vocals that will put listeners in a chilled mood. The lengthy buildup is yearning for the the soaring chorus which takes on quick drums and an beautifully eerie melody. Dream Koala succeeds once again in fusing his indie style with whatever genres he desires to explore.

We could really just appreciate the message Yndi is trying to convey. Released as a free download, “Synthetic Evolution” will be one of many other epic tunes off of Exodus EP that’s coming out December 4.

[Electronic] MIAMIGO – Last Summer

Posted by Hank - November 18, 2015

MIAMIGO
Last Summer

Soundcloud

The band Miamigo has been hard at work. Their previous releases have received a lot of critical attention and we are excited to present the group’s newest song. This Brighton-based band just released a track from their new EP, Soda Lime Love. It’s an easy listening jam called, “Last Summer.” The unique instruments, rhythms and crunchy guitar are definitely a signature sound. If you like Indy rock or pop-influenced electronic music you will probably love Miamigo. So listen to “Last Summer” and be sure to check out the rest of the new EP.

[Hip-Hop] LNDN DRGS – Hop Out

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 18, 2015

LNDN DRGS
HOP OUT

Download

LNDN DRGS, a hip-hop duo consisting of Compton emcee Jay Worthy and Vancouver producer Sean House, have been making waves for over a year now with their distinct brand of West Coast rap. Combining elements of 90s G-Funk and neon-80s production with confident laid-back flows, they’ve utilized clear influences to cultivate a niche all their own. Leading up to the release of their debut project, Aktive, LNDN DRGS have been dropping a steady stream of dope singles. For those not yet familiar, the duo’s latest release, “Hop Out,” serves as the perfect introduction. Falling right into its groovy bounce immediately, Worthy hops on accompanying the colorful production with a smooth, chilled-out delivery.

Aktive drops on November 26th aka Thanksgiving via Fool’s Gold Records. In the meantime, enjoy “Hop Out” above and the video for “Susan,” the previous single, below. Also, fun fact: Jay Worth is the step-brother of alt-pop superstar Grimes. Continue reading →

[Electronic] Whynnel – Murvan

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 18, 2015

Whynnel
Murvan

Buy

We were first introduced to Slovenian producer Whynnel upon the launch of Heroic Recordings‘ ominous, aptly-named counterpart Villain. “Mitzdi,” the first release from the mysterious beatsmith, established a sonic landscape that finds beauty and relaxation in its darkness. That saga continues with “Murvan,” a bleak but gorgeous composition. The song expands on Whynnel’s under-water aesthetic, which subdues sounds to the point where it feels like they are gasping for air. The true emotion in “Murvan” is driven by its subtle contrasts–reaching the greatest heights when the instrumentation peaks its head out for a breathe. Vibe out to this one-of-a-kind tune above and grab a copy here.

Electronic

SevnthWonder – Drift (Feat. Capsun) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - November 18, 2015

SevnthWonder
Drift (ft. CAPSUN)

Buy

As a producer, SevnthWonder reaches levels of consistency most other artists would be envious of. Considering the steady volume of material he churns out, it’s almost amazing that he’s constantly able to maintain such high standards of quality. His latest collaboration with CAPSUN, “Drift”, is no different. The future bass ditty is profound in its simplicity, as the Boston native creates a lush yet serene soundscape that’ll most assuredly cause all your worries to melt away. If magic carpets did exist–which, let’s be honest, would be pretty sweet–then you have to imagine this would be one of the first tracks on your playlist as you cruise around the world.

“Drift” is the latest single to be released as part of Hebinomichi‘s Vol. 3 compilation, which is currently rolling out daily track releases until the end of November. The 15 track compilation is comprised of original content from the collective’s expansive roster of talented artists and spans across a wide array of genres. Vol. 3 is also set to be a surrealist audio-visual exhibition, accompanied by a series of futuristic visual interpretations by artist Trent Kuhn who took inspiration from the songs themselves as well as images he saw during the Nepal earthquake disaster to create custom imagery for each individual tune. After hearing the full EP for ourselves, trust us when we say the project–which includes appearances from StéLouse, Maxx Baer, Tasty Treat, TIGERBLOOD and even more–is definitely one of the most creative releases from the collective yet. Stay tuned to their SoundCloud channel for the rest of the month to make sure you get your hands on all the goodies.