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[House] Justin Jay & Friends – Karma (ft. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 19, 2015

Justin Jay & Friends
Karma feat. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges

Soundcloud

Given his already-impressive track record, it’s crazy to think that Justin Jay is only 22 years old. The dorm-room house producer has already put out music through some of the most respected labels in electronic music, toured the world and been a TMN Resident Artist. Today, he launches a new chapter in his career: Justin Jay & Friends. The collective will be a collaborative project that combines Jay’s expertise in unique dance music with live instrumentation and indie vocalists.

Although we got a glimpse on his enormous, Benny Bridges-featuring official remix for Alison Wonderland, “Karma” is the first official, original release from Justin Jay & Friends. Opening appropriately with organic percussion and smooth vocals from Josh Taylor, it quickly becomes evident that this isn’t a run-of-the-mill house tune. Once Bridges’ guitar enters the equation, the song finds an incredible bluesy groove making for a seamless fusion of genres. Although quite different in its sound, the collision of underground dance and indie found on this track reminds us of some of Lane 8‘s work with Matthew Dear and Soloman Grey. This tune is also Justin Jay’s first release on UK label Black Butter and definitely leaves us excited for more. Vibe above.

Champagne Drip Discusses Cereal, Aliens, and New Single [TMN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - November 19, 2015

Champagne Drip
Moonlight

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Following his massive Journey Into The Champagne Sea project with Mad Decent, Champagne Drip returns with a crisp and energetic new single that encapsulates an extensive feeling of escapism. “Moonlight” floats along with a jubilant sense of wonder that crashes out of your speakers like a sonic tidal wave. It’s a testament to the overarching concept that Champagne Drip is striving to emulate, and it’s certainly one that looks to broaden the horizons of the perpetually fickle world that is electronic music. We were lucky enough to have a chat with the man himself, so we figured, since many interviews focused on his former approach of remaining anonymous, it’s time to flip the script and talk about a little ridiculousness with this compelling producer. Don’t miss out on the free download of “Moonlight” HERE, and catch him on December 1st at Beta Nightclub in Denver, courtesy of Vinnie Got Bass.

TMN: What three things are always inside your fridge or freezer, no matter what?

Champagne of course… Also I always have kimchi and miso stocked too. Can’t live without fermented stuff.

TMN: What’s the most embarrassing song or album in your collection?

Hmmmm. This is a tricky one because I have so many records that I should be embarrassed of but I’m proud to own them hahaha. Maybe Sheldon Allman’s “Songs for the 21st Centry”. I cringe every time it comes on shuffle and I usually skip it, but it’s hilarious.

TMN: If you were a box of cereal, which one would you be?

I think I would be a box of Freakies. My favorite breakfast cereal… Urkel-Os are pretty cool too.

TMN: If you could score the soundtrack to any TV show or movie, past or present, what would it be?

Oh man, tough question. I really would love to score a movie someday. Blade Runner keeps coming to mind. I would never want to contend with Vangelis on that soundtrack, but that movie is ripe for moody ambient scoring.

TMN: If aliens landed on earth and asked what music is, who would you play them first?

I would probably play Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” since I’m currently obsessed with that piece and used parts of it to write “Moonlight”. If not, I might play them Ween’s “The Pod” just to see what they thought.

Be sure to stay connected with Champagne Drip on SoundCloud, Facebook, and Twitter.

[G-House/Future] Public Enemy – Bring The Noise (Felon Bootleg) [TMN Premiere]

Posted by Matthew Bloss - November 19, 2015

Public Enemy
Bring The Noise (Felon Bootleg)

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I’ve got to say, nothing quite riles the morning vibe like some hip-hop flavored house music; which luckily for us the London house trio of Archie Ward, George Renwick and James Levey, or Felon as we’ve grown to know them, delivered the perfect remedy for a bit of Thursday afternoon hip-shaking. A few months back we had the distinct pleasure of premiering Felon’s pounding deep-house remix of Toyboy & Robin’s “Save Me Now”, and today the club-made triumvirate is back with another thumping revision; this time a bootleg of genre-defining hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy and their biggest single “Bring The Noise”. Felon checks all of the typical G-House boxes with their latest remix: a pitched down and powerfully recognizable rap vocal, clear emphasis on an insanely catchy and pounding analog bassline, and darker atmospherics, while simultaneously sprinkling a classic house shuffled hi-hat and kick-clap percussion line, and an airy breakdown which all wonderfully flirts with their shifting sonic terrain.

It’s apparent that Felon has long since outgrown their hit “Isla” and have been adding a different piece to their production puzzle with every passing release, and their Bright Young Things collective, who’s expanding roster features a few more TMN favorites Sebastian Carter & DE$iGNATED, has shown off even more of the trio’s tastemaking ability. As our expectations for Felon’s consistent dance quality continue to rise, they just keep knocking them out of the park. But, as the Reading Rainbow’s Levar Burton would have said: “You don’t have to take our word for it!”, so decide for yourself and stream Felon’s “Bring The Noise” bootleg above.

[Give Back] Pegboard Nerds – Pink Clouds EP + Charitable Campaign

Posted by Clayton Warwick - November 19, 2015

Even if we took music out of the equation, our respect and adoration for the Pegboard Nerds would still continue. Taking it a step beyond that, even if we took their warm, friendly, and down-to-earth nature out of the equation, we would still hold them in a high regard. Simply put – these guys embody what everyone wants from an artist. Music and amicable nature aside, they truly care about the world around them. It’s never about flashy cars, insane backstage party videos, or scantily clad women. For the Pegboard Nerds, it’s about music, their fans, and their community. And for that, we tip our ninja masks.

Their most recent display of selflessness is showcased in their Pink Cloud EP, which can be listened to in its entirety below. This five track collection showcases both a different side of the Nerds‘ abilities, yet still gives tastes of what everyone has come to know and love from this Scandanavian duo. This time around, though, all proceeds from this body of work goes directly to Fuck Cancer, a Canadian charity that focuses on the prevention and detection of breast cancer, as well as emotional support for those affected by it.

On top of the EP proceeds, the Nerds are also partnering with our friends over at Cadence & Cause. This is their second campaign with the platform, and once again, they’ve donated a collection of must-have items for fans. Included in their offerings are a set of limited edition Pink Cloud V-MODA Crossfade M-100 headphones, a signed poster/t-shirt combo pack, and some Google Hangout sessions. The majority of the proceeds from these sweepstakes will go also go directly to funding Fuck Cancer.

If you want to pick up any of those aforementioned items, simple click on the impact graph below to head over to their campaign page.

’Emoji’

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’Pink Cloud Ft. Max Collins ‘

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’Just Like That Ft. Johnny Graves ‘

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’Downhearted Ft. Jonny Rose’

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’End is Near (Fire In The Hole VIP)’

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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.

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[Electronic] QUALIATIK – physicality

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - November 18, 2015

QUALIATIK
physicality

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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

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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.