The Music Ninja

For the first piece of exclusive content in Hayden James’ TMN artist residency, we’ve got an interview with the talented Australian artist! Peep the conversation below where Hayden discusses his musical roots, his success thus far and what he’s got in the works. If you’re not yet familiar with Hayden James give our introduction post a read and enjoy some of his fantastic tunes through out this piece.

TMN: What was your first musical memory?

Hayden James: My mum playing the guitar. She would play Spanish style flamenco stuff. That and my parents listening to Lionel Richie records.

TMN: When and how did you first start getting into making music?

Hayden James: I started writing a few years ago. I used to DJ a lot so all the stuff I used to write was skewed towards playing in clubs I guess, as opposed to now where I’m writing more songs to be played whenever, wherever.

TMN: Your original music has such a distinct groove and emotion to it—can you talk a bit about some of the artists and sounds that you were really into when creating your debut EP?

Hayden James: Thank you! It’s really important that my music has that emotional element / connection with people. Artists that give that kind of feeling to me is Daft Punk, James Blake, Jai Paul, Odesza to name a few.

TMN: Did singing come around the same time as producing for you or was that a bit later?

Hayden James: It was pretty much the same time. I would write these songs and didn’t really know any singers, so I just sang on them myself as demos. From there I started to manipulate / pitch them. I never intended to sing really, but it has worked out so far ;).

TMN: So many artists need to flood the market with a slew of releases to get noticed but you’ve amassed a large following on the backs of a few quality releases. How meaningful is it for you to have such an avid fan base at this stage of your career?

Hayden James: Yeah it’s so crazy. I’ve only released 2 singles (along side an EP) to date. It’s really amazing to be able to tour so many places around the world with the music i’ve released so far.

Can’t wait to release more music really soon! Continue reading →

[Smooth] Caius – Make U Mine

Posted by Ivan Chung - September 30, 2015

Caius
Make U Mine

This gem from Caius is so smooth it might make you tear up a little. The “bedroom producer” from Copenhagen will definitely put you in a mellow state with his new tune “Make U Mine”. He cleverly flips Ashanti’s “Feel So good” and fills it in with a sexy beat. Vocals are raised in pitch and are accompanied by a series of sustained piano chord progression. A series of muted guitar licks further brings out the soul in the track. Ain’t nothing wrong with a little bump and grind, am I right?

Make sure to stay tuned for more sexy tunes like this coming your way. The 20-year-old Caius is just getting started.

[Denver Event Preview Playlist] Red Bull Sound Select Presents The Internet, Povi & Turner Jackson @ The 1UP Colfax – 10/20

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 30, 2015

We’ve been huge fans of Red Bull Sound Select’s entire concept and ethos since their inception and first ever Denver showcase; and have even had the chance to rub elbows all over the US with many of their endearing team members. So, needless to say, we get pretty perked up every time another Denver RBSS showcase is announced. Its next show has been officially announced for October 20th at the 1-UP Colfax, curated by our amazing friends at Souls In Action Entertainment. Always the eclectic programmers, SIA brings an amazing lineup to their edition of Red Bull Sound Select featuring L.A. funk/R&B slingers The Internet who are coming hot 0n the heels of their July LP, Ego Death, along with multifaceted Denver soul-songstress Povi and our favorite Mile High MC Turner Jackson (hear his latest single “Red Plastic Cup” below). As always, Red Bull Sound Select is offering an incredible deal, with tickets listed at just $3.00 with an RSVP at the link provided here.

Trust us, if you’re planning on attending, and who wouldn’t with a $3.00 entry fee?, get there early for every act, as RBSS and Souls In Action have put together a symbiotic yet varied lineup of incredible artists. Listen to our mini-playlist of tunes below to get in the mood and we hope to see you on October 20th.

’The Internet – Dont’cha’

’The Internet ft. NickyDavey – Timeless’

’Povi – Hustle 360 prod. by Amp Live’

’Povi – School Girl Crush’

’Turner Jackson – Red Plastic Cup (Single)’

’Dirt Monkey & Cyran – Lovely Days ft. Turner Jackson’

Billa – Bootlegged EP [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - September 30, 2015

Billa is a relatively fresh face to the Chicago music scene, but don’t mistake that for a lack of experience. Though still relatively new to the art of production, the Windy City native has been DJing in the city for over 8 years, but more recently he’s spent time studying under the tutelage of other local artists like Smoko Ono (Vic Mensa, Denzel Curry) and Mojek (Towkio, Dally Auston). Inspired by his love for hip-hop and Chicago house, today Billa delivers his debut EP, Bootlegged. Bootlegged draws its name from the fact that the project is comprised of remixes of some of this summer’s hottest songs, including revamps of OG Maco‘s “Lit”, Post Malone‘s “Too Young” and Travi$ Scott‘s “Antidote”. As the Back To The Future inspired artwork alludes to, the project boasts a futuristic soundscape, opting for a synthy-heavy, ethereal sound throughout the 3 track EP. Bootlegged serves as a great introduction to the young talent, and we look forward to hearing what else Billa has in store for the future.

’Billa – Illuminado’

’Billa – Too Yung’

’Billa – AntiDope’

[Alt-Pop] Brothertiger – Wake

Posted by Matthew Bloss - September 29, 2015

Brothertiger
Wake

It’s no secret around here at TMN that the synth-washed electropop project of Brooklyn-based musician and producer John Jagos, Brothertiger, has resonated deeply with some of us over the years. In July we premiered Brothertiger’s collaboration with Rose Quartz, “Pleasure & Pain”, and today Jagos has dropped the latest piece to a forthcoming, Indiegogo crowdfunded LP, Out Of Touch, in the form of “Wake”. “Wake” sputters out a balmy, smooth vocal wrapped around his usual brand of off-kilter electronic pop structuring for a feel that is simultaneously familiar, unique and addictive. Brothertiger’s latest leans ever so slightly toward a corner of yacht-rock, but the ambient tones utilized here wash over its listener like an enveloping fog to create a soundscape that touches upon numerous aural aesthetics. “Wake”, is an entrancing and an all-around utterly lovely tune combining a number of things we love about Jagos’ Brothertiger project and a welcome peak into his impending Out Of Touch long-player. For those looking to get a leg-up and show off your collecting chops in the process, pre-order your special green-vinyl copy of Out Of Touch (due out December 4th) here. Stream “Wake” above.

[House] Kryptogram – The Idea of You

Posted by Clayton Warwick - September 29, 2015

kryptogram
Idea of You

Coming out of a city known for its house music, this Windy City producer is back again with another tune that will continue that notoriety. Not too long ago, we came across the up-and-coming Kryptogram when he took on Chris Stylez “Who Is.” Now, four months later, he’s once again perked our ears up, making us want to ditch our laptop and lace up some dancing shoes.

This time around, he’s offering up a deliciously smooth original, which features more soul and groove than you’ll know what to do with. The synths are soft, warm, and inviting, and happen to be coupled with one of the sexier basslines we’ve heard in a while. When you mix that in with a memorable, well-treated vocal sample, and some playful guitar work, you have one hell of a track to help you get through your day.

[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (September 2015 Round #5)

Posted by Allegra Azzopardi - September 29, 2015

Change can happen in the blink of an eye, often as a reminder to appreciate what we do have, rather than pine over what we don’t. You never know what might be different in 5 seconds, 5 minutes, 5 hours, ’cause in this world, anything is possible. So, live in the moment. Take a minute, find your grounding, focus on a couple things you are grateful for (like this Indie Dojo for example) and soak it all in. Who knows what the next second might bring.

’OK Badlands – Cheap Tuesday’

’Ivy Nation – The Mile Road’

’Hoonch – Top’

’MKAI – Loop (Single Edit)’

’Riley Pearce – Brave’

’Wyvernlingo – Subside’