The Music Ninja

We’re always privy to pacing our Mondays around TMN with loads of feelgood, funkified listening vibes. After our tastefully programmed Monday morning Chill Dojo playlist, it’s time to keep scooting forward with some wiggle-inducing sounds. Urging the needle along on our Monday afternoon is Equal, a New York City DJ/producer originally from Asheville, NC who’s been making plenty of ripples in our music pond since the release of his single “Lost in the Evening” featuring the inimitable Gary Jules. Today, Equal’s dropped another slice of rarefied pop infused with plenty of proper funk and disco cadence, “Shakedown”, which features the vocal talents of Seja (ex-lead singer of Brisbane synth-punk trio Sekiden). “Shakedown” plays as the premiere offering from a debut, self-titled EP due out later this Fall, and it’s got us simultaneously waxing nostalgic for those old funky rolling guitar licks and looking to the future for more tunes riding the kind of neoteric-past edge that Equal has been.

About his latest single, Equal shared: “‘Shakedown’ was created when a group of friends from all over the globe got together for a night -Seja, Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) and Johnny Mackay (Fascinator). A round robin of instruments, singing, and a bottle of whiskey later, ‘Shakedown’ was born. ‘Shakedown’ is the product of good friends getting loose on a hot Summer’s night. There was no end product in mind, only to have fun, hang out, and make music together.” Well if this is the result of simply having fun, we’d love to see what occurs when Equal really gets behind something in the studio. Shakedown” sees release on The Knocks’ fledgling HeavyRoc Music imprint, which is already carving out a special place in our Ninja hearts, so get with it and stream “Shakedown” above.

The Chill Dojo #147

Posted by Michael Serratore - August 31, 2015

The last few weeks have seen a wave of Gallant remixes come flooding in to the Chill Dojo, but fear not for this week may have just brought the one to end them all. It makes sense that the soulful production of Brasstracks would be the perfect fit for the iconic vocals of the original, but even then it’s impossible to prepare yourself for just how smooth this is when it hits. Anyone else attempting ‘Weight In Gold’ should just about pack it up now; this one’s officially been clocked. It wasn’t the only big statement being made this week though, as the upcoming Giraffage x Slow Magic tour was heralded with an amazing collaboration in ‘So Cute!’. Lush swelling synths combine with classic future bass vibes to provide a hypnotic experience that has no shortage of surprises from beginning to end. As far as other big news goes, Madeon’s ‘Pay No Mind’ Remix EP also saw its release, and Lemaitre’s trademark groove was the first to catch our attention. While the original was an anthem in its own right, the spectacular brand of funk that this version delivers has somehow managed to elevate it even higher than we thought imaginable.

We’ve got a taste for that funky sound now, so there’s no better follow-up than this sweet little jam from Vesper. Channeling that silky FKJ touch, ‘If I Could Sing’ is a polished arrangement that’s just so easy on the ears. No need to over-complicate this one, because what we have here is chill music at its finest. Putting their final tranquil touch on this write-up is the established duo of Lolaby and Cosmic Quest. Returning for another musical journey of dreamy lyrics and floating soundscapes, ‘Tidal Space’ is another addition to their growing list of stellar productions designed to unlock the imaginations of your inner explorer.

Well it’s the last episode in another summer come and gone, but there’s no sorrow from us with no end to the supply of chill tunes in sight. Peace out.

’Gallant – Weight In Gold (Brasstracks Remix)’

’Giraffage & Slow Magic – So Cute!’

’Madeon – Pay No Mind feat. Passion Pit (Lemaitre Remix)’

’Vesper – If I Could Sing’

’Lolaby & Cosmic Quest – Tidal Space’

’salute – Silver Tides (HWLS Remix)’

’GRiZ – Feelin’ High (ft. Eric Bloom)’

’Tom Misch – Come Back’

’Tom Misch – Your Love (feat. Alexa Harley)’

’Tom Misch – Beautiful Escape (feat. Zak Abel)’

’Mandeh & Velvet – Clear Mind’

’Kero Uno – Princess Diamond ft. Kelsey Bulkin (Made in Heights)’

’Kiiara – Feels (Love Thy Brother Remix)’

’George Fitzgerald – Full Circle feat. Boxed In (Bonobo Remix)’

’Tontario – Ömhet’

’Touch Sensitive – Pizza Guy (Fantastic Man Remix)’

’CHVRCHES – Leave A Trace (Four Tet Remix)’

’Ariana Grande
One Last Time ( 813 Remix )’

’leo kalyan – fingertips (cln remix)’

’Bassline Drift – Drink The Water (Froogle Revibe)’

’AK – 52 Weeks’

[Progressive House] Dirty South ft. Rudy – Find A Way

Posted by Ivan Chung - August 28, 2015

Dirty South
Find A Way featuring Rudy

A true OG in the dance music game, Dirty South is undoubtedly among the best in the EDM scene. If you’re a fan of his, you’ve probably heard this famous ID track first premiered during Coachella in Indio a few months back. It’s generated so much hype ever since its premiere, and it has certainly lived up to it.

Released officially via Dirty South’s own label Phazing, “Find A Way” features the soothing vocals by Rudy and a melodic roller coaster ride that would keep your feet off the ground. The enchanting vocals help drive his signature soaring melodies up a few notches, and they all contribute to this track to become yet another festival anthem. Whether you’re driving down the freeway, at the gym, or dancing at a festival, this track will definitely turn up your adrenaline level like no other.

Check out the video by Proximity below and listen for yourself.

[Video] Grease (The Movie) – One That I Want (Xavier Dunn Cover)

Posted by Matthew Bloss - August 28, 2015

Grease
One That I Want (Xavier Dunn Cover)

If you’re of the persuasion that none of the incredible singalongs from 1978 mega-musical Grease could be brought up to a beautiful, contemporary pace, well; we’re here to change that. After the success of his adaptation of A$AP Rocky’s “Fuckin Problems” and Rae Sremmurd’s “No Type”, unsigned Australian producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Dunn has stepped up yet again, this time reviving that classic change-of-heart closing scene between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, “One That I Want” from the aforementioned Grease. Adding orchestral arrangements and slowing the cadence to a breezy stride for his own adaptation, Dunn once again impresses with a vocal-oriented and highly emotive rendition.

But, we don’t just have the tune for you today, as we’ve accompanied Xavier Dunn’s wistful cover with the visual piece as well. A modern twist on an old classic, Dunn’s music video splices together videos of protests and rallies from the 60’s up to the present to solidify his message of non-discriminatory love. With all of the recent breakthroughs we’ve had towards marriage and love equality in the U.S., there still lies a fight waged by millions around the world for basic human rights, and Xavier Dunn’s message couldn’t have come at a more serendipitous time. Stream Xavier Dunn’s “One That I Want” cover above or indulge another one of your senses and check out the official music video below. Happy Friday Ninjas, and peace & love.

[Indie Dance] Moon Flask – Pixelated

Posted by Ivan Chung - August 28, 2015

Moon Flask
Pixelated

Fusing a little bit of disco, some futuristic synths and retro lo-fi vocals, Australian electronic trio Moon Flask is bringing something special to the table with their first ever single “Pixelated”. We can’t really put a genre on it, but the only thing we are certain of is that this tune is a great showcase of the producing genius of the group. The sustained nonchalent vocals are something of an acquired taste that go surprisingly well with the more upbeat approach. It goes through an epic buildup and elevates your emotions in the prolonged outro.

If you enjoyed this as much as we did, make sure to grab a free download before it’s too late and be on the lookout for more tunes from the talented group.

[House/Chill] Sammy T & Eric David – Come Over

Posted by Matthew Bloss - August 27, 2015

Come Over ft. Sammy T
(Original Mix)

It’s been almost a year since we featured adept Denver house producer Eric David, so when his latest collaborative EP with Denver vocalist Sammy T, Purpose, got an official release yesterday, we had to check it out. Just as we thought, Eric David’s conjured up yet another crafty, technical, and accessible assemblage of club tunes. The standout single for us however was “Come On Over”. Pacing itself with a slow-burning yet head-thumping analog kick-drum , “Come Over” quickly falls in line behind a smooth and intoxicating bassline before Sammy T’s luscious vocal chords weave their way through David’s rolling soundscape. Furthering “Come Over”‘s addictive nature lie sprinkled guitar inflections layed down by Eric David himself, which on top of those other sticky elements result in a tune that truly bridges the sea between live vocal-driven pop and clean club-house. Stream “Come Over” above, be sure to scope out Eric David & Sammy T’s Purpose EP, and purchase the entire collaboration on iTunes here.

[Future-Bass] COFRESI – Fuk’m

Posted by Sara Natkins - August 27, 2015

COFRESI
Fuk'm