Tag Archives: Monstercat

[Deep House] Candyland & RICCI – Touch Me


Candyland has been kicking up the house game with several of her past releases, and we’re not mad at all. The past two, including the latest one “Touch Me,” have been pushed through Monstercat, which has been a perfect fit for the Santa Barbara producer.

“Touch Me” isn’t exclusively Candyland’s, as the Brazilian producer RICCI hopped on it as well. I’m going to be frank here, deep house doesn’t get much better than this. From the vocal, to the bassline, to the percussion, to every little detail; this song is on point. If you don’t want something to get stuck in your head, then turn back now, because this is guaranteed to takeover your brain. Candyland never disappoints, and with the help of RICCI, this track was taken to extreme heights. We can’t wait to hear what each act has coming next. For now, we’ve got ourselves a copy of “Touch Me” and you can to thanks to iTunes.

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[Progressive House] Trivecta – Into The Limelight feat. Danyka Nadeau

Trivecta
Into The Limelight (feat. Danyka Nadeau)

If Monstercat releases a song, you’ve just got to check it out. About a week ago they uploaded a single by Trivecta called “Into The Limelight” that featured Danyka Nadeau. We gave it a listen, then another one, then another one and that cycle continued for a bit.

“Into The Limelight” is a fresh take on the progressive house genre whose main-stage sound can get a little repetitive at times. Trivecta decided to give it a bit different flare, by focusing less on the melodic stabs and more on painting a solid musical picture with more dynamics. Danyka did an incredible job with her vocal feature that is one of the biggest highlights of the song. Together these acts put together something special within the progressive realm, and it should certainly get its fair share of play time at the upcoming festivals by DJs who play this time of sound. “Into The Limelight” is currently available on digital stores, so head on over to iTunes if you would like a copy.

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[15 to End 2015] Ninja Dom’s Best of the Year

As a sweeping generalization, 2015 will go down as a year dominated by collectives. Future Classic, Hegemon, Moving Castle, Soulection, HW&W, Wedidit, Monstercat, and French Express pooled their talents together to commandeer the music scene this year. The technical aspects commonly associated with “Future” crept into the DNA of producers, becoming a topical theme across genres from the most obscure to the most mainstream.

In particular, and as one of the most recent additions to the TMN staff, it has been quite a journey both as a contributor and music fan since early April. Without the collaboration of the entire staff – the guidance of editors and advice of my fellow writers – year one as a ninja would not have been possible. Along the way I’ve covered tours, shot music festivals, and met some of my favorite artists, who have graciously exposed me to their own intricate webs of sound. That being said, below is my best effort to reduce thousands of great tracks released this calendar year down to a manageable number. Enjoy the tracks below, in order of release date, and see you all next year!

’Oceaán – Veritas (Young & Sicks Mixed Feelings)’
Although it has nearly been removed from all channels of the internet, this remix of Veritas is a fluid tune, incorporating contrasting techniques in a way that set it apart this year.

’OBESØN – Mon Amour’
This is both my favorite song ever and the answer to the hypothetical question “if you could only listen to one song for the rest of time…”

’San Holo – We Rise’
Deserving of a spot on all lists, this has been the de facto party-starter and pregame anthem since it’s release in February.

’Alison Wonderland – Run’
The title track from AW’s debut album taps into the talents of fellow producers Djemba Djemba and AWE in creating this hooky, electronic masterpiece.

’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’
For an artist focused on quality over quantity, this is Mura Masa’s greatest creation to date.

’DIVERSA – Burning House’
Burning House is the most powerful release of Diversa’s, serving as a benchmark for the current wave of Drum & Bass producers to measure up against.

’Jamie xx – The Rest is Noise’
Jamie XX has been graced with near unanimous approval of his album In Colour; The Rest is Noise incorporates his most polished elements in a lengthy rainbow-colored instrumental.

’Tory Lanez – Acting Like (Prod. by Shlohmo)’
Another up and coming artist out of the blooming Toronto hip-hop scene, Tory Lanez, enlists the help of Shlohmo in putting together this dark, rhythmic jam.

’Golden Vessel – Borrowed Time (ft. Tiana Khasi)’
Melbourne locals Golden Vessel and Tiana Khasi teamed up to create one of the most enchanting and soulful pieces of the year, bar none.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”
As the most groovy track of the summer season, this was also an introduction and revival of the nostalgia-pumping funk genre, which used to dominate the charts.

’Tame Impala – The Moment’
Parker shows off his adaptability on this one; in cutting the downtrodden lyrical content against a synth-driven bridge full of cheery guitar riffs and rhythmic hand claps, the single is inextricably linked with the bridge in fellow Australian band Pond’s recent release, “Medicine Hat”.

’Moi Je – Fais Rien (PETIT BISCUIT Remix)’
Although the title literally means ‘do nothing’, it is nearly impossible to hear this remix by Petit Biscuit and not be tempted to move by the upbeat tempo.

’Khai – Do You Go Up’
This bubbly, minimalist tune is carried on the strength of its hook and the catchy vocals of its creator.

’SevnthWonder – Maria I’m Drunk (Ft. Deverano) (Travis Scott Cover)’
As the most notable track by the best up and comer out of 2015, this remix displays a vision and creativity beyond SevnthWonder’s years.

’Finding Hope – Wonder’
With roots in the ambient genre, down-tempo is the most calming style of music. The deep, pleasant reverie continues through Wonder and does not end until the close of the song.

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[Dubstep] Grabbitz – Ballin’/Don’t Stop EP

Anytime Grabbitz puts something out, it’s gold. He’s worked alongside Monstercat pushing his records as of late, and he adds another project to the mix with a pair of records called ‘Ballin'” and “Don’t Stop.” Grabbitz works with a ton of different styles, but he hones in on dubstep with this project to please all the bass heads out there. With “Ballin'” we get a bass track that has overwhelming trap sensibilities, and makes use of hip-hop samples to augment the arrangement. The track really is as it says, ballin’! He keeps the energy going with “Don’t Stop,” a song that more aligns itself with the OG style of dub. His sound design capabilities are flexed in this composition that will melt your face if you have the volume up loud enough. Stream them, or buy them on iTunes, and try to pick a favorite; we still can’t.

’Grabbitz – Ballin”
’Grabbitz – Don’t Stop’
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[Future] Deon Custom – Together

Deon Custom
Together

Deon Custom hops back on Monstercat with his latest original single called “Together.” First he brought forth “Roses,” and now he’s returned with an equally amazing future production. Deon has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, as he hasn’t released a single subpar record this year. His continued improvement is more evident than ever on “Together.” It shares the signature style that the Netherlands producer has become known for, however keeps it fresh by never letting the sound get old. He manages to pack emotion in every composition, earning fans along the way. “Together” is up for grabs on iTunes for those looking to add it to their library today.

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[Future Bass] Deon Custom – Roses

Deon Custom
Roses

The ninjas love some Deon Custom, as well as Monstercat, as you may have noticed from our continued support for the label. Coming from the Netherlands with his first release on the Canadian label, Deon brings a future work called “Roses.”

Deon is one of those youngsters whose continued streak of quality cuts has brought a ton of eyes his way, and he continues to grow with each push. Future bass is becoming one of those genres that as a producer, you really have to stick out with your work, and Deon does that time and time again. “Roses” keeps up a light-hearted energy throughout that is too fun not to enjoy. Get your copy today from Bandcamp.

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[House/Breaks] Pegboard Nerds – Swamp Thing

Pegboard Nerds
Swamp Thing

Monstercat is home to many acts, with one of those being Pegboard Nerds, who might just be the biggest on the roster. The duo keep things interesting by delving into various genres, and with their newest track “Swamp Thing” they take things to a whole new level. There are songs out there who take the route of cutting time to go from house to trap, but that wasn’t enough for this monster. The nerds do that, yes, but they also bring us some quality breakbeat action on top that makes this record one explosive piece of work. “Swamp Thing” is one of the quirkiest things you’re going to hear, and you are going to love it just as much as we do; we’re sure of it. iTunes currently has the record available for you to purchase. Just like Shia says, just do it!

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