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[Electronic] Bonzai – Sleepy Hungry EP

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 28, 2016

There’s something personal about discovering music through your favorite artists–either via remixes, tweets, Soundcloud likes or official co-signs. In the case of Bonzai, it was wunderkind producer, Mura Masa, who introduced us. The Irish vocalist first popped up on Mura Masa’s debut album, Soundtrack To A Death, and subsequently became the first artist signed to his label, Anchor Point Records. Following up a strong 2015 debut EP in Royah and a more recent appearance on Mura Masa’s latest single, Bonzai dropped her sophomore EP last week and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorite projects of the year.

Backed by production from John Calvert, Royce Wood Junior, and Mura Masa, the Sleepy Hungry EP is a project built on jarring, yet well executed, juxtapositions between beautiful sonics and harsh, glitchy low-end elements. Bonzai’s versatile vocal chops are what truly reel in the chaos, adjusting flawlessly with every twist and turn. Her fearlessness in both songwriting and delivery helps bridge the gap between between alternative R&B and underground UK electronic music. “Daniel Gets It Wrong,” the opener, begins with a bright, fluttering signature Mura Masa progression before quickly dropping into a heavy, minimal UK-garage bass line–truly encapsulating what’s to come on the remainder of the project. While “No Rest” and “Kassi” follow that heavily contrasting feel of the intro, songs later in the EP like “Lights On” and “Where Are U Now” provide a breather with their gorgeous, addicting textures.

The avant-garde nature of the Sleepy Hungry EP demands that you truly immerse yourself as a listener: the mark of a truly unique piece of work. So, do yourself a favor and give this one a full listen from start to finish below. You can purchase a digital copy of the project over at iTunes now.

’Bonzai – Daniel Gets It Wrong’

’Bonzai – No Rest’

’Bonzai – Ravemeister’

’Bonzai – Stepping’

’Bonzai – Kassi’

’Bonzai – Faze’

’Bonzai – Lights On’

’Bonzai – Sick’em’

’Bonzai – Where Are U Now’

[Electronic] Mura Masa – What If I Go?

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - March 15, 2016

Mura Masa
What If I Go?

After a short five month silence, Mura Masa is back. Shifting from the orchestral approach of “Love For That,” he calls on Bonzai to bolster the more soulful and dynamic instrumentation of “What If I Go?” with her immaculate vocal presence. This song stands strong as a second single for his upcoming album, and, unsurprisingly, captures some of the best nuances of Mura Masa and his fastidious method of production.

The impact of his noteworthy Someday Somewhere project continues to thrive throughout each new release, and that is the sort of delicate balance between consistency and innovation that electronic music has been moving toward more and more. Mura Masa has been an integral part of that change, and his merit in that regard is undeniable. In case you were unsure, you’re listening to the future here, and it’s a great thing to witness.

[15 To End 2015] Ninja Ash’s Best of the Year

Posted by Ash El Gamal - December 31, 2015

When you listen to music as much as I do, your song selections and life experiences become inseparable–each impacting the other in both conscious and subconscious ways. That relationship embodies the uniquely subjective nature of music. You can listen to a song ten times and think nothing of it but then hear it in the right context or headspace and everything just clicks. As such, any effort of making an objective “best of” list proves a fruitless task. So rather than attempt that Sisyphean task, my ’15 To End 2015′ captures the songs that meant the most to me this year: ones that soundtracked my best memories, comforted me at my lowest points or simply possessed endless replay value. Peep my favorites of 2015 below. Hopefully they’ll take on a life of their own in your music collection.

’Beach House – Space Song’

A trip to psychedelic space land–just close your eyes and absorb.

’The Internet – Under Control’

A fresh and endlessly relatable take on R&B from Syd & co.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”

Built on the same Isley Brothers drum sample as “Today Was a Good Day,” this funk-injected jam crescendos a year full of nostalgia for the era of Parliament, James Brown & Sly Stone.

’Main Attrakionz – Ain’t No Other Way’

Feel good Bay Area hip-hop for and from the soul.

’Raury – Forbidden Knowledge (feat. Big K.R.I.T.)’

An absolute lyrical gem from a young artist with wisdom well beyond his years.

’Kendrick Lamar – These Walls (feat. Thundercat, Bilal & Anna Wise)’

My most played song from my favorite album of the year: ‘To Pimp A Butterfly.’

’Jamie xx – I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)(feat. Young Thug & Popcaan)’

It’s hard to pick a favorite song from Jamie xx’s ‘In Colour’ but this summer anthem flipped pretentious listeners on their heads while showcasing the merits of melodic emcees.

’Shamir – In For The Kill’

The danciest track from the year’s most pioneering pop vocalist.

’Mura Masa – Lovesick Fuck’

In 2015 Mura Masa continued to prove his dominance in the realm of emotional future bass. This is easily my most played track of the year.

’Big Wild – Aftergold’

‘Aftergold’ captures Big Wild’s genuinely organic approach to electronic music–one full of sonic plot twists and playful melodies.

’Lane 8 – Loving You ft. Lulu James’

Lane 8’s compositions shaped my year and “Loving You,” the opener of his debut album, brings to mind feelings of excitement and new beginnings.

’Kenton Slash Demon – Harpe’

The capacity for emotional power within an instrumental composition should never be underestimated–‘Harpe’ proves that.

’Tame Impala – Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix)’

The magnificence of Tame Impala and the rare emergence of Soulwax combine for infinite grooves.

’Billy Kenny – I Eat Beats (Ardalan Remix)’

This song is single-handedly responsible for piquing my interest in tech-house.

’Sonny Fodera & Gene Farris – We Work It’

I listened to this every time I worked it in 2015.

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

Posted by Dominic Powell - December 30, 2015

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.

[Electronic] Mura Masa – Love For That (feat. Shura)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - October 12, 2015

Mura Masa
Love For That

Following the release of his outstanding Someday Somewhere EP back in April, Mura Masa has everyone wanting more. Today, we get some long-anticipated new material with the first single from the UK-based wunderkind’s upcoming sophomore album. “Love For That,” in part thanks to fantastic vocals from Shura, displays yet another facet of Mura Masa’s sound coming about as close to a slow jam as he’s gotten. Even so, his always-inventive techniques and distinct sounds continue to shine–from the intricate string section that starts the song to an enormous, yet perfectly placed, breakdown half way through. The smooth percussion cultivates a playful bounce that, despite the track’s somber tone, make it a great contender for late-night club play. There’s no release date or title for Mura Masa’s sophomore album quite yet but we’ve certainly got our eyes peeled.

[Electronic] Mura Masa – Someday Somewhere (EP)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 9, 2015

After hinting at a new project at the beginning of the month, Mura Masa just surprise released his latest EP, Someday Somewhere. The follow-up to his superb, instrumental debut, Soundtrack to a Death, sees the UK producer bringing in some friends to take on the vocals with features from Nao, Denai Moore and Jay Prince. Sonically, Mura Masa continues evolving on the project with his lush, experimental and psychedelic approach shining and, although his production overachieves on its own, the talented featured singers and emcees (including himself!) make for a welcome addition that’s sure to add to the project’s appeal for some. Stream the whole project below or on Spotify here.

’Mura Masa – Are U There’

’Mura Masa – Firefly (ft. Nao)’

’Mura Masa – Terrible Love (ft. Denai Moore)’

’Mura Masa – your bones (intermission)’

’Mura Masa – Low (ft. Jay Prince)’

’Mura Masa – Lovesick Fuck’

’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’

[Chill] Mura Masa – The Way I Want U

Posted by Ash El Gamal - February 4, 2015

’Mura Masa – The Way I Want U ‘

’Aquilo – Losing You (Mura Masa Remix)’

’Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Mura Masa Remix)’

UK producer Mura Masa put out one of our favorite albums of 2014 with Soundtrack to a Death, a complete and diverse collection of emotional, experimental electronic music. The latest original from Mura Masa, which will be a part of Jakarta Records‘s upcoming compilation, feels like it could easily have been a part of his phenomenal debut. “The Way I Want U” has a shimmering sound to it contrasted by a heavy bassline and 808s giving it a cloud-trap feel. Mura Masa’s use of the vocal sample adds a certain depth to the track and his composition remains on-point, which makes listening a dynamic journey. Enjoy this one above along with two recent remixes from Mura Masa of Ed Sheeran and Aquilo, which will give you a sense of the young artist’s impressive versatility. Jakarta Records’ Winter in Jakarta will be free to download on February 9th–you can stream several of the tracks already at their Soundcloud page.