Tag Archives: Justin Jay

[16 To End 2016] Ninja Ash’s Best Of The Year

As many grievances as 2016 brought, it’d be a lie to say it wasn’t an incredible year of music. Perhaps, that’s how it always works–the best art comes in the worst of times. Music has always been my primary coping mechanism and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the artists that made this year bearable and, quite honestly, pretty damn fun despite it all. These are the songs that soundtracked my best moments and lifted me up during my lowest–I hope they can do the same for you. Happy New Year!

Solange
Cranes In The Sky (Kaytranada Edit)

No song quite captured the struggle of depression in a more captivating manner than Solange‘s ‘Cranes In The Sky.’ Kaytranada‘s edit makes it glow even more.

Moses Sumney
Lonely World

2016 was a well-deserved breakout year for the incredibly talented Moses Sumney. “Lonely World,” with its intense progression, would be my song of the year if I had to pick one.

Autolux
Change My Head

Autolux were easily one of my favorite discoveries of the year and “Change My Head” is them at their most potent–haunting, grungy and catchy with raw, dynamic percussion.

Moderat
Reminder

Moderat‘s III was my favorite album of the year and ‘Reminder’ exemplifies the super-group’s incredible production in both its stark lows and explosive highs.

Mick Jenkins
Drowning feat. BADBADNOTGOOD

This is just a beautiful protest song in so many ways. From Mick Jenkins‘ versatile rapping and singing to Badbadnotgood‘s flawless live instrumentation, it possesses a unique balance and thoughtfulness that few similarly themed songs display. Make sure to check out the entrancing music video as well.

Blood Orange
E.V.P.

This one’s for Prince! Blood Orange couldn’t have given us Freetown Sound at a better juncture.

Kaytranada
Glowed Up (feat. Anderson .Paak)

Two of 2016’s all-stars team up for pure gold capturing Kaytra’s intriguing cadence and Anderson .Paak‘s soulful flows.

Innanet James
Summer Prod. The Kount

Innanet James‘ introduction to the music world comes with this no-fucks-given summer anthem that also highlights The Kount, a candidate for best new hip-hop producer.

Kid Cudi
By Design (feat. Andre 3000)

Kid Cudi, Plain Pat, Pharrell & Andre 3000…yeah, could’ve guess this one would be in my 16 before I even heard it. Can’t stop listening to this one.

A Tribe Called Quest
We The People

A message of inclusion that came when I needed it and from exactly the crew I wanted to hear it from. RIP Phife Dawg!

Rufus Du Sol
Innerbloom

“Innerbloom” is truly Rufus Du Sol‘s manifesto–an epic that captures the essence of their endlessly playable 2016 release, Bloom. This song also spawned one of the best remixes of the year from What So Not.

Kenton Slash Demon
TT

Kenton Slash Demon continue to enamor me with their trippy, textured take on dance music. ‘TT’ manages to feel both ethereal and ready for the dance floor.

Frank Ocean
White Ferrari (Jacques Greene Edit)

The original version of “White Ferrari” may be my favorite track from Frank Ocean‘s emotional masterpiece, Blonde–capturing both its most and least accessible elements. Montreal producer Jacques Greene released nothing but phenomenal productions this year but this remix of Frank takes the cake.

Ross From Friends
Gettin’ It Done

Aside from having the best name in dance music, Ross From Friends flipped everything I thought I knew about house music on its head. “Gettin’ It Done” certainly makes you want to dance but the lo-fi sonics teamed with a masterfully utilized soul sample create a vibe unlike anything I’ve heard before. If you dig this one, check out this mind-blowing live performance from Ross & crew.

Mall Grab
Father

Mall Grab wins the award for my favorite house discovery of 2016 and this take on the sample from Kanye’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1” was a staple in my DJ sets this year. While I love Kanye’s version, his cringe-worthy opening line disqualified it from any best of lists.

Billy Kenny
Work Me (Justin Jay Remix)

Werk into the New Year!

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[Event Preview] BUKU Music & Arts Project March 10-11

buku2017-4x6

Every city in America has its own music scene, but in New Orleans, music is a way of life – a cultural infrastructure as essential to the city as its freeways and French Quarter. Jazzfest attracts the best in rock, folk and jazz to NOLA each year, but for those of us who want more youthful, visceral music and a more colorful, fluid experience, BUKU Music and Arts Project goes down on March 10-11, 2016 for the sixth year straight.

BUKU stands out in a saturated music festival market both for its timing (arguably the first big event of “festival season”) and it’s consistently nuanced lineup. No one is reinventing the wheel by stacking their lineup with hip-hop, indie, and dance music, but whom are you booking specifically? It takes balls and creativity to craft a card of eclectic, forward-thinking and often experimental artists like what BUKU has assembled. Where else can you see Deadmau5 and Travis Scott? Clams Casino and Troyboi? Shiba San and Thundercat? If you’ve answered, “I can see them at Festival XYZ,” it doesn’t matter, because that’s not in New Orleans.

BUKU is set just outside the city’s French Quarter on a sprawling riverside esplanade. The Power Plant stage is adjacent to the river and sits in the shadow of an abandoned industrial colossus. Two indoor stages diversify the vibe with The Ballroom offering an intimate aesthetic, and the Float Den serving as a massive gathering spot lined with Mardi Gras floats and craft vendors. A fourth stage, the Back Alley, is tucked beneath the Crescent City Connection bridge and offers an unbroken stream of dance music all day and into the night.
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[House] Justin Jay & Friends – Karma (ft. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges)

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

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.

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[House] Justin Jay – Mind Games

FMM: Justin Jay
Mind Games

Many of you were out at Coachella this weekend dancing away the daylight in the desert, and we hope that you stopped by the Do LaB stage to see former TMN Resident ArtistJustin Jay, because this kid is on fire right now. Not only is he the youngest talent on the Dirtybird roster, but he also just released his Momentum EP on Pets Recordings that really showed off his versatility. Still riding the wave of success after the EP’s release, Justin Jay feels its time to give back to his fans and has premiered a new free single via Annie Mac called, “Mind Games.”

Honestly, if you don’t start bouncing in your seat after hearing the guitar lick in “Mind Games,” you might need to turn up your speakers because it is almost too funky to be real. In tandem with a signature Justin Jay wobbling bassline and tantalizing vocal chops, “Mind Games” is sure to be a summertime staple. With graduation only a month away and tour dates across the globe in his back pocket, Justin Jay is ready to party and celebrate. We know it’s Monday so grab this free download and let it aid your procrastination and daydreaming.

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[Deep House] Justin Jay – Momentum EP

Fans of deep house should turn their attention to the almost college graduate, Justin Jay. The LA-based producer has been one of the quickest rising stars in the deep and tech house spheres with a solidified spot on Dirtybird’s premiere roster. With multiple EPs and appearances at Holy Ship! as well as HARD Summer to his repertoire, fans of Jay have been anxiously awaiting his next EP, and now they can be at ease as he has finally released his fourth EP, Momentum, on Pets Recordings.

The EP is broken up into three tracks – “How I Knew,” “Momentum, and “You Give Me Butterflies.” Justin Jay teamed up on the title track with fellow label stay, Kill Frenzy, to produce a sinister hybrid cut that blurs the line between tech and deep house, but regardless of its label, the track is built for the early morning raver type. The young maestro released “You Give Me Butterflies” just a short while ago to surprise fans with a light-hearted track full of feel-good vibes and beach-ready melodies. For “How I Knew,” the Dirtybird talent flexes his production muscles as he jumps into his comfort zone to combine funky vocal chops, unforgiving bass tremors, and trickling accents. All in all, Justin Jay shows us the many sides to his abilities in the studio and only sets himself up for success with college graduation in the coming months. Grab the EP here on Beatport.

’How I Knew (Pets Recordings)’
’Kill Frenzy & Justin Jay – Momentum (Pets Recordings)’
’You Give Me Butterflies (Pets Recordings)’
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[G House] Disciples – They Don’t Know (Sirus Hood Remix)

Disciples
They Don't Know (Sirus Hood Remix)

Coming off of Pete Tong’s esteemed FFRR label, Disciples have thrived in the UK underground scene with their unique style of dark deep house with a touch of pop sensibilities. Their single, “They Don’t Know,” is highlighted by its big bass lines and infectiously catchy hi-hats that incite listeners to dig into a deep groove.

As a part of the remix pack, this London-based trio have landed the likes of Justin Jay, Alexis Raphael, and mysterious French producer, Sirus Hood, to deliver their own renditions the track.

Dropping a few days ago, “They Don’t Know” came out with a fresh new look and feel via Sirus Hood. This new rendition boasts cleverly chopped up vocals and a big, bass-heavy drum patterns, all of which come together flawlessly. Elements of deep house and the 80s hip-hop movement deliver the end result, which is something reminiscent of g-house flag bearers Amine Edge & Dance.

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[Deep House] Disciples – They Don’t Know (Justin Jay Remix)

Disciples
They Don't Know (Justin Jay Remix)

While big room and progressive house have dominated the EDM scene since its explosion, the underground is beginning to slip its way into the spotlight of major festivals and media outlets. Claude Von Stroke’s DirtyBird Records just recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary of being a leader amongst forward-thinking labels and is home to some of the scenes most promising talent. 22-year-old producer, Justin Jay, was taken under the wing of Dirtybird not too long ago and has developed his own impressive career in a rather short time. He continues to surprise fans with every move he makes and is set up for a monumental year with a secured spot on Holy Ship! and an forthcoming EP on Pet Recordings.

Justin Jay thought it was appropriate to bring out his darker side to fans with his first remix of the year as he takes on the UK’s Disciples‘ “They Don’t Know.” Storming in with a whirlwind of gritty bass shivers, spine-tingling synth chords, and conniving vocal manipulation, the LA prodigy exhibits what true imagination exists in his musical brain. Although this remix does not accommodate to the cheerful crowd, Justin Jay is sure to expose open-minded fans to a world they have yet to travel into. The remix will be released on February 22nd via Pete Tong’s FFRR Records.

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