Jonwayne | Interview
We had the pleasure of hosting Jonwayne in early November this year. The Canadian portion of his eastern tour culminated with the show depicted, in Toronto.
Many thanks to Damian Lebiedzinski and Roland Campbell for their efforts, to Jonwayne for his undying loyalty and support, and most importantly to you, our subscribers.
We wish you and yours a wonder filled 2012 and can only suggest that you keep your page refreshed for our 2011 Retrospective coming up next.
L O W – L I F E
Space Dimension Controller | Pathway to Tiraquon6
In my view, Jack Hamill from Belfast makes music that sounds like what we might have expected the future to sound like during the 1980s. There is a sense of anticipation and wonder in these songs.
Here are two excellent joints from Pathway to Tiraquon6 , the new EP from Space Dimension Controller , which was recently released on R&S records.
2257 AD – Space Dimension Controller [recommended]
Closing Titles – Space Dimension Controller [recommended]
Wolfey
Dev79 & Thrills | Between Your Legs
A collaboration of the two coasts, Dev79 & Thrills come to us from Philadelphia and Seattle, respectively.
The duo’s debut EP, “Loose Joints and Blunt Objects”, was released through Slit Jockey Records and gathered influences from tropical, grime, and future garage. Their single, “Off In A Minute”, met the radio waves on such coveted airtime slots as MistaJam and Mary Anne Hobbs.
“Between Your Legs” is an uptempo, bass-ladden piece of garage which deviates from the mostly grime and dancehall feel of the record. As the track unfolds, the sample-happy trigger fiends allot our instructions amidst a rising frenzy of bleeps, synths, and airy ambience.
Dev79 & Thrills – Between Your Legs
Wala
x
The Weeknd | Echoes of Silence
Thick smoke, chokin’- baby, get familiar with the order.
Abel Tesfaye has just unveiled the finale to The Balloon Trilogy released throughout this year, which also includes House of Balloons and Thursday . Just 21 years old, The Weeknd has seen a rapid ascent from musical obscurity to enjoying recognition as one of the most celebrated (and seductive) artists of 2011. In keeping tone with the previous releases, Echoes of Silence croons a depraved narrative about Barcardi, weed, women and sleepless nights. Long time collaborator, Illangelo produced the majority of the project, along with other production contributors such as Clams Casino and DropxLife of the XO collective.
Echoes of Silence , a fitting conclusion, generated such anticipation that The Weeknd’s site crashed shortly after the online release due to the excessive amount of downloads. However, Abel swiftly threw up a Hulkshare link to please the masses.
The stand out track, D.D. is a cover of the classic and edgy Michael Jackson tune, Dirty Diana. It’s difficult to tell the difference between the impeccable falsettos of Jackson and Tesfaye- see for yourself.
Pick up Echoes Of Silence here - like the others, it’s free.
alh
James Blake | Love What Happened Here EP
With a string of quality releases in 2011, James Blake has shown that the massive outpouring of support he has received from electronic music junkies world-wide this year is well-deserved.
With the Love What Happened Here EP on the venerable Belgian dance label R&S Records , Blake delivers some of his best work of the year, in my view.
Love What Happened Here – James Blake [recommended]
The release includes two additional tracks: ‘Curbside’ and ‘At Birth’. Blake has two earlier releases on R&S: The CMYK EP and the Klavierwerk EP. Both are well worth your time and attention.
Yours,
Wolfey
Julio Bashmore | Battle For Middle You
The Bristol-based house producer known as Julio Bashmore has achieved exaltation in the electronic music world with the mammoth track, ‘Battle for Middle You’. Equipped with an elastic bassline, an intricate drum pattern, upturned synths and soulful samples including: “People get up – Stomp your feet – lets get down,” “Battle for Middle You” has the highly sought-after ability to set a dance floor on fire. The track has recently achieved the #3 spot on Resident Advisor’s top 50 tracks of the year.
Presently drawing comparison to the enthralling Joy Orbison (via Vice Magazine), Julio’s future is looking bright in the thriving bass music scene.
Without further ado,
Battle For Middle You – Julio Bashmore [house] [recommended]
Atom
Yellobone (Shlohmo & 2KWTVR Remix) | Salva
In collaboration with WEDIDIT newcomer 2KWTVR, L.A. beatsmith Shlohmo has tastefully reworked the title track off of Salva’s latest EP, Yellobone . The original is a gritty house tune laden with pulsating tribal beats, eerie ambiance and a malicious bassline. Shlohmo and WKWTVR take care to keep Salva’s macabre mood intact while slowing down the track into a display of creeping 2-step. And of course, Shlohmo’s sonic signature – his off-kilter and demented percussion – is intertwined throughout.
We’re hoping to catch Shlohmo and this team live in L.A. this week at the WEDIDIT showcase- featuring Jonwayne, RL Grime, Juj and more. Hope to see you there.
Yellobone (Shlohmo & 2KWTVR Remix) – Salva
alh
Parma Violets (Skittles) – Skream & Joker
Skream’s groove is tight and tough; Joker’s synths are lazy and brash- Here is the brain-child of two of the most beloved producers in dubstep.
Woooooooooo-
Parma Violets (Skittles) – Skream & Joker [dubstep] [recommended]
Yours,
Wolfey
James Blake | A Case of You (Official Video)
Here is the new video for James Blake’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘A Case of You’.
Bless,
Wolfey
Frank Ocean | Thinking About You
This a dreamy slowjam from Frank Ocean.
Ocean is the stage-name of Chris Breaux. Breaux left New Orleans during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and headed for Los Angeles where he began a career in music.
After a short stint with Def Jam, Ocean has since been inducted into OFWGKTA; he has worked with Nas, and Pharrell Williams; and written songs for Beyonce and John Legend. Ocean released a mixtape called ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’ in February 2011.
Wait til you hear Ocean’s falsetto on the chorus. Damn’-
Thinkin About You – Frank Ocean [r&b] [recommended]
Wolfey
Skream & Benga EP
Skream & Benga just put out a 5-track EP of crisp dance tunes on Scion A/V. (Hopefully, they got a fair bit of coin for it.) This is not a collaboration; there are 3 tracks from Oliver Jones and 2 tracks from Adejbenga Adejumo).
Here are the stand-outs:
Any Steppers – Benga [dubstep] [recommended]
Phat Head – Skream [dubstep]
Something to skank to this saturday eve-
Wolfey
Clams Casino | R.B.M.A. Interview
Lecture: Clams Casino (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo .
This is an interview with Clams Casino from the 2011 Red Bull Music Academy in Madrid.
At the ripe young age of 23, Clams is already a sought-after beatmaker in the hip-hop world; he has collaborated with A$AP Rocky, Soulja Boy, Havoc from Mobb Deep, and Mac Miller. Clams also has an instrumental release on Tri Angle. He works out of his bedroom in New Jersey.
Wolfey
Stavrogin | Run Down
An approparite introduction to his latest Reflections EP, Theo Darton-Moore lures a listener in with a 93 second set-up. When vocals kick in, Stavrogin knocks your head back.
Be expectant of bellowing pitch shifts and the lyrical tomfoolery of a reworked sample.
A master craft storm of melody.
Wala
x
Soosh | Take My Hand
Glaswegian beatmaker Soroosh Khavari, better known as Soosh , spent the majority of 2011 wayfaring around the British Columbian landscape, producing his first tunes and cultivating the essence of his sound. Soosh’s electronic soundscapes, interlaced with haunting vocal samples and a melancholic sway, carry a distinctly organic tone that seems to echo the natural environment his songs were created in.
His sound, as one could guess, is heavily influenced by the likes of Shlohmo, Baths, and Dam Mantle, and now having returned to Scotland, Khavari plans to craft tunes that continue to adhere to the L.A. beat aesthetic. He has three separate EPs already in the works for 2012. The track below, Take My Hand, will be featured on one of them.
alh
Introducing | Dabrye
The last we heard from Dabrye was in 2008. Get Dirty features AG, J Dilla, Flying Lotus, Kode 9, Phat Kat and MF Doom. Game Over is the only of three tracks available for free download. The digital release features instrumental versions of the three songs.
Game Over (Flying Lotus Remix Feat. Jay Dee & Phat Kat) – Dabrye [instrumental]
Dabrye is featured on Detroit label Ghostly International Records alongside Com Truise, Gold Panda, Shigeto and Tadd Mullinix . Mullinix’s first release as Dabrye was in 2001. The first of a trilogy, One/Three , is a stunning 10 track instrumental album.
Hyped-Up Plus Tax – Dabrye [recommended]
Two/Three is a hip-hop album and instrumental release from ’06. The absence of any tracks over the last four years forces us to assume that ‘Get Dirty’ is that long anticipated finale, Three of Three.
Artwork by Frederic Remington
T
Alekesam | It’s Not You, It’s Here
Alekesam is a Los Angeles-based artist that has chosen to keep his identity a mystery for the time being. He’s currently working on his debut album It’s Not You, It’s Here , which should be available in the near future, or so we’ve heard. The title-track, a sensual and meticulous blend of hip-hop, jazz and R&B, reflects the philosophy of sound that Alekesam adheres to according to his personal blog- The music contained herein speaks for itself. Nothing more need be added All there remains to do is do. So do. This tune shines on a good pair of headphones.
Visit his tumblr here .
It’s Not You, It’s Here – Alekesam
alh
Jonwayne + Jonti | Uh Oh
“straight from the lab and unmastered.”
This number comes to you from the Low End Theory players, Jon Wayne and Jonti . Head on down to Los Angeles to catch them both at The Airliner club this Wednesday. If you miss that, have no fear, Mr. Wayne will be there all month long as a December resident.
Uh Oh – Jonwayne + Jonti [recommended]
sam.i.am
Madvillainy | Four Tet Remixes
It must be a daunting task to be chosen to remix a beloved album such as Madlib & MF DOOM’s 2004 classic Madvillainy. Kieran Hebden, however, handles his assignment with grace and aplomb. Four Tet (Hebden’s alias) wisely steers clear of trying to rework Madlib’s production, instead choosing to let his own free-jazz inspired beats provide the background for some of the finest chronic-soaked rhymes that DOOM has ever laid on wax.
On Money Folder, Four Tet programs maybe his hardest track to date, taking this song in a completely different direction from the orignial, but still maintaining the chemistry that Madlib & DOOM share; making use of DOOM’s vocal cues – especially the line “He flipped it like Madlib did an old jazz standard,” taking this opportunity to unleash a storm of chaotic free-jazz.
Great Day is easily the standout track on this remix ep, with Four Tet using reversed warbling acoustic guitar samples that have very little innate rhythm, instead letting DOOM’s impeccable flow move the song forward until the drums drop.
Great Day (Four Tet Remix) – Madvillain [recommended]
Money Folder (Four Tet Remix) – Madvillain
“Looky here, it’s just the way the cookie tear,
prepare to get hurt and mangled, like Kurt Angle, rookie year.”
St. Patty
Shlohmo | I’m On One Remix
Friends of Friends ‘ most prominent label mate, Henry ‘ Shlohmo ‘ Laufer, displays, yet again, his esteem for the constant support that he receives from his fans with the gratuitous release of his interpretation of DJ Khaled ‘s star-studded, “I’m On One.” Laufer’s version rips the track from the mainstream by layering his melancholy synthesizers and screwing the vocals to an anguish; a far cry from the, “I’m the shit,” theme of its original. Receive his gift, and you’ll most likely have an inclination as to who is truly, “the shit,” in terms of subtlety, at the very least.
I’m On One (Shlohmo Remix) – DJ Khaled Drake, Rick Ross & Lil’ Wayne [recommended]
sam.i.am
Videogames (Joy Orbison Remix) | Lana Del Rey
Jamie Woon’s mix of this song is well-loved; at least around here at Low-Life. Peter O’Grady, a.k.a. Joy Orbison brings us this sexy dance remix of Videogames that doesn’t disappoint. O’Grady flaunts his talents as an arranger on this track; it has an undeniably compelling narrative.
At a ripe young age, O’Grady has already established a reputation for giving us tastes of what the future might sound like- with releases such as Hyph Mngo and BRKLN CLLN on Hot Flush and Doldrums, which is his own imprint. Joy Orbison delivers a tight, funky, minimal groove.
Videogames (Joy Orbison Remix) – Lana Del Rey [recommended] [future-garage]
Yours,
Wolfey
Introducing | Baths
It is unlikely that a 4 year old Baths , sitting before the ebony and ivory in his So Cal suburban home, had pictured any career in music beyond the brotherly competition of their annual Winter recital.
Now, after discovering Bjork , and the joys of composition, Will Wiesenfeld finds himself juggling three monikers of various experimental capacities. Since his debut release as a juvenile in his 18th year, sporting the appropriate epithet [post-foetus], he has earned the respect of the over and underground alike, receiving an esteemed 8.2 on the notorious Pitchfork rating scale, as well as a slot on the 17th episode of the Low End Theory Podcast .
Wiesenfeld’s unique blend of Los Angeles beat and fit-for-Sasquatch indie-pop can slow a heart to meditation:
Isolated Mind – Geotic [served chilled]
Alternatively, his sound inflicts the compulsory bobbing of heads, pursing of lips, and gentle wrinkling of foreheads that music enthusiasts, like yourselves, so fervently search for.
Marriage (Baths Remix) – Gold Panda
Post Atmosphere (Baths Remix) – Shlohmo
Lovely Bloodflow – Baths [recommended]
Don’t miss your chance to catch this fresh-faced virtuoso in the flesh and head down to Vancouver’s Electric Owl tomorrow night, Saturday the 10th, where he’ll be performing with genre-mate Teen Daze.
For more information on this show, and on the tour in its entirety, head on over to songkick.com
And, if you’re feeling particularly moved by the melodies above, don’t hesitate to show your support and pick up the full collections at the Amazon .
Peace and carrots,
sam.i.am
Gramatik | Beatz & Pieces Vol. 1
Gramatik is, as of summer, the latest addition to the PrettyLightsMusic record label. His Slovenian background is a resounding flavour throughout the chilled hip-hop beats of his newest release Beatz & Pieces Vol. 1. I know you all dig what’s dark, so here’s a particularly alluring piece from the shadowy corners of the album.
Good Evening Mr. Hitchcock – Gramatik
As with all PrettyLightsMusic releases, the whole album is available, free of charge, here . If it moves you, donate .
A further look into the depths of PLM will unearth the gem that is SuperVision, aka Richard Blake Hansen, and his new release, Telescopic. Have a taste below or even the whole album .
Time Has Written – SuperVision
It is an honour to be posting on Low-Life today.
See you all down the rabbit hole.
ZS
James Blake | At Birth
This tune first saw daylight on the Benji B show in early November. Needless to say, we’ve been hunting for the 320 ever since. I could describe in depth the minimalist bass lines and haunting vocal arpeggios, but really, no introduction is needed. Thank Mr. Blake for his relentless talent, and get it while it’s hot.
At Birth – James Blake [house] [recommended]
sam.i.am
