Brainfeeder | 2012 Sampler
In celebration of winning Label of the Year at the Giles Peterson Worldwide Awards, the Flying-Lotus-headed L.A. beat behemoth released a sampling of standout tracks from their all-star roster. Featuring work from Low-Life’s most beloved, including Tokimonsta , Teebs , The Gaslamp Killer , Samiyam , Thundercat , recent re-addition Martyn , and an exclusive cut from Lapalux ‘s upcoming “When You’re Gone” ep. Cop the whole collection here for the low price of an email address.
Gutter Glitter – Lapalux [recommended]
Jahara – Teebs [recommended]
Keep your brains fed,
-St.Patty
The Count & Sinden | Future (Canblaster Remix)
“ Canblaster is the prodigious child from Douai. Ultra active producer and confirmed DJ, Canblaster is the prince of Club Cheval ( Myd , Sam Tiba and Panteros666 )… Obsessed with vintage Synthesizers, Canblaster is producing massive tracks, using Detroit pads, UK Broken rhythms, French chords and that Japanese mystical sense of melody.”
Feast your ears upon this characteristically uplifting and progressive re-fix of Count & Sinden ‘s Future
This one is for Ed G ( For Your Benefit ). Happy birthday Gucci Mane.
Bless.
Rader
Jonwayne | Berserk
Huge edit from Stones Throw ‘s newest addition, our pastor and pal, the Jonwayne . A confident lop-sided take on E-40 ‘s “ Break Ya Ankles “.
Jonwayne ‘s beat tape Doodles , soon to be rechristened Oodles of Doodles with an extra disc of doodles is coming out on Stones Throw, February 2012.
See previous : Jonwayne + Jonti | Uh Oh
Rader
Slaughter Rico | 5 Dolla Nigga
Slaughter Rico (Born Tyrone Isley) is a scrappy North Philly native. A significantly mysterious individual. It’s unbeknownst wether this killer is even alive, let alone still spitting. This is not something to take lightly low-lives.
5 Dolla Nigga – Slaughter Rico [recommended]
Stay indoors,
Rader
Gang Colours | On Compton Bay
Will Ozanne, a.k.a Gang Colours, is producing out of Southampton, New York. He is slated to release his debut LP in February of this year, called: “The Keychain Collection”, on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label. Ozanne put out the lovely track “On Compton Bay” early in promotion for the LP, and it makes the release of “The Keychain Collection” quite enticing.
On Compton Bay – Gang Colours [recommended]
Atom
Slugabed | Endless Piss
A few weeks ago, UK producer Slugabed put out a generous assortment of freebies collectively titled Endless Piss. The release features a return to the sounds of Slugabed’s 2010 Ultra Heat Treated EP – namely tense, stressed out percussion, and a synth selection that showcases his ear for sludgy, dissonant concoctions. The highlights below, in addition to an earlier Busta Rhymes remix, show that Slugabed’s tried and true interpretation of left field hip-hop and wonky electronica continue to keep heads noddin’.
Getobonk! – Slugabed [Recommended]
Dangerous (Slugabed Remix) – Busta Rhymes [Recommended]
-St.Patty
Igloofest 2012 | Weekend 3 Preview
Last weekend, Igloofest saw a record number 10,000 snow-suited ravers come out to Sebastien Leger. Here’s who we’ll be braving the weather, and the crowds, for this fine frosty weekend.
Tonight, Black Tiger Sex Machine , a Montreal based DJ/production outfit of three, will dole out their unique brand of crunk-disco-electro-funk.
Keepin’ Me High – Black Tiger Sex Machine
Wódka – Black Tiger Sex Machine
Girls Of Winter – Black Tiger Sex Machine [recommended]
Voted Dj Mag’s “Producer Of The Year,” 24 year old British-Japanese female beat smith, Maya Jane Coles , will be spinning the sexiest deep house on the market this Friday night.
Saturday, German Techno staple, Marcel Dettmann , will surely be dipping into the sounds featured on his highly praised self-titled LP said to be “a snapshot of a techno in motion.”
See you down there,
sam.i.am
Real is a Feeling (Grimes Remix) | Pictureplane
Grimes layers her sublime, enchanting vocals over this enigmatic rework of Pictureplane ‘s Real is a Feeling . And for the record, Clare Boucher addresses the use of the recently coined catch phrase “post-internet,” which has quickly become the descriptor for her upcoming album, on her twitter ( Grimezsz )-
“omg ‘post internet’ whatever i was running my mouth i don’t support the use of that term – not affiliated with it yoooooo”
You can grab the whole Dimensional RIP 7: Thee Physical Remixes double album free-of-charge from dis magazine .
Real is a Feeling (Grimes Remix) – Pictureplane
alh
A$AP Rocky | Wassup (Official Video)
Here is the new video for ‘Wassup’- (beat by Clams Casino).
Wolfey
Skream | Freeizm History
Oliver Jones gave away a handful of unreleased songs for Christmas. He is notorious for not only his prolific output, but also his generosity in sharing his music. While sometimes the free releases are not quite up to the standard of his best work, this batch of tracks contains a handful of understated gems from a bygone era in dubstep.
The songs were created between 2004-2006. Skream’s sound during this time period was darker, and simpler than his recent work.
Jones also just released a 12″ on Deep Mehdi recordings featuring two solid tracks: ‘Phatty Drummer’ & ‘Gritty’. Pick up the full release here .
Tale of the Haunted Flutes – Skream [dubstep]
Live and Learn – Skream [recommended]
Yours-
Wolfey
Zomby | Nothing EP
Toward the end of 2011, Zomby followed up his full-length Dedication with the Nothing EP on 4AD. Zomby makes somber sparse UK-garage influenced beats characterized by a distinctly nocturnal atmosphere.
This track is driven by skipping rimshots doused in reverb, and the melodic interplay between two warm lead synths.
It has an air of darkness, and anticipation.
Trapdoor – Zomby [recommended]
Yours-
Wolfey
Born To Die (Clams Casino Remix) | Lana Del Rey
A deranged vision from Clammy Clams takes shape in his latest rework of Lana Del Rey ‘s Born To Die . Mike Volpe obscures the original production from, as LDR puts it, “Hollywood sadcore” into a smoke-filled, minimalist masterpiece. You notice something new embedded in the intricacies of Volpe’s sonic landscape every time you listen to it- just one part of the tune’s charm.
The track will be featured on a remix EP that will include some work from Damon Albarn as well.
Born To Die (Clams Casino) – Lana Del Rey
alh
DropxLife | Furthur
The identity of Toronto-based tunesmith DropxLife is still unknown, but his beats are not. If you’re not already familiar with the sounds from his debut mixtape, AllxLegends , you have probably still heard his work. He co-produced an exceptional track from 2011: The Weeknd’s Initiation and Drake thanked the producer in the liner notes for Take Care (“Thank you to Hyghly, Lamar and Drop for making my whole shit iconic as fuck.”).
On Sunday evening, Further , a new mixtape from the mystery artist appeared on The Weeknd’s Tumblr, XO Til We Overdose . The title track is a slick yet atmospheric piece of R&B that adheres to the distinctively sensual sound that the XO collective thrives on, and it does so gracefully.
Pick up the whole thing free-of charge here , courtesy of DropxLife.
See previously: DropxLife | AllxLegends
alh
Bonobo | Solid Steel Mix
A pioneer in the trip-hop genre, Simon Green needs little introduction to his varying roles as producer, DJ, and live performer.
Punching in another installment for the Solid Steel DJ mix series, Bonobo stitches together a seamless tapestry, lined with the nostalgia and soul of 2011.
If you’ve ever had the fortune of experiencing a live Bonobo set then you understand what I mean when I say that Simon’s mixes are enveloped in an energetic nonchalance; the sound waves are whole and fluid.
This may not be live, but this is as close as it gets. A few of the featured artists on this mix include: Jamie Woon , DJ Mehdi , Teebs , FourTet , Mosca , and Koreless .
Soothe yourself.
Bonobo – Solid Steel: 12-01-06-01
Wala
x
Get To Know | How To Dress Well
How To Dress Well ‘s Tom Krell crafts lazy R&B that stands up to rigorous analysis and attentive listening, but is equally suited to warm background music that will sneak up and wash over you. His 2010 debut, Love Remains, is akin to an aural archaeological dig. Sifting through layers of woozy reverb, the listener is rewarded with fractured shards of the once-dead genre that was so prominent during the early nineties.
While Krell was at the forefront of the reinvention of R&B, he has since seen artists like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean follow in his footsteps. In what appears to be an effort to break from these contemporaries, his latest EP, Just Once, features reworkings of his 2010 album, backed by a talented string quartet.
Decisions (Orchestral) – How To Dress Well [recommended]
Endless Rain – How To Dress Well
When I’m On My High – How To Dress Well & Cokc Dokc [recommended]
-St. Patty
Introducing | Lapti
Lapti ’s sounds are tremendously creative. Birthed from the Moscow beat scene, Lapti enthralls listeners with cinematic crescendos and calming synths.
“I take everything from films. I had a mountain of these movies, and I just watched them over and over. One year I’d watch only movies from the 80s, then the next year only movies from the 90s. … I just plug a cable straight into the VCR and rip the sounds off there.”
For any of our Russian readers, Lapti is playing an upcoming set with Dark Sky at the Solyanka in Moscow.
Released in 2009, Motherland-
Motherland – Lapti [recommended]
Inspiring the likes of Low-Life associate Jon Wayne, [2011]
Leaving Home – Lapti x Jonwayne [hip-hop] [recommended]
Atom
Arp 101 | U / Groove
This is laid-back future funk from Arp 101′s latest EP release U / Groove on Eglo Records . The synth orchestration on this jam is demented.
True – Arp 101 [recommended]
Purchase the full release here .
Yours-
Wolfey
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross first showcased the fruits of their cinematic partnership in the award-winning score for David Fincher’s film The Social Network. Reznor, the founder and mind behind Nine Inch Nails , often referred to as an industrial rock project (though one should pay a listen to Ghosts I-IV before attempting to pigeon-hole them), holds an affinity for eclecticism, which is painfully apparent when you take in his breadth of work. Atticus Ross, among various projects of his own, has been credited as the producer and/or programmer for numerous NIN albums: With Teeth, Year Zero, Ghosts I-IV and The Slip.
So, the duo are no strangers to one another and successfully created an audible niche before delving into soundtracks. However, their scores are still nothing less than exceptional. Their ability to intervolve ominous melodies within cold ambient backgrounds is a cut above any others, despite that the placement of their work in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is certainly subtler when compared to the duo’s previous work.
As aptly put by a review conducted by the BBC, their latest creation is “a suffocating soundtrack, but one that suits it’s movie’s air of oppression.”
Pick up the entire 38-track album here .
She Reminds Me Of You – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
A Pause For Reflection – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
alh
Forget (Shlohmo Remix) | Lianne De Havas
In Shlohmo’s latest rework we find the sublime coalescence of an assortment of pulsating percussion beats and the hot embrace of Lianne De Havas’ vocals.
Yet again, the LA beatbaker manages to simultaneously whet and satisfy our groove withdrawals.
Be on the look out for a much anticipated three track release next month from one of Low-Life’s most beloved.
Forget (Shlohmo Remix) – Lianne De Havas [recommended]
Wala
x
Igloofest 2012 | Week 1 Anticipation
If you find yourself in the snowy grips of Montreal this weekend be sure to head down to the Old Montreal Quarry to catch our favourite sub-zero electronic extravaganza.
Who do we look forward to?
Tonight, dubstep pioneer and industry heavy weight, Mala, will surely educate the crowd of jiving North Americans.
Haunted – Digital Mystikz (Coki & Mala) [recommended]
Tomorrow night, German brothers, Tiefschwarz, will no doubt play a quintessentially phenomenal set of the finest deep house Europe has to offer.
The Whistler – Tiefschwarz [recommended]
Saturday night, Valentino Canzani Mora, a.k.a. French Fries, will hustle out his trademark minimal boom.
Champagne – French Fries [recommended]
Charlotte (Canblaster Remix) – French Fries
See you there,
sam.i.am
Nicolas Jaar | And I Say ft. Scout Larue & Will Epstein
Hot on the heels of his Don’t Break My Love Ep comes Jaar’s latest offering; a return to the sultry airs of his acclaimed album Space is Only Noise. This beauty features vocals from Scout Larue, child of A-Listers Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and it brings a smile to my face to imagine the Die Hard star grooving to this track behind the wheel of one of his classic muscle cars.
And I Say ft. Scout Larue & Will Epstein – Nicolas Jaar [recommended]
Be easy,
St.Patty
Jonti ft Otayo Dubb | Cyclic Love
A fluid track from Stones Throw ‘s only Australian talent, the multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer, and vocalist, Jonti . Low-life’s keeping a sharp eye on this one as this post follow’s up our coverage of his recent collaborative effort with our associate Jon Wayne on a beat titled “Uh-Oh.” You can find this on his first and only record, Twirligig . Keep your ear to the ground for more from Oakland’s Otayo Dubb .
See previous: Jonwayne + Jonti | Uh-Oh
Cyclic Love – Jonti ft Otayo Dubb
Bless.
Rader
Vince Staples | Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1
L.A. based rapper Vince Staples has recently released his quick hitting, laid back mix-tape, “Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1.” With the majority of tracks clocking in at less than two minutes, Shyne Coldchain complies with our beloved attention deficiency epidemic. You may recognize Vince from the track “ epaR ” on Earl Sweatshirt ’s album, “ EARL ,” a verse that has earned him the title of “The Black Slim Shady” –(Rapstar.com) The 13 tracks include features from Mike G , Speak! , SK Laflare , and production from Michael Uzowuru , and Key Nyata .
epaR Feat. Vince Staples – Earl Sweatshirt [hip-hop] [recommended]
Versace Rap – Vince Staples [hip-hop]
S.O.B. feat. The King Mike G – Vince Staples [hip-hop] [recommended]
I advise to pick up the full mix-tape here:
Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1
Atom
Baths | Low-Life Interview
Will: “Hi, my name is Will [Wiesenfeld]. I am Baths , and this is for L O W – L I F E . c a, in Canada, Vancouver.
L.L.: Tell us about yourself.
Will: “I’m Will, I am 22, from Los Angeles, I make electronic music, and I love electronic music.
LL: Now that it is nearing the end of the year can you recall any major highlights from 2011?
Wil: Well, Japan – was not just the highlight of touring, it was a highlight of life. It was one of the best weeks of my entire life, and I had this horrible horrible feeling of never wanting to leave, and was 100% ready to abandon every friendship I’ve ever made in LA, and my family, just like “fuck it, I’m going to live in Japan.” But I realized coming back to LA that I would have to make a lot more sense of things before that would ever happen, like: learn the language, because that’s a pretty big barrier, but it was incredible, it was the best week of my life.
LL: Amanda – one of Low-Life’s contributors – suggested that music you produce under Geotic is among some of her favourite tunes to study to. From an artistic perspective, how does the experience in producing Geotic differ from say Baths or Post-Foeutus ? Does this translate to your focus on Baths (do you prefer it)?
Will: To give you a full low-down on the names; Post-Feotus doesn’t really exist anymore, it’s like Baths is what Post-Feotus was. The way I designate the two, is that Baths is active listening, and Geotic is passive listening. When I’m making a Baths track, in whatever form of function, it’s something that I would hope people are actively listening to; it’s for turning on a stereo and paying more attention to, and making an effort to take it apart – really really listen to it. Whereas Geotic stuff is intended to sort of be more atmospheric, and more a part of whatever’s happening. Not really like you have to be focused and listening, but that you can study, or read a book, or whatever it is that people do while they’re listening to music. That’s the intent behind it, because that’s the way that I listen to a lot of my favourite music, and the whole effort of the Geotic stuff was with that in mind.
LL: You’ve emphasized the importance of live performance, and have even expressed interest in forming a live band. I have not seen your perform live before, but from videos I have seen, you put on a high energy show. Any recent ideas of what’s next for performances?
Will: You make me sound I think way cooler than I am, it’s not like audience participation or anything, it’s more just that it’s… there’s a type of feedback I think with any live performance, where you read the audience, and the audience reads your reaction to them, and so if the audience is particularly negative, or you just happen to focus on one person that’s like pouting, it can deter your whole performance, so for me I try and establish very early on, that I’m comfortable, that I’m excited to be wherever I’m playing, and in turn make other people feel more comfortable, and that vibe circulates.
LL: Shlohmo spoke in a Dubspot interview at the Friends of Friends 2 year anniversary on how being “branded” as an artist can hurt the beauty of what is within the LA beatscene and what it’s really about, which he said is creativity, and openness. Are you seeing more of this connotation being developed around what people expect to hear, or are they pretty open?
Will: People are becoming more open, at least with me because I’ve spoken about wanting that. I have a very very strong desire for not being pigeon-holed, I think anybody would… it was initially quite frustrating with the “chill-wave” thing, because at the same time I was such a fan of all that shit, like I love that first Toro Y Moi record, I love the Washed Out EP, and all of that stuff, and that was undoubtedly a big influence on how I was making Curulean, but at the same time that’s not the only music I’m planning to create, and I don’t think the Baths album was in any way strictly that type of music. In life, more than anything, I’m most excited to work on this next album after this tour finishes, and go home and just start the next record because I know for a fact it’s going to be completely different than what Cerulean was. The material and the lyrics that I’ve written so far are much much darker and fucked up, and that’s the record I almost started before Curulean, but because I knew Cerulean was going to be the first thing that I put out into the world, I wanted to make it much more accessible and easier on the ears. I can’t wait to make the next thing, because it’s going to be very very different, and it will stop maybe the pigeon-holling that has happened – if it has.
LL: Flying Lotus said in an interview with Pitchfork , “Well, I feel like a lot of kids, a lot of halfway kids, come out here, kids who started making beats six months ago, thinking they can get on stage because their drums are off.” Daedelus was responsible for showing Sean of Anticon your music before Cerulean’s release on the label; do you get a lot of these “halfway kids” throwing demos at you?
Will: I mean, I am a halfway kid, I don’t know – fuck. That’s a very funny question. My situation is a little different, like I started writing music a long time ago, it was bad, but I’ve been writing full structured electronic music since I was 14, and I didn’t come into the beatscene like, “yo, fuck, I’m tryin’ to make these crazy beats right now, like let me do my shit.” It was more like, “I write songs, and let me try whatever I want to.”
Definitely there are people that give me demos, and there are people that come up to me like, “I make electronic music, you’re a big inspiration to me”, and it’s the coolest shit ever, because I’m that person all the time. Like tonight, Morgan Greenwood is playing, he’s opening the show, and he is like the number one influence in my life right now — he is the only music I am listening to right now. All of the stuff he did with this group Azeda Booth , it’s like creepy how much I love his music, and how much I am deconstructing it all of the time, so like… I am that person all the time, and I meet kids that are like that with me, and it’s like, “you don’t get it, I am this person.” It’s cool, and it’s humbling.. he [Morgan Greenwood] makes me feel humble.
LL: Recent favourite songs?
Will: Oh shit, well Morgan Greenwood is in the room, so this is a little bit weird, but I basically have been listening to Azeda Booth like all year, and the songs: Fijian Hearts, Squal, In Red, and Landscape with Grass, are pretty much my favourite songs.
LL: Thank you for your time.
See previous: Introducing | Baths
L O W – L I F E
