Grimes | Skin (Virtual Boy Remix)
For our listening pleasure, the LA duo known as Virtual Boy have juxtaposed Grimes ‘ lofty vocals over sedated synth melodies.
The assortment of sonic layers accrete to form a mellifluous rework, which perfectly compliments Boucher’s ethereal voice.
Skin (Virtual Boy Remix) – Grimes [serve chilled]
Wala
x
R.B.M.A. | Various Assets – Not For Sale
In general, any hopeful producer and/or music enthusiast has heard of the illustrious Red Bull Music Academy - as they say, “a world travelling series of music workshops and festivals; a platform for those who shape our musical future.” Each year, 60 lucky (and well-deserving) sonic prodigies congregate in the most finely crafted creative habitats for two weeks worth of musical lectures, recording sessions and late night jams. In the past, R.B.M.A. has hosted luminaries such as Clams Casino, Flying Lotus, Jamie Woon, Hudson Mohawke and Lunice, so you can imagine the standard of talent that is concentrated within the walls of the academy.
In 2011, the 14th annual edition was held in Matadero, Madrid, an architectural showcase of early 20th century Spain. Out of a defunct warehouse, the Nave de Música was born and just yesterday, we received a taste of the sounds that the imaginative assembly produced. Various Assets – Not For Sale is a dynamic selection of tunes dreamed up by various participants during last year’s session. Our picks are available below. However, it’s really in your best interest to take a trip over to the R.B.M.A. bandcamp , read a little bit about the artists, and download the 35-track album as a whole. There isn’t one throw away present in the collection.
See previously: Clams Casino | R.B.M.A. Interview
The Perfect Blues – Jesse Boykins III & Gora Sou
Red Sound – Yosi Horikawa & Dorian Concept
alh
Lunice | The Good Kids
Montreal’s most charismatic beat maker, Lunice , put this one out on his tumblr a few days back. In typical fashion, the track hustles with its 808 culture, subconsciously eliciting the listener to chant “swag” on every 2nd and 4th beat.
The Good Kids – Lunice [hip-hop]
sam.i.am
Billie Holiday (Sei A Edit) | Warpaint
A fresh face on Tiga ‘s Turbo imprint, Sei A puts his dance floor tendencies on the back burner to explore the graduality of techno. With the hiss of fragmented sound bites and a ping pong ball, the haunting charm of Warpaint ‘s original endeavour is stretched over the tune like a hide pulled over its drum. Look out for his forthcoming EP on Kompakt later this year.
Billie Holiday (Sei A Edit) – Warpaint [served chilled]
sam.i.am
Hodgy Beats | Untitled EP
Hodgy Beats of the Odd Future collective released his Untitled EP this past Friday, free of charge. In the EP’s effect, I find nagging urges for violent head bobs and squeals of excitement. The 9-track tape features quality production from the likes of Flying Lotus , Juicy J , The Alchemist , Jonti Danimals , and Thelonious Martin . I can’t help but acknowledge the immense growth and progress that Hodgy has overcome, now taking the form of a highly skilled and confident rapper in no need of a collective’s support.
Here are the highlights of the EP-
Bullshittin’ Prod. by Juicy J – Hodgy Beats [recommended] [hip-hop]
Lately Prod. by Flying Lotus – Hodgy Beats [recommended] [hip-hop]
In a Dream Prod. by The Alchemist – Hodgy Beats [recommended] [hip-hop]
Pick up the Untitled EP in its entirety, here.
Atom
Lurka | Blank
For those who have been keeping their ear to the deeper and darker side of dubstep, the name Lurka seems synonymous with quality over quantity. The 22 year old producer from the South West (UK) shows a level of restraint and maturity in his productions that one would identify with much older, more experienced artists. This very trait may have been the reason behind not only the signing to Black Box Records in the beginning of 2011, but also the continued dj support of Youngsta himself.
Lurka has graciously given away the lossless audio file to one of his most organic tunes, Blank. The combination of an extremely rich mixdown, warm percussion, and a concrete call and answer between bass lines make this track feel as if it were made of many individual living parts, all working together to achieve locomotion. A must have for any audiophile.
Blank – Lurka [wav]
In Death,
Baron Samedi
Desto | Makowrap (VIP Mix)
Desto has been one of the very few Finnish dubstep producers to make his way into the bedroom of the international arena. Haunted by the sounds of artists such as Kraftwork and Benga, Desto found his sonic niche deep within the tightly knit, underground beat movement in Helsinki. It’s really no surprise that he was drawn to the blossoming scene- at just three years old, Desto preferred Kraftwork’s Computer World to nursery rhymes.
As he recalls, the scene emerged in 2006 when a few forward-thinking producers began to throw “squat parties” (those free from the restrictions of the legal club scene and hosted in secret indoor locations), which gradually evolved into weekly club nights run by wunderkinds such as Tes La Rok and Dead-O of Clouds . In regards to Finland’s particular brand of dubstep, Desto comments-
“I’d say that the Finnish dubstep sound is the way it is because we’ve always made sure that the nights include all styles instead of just throwing in the most popular banger after banger. Back in ’06, dubstep was the genre that invited producers to build around a loose framework of 140 bpm and sub bass and bring in their own musical influences, which appealed to us. Nothing in dubstep was ‘big’ or ‘dirty’. It was about the sound really. We just like to keep it diverse as we come from different musical backgrounds and histories.”
(via
Kmag
)
His latest piece, a tune inspired by the title-track of last years Makowrap EP , is rich with cheeky synths, surly beats and a finespun baseline that together weave an undeniable groove. Desto draws heavy influence from the sounds of the Commodore 64, an 8-bit home computer introduced by a now defunct manufacturer, and it’s presence is certainly audible in this mix.
alh
[photo courtesy of the lovely Ivanna Besenovsky via f o t o g r a f i a ]
Gonjasufi | Video: The Blame
Sumach Valentine, better known as Gonjasufi , is a rapper, singer, disc jockey and yoga teacher who resides somewhere in the Mojave Desert, an area situated on the periphery of civilization. As one could expect from a man who lives in almost total isolation, much of his work has been a product of his observations of moral depravity. In regards to the motives behind his music, he writes-
“For me it’s like the collective mass. The power of thought and everybody focused on one thing is the most important thing in life on this planet. If everbody’s so tuned in to a television that’s dumbing down the frequency and telling them that Doomsday or Armageddon is coming, then that’s what’s goign to happen. So when I made these songs, it was a prayer to the most high and a call out to the people. I wasn’t thinking about money, or a record deal, or fame or any of that shit. That was the furthest thing from the my mind.”
(via
The Quietus
)
Sumach admits that he would be “a dangerous man” if music wasn’t present in his life. This is his latest piece of work- a video of a profoundly personal song that follows the artist as he wanders through his vision of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The Blame can be found on Sumach’s most recent release of a mini-album entitled MU.ZZ.LE. Pick up the whole thing, or just the track, here .
Rest easy,
alh
Lone | Crystal Caverns 1991
I was an infant in 1991 and so I missed out on the vibrant UK electronic dance underground in the late 80s and early 90s; but for some reason I feel justified in suggesting that with this track, UK producer Matt Cutler, delivers a sound that conveys his nostalgia for early 1990s rave music. (Wait for the transition at 1:45 and you’ll get a sense of what I’m referring to.) ‘Crystal Caverns 1991′ is bursting with energy- layers of hustling aggressive percussion, and the interlocking rhythms of hyped-up synth stabs and effortlessly improvised melodies.
Following up his 2010 debut LP Emerald Fantasy Tracks, this is the first single from Cutler’s forthcoming LP Galaxy Garden out 05/07/12 via R&S .
Yours
Wolfey
Jesse Futerman | Yusef
Jesse Futerman released a single three weeks ago and Gilles Peterson has already picked it out of the crowd and featured it in his latest Radio One mix. We managed to snag one of the 100 available downloads on soundcloud. This Toronto native has a classy and modest style; each track is stripped to perfection. You may also notice subtle hints of influence from Nightmares on Wax. His music is ideal for wooing that girl/guy of your dreams but if you aren’t thinking of such things, light up that fatty and let these meandering Canadian vibrations take you away.
Yusef – Jesse Futerman [served chilled] download removed at artist’s request
In June 2011 he released an EP, entitled Super Basement [recommended] , that Gilles Peterson also featured and can be copped for free from the netlabel imprint Juslikemusic .
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Shlohmo | wen uuu (Teebs Remix)
As sam.i.am. mentioned a couple days back, Nico Jaar ‘s interpretation of Shlohmo ‘s Rained the Whole Time was preceded by Teebs ‘ rework of a different tune: wen uuu . However, the latter was released in anticipation of the Vacation EP and thus, free-of-charge. One appropriate for those moments right before you drift off to sleep.
See previously: Shlohmo | Rained the Whole Time (Nico Jaar Remix)
wen uuu (Teebs Remix) – Shlohmo
alh
Goth-Trad | Psychic Power
Skittering percussion over menacing synth lines and heavy swigs of bass; Goth-Trad presents us with an eclectic sound collection. Expect layers, and lots of them – new noises disappear almost as fast as they are introduced.
Midway through the song’s nuanced madness, Goth-Trad settles the energy and introduces another set of sounds, conjured by what we can safely assume are the most esoteric of instruments.
Hailed as “Japan’s dubstep Godfather,” Takeaki Maruyama has released his fourth solo album this February. In conjunction with Mala ‘s Deep Medi imprint, Maruyama reveals New Epoch . Despite utilizing dubstep as a template for the LP, the connotation associated with the genre provides minimal detail to this vast soundscape:
“I’m always looking for more direction and styles within my work, but I’m not really thinking I’m doing dubstep. I’m just doing my sound. I’ve been doing this style of music for almost ten years and I just say all this music is bass music.”
See previously: Goth-Trad | Cut End
Wala
x
Shlohmo | Rained The Whole Time (Nico Jaar Remix)
This is the final submission to the Vacation remixes album, preceded by the correspondingly tempting works of Teebs and Salva . Yes, it lives up to all of your expectations. As usual, Nico proves himself an artist of tact. Rarely do such feverish hat patterns convey much more than a bar tab, let alone a content, yet melancholy anecdote. Enjoy this, a lovely rendition of a lovely song.
Needless to say - [recommended]
sam.i.am
Juj | Nod
A few days back, Juj hit 2000 fans on Facebook. In gratitude, the forward-thinking beatsmith shared this little ditty on his fan page, accompanied by the promise that his hibernation is nearly over and some new tunes are in the works. With patience, we’re holding him to it.
alh
ELOS | Scenes of Life \ Electricity
ELOS , aka Chaz Lewis, is a child of the Low End Theory. Born in Los Angeles, ELOS was raised by the city and was influenced early on by 90′s West Coast hip-hop, jazz and Japanese video game soundtracks. In December of 2010 and October of 2011 he released two free collections Hornet’s Nest and then the Dang EP. Werdz is a free single that he released only a few months ago.
“ELOS throws down castles of sound that will rattle ceiling crumbs loose from the top of your skull.”
Retcon – ELOS [served chilled]
DunDeals – ELOS [recommended]
DunDeals is track number one of his debut release on Alpha Pup Records , Flying Sky Fortress . His first full-length album Scenes of Life / Electricity is due to drop in March of 2012.
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L.E.T. Podcast Ep. 21 | Daddy Kev + SydOFWGKTA
Alpha Pup ‘s founding father and chief in command, Daddy Kev , teams up with Odd Future ‘s tomboy spin-doctress, Syd Tha Kyd , for this edition of what is very likely the most notorious podcast existing in this world wide web of ours. Madness ensues.
Low End Theory Podcast Episode 21 - Daddy Kev and SydOFWGKTA
If you aren’t up to date, visit the Low End Theory Podcast home base and collect ‘em all.
sam.i.am
James Blake | Live Album
We’ve all seen the glory of his trio’s performance, be it in person or via Youtube, and in consideration of this musical splendour, the question is begged; Why hasn’t this happened sooner? From the kind hearts and trained fingers, feet, and vocal chords of the James Blake outfit comes this entirely free, live recorded album, featuring all of the favourites, a few oddities, and an especially special rendition of the Digital Mystikz ‘ dub anthem, Anti-War Dub .
Grab the digital show in its entirety: James Blake – Live Album [recommended]
01. Unluck (Live)
02. The Wilhelm Scream (Live)
03. I Never Learnt To Share (Live)
04. Lindisfarne (Live)
05. Limit To Your Love (Live)
06. Give Me My Month (Live)
07. To Care (Like You) (Live)
08. Anti-War Dub (Live)
09. Klavierwerke (Live)
10. CMYK (Live)
11. Once We All Agree (Live)
12. A Case Of You (Live)
13. Enough Thunder (Live)
14. Love What Happened Here (Live)
15. Tep And The Logic (Live)
sam.i.am
Usher | Climax (Prod. by Diplo)
This is the epitome of pop music. Usher plays to his strengths and delivers a silky falsetto that is no doubt dropping the drawers and breaking the hearts of every gal, and guy for that matter, that is so vulnerably subjected to the tune. Diplo exercises a tasteful restraint exclusive only to the likes of weathered professionals like himself. The addition of contemporary classical composer, Nico Muhly , is but the cherry on top of this electro-soul sundae. Virginity might be the only reasonable excuse for one to be unaffected by the song’s sensually clever non-drop. I can almost picture the two maestros laughing triumphantly whilst polishing their respective crowns.
sam.i.am
Shlohmo | Gilles Peterson Mix
Yesterday, Henry Laufer gifted out something special: a succulent and texturized mix he recorded for the Gilles Peterson show last year. Aptly timed, the release pacifies a bit of our grief over the news that Gilles will be saying his goodbyes to his BBC Radio 1 show in the coming months.
Hapy Valentymz Days </3
for u and ur luvvd one. or just the person ur making out with tonight. or the floorboards ur laying on currently while the vhs of home alone 2: lost in new york plays on ur 13″ sony tv .
this is a mix i recorded last year for gilles peterson’s radio show. not sure how many folks got to hear it, so i wanted to give it to yall as a download. especially for this luvly Vday. this one’s for laying on the ground or a nice rug or a bed with someone in it or on the train high. make smoke and play. luv u guys with all my heart from the bottom of the soles of my shoes.
- Shlohmo
alh
[photo via the clawhammer ]
Burial | Kindred EP
Hyperdub ‘s biggest ticket in the game of ambient-garage-two step, William Bevan, more often known as Burial , has released a half-hour long, three track collection of what one instinctively defines as being “underground.” Now, as absurd as that sounds, is it not true? The percussion rattles tumultuously in and out of reception behind lamenting vocal samples and grandiose, yet essentially structureless bass tones. This is the sound of confusion, pain, and what I imagine to be a very bleak future. Mope to this moody skip-swing in the darkest nook of the neighbourhood, and when it finally comes to an end, double click that title once more, as the Kindred EP is currently exclusive to its digital distribution.
Stream: Burial – Kindred EP [recommended]
sam.i.am
Hudson Mohawke | Valentines Slow Jams
For the fifth year running, LuckyMe figurehead, Ross Birchard, more commonly known as Hudson Mohawke , is supplying your V-day with a cohesive collection of the most sensual and lust driven odes ever humped into a mixing board. Turn out the lights and get cozy.
Valentines Slow Jams Chapter V – Hudson Mohawke
<3
sam.i.am
No Way Back (Ft. Butterclock) | oOoOO
At present, Chris Dexter Greenspan, a San Francisco native, is putting the final touches on Our Love is Hurting Us - his second EP set to be released by Tri Angle on April 10th. Laura Clock, also known as Butterclock , often plays out with oOoOO , offering her ethereal vocals over the cold and thoughtful soundscapes that Greenspan so meticulously creates.
In No Way Back, the first single to be released from the forthcoming EP, Butterclock’s reverberating vocals lend a lighter air to the ominous atmosphere that characterize Greenspan’s sonic landscapes. The five-track record was put together on the road while oOoOO was touring in San Francisco, Berlin and New York, “in train station waiting areas and airports,” he says.
No Way Back (Ft. Butterclock) – oOoOO
Rest easy,
alh
Crew Love (ft. The Weeknd) (Shlohmo Remix) | Drake
Smoking weed under star projectors. I guess we’ll never know where Harvard gets us.
It is certainly no surprise that Shlohmo is one of Drake’s devoted followers, especially to those of us who have seen the beatsmith live, fervidly lip syncing to one of Drake’s various tracks.
A couple days back, The Weeknd posted a live rip of Shlohmo’s remix of Crew Love on his tumblr and asked nicely, “please release an official version…” Henry Laufer premiered the rework during the WEDIDIT showcase last year in L.A and just two hours ago released the official studio version, free of charge, accompanied by the note: “big shouts out 2 the weeknd. much <3.” The tune, which can already boast over 2500 plays on Soundcloud , is a Xanax’d amendment to the original.
Crew Love (ft. The Weeknd) (Shlohmo Remix) – Drake
alh
Promo Mix | Teebs, Sonnymoon, Time Wharp
Forward-thinking electronic craftsmen Teebs , Sonnymoon , and Time Wharp are collectively gearing up for their string of North American tour dates. In the process, the trio has assembled a dreamy, immaculate half-hour mix, which offers a glimpse of what one can expect form their respective performances.
Take a look at the tour dates here . More are to be announced soon.
North American Tour Promo Mix – Teebs, Sonnymoon, Time Wharp [recommended]
Tracklist:
Near Me – Sonnymoon
Pretty Poly – Teebs
mdat (ft. Divine Interface) – Time Wharp
Diagonals – Stereolab
Slime Beach (The Range Remix) – Kuhn
Punic Wars – Avila Santo
kungfu – Sir Froderick
I Like You! – Arthur Russell
Cook, Clean, Pay The Rent (New House Version) – Teebs
Ego – Four Tet, Burial, & Thom Yorke
BLK (Obey City Remix) – Time Wharp
alh
