Summer loving...

photo credit: Jay Hawley
Sorry for the lack of free music recently. We've been scouring the internet and the results of decent freebies have been lacking. However, for our 500th post, we've russled up some tracks which might suit your mood whilst lazing in the sunshine.

First up, there's been hundreds of remixes of Chase & Status' latest single 'Time'. Deliah features with a big vocal and Didz has come up with a skipping 2-step beat to sit underneath.

Time (Didz Remix) - Chase & Status

The Weeknd is some of the best R&B we've heard for years (not that we listen to much). The album is available for free from their website and has 3 or 4 stand-out tracks so if that's what you're into, we'd advise the download. This is the personal favourite and can see it doing well with many producers sampling Cassie etc on a similar vibe recently.

What You Need - The Weeknd

Sleepyhead is a new name to us but will remain in the memory bank for a while after this catchy number. Thumping low end, rich euphoric synths and a sweeping vocal. Pity it's less than 3 minutes long!

Nothing Changes - Sleepyhead

Basic Audio, another new name, shows he's quickly refining his production skills with this latest track which is step up from the previous two. A chopped and layered vocal, that sounds similar to some of Jamie Woon's work, sits over a composed sinuous progression.

Dwele - Basic Audio

Talking of Jamie Woon - three out of four remixes on the official package have been given out trying to amp the release, none of them beat the original, however this one from dÉbruit has a good go.

Lady Luck (dÉbruit's Suave Remix) - Jamie Woon

Last we've got our favourite production to come out of the Graphics studio. This time he's on a darker tip, turning the original, slow Dub-Reggae vibe from Hiatus, into more of a roller taking advantage of the massive Linton Kwesi Johnson vocal and utilising it well.

Insurrection (Graphics Remix) - Hiatus

Check the original track too, it was written for the 30th anniversary of the Brixton riots which takes the track to another level.

Insurrection (feat. Linton Kwesi Johnson) - Hiatus


Edit: Forgot to put this link in. Keep an eye out for Mahni in the coming months, this is his latest, and it's banging.

Only - Mahni

Round up that sound....

Oxygen (NDV Remix) - Bunny On Acid [RUDEEE] [buy digital]


Roots Vibration (feat. Ras Spear) - Jack Sparrow & Ruckspin


Trapped In Tivoli - Arkist


Crush - Hodge


Traps - Actraiser


Typewriter Tune VIP - Distal & HxdB [buy vinyl / buy digital]


The Shock - Commodo

You been dancing with the devil...

Dark Sky never fail to impress. Latest news is that their 'Crystalised' remix is finally available to buy, get it at Boomkat or Juno. Also they have a forthcoming EP with Black Acre which should be out around Christmas time.

Their latest remix is being used by Ninja Tune to promote the forthcoming Stateless single which is out on 22nd November, in anticipation of the album, which is out in February next year. The single 'Ariel' also features remixes by Rustie and Midland. Dark Sky on a proper bouncy 2-step flex here but with their own flavour added as always. All you need is your email address...

Ariel (Dark Sky Remix) - Stateless

Synkro is another one of my favourite producers. Think this tune is quite an old tune but still a goody. Harp patterns slide over a skippy beat and humming sub-line with the odd injection of something a bit nastier.

Back Then - Synkro

I hadn't heard of The Spit Brothers until recently but they seem to be cropping up wherever I'm looking, earlier on today it was on a track with fellow San Fran local, Antiserum. Dubsworth and Bakir came together in 2005, both very experienced in the live scene - Bakir toured with Jazzsteppa on their first US tour as their trumpet player and tour manager. Their sound incorporates various elements of bass music mixed with hints of Jazz - which is what caught my attention. They have a live set which I can imagine to be something special.

Oh Contrarians - The Spit Brothers [buy @ Beatport]


This track is slightly different to the one above, bit deeper and heavier but rolls nicely with the blaring horn sections...

Done Gone There - The Spit Brothers

Last but not least, you should all know these two...

Stapleton Road VIP - Mensah
The 1987 Bounce - Gemmy

Introducing ONLYJOE

Who knows the difference between Dub and Dubstep?

onlyjoe are a new ten-piece live act brought to you by the Organix crew. You may remember the Organix name from the Dubscover events they've been pushing for the last year or so. Now everything is ripe for onlyjoe, they are ready to share their band with you at the Rhythm Factory. You may have caught them performing their dubby beats from Corsica Studios to Croatia over the summer season - and that was just a warm up. Check the myspace for a healthy list of upcoming gigs.

They've been in the studio doing some recording and I'm pleased to announce that this beautiful piece Dub/Reggae is available to all, for free.

Easton Riddim - onlyjoe [download]


This October they bring you a fusion of Reggae, Dancehall, Dub, Dubstep and Jungle with support from the well-known Reggae Roast selecta Excel. Check the Facebook event.