Combining elements of hip-hop with atmospheric house is a very difficult task. Traditionally, for the most part at least, the two forms of music have been like oil and water. This is what makes Galcher Lustwerk's work so impressive. His sound follows in the vein of tracks like Matthias Meyer's 'Infinity' which subtly nods to 'From '93 'til Infinity' by use of a sample from early nineties hip-hop outfit Souls of Mischief. It's what could be regarded as "street sensible" house music.
As well as owing some of the aspects of his sound to hip-hop, Galcher also draws on the ethereal realms of deep house, as well as electronic outfits like Underworld. This is most evident in the track 'Outside the Club' from Galcher's lauded 100% Galcher mix from last year; a mix most consider to be an album in its own right.
Having only one EP to his name, released last year on Brooklyn's White Material label, this month sees the producer release the four track Nu Day EP on Tsuba.
'Fate' opens the EP with the trademark deepness we've come to expect from Galcher. An ethereal synth runs throughout the track, with some lo-fi synth bleepiness featured along the way. The slightly more upbeat, but equally deep 'Nu Day' follows with more emphasis on a solid kick drum to drive the track forward. '216' is the first track on the EP to feature Galcher's smooth raps as he proceeds to the mic with precision. On the last track, 'Chillin in the Booth', Galcher offers up his mic skills over a lo-fi crunchy house track that rounds out the EP to nice effect.
Finnish producer Saine is fresh from releasing his latest EP, which came out on Berlin-based Odd Socks and includes three original tracks as well as a remix by Glenn Astro and Imyrmind. To celebrate we are delighted to offer his track 'Bandit' as an exclusive free download. It's a hip-hop tinged roller with all sorts of friendly echoes and reverbs circling around - very nice indeed.
The latest in our Leeds local series is no newcomer to the music scene, having already constructed a very popular previous project. This time though he's solo and using his everyday name, James Welsh.
Alongside his day job of working in a studio in Sheffield, James has turned his production skills to a stripped down, slowed down, version of House, sometimes even straying into the realms of Disco. Normally a grooved out bassline is prominent or an addictive vocal loop or perhaps a little nod to the past, perhaps even a touch of acid. Most importantly, all of it's tight and crisp. Here's a smooth Hip Hop little bootleg which he's made available for free.
Real Hip Hop (James Welsh's Landerneau Mix) - Das EFX
Recent news in the Welsh camp is that he's had an EP signed to Hypercolour's sister label Losing Suki. It's a four track release, straight up original productions. 'Integra' has been made available to download.
Integra - James Welsh
Enough of the chat, get this 70 minute mix on the download cos it's great...
DOWNLOAD
01. DJ Aakmael - Crack
02. Soulphiction - Freerotation 1
03. Delite/Steve Poindexter - Work It Wild (Paul Woolford Edit)
04. Marius Vareid - Netlop (Prins Thomas Bonus Edit)
05. DHS - House Of God (James Welsh Edit)
06. Clinton Houlker - Show A Little Love
07. Boddika - Boddikas House
08. Trickski - Wilderness (Souldphiction Re-Rub)
09. Boo Williams - Snare Tappin
10. Benjamin Brunn - I Took Her Out For A 707
11. Rene Breitbarth - Funky Chip
12. Pfirter & Grindvik - Untitled 1 (Skudge Remix)
13. James Welsh - Something Borrowed
14. Langenberg - Jalousie
15. James Welsh - Only
16. Skips - Give Me Yo Love
17. James Welsh - Nastro Azzuro
What a way to enter 2012! We're super pleased to announce that we've hit a massive (for us) 5000 'likes' on Facebook. Thank you to each and every one of you, your support is what keeps us going!
After the success of the last compilation we've collated another selection of tracks for this special occasion. This LP is made up of tracks, which have previously been given away for free, and we've been meaning to post, but are yet to find their way onto the blog. Some of them new, some old. Enjoy...
DOWNLOAD: HH 5000 Followers LP 2012
01. Tsim Sha Tsui - Jack Steadman 02. 1000 Kisses - EJECA 03. Rock My Dub - Lukas 04. Russian Girlfriends - Perseus 05. Papa Was A Rolling Stone (Hesseltime & Benyayer Edit) 06. Changes (Lukas Remix) - Crazy P 07. Into The Night (Nicolas Jaar Remix) - Azari & III 08. Winter Madness - Debonair 09. Pearl (Chaos In The CBD Remix) - Manare 10. Rope Mirage - Lulu James 11. Night Time (Synkro Remix) - The xx 12. Something Missing - Frenic 13. Reckoner (Leftside Wobble Off-World Excursion) - Radiohead
12 months ago we were adamant that 2011 was going to be big one, unfortunately this wasn't really the case. However, 2012, we're hoping will be. We already have a couple of events planned for Leeds + more tees and jumpers etc - more news on that to come. Stick with us cos we're only just getting started.
Canada has had quite a successful year with artists like Jacques Greene, Lunice, Ango and Drake really highlighting North America's untapped musical resource. It's hard in a country that is famous for Ice Hockey, Mounties and Celine Dion to get some serious recognition even if you are signed to a successful label but try doing it on your own with no financial backing.
Abel Tesfaye is the man behind the moniker and with part three of his mixtape trilogy Echoes of Silence available this week, again for free, he has fully gained the attention of the world. Check out the latest release plus Thursday and House of Balloons via The Weeknd website (all for free) and play them for the ladies.
The remixes just keep on coming and this week we are very pleased to offer you another fine selection of tracks.
First up to the plate is Surrey-based duo, Disclosure. Recently featured on Annie Mac Presents and subsequently getting rinsed all over the place, their great electro-house tipped edit of Q-Tip's 'Work With It' is well worth grabbing hold of.
Up next are French duo CDBL with two cracking remixes hot off the back of their latest release for Squelch & Clap. The first is an unreleased remix of label mate Kidnap Kid's 'Shouldn't Be Alone' from his Apocalypse of John EP (featured earlier this month). The remix takes the original and gives the future-garage a little blast from the past with a great, bass heavy garage remix.
The second CDBL remix is for Prince Jean, another new name in the French bass music scene. This remix sees the original given a funky, 2-step injection under a network of synths, stabs and bass giving a very Night Slugs feel.
Heading Stateside for our last selection, Boston and NYC square off as Doctor Jeep puts together a fantastic remix of Blind Benny's 'Bad Dreams'. Taking the soothing vibes of the original and cranking it up with breakbeats and chopping the vocals up over the top giving you a remix that could have been made in '91.
Today, Cut Records released their fourth EP entitled 'Feel For Bumps' by new producer Bryn Thomas. The EP contains four songs which cover a range of sounds and tempos, incorporating elements of Hip Hop, Drum & Bass and Dubstep. Take a listen to the preview below, or download it here for nothing, or for something if you so wish.
After hanging with these boys on Saturday at Parklife (not a recommended festival but more on that later) it's about time we got this up. Maribou State have been going from strength to strength since their exclusive mix for us; they've been signed to TFA Agency and have a release coming out very soon on Fat! Records. This one's a remix of TMS who seem to have come out of nowhere with the promo and remixes, for their not particularly good Disco (or maybe that's another TMS?). Anyway this remix shows Maribou State's progression and reinstates why we had them do a mix for us, snap it up quick.
I Need You (Maribou State Remix) - TMS
Whilst still on Parklife topic, the Crosstown tent was rammed so as the evening drew to a close we watched Two Door Cinema Club on the main stage. As far as Indie music goes, they're pretty excellent. This remix has been rolling around for a while but as it's on a slow vibrant Disco vibe, it will definitely go down well with the ladies.
Something Good Can Work (RAC Remix) - Two Door Cinema Club
It pleases us to see Graphics (if you haven't yet come across the name, check the introducing post) doing well getting on the official remixes and coming out with productions like this. I don't think this made it to the actual release but nonetheless it bounces along and you should keep your eye for the name, we're sure there's more goodness to come.
Drive (Graphics Remix) - Alpines
Jack Steadman we met before in this post. These two don't really follow on from before but still both are good music in their own right. 'Gold Tooth' takes a bouncy Hip Hop vibe whilst 'Dedicace' sounds like an instrumental interpretation of Eminem's 'Like Toy Soldiers', or maybe not.
Dedicace - Jack Steadman
Gold Tooth - Jack Steadman
We hadn't seen anything of S-Type since his first few free tunes back in this post until he was on a flyer recently in Leeds. It then turns out his remix of River of Slime (also out on Phuturelabs) is being used as promo for the release. Big colourful production halfway between Grime and Hip Hop. If only if it was a little longer. That being said, the original is 17 minutes long which seems a little excessive.
Volume One (S-Type Remix) - River of Slime
Disclosure who we featured in this post made it into Annie Mac's top 10 summer tunes (along with Javeon McCarthy) with 'Blue You' but as promo for their 'Carnival EP' which came out today they're giving this away, probably the weakest on the EP but still. They also uploaded one of our favourites for preview. Go find the EP in your favourite store.
Just Your Type - Disclosure
I Love... That You Know - Disclosure
Brero is a new name but has landed in the iTunes and after a few listens through we deem it good enough to share. It's on a mellow 2-step vibe, gently winging it's way into your good books also.
Dusk - Brero
Another one on the chilled tip, Phaeleh gave out a freebie as he hit 10k fans on Facebook. If you have yet to 'like' his page, get over there and do so. He's still one of our favourites and we can't wait for the next album. Also if you haven't checked his mix for us yet, it's leading the series in number of downloads. Infact, don't just 'like' him, go and support the man by buying his tunes and remixes like the one below.
Nocturne - Phaeleh
Jungle (Phaeleh Remix) - Charli XCX
Lastly I'll leave you with five tunes mainly aimed at DJs rather than straight up listening, hopefully the names should be familiar...
I Know - Kastle
Linear Function - Goldlines
Mustard (Cure Rerub) - HxdB
Dangerous (C.R.S.T. Remix) - Mighty Moe
Stay Away (T. Williams Dub) - Charli XCX
If you rely on us updating you from Facebook, they're not allowing us to post as someone has flagged us as spam which is real kind. We hope this gets sorted soon but if not, try posting a link or something in your status and complaining when they don't let you. Keep checking back, there's a few goodies in store over the next week or so.
Sam Shephard, aka Floating Points, is a producer who comes from a wonderfully musical background. His latest release on his and Alexander Nut's record label, Eglo, maintains the quality that we have come to expect. The two track combination shines with the jazz influences that have made Floating Points so widely respected as not only a producer but a DJ also - it is well worth checking this out.
'Faruxz' is the more laid back of the two tracks, with more of a hip hop style and overlapping lead synth lines, whilst 'Marilyn' is more upbeat with big sawtooth keys riding over a nicely swung house beat. As ever, Shephard has come up with the goods.
Friday of last week saw the CD and vinyl release of Subdepth Records first compilation, 'Subdepth Volume 1'. Since their relocation to Bristol Subdepth have continued to support their policy of developing talent from within rather than profiteering from any observable fashion, and this compilation gives a snapshot of the range of ideas they have for bass music at the end of 2010 going into the New Year. With another valuable chance to check the productions of the likes of Dom Hz, Swarms, Numan and Vandera, this is a must-buy for those with an eye to the future.
Whether you're particularly feeling the ecstatic optimism of Vandera's "Move On", the rugged vibrations of Swarms' "Rooted" or the soothing warmth of Simple's "Long Distance Rubdown", what ties the tracks together is that they operate on a level that deals with the dreamlike and the ethereal. Firstly this will make this compilation a good reflection of the times in years to come, since 2010 has been a year where music has often sought to be visionary and complex, in many ways a reaction to the gritty and immediate sounds of last year, but more importantly, the scope of the intangible feelings the tracks convey will ensure this continues to be of value for a while to come. Check out the Soundcloud preview below, but to appreciate the full selection you'll need to buy it in its entirety, available at Juno.
Subdepth Volume 1 Preview
01. Numan – Secrets 02. Dom Hz – You (Vista Remix) 03. Dom Hz – Everyday dreamer 04. Snow Fox – No Time 05. Dom Hz – Blue 06. Vandera – Move On 07. Swarms – Rooted 08. Swarms – Hypnotize 09. Simple – Long Distance Rubdown 10. Lostlojic – Last Goodbye (Vandera Remix) 11. Swarms – Glider 12. Dom Hz – What Goes Up 13. Indigo ft. Poppy Roberts – All Yours 14. Numan – Wild Fire 15. Swarms – Skynet 16. Numan – Kaya 47
Here we have two Hip-Hop orientated tracks. I know, a little bit different from the norm but mixing things up now and again is good for your ears. Both tracks come from special projects and here's why...
HeavyFeet have changed direction with their productions and have embarked on a 12 month project where they will release a single a month on new label Stamp! Beats. Their original will be put out for free but be backed with remixes of all kinds available at the shop. Their plan is to work with a variety of different vocalists - the first being fellow Mancunians Virus Syndicate. As promised...
This next project, you've already heard about briefly in this post. Part two is now available at their bandcamp, spanning genres from Hip-Hop to Electronica to Neo-Soul to Dubstep. 21 tracks for free? There's got to be at least one you like in there. This one's my favourite...
Devil's Hand (Feat. Racecar & Sarah G) - Debilorithmicos
First of many posts to come... someone got sacked today!
I was only thinking to myself the other day that there was a distinct lack of good music around at the moment. Releases seemed to have got stuck in the snow just like everything else and all the free stuff is wank. This is probably not true just me not being grumpy. However I did pick up "Arabian From Luzzi" (which might be named wrong) by Sec which has been soothing the craving. On the snow topic - I don't understand how our whole country goes into shutdown with a bit of the white stuff. Everywhere else can cope. And why didn't the weathermen see it coming weeks ago. That's their job isn't it? Perhaps it's just too difficult for them.
Anyway, B. Rich has managed to bring the goods to the table with this enjoyable remix of Tiesto. Good use of the vocals and not over done it with the bassline. Synthy big room sound but also suitable for lounging. He's suggesting this could be called Trancestep - sounds good to me.
Knock You Out (B. Rich Remix) - Tiesto [RUDEEE]
Wachs Lyrical who we featured a while back recently gave away his Bloc Party remix which he did with Squidface. Not Wachs' normal style this but one to pull out the bag at a party. Squelchy bassline which then ends up in some bouncy drum n bass. It's had big recognition from Kissy Sell Out who said, "Normally I do an edit of the tracks so they fit better in my sets but this one's just fine the way it is." It's even still in his top 5 tracks sent to the Kissy Klub. On the subject of Kissy, has anyone seen how nuts he is at DJing? Probably not very appealing to most but you can check it on his myspace just above the Beatport shop bit and... I heard his Toddla T remix on the radio the other day and then found it's already been given out. Bouncy bassline under a big original vocal.
One More Chance (Wachs Lyrical & Squidface Remix) - Bloc Party
Rice & Peas (Kissy's Drum n' Bass Mix) - Toddla T
Lastly, there was some twittering the other day about an unreleased number from the old time favourites Aesop Rock. Quality isn't great but tis worth a listen.
Jinx Planet - Aesop Rock
Oh and a bonus - Senseless Records are giving away a old track by Sarantis on their bandcamp. All you need is your email address. It's worth it. You remember that first track on our first mix? Same label.
