Been hunting for this tune for a while - turns out it's available for free download so get it while you can. Wherever you may be, this'll take you to a good place.
Telescope (Young Marco Edit) - Pino Donaggio[I'm A Cliche]
At the end of last year the team behind Outlook announced that a new festival would be gracing the Fort Punta Christo grounds, promising an 'intimate affair' with an 'amazing lineup'. There is no doubt that Dimensions delivered on both of these fronts. The reduced capacity of around 5,000 made for a more personal atmosphere and the lineup boasted some of the most revered names in house, techno and beyond.
The setting speaks for itself, finely tuned sound systems nestled in between the ruins of a coastal fortress. Fort Punta Christo is the kind of venue that a British festival organiser could only dream of. Particularly stunning was the Moat Stage, 5 metre high walls enclose the crowd into a narrow strip where the sonic and visual presence were an incredibly impressive combination. Such an atmosphere was perfect for the industrial sounds of artists such as Untold during the R&S takeover, but it worked equally well for the disco infused tones of Todd Terje.
During the day time the beach offered the perfect place to relax, catch up on a bit of sleep or go for a dip in the sea, all whilst friendly faces from the likes of Butter Side Up and Flux took to the decks.
However, those in the know headed down to the dock to jump on a boat party or two. We were lucky enough to hear 2562 and Addison Groove lay things down on the Elevate boat, but it was the Eglo Records boat party which provided the highlight of the whole festival. Setting sail in the early evening, perfectly timed to take in the Adriatic sunset, Floating Points, Alexander Nut and Funkineven gave the Funktion One soundsystem and everyone on board a solid four hour work out - from funk and soul to UKG and all the way back again. The wonderful Fatima was also on board for a live PA of her new single, 'Phoneline'.
Returning to the darkness of the fort, the Mungo's stage also hosted some special sets over the weekend. Mark from Iration Steppas created the perfect vibe for Mala's much anticipated appearance. Those expecting to hear his recent Cuban work would have been largely disappointed but to here all those old DMZ records on such a nice system in an intimate courtyard was more than good enough for us! Ben UFO was another DJ who could have easily played for twice as long as his 90 minute set, blending choice Hessle cuts with festival favourites - the boy wonder does it right every single time.
If you were smart enough to save a little energy for the final night then Theo Parrish and Moodymann were there to guide you home. Playing for nearly six hours between them, we're struggling to think of a better end to a festival (maybe Stevie Wonder at Glastonbury though, that was pretty amazing!) Nevertheless, hats off to the Dimensions team - we hope to make it out there again next year.
Next up in the series, with our second 'all own productions' mix, is Berlin based Cuetec. He loves all things deep and colourful from Jazz to Drum & Bass but this mix focuses mainly on slow, soulful house - perfect for the summer. When asked if he'd like to find another photo for the album artwork, he replied, "I like the cover artwork, as it fits somehow to my music that isnt always perfect". In this day and age with the dominant use of computers, producers' output is becoming too crisp and clean - music is art and it doesn't always necessarily need to be so exact, sometimes a little rough round the edges adds character.
Many of his productions/edits are available for free from his Soundcloud. We've zipped up our favourite 5 for you.
DOWNLOAD: Free Zip
1. Feels Good - Cuetec & Sarinha
2. Listening Pearls - Cuetec
3. I Am In Love - Cuetec
4. Strugglers - Cuetec
5. Still Sound (Cuetec Remix) - Toro Y Moi
DOWNLOAD: HH MIX #29 - CUETEC
01. Spacenight - Cuetec [Kubism Records]
02. Drops - Cuetec [Kubism Records]
03. Autumn Sun - Cuetec [Kubism Records]
04. Sleepless - Cuetec [unreleased]
05. Samal (Cuetec Edit) [unreleased]
06. Facing The Sun (Cuetec Edit) [Suol]
07. Stranger (Cuetec Edit) [unreleased]
08. Sleeping Beauty - Cuetec [unreleased]
09. After The Rain - Cuetec [unreleased]
10. Blue - Cuetec [Kubism Records]
11. Blue Moon - Cuetec [unreleased]
12. Axiom (Cuetec Edit) [unreleased]
13. Naked Dancer - Cuetec [Kubism Records]
14. Tokio Rush - Cuetec [unreleased]
The sun rarely makes an appearance in England, when it does, we all like to think it's here to stay. Here's a few tracks to make sure are on your iPods for that next time you head to the park with beers and speakers in hand.
Try Again - Loki Laredo[forthcoming Assembly Point]
Those aren't free downloads so here a few that are. Perhaps a couple are a touch on the girly vibe but, if you're chilling with girls, there's no harm in that.
2nite (Late Nite Tuff Guy Re-Edit) - Narada Michael Walden
What's Love Got To Do (Zimmer Rework) - Tina Turner
Having just returned from their travels aimed to support the immense release compiled by the two duos, Wolf+Lamb & Soul Clap (out on !K7 Records) it has emerged that they've put together a very special mix with all their favourite tunes from the tour. This is definitely one to have on your iPod.
DOWNLOAD: Wolf + Lamb & Soul Clap Greatest Tour Hits Mix
On July 30, Cut Records released their latest freebie by London's Great Skies. The release, entitled Summer Moments marks the fifth by the new label. As the title suggests, it's four uniquely deep tracks which certainly create a nostalgic summer-vibe. Give it a preview below, or download/buy it from Cut Record's Bandcamp site.
Summer Moments EP Preview - Great Skies[Cut Records]
Somehow a Loose Fit track (the first of the two below) ended up in one of our latest playlists which got a thorough listen to on the trip to and from London this weekend. It was the stand out track and so we weren't surprised to find more quality material after only a small amount of research. However, we were surprised when we stumbled across their latest release, and noticed that it came out today on Join The Dots. It is entitled Table Beggar / Magnetise EP and those are, if you hadn't already guessed, the two (stunning) title tracks plus there's a couple of remixes of each. Check the release out below, and bag it for yourself here.
Before we discovered that bit of conveniently timed news, we were planning a post anyway as the pair, originally from Manchester, have given away a couple of excellent tracks for free. Make sure both of these are given a chance, especially if you have some summer parties lined up. Personally, we think the slower, more rolling 'Bolsena' might be the favourite out of these two.
As we push on with our mix series, super hot talent Louie Fresco steps up the heat a notch. Not only does this guy produce, run a burgeoning label but also is the manager of El Internacional, one of the leading clubs in the vicinity Mexico. Next up they have Art Department with a 1500 strong guestlist on Facebook! We wanted to make sure you had plenty of information to fill the memory bank so we caught up with him for a quick chat.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your musical roots...
I'm from one of the hottest places on earth: Mexicali B.C. Mexico. Summer time don't play around here, it gets pretty nasty. But it's a cool place to kick it, it's super safe and it has one of the best the electronic scenes in Mexico. I used to play guitar and drums back when I was in a band. I think I got into music thanks to one of my cousins back when he introduced me to Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson and my brother who introduced me to R&B and New Wave. When it comes about music they always showed me the ropes. If they discovered a new artist/band they showed them to me almost immediately.
I've had a back & forth relationship with electronic music. Loved it in the early 90's, then I loved grunge, back with electronic music thanks to Cassius, Daft Punk, etc. then I discovered hip hop. Back again in the late 90's with trance music and then I finally became a full-on electronic dance music lover in 2005.
How has your music taste changed over the last year or so?
A lot. I have to thank a few friends and a few producers out there for showing me these new sounds. I always thought sole purpose of making a dance track was to get people dancing on the floor, but I couldn't help to notice how a lot of talented producers started making dance music with various kinds of melodies and all of that goodness. I instantly fell in love with these new sub-genres.
You run a label called MEXA Records - why did you decide to start a label?
Cliche answer: "I just want to get my music out there"
It's true though, but I also want local, national, and some international talent to have the chance to be discovered. There's a lot of hidden gems to be found out there. Many acts here in Mexico and Spain have caught my attention. There's is also a lot of raw talent here in Baja California, with the proper tools they could be living their dreams.
Your 'Cold As Ice' remix has grabbed the attention of many including No.19 label owner Art Department. How did this remix come about?
This is a really long story. I will spare the details though. I did that song quite a few months ago. A friend of mine came to my apartment and told me Lee Foss uploaded a video with the same samples I used on that song. (the song my friend refered to was Modern Amusement - Cold As Ice, and that day I found out that the song was done a few years ago by Lee). I contacted Lee and Jonny. Jonny wanted my song to be a part of the EP. Being a huge fan of Mr Foss and Art Dept this was a no-brainer so I sent Jonny the song. The rest is history. So I really have to thank Lee and Jonny for giving this huge opportunity and of course my friend for stalking Lee Foss' facebook profile!
Cold As Ice (Louie Fresco Remix) - Modern Amusement
Top five tracks at the minute?
Fish Go Deep - The Cure and The Cause (Russ Yallop Remix)
Jamie Jones feat. Art Department - Our Time In Liberty
Luca C & Brigante feat. Ali Love - Morals (Clockwork Remix)
Richy Ahmed & Miguel Campbell - Tell Me
Tale Of Us - Winds Of Change
Favourite sandwich filler combo?!
Meatballs with marinara, cheese, olives, and bacon.
What have you got lined up release-wise?
I'm gonna be doing a few collaborations with some people I really admire and some remixes for some very talented producers. I do have a few remixes coming out on Defected Records, another one OM Records, and the remix I did for Ali Love coming out on Dim Mak. I'm also working hard on my album for No.19 and my first EP on my upcoming label MEXA Records.
Tell us a bit about this mix - how did you go about it, was it recorded live?
This was recorded at a private party using CDJs, I just hit REC and started playing songs that I really like at the moment.
Thank you for your time, it was a pleasure.
From the quality of this 1h48mins seamless recording, we reckon this man knows a thing or two about mixing - you'd be a fool not to have it in your summer playlist.
01. Fred Everything ft. Vanessa Baker - Friday (Crazy P Remix) [OM Records] 02. Mark E - R&B Drunkie [MERC] 03. Richy Ahmed & Miguel Campbell - Tell Me [forthcoming Hot Creations] 04. ??? 05. ??? 06. Benoit & Sergio - Everybody [DFA] 07. Nick Lawson & Matthew Burton - Gruff It [forthcoming Visionquest] 08. Richy Ahmed - Killah Velvet (Richy Ahmed Edit) [unreleased] 09. ??? 10. Miguel Migs - Everybody (Nav Izadi Remix) [forthcoming OM Records] 11. Nina Kraviz - I'm Gonna Get You [Rekids] 12. Fish Go Deep - The Cure And The Cause (Russ Yallop Yooou Mix) 13. ??? (Louie Fresco Remix) [forthcoming Defected Records] 14. Danny Daze - Fall Away From Love [Hot Creations] 15. Jus' Bros - The Truth (LF Edit) [unreleased] 16. Miguel Puente & Sishi Rosch - Serious Compassion [No.19] 17. ??? (LF Edit) [unreleased] 18. Lula Circus - Miami Vice (MANIK Remix) [Stranjjur] 19. Greg Paulus - Nightime (Crazy P Remix) [Wolf + Lamb]
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.
This one's long overdue, so our apologies go out to all of you – most of whom have probably already bought the release, but we still feel the need to highlight the brilliance of one of our favourite bands.
It’s hard to believe that 'Finest Hour' is Submotion Orchestra’s first LP – especially as it seems as if we've been listening to them for years and years. The album sparkles like a diamond in the sun and instantly transports us back to the time when we first saw them, early in the evening as the sun was setting, on Sunday of Outlook last year. Describing that set as magical would be appropriate. Only a handful of people were present in the fort as they took the stage, gleaming rays visible in the gently swirling dust, but by the end the place was full and everyone left with that funny feeling that you get when you know you’ve just witnessed something special. Since then we’ve been following them around Leeds, be it their semi-regular residency at Hukaz or their single launch in the middle of an industrial estate in Kirkstall, and they never fail to emit that feeling.
'Angel Eyes' is the first track of the record, and the soothing, melodic beats invoke memories of a happier place in the spectrum of Dubstep. This is especially true when coupled with the vocals that fuse seamlessly on many, but not all of the tracks – a decision that serves to make the music all the more poignant, adding further depth to the seven piece ensemble's sound, but equally serving to focus on other aspects of composition when absent. Their musical ability is magnificent, no doubt comparable to Bonobo.
'All Yours' is the first release on the album, and if you’ve not got the hour to spare to the properly get into the album in a single sitting, (we strongly recommend you make time), then it’s a good place to start. We're huge fans of the brass that permeates throughout the album, especially three minutes in on this one - and once again we found ourselves transported back to the sun in Croatia, filling you with a euphoria that’s usually reserved for music in the dance section. It's also backed with a wonderful Jack Sparrow remix.
It’s not only the slower mood-makers where the album triumphs but there's also the faster paced 'Always' that'll get you grooving. It would be easy to go on and on about this release, especially with summer coming – it’s perfect for those lazy sunny afternoons, or even watching the suns ray break through the dark barrier of night. To be honest, it wouldn’t be out of place in a club or a bar or if you slipped it into your parent’s car – it’s that good.
Huge summer tune from one of the hottest producers of 2011 being given out for free courtesy of Green Label Sound. Classixx on the original, Julio Bashmore on a big piano tip takes the track to another level.
Paul Rose is a super-producer. Whether he is known as Scuba, SCB or Spectr it doesn't matter, it's all quality. His latest release is coming out on Roska's ever growing stronger Kicks & Snares label on 20 June 2011.
The A side 'Dance 4 Me' is the favourite with big summer vibes written all over. A steady 2-steppy pattern breaks down as an endearing female vocal ascends for the drop when you'll no doubt find your feet twitching or head nodding whilst your finger reaches for the volume. The preview below doesn't do it justice as you need the intro and breakdown to appreciate when the track comes to life. Melodic and bass heavy, that's what we love isn't it?
Dance 4 Me / I Know - Spectr
For those that haven't clocked SCB's 'Loss' - you're missing out.
"My name is Joseph McGann and I’m from Bristol. Music has been my life force since I was a child and I’ve been lucky enough to have a diverse musical upbringing. Most of my time is spent making music and performing. I chose the name Kahn because I like the word."
Kahn is moving onwards and upwards rapidly with a wide range of different sounds to his name. Having seen the name cropping up all over the place we decided the soundcloud needed investigating. The music on there is brilliant and as his productions skills improve we can only recommend you track his output closely.
You & I (Kahn Remix) - J a b u
He delivers a near perfect remix of Poly Styrene's 'Black Christmas' which is available here along with a slightly weaker re-work of Floetry. Both sit within the Dubstep formula but are rammed full of layers, fills, harmonies, melodies, atmospherics etc to take them somewhere fresh.
Black Christmas (Kahn Remix) - Poly Styrene [RUDEEE]
Say Yes (Kahn Remix) - Floetry
He had his debut release out on Punch Drunk in February this year, check our favourite of the two tracks...
Like We Used To - Kahn
He recently was in the hot seat with Sonic Router, check the mix and interview here. Lastly, showcasing his diversity, this one's on a grimey tip.
A strong contender for clinching the sound of this summer is Disclosure. The duo, two brothers, have their 'Carnival EP' coming out on Transparent Records on 6th June. This EP is filled a variety of colourful beats with a nod to the past and future. We can't pick a favourite. That's not a negative though, there's something for every electronic music lover and we like it all! If we had a rating system, this EP would probably get close to 5/5.
Carnival - Disclosure
Unfortunately there's a lack of previews of the rest of the EP at the moment but here's a freebie given away at the end of last year, not quite with the same quality as the new tracks but still...
Linstigator - Disclosure
Vinyl release is available to pre-order now at Pure Groove.
You may remember 'The Light' which went down in our books as one of the best Dubstep tunes of last year? The man I.D is back again with another release on his own Bass Music label. This time the highlight track is the Baobinga remix. It's a big bashy Drum & Bass track around the 140bpm mark, full to the brim with energy and a hefty, rumbling low end. A 128 is available below but you're advised to pick up the full version from the Bass Music Bandcamp - in doing so, the artists receive something back for their work. You know how if you were making something that others wanted, you'd probably expect them to pay for it?! Anyway...
This one's on a similar vibe to the above which is not really what we've come to expect of T Williams. It sounds liek a slightly lazy production, but then again, the title does say 'refix'. Aside from that, can see this one working on a system or in a mix.
R Type (T Williams Refix) - Jo
Fatherless (T Williams Remix) - Breach
Goldlines got in touch with this new track, originally just looking for some exposure but has decided to let it out to you lot for free. Some may recognise it from our Basement Mix (which will be available for download very shortly). The track is driven along with a repetitive vocal surrounded by rich synths, almost on the verge of being a bit sickly. It's all in preparation for the drop three minutes in, destined to go off in the club.
Goldman - Goldlines
Before we turn the heat down, or up in one case, we'll finish the rowdiness with bit of pounding Drum & Bass. Manchester based Dub Phizix on the production - watch that name, this one's big! Out this week on Leeds' own Dispatch Recordings, a collaboration with Skeptical titled 'The Enemy', definitely worth checking.
100 Teeth (Dub Phizix) - Sabre
Another unknown producer that's made it into the iTunes - Buzzlin. We know nothing about (That's a lie, his soundcloud says he's from Leeds), all we know is that this needs to be in your summer playlist.
Caked - Buzzlin
Lastly, talking of heat and summer. Fresh from the man himself, Gabriel Heatwave has created a rework of Jamie XX's infamous Adele remix. This could well be contending for summer party tune of 2011. We'll have to wait and see...
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.
Jack Steadman is no newcomer to the music world, infact he’s pretty much as close to the top of the game as anyone, being the singer and guitarist for NME’s ‘Best New Band of 2010' – Bombay Bicycle Club. As we’ve seen a few solo projects go large recently, namely Jamie xx, we’d put our money on Jack being next if he chooses to do so (however for the foreseeable future it’s more than likely BBC will take priority). A quick look on Youtube unravels a plethora of edits and half finished tracks with a wide range of different styles. They all reverberate with the same underlying musical talent. It’s as if knocking up a quick tune is no effort at all.
Jack's name first hit the radar in the David’s Lyre ‘In Arms’ package but sitting next to the incredible Pearson Sound remix (youtube quality doesn't do it justice) it was slightly overlooked.
The latest couple of tracks, both available to download below, really stand out and show huge potential, it would seem there's been some underground dance music influence. ‘Cheating’ skips along with vibrant sensations and repetitive effervescent vocal slices inducing summer nostalgia. ‘I Will Change You’ has a more Dubstep feel with an addictive melody to start, which then drops into a lively shuffle. Added elements in the second drop suddenly, afer a soothing breakdown, ‘change’ things up once more.