Jack Dixon & Rick Grant - Running Man EP [Man Make Music]
The second release on George Fitzgerald's Man Make Music label is a collaborative effort by the ever quality Jack Dixon, who we introduced in January last year, and one of TAKE Records head honchos, Rick Grant. These tracks are very different to Dixon's previous releases and the collaboration with Rick Grant really explores the House side to his style.
The title track really is a smooth, synth laden track that is firmly rooted in the Detroit House sound but blended with a 2-step groove that delivers a funky beat you find yourself subconsciously nodding your head to. The second track, "Muted", is a little more vocal driven and having them pitched down gives this a very relaxed vibe that works well with chilled beats and synths.
The addition of a really outstanding remix by Canadian producer Kevin McPhee really does make this a strong second release on the label. Promos are already available at Juno and the digital release is available at Surus this week, with the full release available everywhere else on the 5th of December.
Our friends over at PYC Sessions have yet another exciting prospect ahead of them, as Mindset Records lay down something a little different from your usual Friday night activities. All taking place in a converted farm complex deep in North Wales, 11/11/11 is set to deliver three rooms of the finest underground music.
The Manchester institution that is Hoya:Hoya take charge of the second room and if Illum Sphere's recent Boiler Room set is anything to go by this could well be the highlight. PYC take full control over the third room by bringing Troy Gunner and boy wonder Ifan Dafydd to the party.
Illum Sphere - Boiler Room #69
Check the event page for more details and grab your £8 tickets pronto!
Jack Dixon has been the subject of quite a few posts on our blog over the last couple of years but it's about time we checked in with him and see what is coming next. He has been busy of late with releases on Brownswood, Formant, Silverback and TAKE really bringing him to the masses, cementing his place in the electronic scene.
Running Man EP - Jack Dixon & Rick Grant[forthcoming MMM]
Next up for him is the second release on George Fitzgerald's ManMakeMusic label which sees Jack Dixon collaborate with Rick Grant, one third of TAKE Records. "Running Man" has much more of a house influence than the majority of Jack's previous releases thanks to Rick Grant but still manages to retain the forward thinking essence. Consequently the track fits in nicely alongside George Fitzgerald's previous release on the label. The second track, "Muted" is styled in a more familiar vein with great vocal samples chopped in over a deep sub backed with a slow rolling 2-step beat.
The release also features a remix of 'Running Man' by Canadian newcomer, Kevin McPhee who most recently put out his debut release on [Nakedlunch] and Idle Hands. The Running Man EP will be available digitally and on vinyl on November 28th.
Jack Dixon also made it known this weeek that his Coconuts EP - originally slated to be one of his first releases - will not be coming out at all. However, as we all have waited patiently he has decided to make the title track and the Disclosure remix available on his Soundcloud as a free download. Not to be missed.
After appearing on Gilles Peterson's last volume of Brownswood Bubblers and contributing a great remix to Re:Call To Mind for Commix it seems about time that Pedestrian finally gets his debut release.
Hei Poa EP - Pedestrian [forthcoming Push & Run]
His Hei Poa EP, set to be released on October 30th by Push & Run Records, sees two new tracks from Pedestrian,'Hei Poa' and 'Led Astray' both of which are great beat driven and soulful tunes. The EP also features two remixes of the title track by Jon Phonics - a nice 2-Step infused version - and Frederic Robinson who takes the BPM up a few notches to deliver a very good minimal DnB remix.
While we wait for the EP to drop Push & Run have kindly given us another new track by Pedestrian to give away, titled 'Midsummer's Common'. Plus Brownswood have made his remix for Gang Colours available this week for free download also.
Having brought the likes of Bok Bok, Jam City and Kingdom to play over the past few months, Square One returns this evening with a Leeds debut for man of the moment Canblaster. With his unique production style and Club Cheval going from strength to strength it's not difficult to imagine the vibes that he will bring to Wire's intimate dancefloor.
The Bristol born producer is about to bring in the end of summer on a high after an already very successful year. With an exclusive Radio One Essential Mix last weekend, plus two thumping remixes; one of Mosca’s 'Tilt Shift' on Fat City and of Christophe’s 'The Force' on Bristol's Futureboogie label, this release was going to make it 3rd time a charm with both the freshness and originality which we have grown to love in Bashmore’s sound.
Deadboy’s original 'Heartbreaker' was released in 2009 on Well Rounded and is already well known as a solid gold midnight anthem so it must have been a tough act to follow, but we can see from Julio’s 2010 remix he twists the tones subtly, playing more on the cool, stylish, streetlight ambience created by the original. He matches, if not enhances, the night-time atmosphere by keeping in most of the original’s percussive sounds, including the funky cracked snares. However, the track holds its own deep Chicago House undertone with the new filled out disco baseline.
His 2009 remix is far more what we have learned to expect from Bashmore - he sends the track out from the cold moonlit streets and onto the dance floor. With the addition of an absorbing wooden block 2 step rhythm and some stunted vocals, the tune doubles up on itself with a smooth and padded wholeness. The deep cushioned baseline strikes a chord which excuse the pun can only be described as Well Rounded! Bring on the winter warmers!
Nathan Micay aka Bwana is a 20 year old producer previously based in Toronto, who has recently moved over to Leeds to try and make an impact on the U.K scene. He stated that he can't wait to move over with everything back in Canada being 'just Skrillex, Skrillex, Skrillex!'. This exciting new producer released his first free EP earlier this year on the Infinite Machine label, featured three tracks that each show the diverse and developed skill the young producer has. However the track that propelled Nathan into the public eye was 'Baby, Let Me Finish' - a soothing, bass infused track that uses R&B vocals from Ciara and soft synth chords to slowly seduce and entice the listener. Listening you can't help but hear the influence from other producers such as Koreless and Deadboy, using hypnotic vocals to slowly build and develop the song.
Infinite Machine's quality has been second to none recently with the label releasing work from upcoming producers ∆dmin and 123 Mrk earlier this month and the addition of Bwana to the team has only implemented the strength that they are generating.
Baby, Let Me Finish - Bwana
Bwana's soundcloud page has been a hive of activity over the past couple of months and it was only a matter of time before the young producer took the next step and thought about releasing a 12". Bwana will release his 12" on the Infinite Machine label, which will feature 'It Ain't Done Till It's Over' accompanied by 4 other remixes. This track again uses R&B samples alongside haunting overtones that give off a similar vibe to his previous works but at the same time is individually attractive. Only one remix has been confirmed by Sibian & Faun who give the track a glitched vibe that juggles the vocals and gives the track another dimension. The other remixes have not been confirmed yet but Bwana states it's a 'big lineup' and if the first remix is anything to go by, then it will be huge.
It Ain't Done Till It's Over - Bwana[forthcoming Infinite Machine]
It Ain't Done Till It's Over (Sibian & Faun Remix) - Bwana[forthcoming Infinite Machine]
Nathan has already announced that he will be releasing some new material soon and if the young producer keeps releasing such quality then he will be a household name by 2012.
As one half of Lazersword, San Francisco native Lando Kal turned quite a few heads. Now based in Berlin, his solo releases have shown a very different side to his musical style.
Since his split Golden Handshake EP with his Lazersword partner Low Limit on Numbers, Lando Kal impressed with his release for the legendary Hotflush Recordings. 'Further', the stand out track from that release, saw him flex his house and 2-step muscles in a way that blends perfectly into the Hotflush sound.
On remix duty Lando Kal has impressed this summer with remixes of 'Liiines' by Ghostpoet and 'Love Pressure' by Sepalcure. Earlier this month his remix of 'Rhythm of the Night' surfaced and saw it released as the first from the vinyl-only Stillcold white label series (still available at Juno).
Maneuver – Lando Kal[Rush Hour]
Lando Kal's newest release is 'Maneuver' b/w 'Run It', two tracks that are sure to cement his place in the bass music world. 'Run It' is a straight up electro infused cracker but 'Maneuver' is the real eye-catcher here with skipping house beats, rave anthem synths and pulsating subs to keep your feet moving.
Maneuver will be out by the end of this month on Dutch label Rush Hour as part of their Direct Current series and will be available for purchase at Juno Records.
We like to keep our ears to the ground and our eyes on the net to keep up with new sounds and artists. This one, Palace is a producer from north east London, not to be mistaken with Palace Skateboards, the collective who also hail from London, although we're told that this is where the name comes from – on the back of being given one of the brand's stickers...
The early sounds coming from Palace were simple and dark, hovering around 130bpm, which can be used as a crude marker for Garage but as influenced by a variety of music, every track sounded disjointed from the last.
Following a progression similar to most in this generation, Palace was introduced to Drum and Bass and Breaks, before discovering Dubstep and Garage. Now, he cites House and Techno as his main influences, with this progression being evident when comparing recent efforts with his first Trust EP. The most recent productions are slower, verging on Techno beats fused over a more melodic bass.
'Down With You' is the track that first brought Palace to our attention – showcasing many elements of a producer making a transition from their nascent stages, beginning to build a more fully formed sound. With a really catchy beat and top end, it will make you want to groove. But at the same time, the mysterious synths and vocal sample provide a more ambient depth. The track is forthcoming on the first Future Electronic Music compilation, but we have been kindly granted permission to distribute it to you, so download it now and have a listen.
Down With You - Palace
From here, we expect a more coherent and developed sound, the first example of which, a demo entitled 'Make Me Feel', which was uploaded to his Soundcloud yesterday - where you can also check his remixes of Koreless, James Blake and Sines.
Make Me Feel - Palace
However, we anticipate that those remixes will soon be forgotten and we’re most looking forward to more originals. Vocal samples have permeated throughout so far, and we’re told that Palace is currently in the studio working with vocalists on new tracks for the next EP. Expect a lot from this man in the near future.
Sully releases his debut album Carrier through Keysound Recordings, the London based Dubstep, Grime and UK Funky imprint run by Dusk & Blackdown.
Sully aka Jack Stevens is an understated folk hero, a low key elusive bass producer with a fiercely passionate fanbase. And to date, they’ve never quite got the long player they craved from him.
Long before – four of five years before – the UK garage revival kicked in and "future" garage had even been dreamt up, Sully began finding a space between 2step’s swing, dubstep’s edge and breakstep’s drums, all underpinned by the rude spirit of jungle. He displayed a deft touch for heart-breaking melodies that could touch people as much as the ruff sub bass could hit them, on EPs like ‘Phonebox’ and ‘Jackman’s Rec.’
Carrier, his debut album, comes good on Sully’s unwritten promise to his long-hopeful fans. It’s a short but sweet opus that embraces house, 2step, UK funky, purple synths and juke, with a widescreen, epic vision and Sully’s trademark emotive vistas. In fact, so poignant was one cut ‘2Hearts’ that it’s rumoured it had been held back for the final cut for Burial’s now lost DJ Kicks mix...though of course this claim can’t be verified.
The second half of Carrier sees Sully – best known for his 2step garage - find his take on Chicago footwurk, combining eski strings, crunchy 808 claps and ravey piano loops at a tempo last used by jungle. ‘Encona’ reveals a hitherto unheard UK funky influence. Collectively, it presents a body of work infected by ruffneck pirate culture. So as the album enters your system, compelling you to play it to your friend and your fiends’ friends, the prognosis is clear: you, me, Sully, we are all Carriers.
01. It’s Your Love
02. 2 Hearts
03. In Some Pattern
04. Encona
05. Let You Know
06. Scram
07. I Know
08. Trust
09. Bonafide
10. Exit
It's a pleasure to welcome Mr A1 Bassline to our mix series. Our following goes back a very long way with this producer, possibly even could be 5 years since his first appearance on the blogs. A couple of prior aliases to A1 Bassline then A1 Bassline with a new sound and now he's the co-founder of Tighten Up Records. Not only have his productions developed and matured but his new hybrid sound has blossomed as a unique cross of Techno and the Boddika/Swamp style bass music, which he refers to as 'warehouse'. This track below is up there with his best yet so hopefully there's plenty more to come.
Blue Velvet - A1 Bassline[unreleased]
A1 Bassline's previous fame racked up a long list of tour dates so he's played in many different clubs across the globe over the years and that certainly shines through in this mix. A variety of styles displayed and few unreleased gems. Get this on the download now!
Those of you who took note of this post from a couple of months back will already be aware of some of the music PYC Sessions are involved in this year. We were so impressed by the tunes in the zip that was given away (download it here) that we wanted to showcase some more material from the collective. This time it comes in the form of a thirty-five minute mix from two of its key players, Stickman and Elsewhere.
With sixteen tracks in total, the majority of which belonging to the boys themselves, this mix acts as a further example of the wealth of talent that Manchester has to offer at the moment. Skewed garage sounds are blended with laid-back dubstep atmospheres with such ease, making it difficult to keep up with a tracklist that is laden with so many dubs!
Our favourite tune from PYCZIP001, Elsewhere's 'Moments In Time', receives a fantastic remix from Stickman. With a haunting pause just before the drop and the combination of the bright synth work and sombre chords that follows; this track is absolutely killer.
In a similar vein is 'Nuclear Arms'. The lo-fi sound of the vocal sample gives it a really warm feel. It might be a little while before many of the tracks in this mix appear but Troy Gunner's contribution has kindly been made available to download below.
Nuclear Arms - Troy Gunner
It is always nice to see a mix full of tunes from a closely knit collective such as PYC. They are keeping underground electronic music alive just the way we like it.
01. Stickman - Being [dub] 02. Elsewhere - Moments In Time [PYC Sessions] 03. Troy Gunner - Nuclear Arms 04. Submotion Orchestra - Always (Synkro Remix) [forthcoming Ranking] 05. Stickman - Floor Music [dub] 06. Indigo - Snowfall [forthcoming Mindset] 07. Bay - Romance [PYC Sessions] 08. Synkro - Memory [forthcoming Styrax] 09. Stickman - Milk Cartons [dub] 10. Elsewhere - Insk [dub] 11. Elsewhere - Moments In Time (Stickman Remix) [dub] 12. Stickman - Always Gone [dub] 13. Elsewhere - Nurture [dub] 14. Elsewhere & Bay - I Think Of [dub] 15. Elsewhere - Shades Of Blue [dub] 16. Stickman - Hollow Bones [dub]
Both producers are busy building even more tunes and hope to have at least one vinyl release before the year is out. They are definitely ones to watch.
If you haven't bought (or even clocked) this release yet, then you really have been missing out. Hackman, one of Leeds's finest, serves up an absolute summer jam for Greco-Roman. We could not recommend this highly enough.
Grab it here, and bonus points for those who recognise the sample!
Heavily underrated Finish producer Desto has been on our radar ever since his release on Ramp Recordings last year. Back then he was pushing boundaries with colourful Dubstep, this time though, his forthcoming 'Makowrap EP' on Amsterdam's Rwina Records, has a heavy Grime instrumental feel. Check it for yourself...
This mix, for us, nails where underground bass music is right now. Heavy Swamp 81 vibes all over, eclectic drum patterns and plenty of sub. All forthcoming or unreleased business, you know you need to get this on the download.
It's always nice when a good producer is also a good DJ, and not just doing one or the other because they feel obliged. George FitzGerald's set in January at Modulate in Leeds was appreciated by everyone in the place, and this cemented his position in our minds as one to watch out for - not just another name on the new Garage/House scene, which at the time was burgoning.
Also in January, 'We Bilateral' came out on the Hotflush compilation, and showcased what has almost become his signature use of dreamy vocals over future sounding synths.
We Bilateral - George FitzGerald[Hotflush Recordings]
What's more is that, since then, his sound has developed and resisted the conventional labels that we all like to apply. His remixes of late have tended towards the Techno end of the electronic music spectrum. 'Reset', the b-side on the 'Silhouette EP' proved that he has the depth in production to fuse his vocal style with more well rounded and complex beats. His most recent tracks, due out in August, will form the first release on his own ManMakeMusic imprint, and are his strongest to date.
Fernweh/Hearts - George FitzGerald[forthcoming ManMakeMusic]
The previews suggest that he's moved back towards a deeper, Garage/House sound. Both tracks need a listen. We expect to hear that beautiful cowbell from 'Hearts' on repeat all over the place in August.
Sev Erickson, the Canadian producer known as HxdB (pronounced Hexi-decibel), has recently dropped a 19-track bass compilation through Gradient Audio featuring what he calls "fearless explorations of sub bass frequencies and futuristic soundscapes." The release includes the likes of DFRNT, Kid Smpl, Wachs Lyrical/Regent!, Mirror State, and Submerse, as well as HxdB himself, with the shared goal of "pushing the envelope of modern dance music, while captivating dance floors and imaginations alike."
Bass music fans will not want to miss this one. You can preview the teaser and track list below. Head on over to Gradient Audio's bandcamp site to preview full-length tracks and purchase a digital copy.
Future Of Bass Volume 1 Preview
1. Acre - Effected the Most 2. Hodge - Boy + Girl 3. Magnum - Schemes 4. HxdB - Mustard (Cure Rerub) 5. FBOM & Outlaw Producer - Compound VIP 6. Simon/off - Take Your Time 7. Cairo - They Met in Flushing 8. DFRNT - Tribal 9. Wachs Lyrical - Felt Smasher 10. Submerse & Resketch - Wafu Wafu 11. Sclist - V 12. Shureshotz - Redlight District 13. Mirror State - Bad Connections 14. Blind Prophet - Constants (Ft. Brea) 15. Artifact - Forgive Me 16. Cedaa - Hypnotiq (Juxta Remix) 17. Kid Smpl - Comfort 18. B1t Crunch3r vs Gravity - Malfunction (HxdB Remix) 19. Self Evident - Look in Your Eyes
Aussie producer Mirror State (from our Exclusive Mix #019) and Buck UK have finally released their new EP, and it's free. The EP, entitled 'Unseen EP', features five deeper, murky Garage tracks by the duo, including a remix by quickly up-and-coming Sorrow. This is a must-download for any garage fans out there, we've zipped it up for ease of download and also put them in order by preference...
DOWNLOAD: Unseen EP - Mirror State & Buck UK [preview]
1. Enola
2. The Way I've Seen (Sorrow Remix)
3. Knew
4. This Evening
5. The Way I've Seen
Gyu recently put out a release on his own Coral imprint. The tracks impress with a unique mix of ambient melodies and 2-step beats. They are available to buy over at the label's Bandcamp page so make sure you go cop them...
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Watch for one of his tracks coming soon in the Block Rockin' Series, it's on a different tip, but right in time for summer. Think Hot Natured vibes...
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.
Jamie XX's long-awaited debut 12" on Numbers has finally arrived.
After a busy couple of weeks for the label with releases from Deadboy and Redhino, 'Far Nearer' & 'Beat For' are now available to purchase digitally and on vinyl from here.
