Tessellate (Alt-J Cover) – Ellie Goulding

Tessellate (Alt-J Cover) – Ellie Goulding

May 28th, 2013 by

When you start your day with a new Ellie Goulding song, whether it be an original or a cover…well you know it’s going to be a good day. Choosing to cover Alt-J’s alternative rock gem “Tessellate” (hear above), this British beauty has given it a rather major overhaul.

Employing a producer that is well-known and loved by Kollectors, Xaphoon Jones, Goulding still maintains that intimate feeling found in the original. On the other hand, Xaphoon delivers a smooth, yet minimalist, production that highlights the angelic voice of Goulding. The icing on the cake was the jazz portion just over a minute and a half into the song. Enjoy this sultry cover and be sure to grab Goulding’s latest album, Halcyon, on iTunes (deluxe version here).

Higher Than The Sky [EP] – Stars Above

Higher Than The Sky [EP] – Stars Above

May 21st, 2013 by

While a 2 track EP may seem like a small project, Stars Above demonstrates how even a small project can have a big impact. With Higher than the Sky relying on its assortment of musical elements to draw us in with each passing moment, Stars Above emphasizes an elegance that differentiates itself from the typical sounds that make up most dance music. “Daybreak”, for instance, greets us with percussive notes that lead into a gorgeous piano line. Instead of ramping up the percussion aspect as would seem normal, Stars Above builds the track out from the piano and layers it with a healthy dose of synths. So if you’re looking for an EP that is atypical of a heavily saturated, and generic, EDM scene, then take a chance on Stars Above’s Higher than the Sky.

Deleted – Marcato Republic

Deleted – Marcato Republic

April 24th, 2013 by

I don’t post much hip-hop, but I had previously heard of Johnny Astro from his “Goodnight America” that samples Adele. While “Goodnight America” is a more relaxed and introspective track, Johnny and his fellow Marcato Republic members turn up the energy and create a solid hip-hop banger. With production that isn’t too crazy and focuses on a strong drum kicks, a couple snare hits here and there, “Deleted” can easily get stuck in your head. As equally impressive was the lyrical flow provided by the guys known as Marcato Republic; they didn’t seem to be forcing and/or mincing their words. Slated to come out on their upcoming W.A.R. mixtape, you can grab this free single above.

Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely (Ryan Hemsworth Remix) – Backstreet Boys

Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely (Ryan Hemsworth Remix) – Backstreet Boys

April 22nd, 2013 by

Talk about a throwback, and one that Ryan Hemsworth knocks out of the park. Taking the Backstreet Boys and giving them a more modern/indie electronic spin, Ryan certainly puts his own flair on this remix. With an uptempo styling, and filled with super quick claps and deep drum kicks, Hemsworth gives you an excuse to go back to your boy band days. While just maintaining the chorus of the track, the focal point of the remix (and rightfully so) remains on the exquisite production skills of this fast-rising Canadian artist. Grab the download here and enjoy!

Undressed (Oliver Nelson Remix) – Kim Cesarion

Undressed (Oliver Nelson Remix) – Kim Cesarion

April 17th, 2013 by

Now this is a fun nu-disco remix by Oliver Nelson. Crafted for Kim Cesarion’s “Undressed”, Oliver spices up the track with an infusion of electro pop synths and disco flair that makes this track well-suited for those neon 80′s inspired dance parties (theme party anyone?). Maintaining Swedish Cesarion’s R&B stylized vocals, Nelson does a fine job of accentuating the already upbeat nature of the track and amplifying the general atmosphere. One may think he played it safe, but with a track as playfully fun as this I’m far from caring.

“Poison” ft. Dems & “No One Else” ft. Until The Ribbon Breaks – BURNS

“Poison” ft. Dems & “No One Else” ft. Until The Ribbon Breaks – BURNS

April 13th, 2013 by

Double dose from producer, BURNS, today. First up is his “Poison” track with personal favorite Dems, followed by “No One Else” with Until The Ribbon Breaks. “Poison” is an extremely melodic and bubbly song that is filled with undulating musical swells and on-point vocal work by Dan Moss (of Dems). Once the tempo quickens just after the 2:30 mark, BURNS has made me a fan.

“No One Else”, on the other hand, is a track that emphasizes dub/bass elements along with rolling hi-hats and precise snares of the trap variety. This track is much more encompassing in terms of range, yet both songs are a wonderful introduction to this British producer. Both tracks are coming out on a special release vinyl for UK’s Record Store Day on the 20th of April.

MTI (TWRK Remix) – Koreless

MTI (TWRK Remix) – Koreless

April 12th, 2013 by

Trap, it’s what’s everyone is getting into these days. Today’s serving is provided to us by new and practically unknown artist TWRK. Having grabbed Koreless‘ extremely upbeat “MTI”, TWRK revamps the original to the 100 BPM range and infuses it with typical trap stylings. By slowing down the rhythm of “MTI”, TWRK make the track have a less anxious and skittish type of feel while underlaying their remix with a more emphasized bassline and those lovely crisp snares. While the looped vocal can get a tad annoying after awhile, the song has a certain infectious quality to it. So take a listen, and check out their latest track “Living Room” featuring Dan Gerous (had this post written before new track was released) above.

Almost Doesn’t Count (Skit Remix) – Brandy

Almost Doesn’t Count (Skit Remix) – Brandy

April 10th, 2013 by

Yes, you read that right. Brandy, the much more respectable sister to the imbecile and past his hey-day Ray-J, has been remixed and hot damn it’s lovely. Skit, a British producer hailing from London, turns Brandy inside out and gives her an celestial type of sound heavy with drum kicks and a vibrating bassline. It’s nearly impossible for me to just kick my feet up and just let the 8-bit sounds and that bassline just wash over me. Kudos to my boy Mach over at FNT for sending this track over my way.

Left Alone (Ta-ku Remix) – Flume ft. Chet Faker

Left Alone (Ta-ku Remix) – Flume ft. Chet Faker

April 9th, 2013 by

Nighttime searching for music has always been very kind to me. Last night was no different as I came across Ta-ku‘s (previously mentioned today in my Ghost Loft post) remix to “Left Alone“. Originally done by Australian wunderboy, Flume, Ta-ku’s take is, in my opinion, more robust and snare-tastic. Pretty sure I just made that word up, but rapid fire snares seem to be a go-to aspect of Ta-ku, and I’m all for it. This isn’t your typical club/dance heavy trap, but rather a more sophisticated and melodic style of trap that effectively employs the vocals of Chet Faker to bring the track full-circle. Expect big things from Ta-ku, as the man is going to continue to deliver sure-fire tracks. Free download is coming soon via Future Classic for those wanting to grab the track.

So High – Ghost Loft

So High – Ghost Loft

April 9th, 2013 by

Give me a couple of seconds to come down (no pun intended) from the wondrous sounds that Ghost Loft delivers in his latest track, titled “So High”. Having first heard of Ghost Loft from a remix of Ta-ku (you’ll hear of him more later today) done for Ghost Loft’s “Seconds”, I knew as soon as this track popped up in my Soundcloud stream I was in for aural stimulation. With an almost nonchalant manner of singing, Ghost Loft emphasizes the toned down production which is filled with crisp snares, subtle dreamy synths, and a capacity to pull you deeper and deeper into the track as if you were taking a long drag on a joint. However instead of leaving you coughing and sputtering, the track fades off into the background as seamlessly as it started…leaving me desperately craving more. Absolutely loving this track but my only, albeit minor, complaint is that it ended too quickly for my tastes.

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