Midnight Music: Redial – Work It Down [Aussie Bass]

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Terry Gotham

So, Redial is no joke. This took me totally by surprise, because it’s like, circus massive. There’s this gregariousness to the bass that’s almost Falstaffian (yea, I went there). For all of my people not up on Shakespeare, it’s almost a sloppy drunk bass, with some triumphant chords sloshing around there. This is what Mad Decent would sound like if diplo was from Brixton instead of Philly. And yea, I understand the gravity of those words. Ride along and see what I mean. Short, sweet & to the point, three minutes and it’s gone, and you’re left wanting for more. Exactly what’s needed to dive into the Soundcloud page and get more into the face. Dude doesn’t even play, so get up on this before it blows up.

Midnight Music: Brass Knuckles – Water Gun ft. John Ryan (Popeska Remix) [Indie Electro]

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Terry Gotham

This indie dance rework of Water Gun by Popeska is surprisingly euphoric. 30 seconds in, the chords slap you with the chorus pushing back into your awareness. Brass Knuckles provided a wonderful indie track to remix. With John Ryan providing on point vocals & Brass Knuckles pulling into some fun poppy dance, Popeska takes it and runs with it. It’s got a “Bomping it in your Camaro in the sunset” kind of feel to it, and doesn’t really try to get too heady about it. Does what it says on the tin, and I really want Popeska to get that water gun now. Or a platform for more of that smooth electro gorgeousness.

Midnight Music: Mako – Ghosts (Part I & II) [Symphonic Bass]

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Terry Gotham

Mako kicked the door in & squatted in my head for an entire month last year, so I’m super pleased they’re starting to flex their production muscles. This pair of tracks straddle the line between anthem & symphonic interlude, walking the line with the confidence of a tightrope walker. They put out Part 1 a little while ago, and Part 2 is a punchy, anthem house rework of the cinematic opening. This is a tantalizing beginning to a much bigger sound I’m expecting from Mako and it leaves me wanting in such a big way. This focus on classical & more organic elements, straddling that synthetic sound is going to be huge, and the jam that Part 2 became leads me to get even more excited about where they’re going with it. You heard it here first, Mako 2015.

Midnight Music: Shogun – Skyfire [Trance]

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Terry Gotham

For Throwback Thursday, we’re not going very far. If you listened to dance music in 2011, this track was in your head whether you liked it or not. I, loved it. This massive anthem was the perfect way to give your crowd a scintillating breather during a set, while building back into a trance drop of startling proportions. It was played everywhere, and I recently remembered the drop during one of Shogun‘s crazy sets that year, after it had been played by Armin & dozens of other DJs. That moment of “man, that is a crazy good progression” & frisson inducing chords, that was shared by thousands across the world.

Website: www.shogun-music.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DJShogunmusic
Twitter: @shogunmusic
YouTube: youtube.com/djshogunmusic

Midnight Music: Izzard & Alicks – Looking Out With You (Strife II Remix) [Liquid DnB]

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Terry Gotham

Izzard & Alicks - Looking Out With You (Strife II Remix) Strife II has returned, rejoice & be glad! The crown prince of liquid (in my eyes anyway) released an opus clocking in well over seven minutes. This kind of sound is totally rare, but Strife II proves once again that he can do it like no other. The soulful, melodic chords & quiet piano progression are at the core of my favorite sub-genre in dnb. The smooth, emotional vibe glides across your awareness, packing a punch without jarring one’s senses. I am at a loss as to why this kid isn’t one of the biggest sounds coming out of the UK, but I’m going to keep yelling about him as long as I’m able. This is the future, or at least, I hope it is. I think it would lead to a better world, Wyld Stallions-style, but what do I know. Take a listen and tell me what you think.

Midnight Music: Jesse James – 50’s Manhattan [Future Lounge]

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Terry Gotham

This is something new alright. This track saunters through piano, old school hip hop beats, never rushing, never overdone, and no sounds out of place. The tune is a fantastic example of music for chilling, crashing out on a Sunday morning, lounging before going out Saturday night, or smoking a cigarette with Jazz vipers at midnight. It’s got a distinctly vintage feel, but is produced expertly. This is part of a larger compilation of a bunch of crazy, but vib shit. There’s abstract hip hop, downtempo, menacing garage & trip hop. Get at it below if you’re in a chill mood and raring for something other than elevator music. This is NEW right here, and I guarantee you won’t hear anything like it anywhere else. It’s great, it’s just definitely not EDM by any definition. (h/t to drue)

Midnight Music: Volor Flex – Vişnu [Garage Breaks]

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Terry Gotham

For Throwback Thursday, I wanted to give some love to the now defunct Volor Flex. Alex Frolov of Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia does so much work in the future bass, dark chill, and menacing drum & bass spheres. Volor Flex produced 4 albums and Sabo, the one this track came from, was his last. The bass progression & production value on this song is without equal. Make sure to listen to this garage breaks track on a system that has great low end & sub bass response, because most of the awesome shit going on in this tune is in the basement. This track is so much like Burial you’ll probably ask why he stopped producing under this moniker. He’s going some very interesting work under the new alias of Trampique. A recent album by Trampique was a moody chromatic triumph, which you can listen to here. Huge fan of Alex, can’t wait to hear what he does next.

Midnight Music: Dillon Francis – When We Were Young (Steve James Remix) [Prog Wonderful]

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Terry Gotham

I think the last couple of weeks have been pretty stressful for the country, with the heavy eating, family obligations and various protests/riots, so here’s something completely different. Steve James, the young upstart, is at it again. He took on the August hit from Dillon Francis, Sultan, Ned Shepard & Chain Gang of 1974, injecting his increasingly skilled, signature progressive sound into the banger. The tune is delightfully poppy, euphoric & frankly happy. I think we could all use it right now. Be kind, hug your loved ones, and treat people better than you think they deserve. Let the youth light the way, and show Steve James some love. He’s doing a show out in LA, supporting Kill Paris, so West Coast people, get the hell out there so you can say you were down with this kid’s sound before he rocks the mainstage at Beyond Wonderland in a couple of years.

Midnight Music: Blackstreet – No Diggity (Figgy Remix) [Fidget/House]

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Terry Gotham

Tonight, I’m utterly thrilled to bring you a No Diggity remix. Anyone who had ears in the 90’s remembers Blackstreet. 2:19 is one of the most delightful teases I’ve heard in months. This remix, picked up by EDMTunes, is a huge one, that not only throws back Blackstreet in a deep & respectful way, but it also does what music has stopped doing. It teases the listener. The simple extension & manipulation of the break is something you have to fight to hear in NYC these days. Absolutely wonderful remix, that harkens back to the late 90’s both in hip hop & house at the same time. Expect to hear this in some of the deeper, smoother & sexier house/tech house parties here in the city. At least, if DJs know what they’re sitting on here. This NYC local producer has done some great work here, so show some love.

Midnight Music: Crooked Colours – Capricious (PACES Remix) [Tropical Trap]

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Terry Gotham

Is this what happens when tropical, trap & indie dance hang out? If so, I’m a fan. This track from Aussie artist Paces, is both bouncey & massive at the same time. The crooning coming in from Crooked Colours create a wistful, but energetic vibe. It’s effervescent enough that you’d be forgiven if you didn’t listen to the lyrics and missed out on the sadface topics entirely. The drop reminds us that trap can be massive without being abrasive. The steel drum remains throughout, anchoring the track in sunshine, even while the lyrics aren’t exactly positive. Great effort by PACES & can’t wait to see where they go next with this sound. (via Stoney Roads)