We’ve been blessed with a full track from the magical, musical mind of Burial. This time coming off of Keysound Recordings, it takes all of 5 seconds to become perfectly apparent that Burial is back and doing what we all love him for. The moody bass, straddling the lines between breaks, real dubstep (pay attention kids), UK garage comes on strong, with his signature ethereal vocals shimmering into existence a little over a minute in. It’s not new ground, but I could not be happier this is out, to remind people that stuff can actually sound like this. It rambles along, pulling the feeling of loss & almost confusion into the vibe of the track, and before you know it, it’s gone. A 2:41 track is tiny compared to most of his work, but at the same time, it’s still manna from the heavens. Even though it is always raining in Burial tracks, so don’t look up unless you want to get bass rain in your eyes.
Midnight Music: Funkerman – Coming Home [Funky House]
This continues the good feelings for Midnight Music this week, with the V-man himself reminding me that funky house is far from dead. This track by Funkerman is already ancient in EDM blog time, but I wanted to make sure it got some love here, as he’s been blowing up quickly. And deservedly so, with the talent & foresight required to bring this track into the world. The funky house starts up and doesn’t quit, as the classic sample echoes through the track. It’s a glorious return to a sound I haven’t heard in too long. If 2015 brings back the world of funky deep house, I’d be a very happy man indeed. Check it out and don’t forget to give FNT some love for the pick up a month ago.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Flexstyle
(So happy to be posting this! Flexstyle has been one of my favorite artists innovating in the dance music space for years now, and I’m honored he agreed to talk about his work & ridiculous new album, which I’ll be yammering about shortly.)
1. Tell us about your new album Perfect Getaway! What can your fans expect from the 15 track extravaganza? More than just 15 tracks, actually! There are 15 tracks officially on the digital album, but there are also a couple of bonus tracks included as well with some Oasis remix contest runners-up. Aside from that, this may be the most eclectic album I’ve ever released—certainly stays true to my name and mission of being flexible in the styles that I create! This album contains both original and remix work that I’ve completed over the last few years. It contains appearances by video game remix superstar and entertainer extraordinaire Ben Briggs, versatile EDM and VGM cohort Jamison Randall, my good friends Airdrift and dmGuillotine, and many more. In short, expect more of the same, but different! DnB, downtempo, trance, vocal synthpop, electro, progressive house, dubstep, trap, and breakbeats all make an appearance.
2. How did you join OCRemix and start doing VGM remixes? OverClocked ReMix is probably the main “home” I have as a musician, and I started participating over there in…I want to say about 2008? I got my first posted mix on the site in early 2010, I believe, after a couple of rejected mixes and a lot of participating in various competitions and events. That’s pretty much the best way to get posted over there, by the way, is to keep trying and keep participating in the community. I’ve always loved video game music, so it was only natural that I found the site and started participating. I think it was after seeing a writeup in a magazine that I actually first heard about it—might have been Computer Music or something like that. So, to properly answer your question, I don’t really remember exactly how it was I joined up, but it was definitely meant to be!
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Beastie Boys ft. Nas – Too Many Rappers
I’m about a week late on this, but if you’ve not seen it, this is golden. Unearthed Beatie Boys + Nas music video. Does what it says on the tin. No, seriously, how else could I describe this? Put it into your face.
Midnight Music: Tycoos feat. Igor Surazakov – Back To The Past (Emotional Mix) [Trance]
I’m not sure how to describe this appropriately. Is, there a word for both gorgeous & “causes weeping” together? It ends far too soon, but it straddles the line between hard trance & dream trance in a way I’ve not heard in years. These two guys out of Russia did a fantastic job on this track, and it needs to be picked up by ASOT or FSOE immediately. I’m hoping tracks like these push the needle back towards this style of trance, as opposed to the nu trance, trouse & trance 2.0 that is filtering through. This is a deeply soothing sound, hypnotic, and quite pure trance sounding. This is what a lot of the trance classics people have been waiting for, and the break is super fulfilling.
Music I Forgot About: Mongolian Throat Singing + Hip Hop = Vladavostok Win.
So, many of us have heard of Tuvan Throat singing, but a friend of mine reminded me of this ridiculousness from 2008. Combining Tuvan Throat work with hip hop, this guy looks like a bad guy from a movie Kanye tricked someone into funding. The flow seems dope enough, though we all have zero idea the hell he’s talking about. The video is bizarre in that he kind of looks like Krang (from the 90’s TMNT) and then, there’s Krang graffiti in Vladavostok, Russia, 9200+ KM from Moscow. I wonder if Sarah Palin could see this dude freestylin’ from her house. Also, Kanye Sunglasses. I’m just saying.
Midnight Music: Marilyn Manson – This Is The New Shit (REZZ Remix)
Welp, this blew me away. She’s 19, hails from Niagara Falls and has put out the best Marilyn Manson remix I’ve ever heard. Producers take note, if you want to do something harder than big room, this is how you approach it. There’s a smooth confidence to the bass & back-beat surrounding the original tune which is sorely needed if you’re covering this kind of treacherous ground. Her mastery of the source material makes me think she’s spent a lot of time with it, which I’ve gotta give respect for. The bass & remix smell very strongly of Nine Inch Nails & Trent’s more electronic moods, and it definitely needs to get show play & DJ support. This track makes me excited for what REZZ can do, she is on my watch list for 2015. Keep em coming girl. Also, get a gothy, industrial bass mix out there for me to rock out to at the gym. (via EDMTunes)
So, Mexican Supermarkets Have High Energy Dancing Cow Mascots
So, this was the first video I saw on this that pulled me in. How the hell do you keep this level of energy up? But wait, it gets better.
This Alpura mascot seems to be better than any Football mascot or half of the people that I see out at the club. But just in case you thought one of these things was enough, there’s more. Apparently this is a team between the mascot and and announcer, as this video proves. But, apparently, this is a national thing, as there’s footage of dozens of these mascots in one place rocking out to this stuff.
You’re welcome. Your Tuesday has nothing on la vache qui danse.
Midnight Music: Alex Clare – War Rages On (Etherwood Remix) [Drum & Bass For The Struggle]
For everyone who spent the day marching, or arguing on the internet about the tenor of MLK’s message. For everyone grinding or who had to work on one of the days when the markets are closed. This is a track I must’ve missed last year, because it’s straight fire. Alex Clare provides some of the best vocal work he’s done since Not Giving In For Rudimental. The liquid feels are impressive with this one, and this smooths along for the entirety of the track, without letting up. This is some of the smoothest d&b out there, so of course it’s from the young master himself Etherwood. Let this tune soothe your tired body peaceful warriors. Even if the only thing you fight for is a better tomorrow for yourself.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Soohan
(I was delighted to be connected to one of the freshest sounds coming out of the Mid-Atlantic. Soohan’s new album is wonderful, and liberally embedded into this post. Enjoy it, and when he spins in NYC, you’ll know. Trust.)
1. Do you consider this album hip hop? Dance Music? What does a live show of this look like?
I would consider it hip-hop, yes. It’s sample-based and rooted in 808 hip-hop beats. At the same time though, I would call it dance music.
2. What kind of influences led you to this kind of amazing, retro-futurist sound?
I have always made sample based music, but as a DJ, have always been drawn to the 808, due to Baltimore Club Music, which is my favorite genre. I wanted to use the 808 in my own style, drawing from indigenous cultures as well from pop music from the past twenty years.
3. What is the party scene in Baltimore like these days? Is this kind of music popular or do they have no idea what they’re in for in 2015?
The party scene in Baltimore is incredibly unique. We have a large, but close-knit music scene here. The rave scene is huge. The jam scene is huge. The DJing scene is big as well. Maybe this is the first time they have heard my own original music. Seems like they are really digging it. So in a sense, yes, they have no idea what they are in for from me in 2015 ;). I am already three songs deep into my next album, which I am expecting to drop before summer. I think a lot of people would tell me “that’s too soon” to come out with another album. But to me, it keeps people interested and on board.
4. Do you find it’s still possible to do good creative work in a city like Baltimore & still keep the lights on? It’s getting to be almost impossible here in NYC.
Yes, it is entirely possible. I am completely surrounded by creatives and artists trying to make ends meet in Baltimore. That doesn’t go without saying, our art isn’t usually our main source of income.
5. Where do you go from here with this album? Live shows lined up? Any plans on performing outside of Baltimore, perhaps another city on the East Coast?
I am headlining a giant rave this weekend, with 1000 eager youngins. I am incredibly excited for that. As I said earlier, I am already working on the next album, which will drop in four months. I am working on a Northeast tour with an old promo buddy for April. Should be Baltimore, Philly, NYC, Providence, Boston, Bangor. Talks about performing in the Midwest. Honestly my main focus right now is to get “Made in Baltimore” into as many people’s ears as possible while simultaneously creating new material. I think I will find my success through my releases, as opposed to playing live shows.
6. Is there anything happening in your scene right now that you really like and would love to see replicated elsewhere in the underground?
Just the sense of family and support for our local musicians and artists. We all motivate each other and have each other’s backs. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have the support of so many people in Baltimore. It really gave me the confidence to pursue putting out a full album like I did.
7. If you’re willing to comment, what does the drug culture in the parties you frequent these days look like? Or, do you find it’s a predominantly alcohol-fueled crowd?
Hahahahahaha! I will not ignore this because the counter culture and electronic music are closely intertwined. Seems like Coke and Molly are people’s go-to at the moment, which is kind of like “meh” to me. I know personally I am over it, don’t really see the good in either of these. But then again, Ill be the first one to order a round of shots. I am a big time supporter of plant-based psychedelic experiences, although they are very infrequent for me. I think people mistake a seratonin molly blast for a psychedelic experience. My advice to them, go on a journey, and leave the powders behind.
8. If you could open for anyone in the business right now, who would it be?
This is an interesting question. DIPLO first and foremost. Don’t care what people say about him. He will always be my number one inspiration when it comes to any of this music stuff. Also probably someone like Shpongle or my old buddy Alvin Risk.
9. Is there an artist (of any genre) that you’re really digging at the moment?
Space Jesus. I am really into what people are calling “Global Bass” or “Tropical Bass”. 808-heavy dancehall/world music stuff. Extremely hard to find though.
10. Besides the free downloads on Soundcloud, is there a place people can pay for the album or otherwise get you cash for this ish?
Yes, on bandcamp. https://soohan.bandcamp.com/
Bonus: Favorite album or mix of 2014?
Nope! Been too busy working on my own album to know what is super hot right now.
Terry Gotham 