Tag Archives: Bandcamp

Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Soohan

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(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.

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

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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)

EP Of The Weekend: Invention – Hallucinature EP [Chill Future Bliss]

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From Future Bass Fridays, officially the best thing coming out of White Raver Rafting these days, this new EP by Invention. I’m such a huge fan of the Future Bass sound, especially as the massive anthem era of 2011-2014 dies a hilariously painful death. Bluffs brings in some chilled beats through that remind you of walking around in the rain while trying to find your way in the world. Tight, lush sounds that wash over you this EP needs your after-party or lounging attention. Equip & Moon Life keep the serene vibe going, each, moving in their own delightfully downtempo way. This is hammock music, or snuggling someone you like in a blanket after getting home from a ridiculous weekend. Sumac rounds out the little joint with some jazzy cyberlounge, if that’s even a thing yet. The track reminds strongly of Ninja Tune, which is saying something, as my friends out there that know their downtempo can attest.

Reborn By Rameses B [Chill/Euphoric Drum & Bass]

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There is so much good work here I don’t know where to begin. My favorite song? Left Behind is my absolute favorite, with Years From Now, Ecosystem and Reborn following behind it. I was super glad to get this as a reward for helping crowd fund his new tech and this work. It felt good to listen to something I knew thousands of people had contributed to making happen. It’s a gorgeous album, with a bunch of styles executed well. I think the triumphant sound that Rameses B creates is something very few people do well. A lot of it is cheesy, some of it is badly sourced, and most people phone it in. Rameses B puts the time in, creating this almost decadent soundscape, that pulls you in and keeps you there. It was also my first LP from the guy, which was a delight, to just put on and forget about.  It’s linked on Bandcamp below, but don’t worry, I’ve got one more Rameses B post up my sleeve before the end of his week here on the site. Have a great day!

Rameses B Week Continues With Moonlight!

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We’re over the hump! To celebrate, enjoy this classic Rameses B track from 2012. Moonlight was one of the first tunes I’d ever heard from him, it was one of those tunes that got me through a really bad place in 2012. You know those songs that find you in the darkness and remind you there’s still light in the universe? This is one of them. It makes you stop, listen, and remember. The crescendo build reaches a dizzying height at 3:44 and pulls you back into the crushingly beautiful chillstep that we’ve grown to love and expect from Rameses B. Enjoy the tune, grab the EP here,  and see everyone tomorrow for more Rameses B week!

Wu Tang Clan + Final Fantasy 3/6 = Lyrical Magicite Infused Hip Hop. [Free Download!]

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I’m stunned, this is crazy delicious. Some clever fuck from Lexington, KY named 2  Mello combined two of my favorite things. Final Fantasy 6 (III in America) on SNES was a triumph of storytelling and massively creative gameplay, celebrating it’s 20th anniversary since release, yesterday. Enter The 36 Chambers, the debut album of the mighty Wu Tang Clan, is an album so critical to the global soundscape that if you don’t know what I’m talking about, EDUCATE THE MIND. The combination of the two is a mindfuck, but in one of the best ways I’ve heard in a while. Magic Ruins Everything Around Me fuses the introductory stage music with one of the most recognizable Wu tracks in history. The bass & pacing are perfect, and #2 on this album is a must listen. Figaro Kids (Track 4) shimmers with glory and continued excellent vocal usage & respect. R.E.C. The Opera works, impossibly, throwing together one of the most epic moments of all 8/16bit video gaming. However, the piece de resistance is Da Mystery of Shadow-Boxin’, without question. Chessboxin + the badass Shadow theme is something I really hope gets to the ears of one of the Wu. This one right below the words you’re reading, right here.

And what’s more, it costs zero dollars. Stream it above, or download it here. This dude did Chrono Jigga a while ago, which was dope, so give this a shot, you’ll thank me.

Midnight Music: Monstercat 17 – Ascension [Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Electro, Ambient Sickness]

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I have a special place in my heart for Monstercat. I’ve been watching this label grow from the ragtag crew of dedicated producers & DJs for so long now. The label, a full-fledged juggernaut in the dubstep, electro, trap and house spaces, cannot be ignored any longer. The warriors in their stable, Au5, Haywyre, Astronaut, Pegboard Nerds, Fractal, Feint, Mr.FijiWiji (THE FIJ!) and many others. Some are old hats, and others are upstarts, chomping at the bit to disrupt both the kind of music we listen to, and how we listen to it. Their digital distribution has been on point since day one, and their compilations (the newest one listed below) are an obnoxious amount of quality. The tracks are cheap, with the compilations being even cheaper. If you’re into this kinda sound, you won’t find it better than at Monstercat. I’ll start shouting out individual artists when I have time, but for now, just dive in. You’ll find something you like, and if you can’t, just play track 30 and let the illness that is Mr FijiWiji rock your world.

Chronicles of Sound “Travels” EP Is A Musical Journey.

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I first brought you info on the Chronicles of Sound project back in October when their first album came out. They recently pushed out a chill transitional EP, bridging the gap and continuing the story song of the heroes, as they search for the way to make their planet rotate once again. I know, intense. Excellently scored and potently executed, it’s a lovely morsel of fun to tide me over until Revolutions Part II. The Sound feels great, especially if you’ve read the comic story. Dead River Down, while short, is sweet and I definitely want to see a Sonic 3 or Mega Man X AMV with this tune post haste. Crossing the Divine Sea has a triumphant, cut-scene-like quality that makes me want to bust out my SNES. Shadow of the Verge is appropriately bewildering, and reminds me of Verdis Quo in Daft Punk’s Discovery album.  Can whatever happens at 1:40 to 1:48 of FM’s Lab get expanded into it’s entire own song? I’m a huge fan, but that little throbbing electronic build could be something massive. Pick the whole thing up here, and toss em what you can so they can keep telling this story!