This week we’ve got a quintet of sweltering tunes to match the heat. Epicstep returns in expert fashion, some potent vibes present themselves & Steven Tyler’s new song! Because we all apparently missed the fact that Aerosmith’s frontman released a new track last month.
I freaking love this. Trivecta‘s Labyrinth needs to open for Seven Lions immediately. This vocal epicstep fuses worldbeat and dubstep with elements of metal, producing a soaring, spectacular refresh of the cinematic dubstep genre. This is an instant classic for me, and I hope you as well. Trivecta totally sticks their dismount, with Miyoki providing vocals so good you might confuse her for a Valkyrie.
Flosstradamus has redeemed himself in my eyes, pivoting away from the rage-filled vibes of the last couple of years, deploying a soulful track that FKi 1st & graves add additional layers of dopeness. It’s both massive and melancholy. This kind of post-step can get super bro’y, but Flosstradamus has found a very happy medium that seems to fuse the best elements of Future-inspired hip hop, dubstep and R&B. Great work all around and I eagerly anticipage a collab between Floss & Desiigner.
New Rameses B! And it’s No Man’s Sky themed! I mean, that really should be everything you need to know, but it’s up to his usual standard of dreamy, impeccably orchestrated vibes. Everything Rameses B touches turns to gold, and now I want to play the game even more.
Kilter pushed themselves onto my radar with this dope ass introduction. They Don’t Know Us hits the sweet spot between Indie & House, creating a fest ready tune that doesn’t slack on the vocals. The supporting bass is surprisingly massive and probably sounds great on big speakers. But, unlike a lot of its competitors, the big bass doesn’t drown out Kilter’s vocal work, which is a lovely entry into the world of indietronica. The Aussie will be on your radar in a couple of months, I guarantee it.
Some of you are probably wondering whether I got hit in the head this weekend, but trust me, give the tune a listen. It’s got a little more folk & indie influences than I expected, and if this is the direction Tyler can push Aerosmith, it’ll be a great way to reintroduce the band to a new generation of listeners. Surprisingly contemplative, which I think is a great move for Steven Tyler at this point in his career. It may not cause headbanging, but it does rock.
Tag Archives: Future Bass
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Floatinurboat
I promised you that I’d dig deep to find the best emerging talent from all over the world, and floatinurboat is exactly the artist I created this blog to promote. The smooth, effortlessness of his production jives with a sonic aesthetic that would be right at home in a Porter Robinson or Madeon set. Someone tell Porter we’ve found a new opener for him, at least, once he’s old enough to get into the club!
1. When did you start producing? Did you play any instruments before you started?
I first started producing when I was around 14, my dad got me FL11 and I just completely fell in love with the program and producing. I wasn’t completely new to music though because I had been playing piano for 10 years at the time (now 12).
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Monday Music: Saiph, GANZ, Wasted Penguinz, Soular Order & Leon Vynehall
It’s May! It’s Monday! Time for the music! This week, I went all out, looking hard for tunes you won’t hear anywhere else. A couple of new hits, a couple of old treasures I just dug up, all quality. Break on through to the other side with this quintet!
I stumbled across Saiph when I went searching for new drum & bass I’d never heard before. This Japanese starlet creates some of the most frenetic yet controlled tunage I’ve heard in years. There’s a “Porter Robinson on Adderall” feel to Ultramarine, one step away from being part of the Sonic & Knuckles vg soundtrack.
Hermitude & Flume, reimagined by GANZ. The Amsterdam stunner has an EP coming, but to keep us satisfied while we wait, we’ve been provided with a quiet flip. The sunny, shimmering bass is a great example of what’s coming from the Future Bass scene with the Aussie summer over, while ours has yet to start. Trust that the festival season is going to see quite a bit of this stuff, so get your Aviator sunglasses ready.
This one is a bit out there, so if you’re not a fan of the harder end of the spectrum, you may want to skip it. For everyone who is a fan of euphoric hard trance & hardstyle, you’re gonna eat this shit up. It’s so positive & hopeful it almost qualifies as Christian praise music. Wasted Penguinz are not only in the running for best producer name of 2016, but also the track that goes the hardest without getting prickly. Hardstyle is almost impossible to do gently, yet, here we are. This is a track drenched with high production values & oxytocin, great work from the Swedish duo. Send this to your loved ones who can’t sit still.
Soular Order can do no wrong, having been repped here repeatedly over the years. His new hotness is nothing short of breath-taking. A voyage of ambient, bass-driven delight, the sonic perfection that Soular Order delivers is simply awesome, and I do mean that in the traditional sense of the word. Throw it into some expensive headphones and take it on a nature hike. Your tears of joy will thank me. There’s even an additional alternate tape rework on a separate 2 track EP & it’s pay-what-you-want, so don’t stop, get it, get it. Leon Vynehall has hit my radar a couple of times in the last couple of months, with this track really solidifying my opinion of him. The lush, jazzy tune called Kiburu comes at you with an expansive vision of what funky house can be. Guitar riffs, brass support, bass & some wacky percussion really fill out the vibe. Gotta give the credit to Stamp The Wax on this one. They’ve continually pushed the fresh sound into my face, so go show them some love.
Monday Music: Tristram, Mauro Picotto, Kim Brown, Zed Bias & Boombox Cartel
It’s March, it’s Monday, so let’s get to the music! A couple of UK releases, dopeness from Monstercat, and a blast from the past awaits!
It’s been a pleasure to keep tabs on Tristram for the last three years. One of the first post-EDM producers I discovered, his work is always top notch, guaranteeing he got picked up by Monstercat in short order. After a brief hiatus, he’s back and we’re all better for it. This deep indietronica cut reminds me of Innerpartysystem & a number of fusion acts I’ve seen over the last couple of years. Superb composition and sharp execution as always.
Millions is a gorgeous, understated tune that builds into an exceptionally minimal crescendo. It’s a 6min experiment in what can be done with almost nothing. A couple of piano chords, a dope house beat, and a driving tempo.Kim Brown making it happen, thanks to Stamp The Wax for making sure I didn’t miss it.
Boombox Cartel came out of nowhere with this one. Stalking Gia & Boombox Cartel need to collaborate way more often if this is the product. Front & center is the Stalking Gia vocals, showcased & tuned perfectly. The Future Bass vibe that follows is a great one. Massive, optimistic & just a touch of a west coast to compliment the bass. It’s way too synthetic to be Indietronica, but seems too anthem-y for Future Bass. Either way you slice it, great tune & great work by Boombox Cartel.
When some think of garage, they think of Zed Bias. This footwork-y/garage-y tune features hypnotic vocals by Zoe Violet, and gives the footwork fan a lot to work with here. Issued by dBridge’s label Exit Records, the fast/slow melody pulls you along, as the chord work & soothing undertones help you drift off. Great work, definitely something to pick up if you’re a vinyl or dBridge enthusiast.
Rounding out the group is something wonderful for all you classic Trance fans out there. Mauro Picotto was essentially a household name in the 2000s (if your household had the entire In Search of Sunrise compilation set by Tiesto and remember when Sensation had a White & a Black). I don’t know if he’s come out of retirement or if he just never went away, but this is vintage as all get out. Passion has a classic piano vibe and there’s even an extended classics mix on the EP. Turn it on, and let the nostalgia wash over you. If you try really hard, you can almost hear the Y2K fear mongering.
Monday Music: Wayvee, Pensees, Mazde, Jerry Folk & IsGoods
New week, new tunes! Hope the long weekend is treating you well if you’re off. If you’re working on this Presidents Day Monday, turn on, tune in & drop out.
Wayvee‘s Recovery EP is a lilting, chilled melodic future footwork feature. The reworking of the classical music is something you hear every so often, but it’s rarely this good. The soft operatic melody above the future bass & footwork is a treasure that you need in your life right now.
Pensees misted into my awareness last week, one of those artists you almost don’t notice if you’re not paying attention. The melodic chill is expertly produced, creating an aural landscape you don’t much hear in the USA outside of artists like Haven, glo & a couple of others. It’s evocative while faintly nostalgic, so put it on and drift off. If you can’t get enough of this sound, hit up the bandcamp for 5 more releases in the same chilled out vein.
Mazde has popped up on my radar a couple of times over the last year or two, but this track really brought his talents into light. The German remixed Rufus, pulling from the recent “Bloom.” It’s a powerful track that mixes melancholy, indie & some exceptional chord work. Take a look at this guy if you’re looking for music that’s hopeful without being saccharine.
Jerry Folk & ELOQ came out of nowhere on this one. The half indietronica, half future bass vibes on this are undeniable. There’s also a touch of the relaxed west coast feels we’re starting to see with the Future scene out in LA & SF. Great work, definitely legit effort, and earned a spot on my radar.
Closing out the post with a 2 piece EP from Isgoood. I don’t usually post seemingly standard House because I’ve got a pretty high bar for that genre, as I primarily dance out of doors in NYC to it. This kind of classic vibe is my exception. Done impeccably, the production perfectly captures the SoHo bar, filled with fashionable people who know their house & rock their own style. Props once again to V for always dropping quality on FreshNewTracks, as because of him, I can bring it to you all.
Monday Music: P-Buddy, Sciahri, Flume, Meganeko & Julio Bashmore!
Even though my city continues to dig out from Blusterfuck 2016, I’ve got dope tunes to help you melt the snow away. Strong basslines dominate this quintuplet, so let’s get up and at them!
P-Buddy busts into my awareness with this remix. It’s hard to out-groove Major Lazer, but P-Buddy does a really good job reworking Be Together. This has Groove Cruise written all over it. A solid Future Bass/Trap remix of the original, the touch of tropical on the side that’s added gives it an almost synthetic feel, but it totally works in this track. Also, the last 20 seconds need to be way longer, but the producer only has 29 followers on Soundcloud. So let’s change that.
I don’t usually list full EPs on my music posts, but I had to make an exception in the case for Behind The Line by Sciahri. Attention deep, tech & minimal house DJs, this is needed. It dropped 3 days ago and it’s 2 A & B sides of solid tunes. Eremite is crisp, scintillating while simultaneously murky and driving. Ambiguity oozes classic vibes and is an understated gem. Sublunar & Paranoia are both impressive in their own rights, so I found myself just having this EP on repeat. Sweet dance around your apartment music, but if you’re a DJ in NYC and you drop beats in this space, make sure to pick this up. The dance floor will thank you. Great release by Opal Tapes.
Stoney Roads reminded me there was new Flume. In case you didn’t know, I’m reminding you. There’s new Flume. It’s good, like old Flume. You really could keep reading words about me trying to describe the wonderful that is his Aussie Bass goodness, or you could just listen 😀
Switching gears entirely, here’s a ridiculously good dance remix from Super Mario World on the SNES. I’m the coolest music blogger you know right? Posting VGM EDM remixes? All kidding aside, gotta give it to meganeko on this one. It’s an exceptional re-imagining of that Ghostly tune from so far back in the day. I could hear this at all those Anime/SciFi con raves big time. The people at OC Remix continue to hold it down, so, show them some love as well.
Rounding out the list with one of the funkier tracks in recent memory, Julio Bashmore delivers. This disco house stunner of Holding On features Sam Dew on vocals and a magnificently relaxed vibe. It gives me hope for summer. Put it on and lean back. Don’t worry y’all, we’ll get back to the light soon.
Monday Music: Shahly, Simon Viklund, Cetana & San Holo
New Monday, new music! A few fun choices this week, trying to keep the energy up since January can always be a real drag, even though it’s unseasonably balmy this year. I also added a Christmas remix, because I kept seeing the trees out on the street waiting to be picked up by the garbage men. Also, it may or may not be hard as fuck. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
You cannot keep a serious face through this song. I dare you to try. Shahly fused Chiptune & Future Bass. The result is a whipped delight that bounces around with way too much energy. If you’re not a fan of Pokemon this might be a little too sugary for you, but if the vocal FX reminds you of old school TV watching, you’re in for a great time. The smoothness and the screaming chip chords work well with the vaguely future-infused bass. Nothing life-changing, but entertaining as hell nonetheless.
This is an odd one, but it’s going to get favorited and added to your Christmas 2016 playlist. A friend was playing Payday 2 and this came on. I needed to find the thing so I did some digging. If you’re as impressed with the vaguely hardhouse/hardstyle Christmas song remix, get at the Bandcamp for a high quality download. Can’t say I was thinking of buying PayDay, but at the same time, this Simon Viklund does some interesting work.
Every month, Dim Mak Records slides one or two tracks over the plate that really take me by surprise. I’d never been the biggest Aoki guy, but Dim Mak seems to really have an eye for new talent. This CETANA X moistbreezy tune had me dancing in my chair. The Future Bass is a perfectly adequate backing to this half-electro half-chip half-Daft Punk track. It builds into a shimmering success that I am super happy I didn’t miss. It’s a great example of where Future Bass is right now. 2016 is going to a be a great year for the genre, if this track is any indication.
San Holo takes the medal for the best DJ name we all should have come up with, but didn’t. His latest EP, Don’t Touch The Classics, adds a Future Dutch vibe to Blur, Eminem, 50 Cent & Dr. Dre. Most certainly my favorite remix on the EP, it’s got an almost, but not quite tropical vibe to it. Future Sunset, we’ll call it. Excellently reworked, San Holo earned my respect with this one. We don’t take kindly to fucking with Marshall Mathers around here, and San Holo ensured I never started sharpening my pitchfork. Kudos, see you in Episode VIII!
Midweek Music: Viticz, Milwin, Varien, Mr FijiWiji, BLNDSGHT, Dan Thompson & Ron Alperin!
Production from artists all over the world today! Lots of great stuff coming in, so let’s get right to it!
Viticz did something special with this tune. While Electro as a genre has been pretty stagnant over the last couple of years with the Big Room genre wilting, the producer from Singapore has pushed it in a totally needed direction. It’s got a touch of future, a touch of garage, a dash of chip and two scoops of anthem. This is a great effort by Viticz I’d never heard of but will definitely be keeping tabs on in the future.
Jumping from Singapore to Uddevalla, Sweden, Milwin pulls us into that Future House territory with a soothing tune. I have a pretty low tolerance for most Future House, but this one silences the usually annoying throbbass while featuring Blest Jones. This focus on a soulful, blues-oriented vocal line gives the track a more of a melancholic, autumn feel. Surprising, but great work from Sweden & Milwin as always!
Varien & Mr FijiWiji are two of the best knights in the court of Monstercat Castle. They’re production geniuses in their own rights and this collab could not have come at a better time. They can learn a lot from each other as the melodic bass shows. A truly future tune, they’re able to make even a rift of sexy sax work in the context of this chilled out, starry-eyed 4min. Silky, progressive, with just a dollop of euphoric above and bass under it. Really great work gentlemen, can’t wait for the next one & the Monstercat tour.
And now for something completely different.
BLNDSGHT is some wavy shit. Well produced, with some eccentric choices that the Cali producer has ensured almost have no choice but to work together. It’s got this groovy, spacey feel to it. Can’t say it’s dancey, but it manages to be downtempo without being too minimalist or droning. The low end is surprising and it would fit nicely into a side room or fucked up afterparty set.
Finishing out with some great trance. I’m going to make a concerted effort to post at least one trance tune a week, because I think the genre still deserves ears. Some cool stuff happening in it even outside of the juggernaut of quality that is A State of Trance. Coldharbour Recordings is Markus Schulz’s label & it’s been growing on me. Classic trance vibes & deep/energetic modern tunes from artists I’m not familiar with as an American trance family member. Have I ever heard of Dan Thompson & Ron Alperin? Nope, couldn’t pick their music out of a mix if you paid me. They sure can make a good mid-set trance track though. Go swim around in it & I’ll see y’all next week!
Earworm Of The Month: Lido’s Thoughts From The Tour Bus
Lido – Thoughts From The Tour Bus
This kind of sound is dangerously honest. Lido created this tune in response to his account being frozen by Soundcloud I believe. In which, you can hear the frustration with the touring, inauthentic life. The shot about riders & refreshments, being alone with speakers and everything else shows his existential annoyance with that whole life. Shining through the words is Lido’s signature perfect production. The bass and frisson-inducing chords are exactly where they need to be. He’s got this infectious way to take an original and turn it into a far superior version. This kid’s got the Midas touch so hopefully he’s got some good people around him to steady him as he blows up. In a year’s time, he’ll be an EDM household name. Just watch. You heard it here first.
Midweek Music: SMLE, BANKS, 20syl, Big Grams & Daktyl
Created by homieh: http://homieh.deviantart.com/
Another week, another quick quintet of tracks! Stuff from New York, the UK, France & LA. Lots of great stuff happening as 2015 draws to a close, so don’t sleep on these tunes!
This is a big set folks, all new dopeness spread across a couple of different genres, but it stays decidedly future throughout.
SMLE is getting a bunch of attention, though somewhat quietly. Over the last couple of months they’ve kept showing up on my Soundcloud feed. You always know an artist is legit when multiple producers you respect keep sharing the stuff. SMLE puts together a sound that’s both symphonic, chill and surprisingly forward-looking. It’s got Sunday afternoons all over it.
BANKS is back, and we are all better for it. The soothing single has an amazing music video, which reminds of Gesaffelstein, but with her own flair. She makes you wait until 2:25 of the 3min to really get how bluesy the track actually is. It’s melancholy & massive at the same time.
20syl re-envisions a masterful trumpet piece by Ibrahim Maalouf in ways I’m not sure any of us saw coming. This is a future ballad that needs 100x the attention it’s getting currently. The tune fuses classical trumpet, future bass, the always impressive synth work of 20syl and a distinctly global feel. One of the tracks that I doubt will make it to the blogs, but really does need to.
This next one is huge news for everyone in both the bass music & hip hop universes. Big Boi & Phantogram have decided to team up to start producing under the name Big Grams. The classic Outkast vibe is played to perfectly, and faithfully, while Phantogram has taken the “make beats for Big Boi” mantle & ran with it. It’s a fantastic premiere, so expect to keep hearing from this collaboration. I feel like it’s got cross-pollination potential both at regular hip hop shows but also at Bassnectar, Pretty Lights & other edge acts. Splendidly produced from start to finish, this demands your attention.
Rounding out the post is a surprise posted by This Song Is Sick. This remix of Autograf by Daktyl made me sit up in my chair. It’s got just the amount of re-production, while staying faithful to the original. The bass seems to laze along, but crests properly, giving an almost anthem feel to the future trap.
Terry Gotham 