Midnight Music: Boxplot – Escape With The Clouds [Liquid Drum & Bass]

I really do have to give it up to Liquicity. They are one of the only places besides Hospital Records on the internet to get consistently dope beats of the liquid variety. I had no idea that there was a liquid DJ in Boston! This means I’m looking into booking things toute suite. This kind of track is exactly the sound that the scene needs. The cool intensity of the back beat rumbling along with the potent, but not abrasive low end is damn near perfect. The vocals put some sexy frosting on the top of the tune, and you’ve got a neat 6:41 of fun. BoxPlot you say?! I’m into it. I love the feeling when you find a new artist and have an entire new Soundcloud to go through. Is that the equivalent of binge Netflixing?

Midnight Music: Jack Ü – Take Ü There (ft. Kiesza) [Netsky Remix]

Jack U - Take Ü There (feat. Kiesza) [Netsky Remix]Now that the big game is over and you’re wondering what’s going to entertain you until August, take some time to absorb some non-NFL related entertainment. In tonight’s case, check out this soulful D&B remix of Jack U’s insane Take U There track. The super group of diplo & Skrill is going to have a banner year and I’m so glad that other artists have gotten on the stick and started reworking the anthems Jack U is known for. Netsky’s one of my favorites, for this very reason. Taking the track, smoothing it out, while remaining true to the original, he still brings his signature d&b vibe to it. This is a dance track, but it’s not a track to RAGE to, like the original. This is more of a track to groove to. I know, it’s a subtle distinction. Check it out, and show both Jack U & Netsky some love. 

Keeno Goes Full Time! Dope Track On Hospital 2015 As Well!

This is news that brings a tear to my eye. Keeno, in a heartfelt post on Facebook page, declared that he’s going to leave school to pursue music creation full time. In his own words:

Devoting my life to writing and performing music is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I feel immensely fortunate to be able to make it my job as well as my passion and I have all of you to thank in helping that become a reality.

This is what it’s about ladies & gentlemen. This kid has a tremendous career ahead of him, I’m so glad he’s been embraced by Hospital Records & Med School. They’ve provided him with a great foundation and I think more artists (outside the USA, because here, it’s a fucking nightmare just trying to survive) should give this a try. He’s got a gorgeous debut album & 3 EPs out, so I wanted to take this time to feature some of my favorite tracks from his burgeoning discography. First, from his debut album:First up, off the Life Cycle LP, Nocturne & Innocence. These two tracks are great examples of what can be done in the modern drum & bass soundscape, by someone clever with the right resources. The smoothness of the beats, vocals, harmonies, every second of both tracks could not be done better. If you’re into this sound, take Keeno & study him. The silence, the gaps, the shimmering chords, all of it.Just in case you thought he was a dope original composer, these remixes prove he can hang in that game as well. These two show a gigantic range, especially when you remember that both London Grammar & James Bond are UK media forces that couldn’t be more different. The London Grammar remix, much like the ANDY C one, shows that the more melancholy end of the D&B spectrum can still power you through. And the Skyfall remix is a personal favorite, just because I feel that theme needed a serious amount of bass added to it. And finally, his most recent single, released less than 48hrs ago, for the Hospital 2015 compilation. This track, done with one of his favorite partners in crime, Whiney, continues the lofty, signature sound that I adore. This classical approach to the D&B bpm is amazing & I hope more artists copy it after Keeno gets his just desserts for it. His 2015 is going to be so incredible, I’m already jealous of people who live in the UK and can see him live with the rest of the Hospital/Med School crews. I am so glad to be able to bring this to you, my readers. People do follow their dreams, and sometimes, we’re all better for it. Congratulations Keeno, can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Midnight Music: Alex Clare – War Rages On (Etherwood Remix) [Drum & Bass For The Struggle]

Alex Clare - War Rages On (Etherwood Remix)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: Strife II

(I was honored to speak to Strife II, one of my favorite liquid drum & bass producers, over in the UK. Show the guy some love!)Strife II1. What is on tap for Strife II for NYE 2014 & 2015? Any live shows or new releases? I hope that one day there will be some sort of live show, but I don’t know if I will ever DJ. Maybe it would be a film like Hammock and Sigur Ros do, or a live band thing. I think what I write is all about escapism rather than dancing, so who knows.

2. Are you currently a full-time performer/DJ/producer, or do you have a day job? Your music is so incredible this needs to be paying your light bill. I’ve got a really bog standard boring day job with some of the most awesome people I’m ever likely to meet. I don’t hate it because a lot of people there bring a lot of positivity to my life – I get to watch the sun rise every morning and take a few minutes to watch the world wake up

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

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.

Ownglow Is 17 & Makes Gorgeous Liquid Drum & Bass.

The idea that I’ve yelled into the internet so much about how awesome liquid drum & bass is that it has started getting emailed to me, blows me away. This two-piece from A FREAKING SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD named Ownglow out of Bournemouth blew me away this week. The vibes are effortless, but gorgeous. It really reinforces my belief that liquid D&B is proof that the universe loves us. Gold was actually featured on Friction’s BBC Radio 1 show and the UKF YouTube channel, which, speaks to my point. This kid is banging. I didn’t even know the music existed at his age, much less make Hospitality quality tunes. Someone needs to sign this kid ASAP, because if this is what we’re seeing at this stage, the sky is the limit. If you don’t believe me, just ask Keeno or Etherwood. Grab it Sunday off Pilot Records.

Steve Nolan Wins Hospitality DJ Competition 2014 With A Gorgeous Liquid Mix!

In case you thought that Twitter didn’t matter, I’ve got a mix that proves you wrong. Hospitality announced their DJ competition winner over the weekend on Twitter, and I’d have missed it otherwise. My reward for clinging to the array of Hospitality social media like a barnacle was this FANTASTIC mix by Steve Nolan. Now, if you’ve heard of Steve Nolan before, I’m buying you a case of PBR and a replacement fixie bike chain, because you’re officially more hipster than me. This mix is an incredible journey that pulls some of the best in liquid, drum & bass and Hospitality together into a wonder of a 30min mix. I really hope we hear more from this kid, because this mix is MASSIVE. Put it into your face and let’s get him on the Hospitality parties in 2015, stat.

Let The Week of Rameses B Begin!

This week, I decided to celebrate one of my very favorite producers, Rameses B. This modern-day master of all things production & sonic. This tune was pushed out today, but I’m going to be spending some time going back through his discography, and posting my favorite tunes of his. This track is quintessential Rameses B. A lush soundscape, tugging on the heartstrings with soothing vocals, B knows exactly what he’s doing, and every sound in this tune is exactly where it needs to be. The broken beats that show up 50 seconds in, pull you into a delightful, minimal liquid drum & bass track. For everyone who doesn’t know, thems be my jams. Check this thing out, and make sure to show the guy some love on YouTube, Soundcloud, Facebook  & Twitter. If there is any indie, underground artist that deserves your support, it’s this guy.

And yes, check back tomorrow for my next Rameses B feature!

Fik Shun Isn’t Real. (Amazing Performance @ World Of Dance!)

Can we get this dude in something? Are there any more breakdance movies coming out? Can there be an entire one of liquid, popping/locking, b-boying and everything else associated with EDM? I might actually go see that thing, as opposed to the miasma of hip hop vs. ballet & tap vs. contemporary gang war stuff. (via Metafilter)