Rashid Ajami is one of these names I would never have come across without Stoney Roads. This mellow, melancholy re-work of Lost Causes by Flunk is fantastic, though it’s not exactly the most euphoric. The slow pace matches the soft, soulful vocals from Flunk, and the result is a song made of feels. This kind of stuff may not get festival main-stage play, but it’s a decidedly necessary part of the music spectrum. Especially in the world where many genres seem to have gone content-free while slapping a smiley face on stuff, Ajami is keeping it real. This is good for a gray day or a contemplative mood. Get at this London/NY based producer who is definitely coming up in 2015.
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Midnight Music: Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Babicka’s Lost Muscle Mix)
This track is everything right now. This downtempo remix of Gil Scott-Heron’s masterpiece is a must listen. The source material is treated with the reverence by Babicka it deserves and adds a perfect amount of ambiance. This kind of more minimal & technical sound approaches chillwave, but definitely keeps you moving. The voice reminds us all, echoing the struggles of the past, as we seem to be fighting many of those battles all over again. The tune definitely needs wide exposure, and those who are fighting need to know that they are not alone. I’ve got to admit, it’s getting better, it’s getting better, all the time. Check out the Untzz, the label out of Adelaide, Australia this fire is coming from.
Earworm Of The Month: Ferry Corsten ft. Haris – Back To Paradise (Flashover Mix)
Sometimes a track stays with you for a little while. Sometimes, you go back to a track and you find more to like about it. This is one of those tracks. Ferry Corsten has been in the trance game longer than the term EDM has existed. This original track, featuring the soaring vocal work of Haris. These kind of euphoric vibes & soulful lyrics don’t come along very often, and when they do, they’re usually saccharine or idiotic. The build is powerful, with a drop a friend of mine labeled as shockingly chill. I couldn’t agree more, and I hope this starts reminding people that breaks can sound like that. No need for the trouse or trancelectro that we’ve become used to. It can just be smooth, joyful & rambling on, like the morning sun. This is a must listen and Ferry deserves your undivided attention for this.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Swolf
1. What is the hip hop scene in VA like? Is it blinged out like some of the bigger regions, or is there a more singular vibe at parties & battles in VA you can’t get anywhere else? To be honest I’m not sure what to think of the hip hop scene here, being from the Northern side I am technically looked at as a “DMV” artist. There’s nothing flashy about it just a lot of talented artist trying to find their identity and I feel as a VA artist we are overlooked in some ways.
2. How did you connect with St. James The Pro to get such top-notch production on the EP? We actually met at a Beat Battle. He was one of the 1st contestants and the 1st beat he played just really caught my attention. I introduced myself after his set and he told me he’s going to New York and that he’ll be back. I thought he was giving me the run-around but about 2 weeks later he hit me up like he said he would, told me he had checked out some of my previous work and was impressed. The rest was history really.
Midnight Music: Funkerman ft. J.W. – The Masterplan [Deep House]
In case the snow has got you down, Funkerman has you covered. This original that dropped last week is groovy & sophisticated enough that you’re kind of concerned about buying her a drink. But while she has her own money & doesn’t need you to tell her she looks good, if you can dance, you will definitely get her attention. The throbbing bass & no-nonsense chords keep you moving, but you may need to come back with a better outfit next time. In all seriousness, this is a dope little track that makes me think of the last cool party I hit up off the L train. Funkerman‘s coming up in 2015. I done told you.
Midnight Music: Jack Ü – Take Ü There (ft. Kiesza) [Netsky Remix]
![Jack U - Take Ü There (feat. Kiesza) [Netsky Remix]](https://terrygotham.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jack-u-take-c3bc-there-feat-kiesza-netsky-remix.png?w=630)
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.
Ferry Drops Euphoric Trance & We Love Him For It!
This is the kind of music that I feel like we really should be listening to all the time. If you’ve seen a Bill & Ted movie, this is my Wyld Stallions vibe. This is the music that brings peace to the world, if we’d only just all listen to it. Specifically the 2:30 & on build. This kind of extended euphoric, driving, yet modern trance sound is exactly what I think 2015 needs. I can’t wait to hear what the rest of this EP sounds like, and I am terribly sorry for sleeping on this one. This is weeks old, and I really should’ve been on top of it. This track is everything right with dance music at the moment. Sink your teeth in and show some love to Ferry. He is one of the best. Bomp this track loud and you’ll see why I think so.
Earworm Of The Month: Jayceeoh & B-Sides – Still In This B#tch 2015 (B.o.B. Flip)
Bruh. This is the anthem for 2015. Granted, it’s some anthem trap so I know not everyone may get down to this entire track. However, the build, the anthem break and the auto-tune game is on point. It’s weird to think of auto-tune as something that can be right, but when you hear “Bitch, we Still in this” you’ll know what I mean. I’m kind of amazed “& the B-Sides” hasn’t ever been used before, as it’s a fantastic way to end a band name. The track is massive, and is the closest thing to a diss track I’ve heard in EDM. I would love to hear some more big room “We’re gonna kill it” faux-motivational tracks. Could be great for working out, and this one definitely helps me rip it up at the gym. This needs a rambling crazy trance remix ASAP.
Midnight Music: Talking Heads – Once In A Lifetime (Gigamesh Remix) [Indie House]
For Throwback Thursday, I’ve got a treat for you. I never really understood the Talking Heads when I was younger. They hit the mainstream before I was old enough to know what music was, essentially. So I never got into it, however, this remix hit me at just the right moment, and now I kinda get it. This is a tremendous re-working and “How did I get here?” makes a whole lot more sense now that I’ve got some miles under these tires. Where is that large automobile indeed. I think there’s a lot of wisdom in some of the older music that will hopefully start getting remixed now that it’s officially “vintage.” Weird thinking of the 80’s being vintage, but when you’re 30 years out (yup!), the meanings will evolve, and we’ll all be better for it. The dance house vibe on this is strong, so put it into your face as the days go by. Gilgamesh does some great work here, so give em 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.
Terry Gotham 