Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Sky Will Always Be Full of Stars


Remixing a track by Coldplay produced by Avicii has to be an intimidating task. Not only is the beat crafted to near perfection, the last thing you want to do is take away from the mellow vocals of Chris Martin. All that being said, Hardwell did a decent job of adding a different flavor to everyone's favorite summer track, Sky Full of Stars. The vibe is a bit rowdier than the original due to the hard hitting bassline, but the chord progression makes for easy listening, which fits with the original. I'm not going to go as far as saying I like it as much as the original, but it's comparably dope, which is one hell of a compliment given the comparison...#SkyFullOfStars

Coldplay - Sky Full of Stars (Hardwell Remix)

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

"We Gettin' Loud in the Booth, I'ma Tear Up the Roof"


Hump day means it's about that time for a mid-week pick me up and Alesso delivered just that with Tear The Roof Up. In my mind, Alesso has come through with great melodic, EDM-pop anthems, so his new rowdy club anthem is a welcome surprise. It takes about a minute and a half to hit its stride, but when it does, heads up. If you're like me, you'll be chanting the hook by the end of the track. So far the release of the track has been limited to Beatport, but that won't stop me from wearing out the Soundcloud...#TearTheRoofUp

Alesso - Tear The Roof Up

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

"I Can't Stop Drinking About You"


While The Chainsmokers have been jet setting all over the world playing sets, their fans have been collectively tapping their feet wanting more new music. Good news y'all, there's plenty of newness on the horizon. Their hiatus has come to an end with a new mix of Bebe Rexha's Drinking About You. If you're like me, you had little to no knowledge of Bebe and needed a quick introduction with the audio below...
While the original is a serious pop ballad that need not be reckoned with, the remix showcases an uplifting chord progression that elevates the track to new heights. The uptempo synths are well suited for Bebe's high octane vocals. And the remix below isn't even the most exciting news to come out of The Chainsmokers camp this week. Word has it, they have a new single coming out August 5th titled Kanye. Hmm wonder what that track could be about. We'll see soon enough, keep it locked sports fans...#DrinkingAboutYou

Bebe Rexha - Drinking About You (The Chainsmokers Remix)

Monday, July 28, 2014

Passion Pit Feels Alright Remixing One Republic


How bout a dose of rolling electro thunder? Yep, that's about what Passion Pit's remix of One Republic's Love Runs Out amounts to. I dig how they used the original Ryan Tedder vocals and added their own funky symphony of excitement. The deep thump of the bass provides plenty of room for the quirky synths to work their magic.

The real question is, when is Passion Pit going to put together a third studio album? Word has it from lead singer Michael Angelakos it's in the oven, but there's no lead single release date that I know of. It will be tough to top Gossamer, but if the remix below is any indication, there's plenty to be excited about...#PassionPit

One Republic - Love Runs Out (Passion Pit Remix)

Sunday, July 27, 2014

"Tell Me You Know You the Greatest"


Without a doubt, Jim Jonsin is on the short list of producers that cause me to jump when seeing their name attached to a track. With that being said, it's been months since I've come across a track he produced. You could imagine how excited I was when his comeback from relative hibernation was a track with K.R.I.T.

To my surprise, the production on Pay Attention was subtle and the track takes on more of a calm, thoughtful vibe. Lyrically it's an ode to the finest girl in the club with K.R.I.T. spittin' bar after bar to that special woman. Rico Love did his part too, adding much needed vocal support. Call this a warning shot, Cadallactica is coming soon...#Cadallactica

Big K.R.I.T. feat Rico Love - Pay Attention (prod by Jim Jonsin)

Saturday, July 26, 2014

"Today I Took a Walk in the Clouds"


Some trends are cyclical, but one thing that will never change is the popularity of summer movies. Over the past month there has been a constant barrage of action movies from Transformers to Hercules to Planet of the Apes that will continue with Guardians of the Galaxy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One non-action movie that has flown relatively under the radar is the upcoming drama with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, The Giver. I remember vaguely reading the book for The Giver, but for the life of me I can't remember what the book was about.

Plot aside, it's hard to argue against choosing One Republic to lead the movie's soundtrack. On Ordinary Human, Ryan Tedder leads the way with harmonious lyrics that emit a triumphant vibe as the song progresses. If you're wanting to both know more about the context of the movie and understand the track better, look no further than the lyric video below. It's like a visual Snickers bar, it has all you could ever want in a small package...#OrdinaryHuman

Friday, July 25, 2014

Videos of the Week July 25th


Plenty of silly with a substantial dost of Hip Hop in this week's top 5. A bit of a toss up between silliest videos with The Rock/Jimmy Fallon and Nardwuar/Chad Ochocinco coming in neck and neck. One casual observation is that Jimmy Fallon needs to step up his leg crunch game because he was getting put to shame by Dwayne Johnson.

It's been a long time time since Bei Maejor or Maejor Ali released some new music, so the collabo with Jack Johnson was a pleasant surprise. Add to that one of the many videos released by B.O.B. last week off his No Genre 2 Mixtape and you've got a couple of notable Hip Hop releases. The most quirky and interesting video of the week goes to Schoolboy Q who was punked by his DJ when he tipped off a groupie that he liked aggressive women. Hilarity ensues, but it's a small glimpse of what these rappers lives are like on the road...#GroupieLove
Jimmy Fallon & The Rock Create a Workout Video

Bei Maejor feat Jack Johnson - Upside Down (Video)

B.O.B. feat Jason Lambo - The Nation (Video)

Nardwuar Interviews Chad Ochicinco

Schoolboy Q Tells an Intersting Groupie Story

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, July 24, 2014

"Stay in My Arms, Let’s Make it Unmissable"


The funky deep house just keeps comin' out of the Gorgon City camp. On their new one, they employ the help of Zak Abel to craft a bouncy, pop track that is unmissably fun. The deep womps throughout the playful harmony create a happy-go-lucky vibe that is ever so slightly infectious. The new single will be on the duo's upcoming debut studio album Sirens, which is scheduled to hit your favorite e-tailer on October 6th. My suggestion is, don't fight it, just let the heavy rhythms lead the way...#Unmissable

Gorgon City feat Zak Abel - Unmissable

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Goddess is Coming, Time to Beg for Thread


As I hear more and more of BANKS' music, I'm now finding myself anticipating dark, somber music when I press play. While that has usually been the case (don't get me wrong, she does it well), she bucks that trend with a upbeat new sing-along in Beggin' For Thread. When I say upbeat, I'm talking about the instrumental because the lyrics are steeped in turmoil and conflict. There's no better way to illustrate that then the lyric video below that uses animation and creative timing to drive home the point...

The best news I have to bring is that BANKS' debut album Goddess is just over a month away now. You can bet when September 9th hits, I will be running laps around the album in hopes of understanding the breadth of what she is capable of musically. So far she's definitely got my attention as Beggin' For Thread may be one of my favorites of hers...#BegginForThread

BANKS - Beggin' For Thread

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

HudMo Wields Chimes That Pack a Punch


There has been a lot of rumors surrounding new HudMo music and after seeing him live in concert last month, I can fully substantiate those rumors. One of the many heat rocks he let loose during his hour and a half set was Chimes. Make no mistake about it, your speakers will need to be able to handle depth and grandeur to appreciate his new one.

The track starts off harmlessly enough with tip-toeing synths, but then the back end comes through like a freight train to drive home the heavy sound. Nobody can match the crispness of HudMo's sound at the volume he's able to crank out music. Unfortunately, we may not be getting a full length album, but on September 30th he will be releasing a new four song Chimes EP to iTunes. Those four songs plus production on Kanye's new album is what we can look forward in 2014 from one of the best producers in the game...#Chimes

Hudson Mohawke - Chimes

Monday, July 21, 2014

"Knock Knock You About to Get Shell Shocked"


What...in...the...hell? This might be the corniest track lyrically in the past decade. The degree of selling out that it takes to get to this end result is so obscene it's almost admirable.

The frustrating part about it is that it's actually a bangin' track if you manage to not get caught up in the lyrics. Kill The Noise and Madsonik craft a trap beat that is 100% dope and the one two punch of Juicy J and Wiz is formidable. The most surprising part from my perspective was Ty Dolla $ign closing it down with authority on the final verse. I'd go as far to say this could have been one of the best Hip Hop EDM collaborations to date if the powers that be didn't go so far out of their way to make the lyrics "kid friendly" and movie relevant that it became the focus of the track. It is what it is, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie comes out on August 15th if you're interested in hearing this on the big screen...#TNMT

Sunday, July 20, 2014

"I Won't Waste, This, Love, Here Tonight"


Over the past few months, I've gotten used to hyping up Collin McLoughlin's solo ability to produce great music. As a result, you can imagine why I jumped at his recent feature on Dash Berlin's recent single Here Tonight. The vocals on the track provided by Jay Cosmic lead the way over high-pitched, energetic synths. It's a bit more pop than EDM, but it's a fun track. While you're at it, give a look to Dash Berlin's upcoming We Are Pt 1 EP featuring the likes of 3LAU and John Dahlback. Despite my extreme dislike for all this is Penn State, I will reluctantly fall in line with the following hashtag...#WeAre

Dash Berlin & Jay Cosmic ft. Collin McLoughlin - Here Tonight

Saturday, July 19, 2014

After a Long Hiatus, Welcome Back Dialated Peoples


I’ll admit, when I saw Dialated Peoples featuring Aloe Blacc, I did a triple take. The first reason being, it’s been seven years since DJ Babu, Evidence and Rakaa banded together to create music together. The second reason, I have yet to hear Aloe Blacc contribute to a Hip Hop track. All elements combined piqued my interest in a real way.

After listening to the track, I was whelmed. Not over-whelmed or under-whelmed, the track is a really listenable Hip Hop track, which hard to come by these days. Aloe Blacc sounded at home singing the hook too, which was heartening. If you’re a fan of real Hip Hop that doesn’t concern itself with commercial viability, my suggestion is to catch up on the Dilated Peoples discography. In particular, my favorite track of theirs is No Retreat featuring B-Real of Cypress Hill. Word has it, the Dilated Peoples have an album coming out soon. Keep an ear out for Director's of Photography, it'll be in a store near you on August 12th...#ShowMeTheWay

Dilated Peoples feat Aloe Blacc - Show Me The Way

Friday, July 18, 2014

Videos of the Week July 18th


Well, let's call a spade a spade, this week's videos is more or less a Drake ESPY highlight reel. This was the first time Drake has gotten a big time hosting gig and it seems like he overwhelmingly knocked it out of the park. I'd say the biggest surprise for me was Drake and Chris Brown getting along and banding together in a skit. Word came last week that they were working together on music, but it seems like they've finally buried the hatchet.

Any award show host has to have enough clout to feel comfortable making fun of a lot of famous people and that's exactly what Drake did. He roasted all runners up with his Honorable Mention ballad, delivered an entertaining Manny Pacquiao impression, burned Danica and threw Macklemore under the bus while he was at it. It all resulted in a really entertaining night with plenty of great highlights. The only other really noteworthy video of the week was Weird Al's Handy, which spoofs Iggy Azalea's Fancy. Nobody does parody videos like Wierd Al and it's great to see he's still got it...#ImSoHandy
Drake vs Blake featuring Chris Brown Skit (ESPYs)

Drake & Brian McKnight Side Pieces Duet (Espys)

Drake Honorable Mention, The Song for ESPY Losers

Drake Sings Let It Go as Manny Pacquiao

Weird Al Yankovic - Handy (Iggy Azalea Fancy Spoof)

Photo Credit: YouTube via ESPN

Thursday, July 17, 2014

"Your Wish My Command, Go Head Take My Hand"


So a few months back I mentally bookmarked the name Majid Jordan. I did so because one of my favorite blogs/crews, Octobers Very Own, seemed to be co-signing the talented R&B duo of Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman. We’ve all witness what happened with The Weeknd becoming a household name over the past year. To this point, you can’t really argue with the OVO track record.

Recently Majid released A Place Like This, which on first listen didn’t really stand out to me. But like a fine wine it has grown on me over time. In short, the song succeeds in its simplicity. The beat isn’t complicated, but the gradually increasing, whiny synths really stuck with me. Great R&B has to be able to evoke emotion and the duos somber and subtle harmony really work well with the beat. Reminds me a bit of Miguel’s first couple tracks where you listen to it and you know there’s a seed in there that’s destined to grow into something great. You better believe I’m excited for what’s to come from Majid in the near future…#PlaceLikeThis

Bonus: Check the newly minted video below...

Majid Jordan - A Place Like This

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Not Just Friends, Superfriends


Here’s another track that I ‘ve really grown to love over the past month and just haven’t gotten around to posting. I’ve waxed poetic a few times about ZHU’s uniquely awesome mix of funk and EDM and I can think of no better case in point than Superfriends. It has a few edgy screwed up Hip Hop samples sprinkled throughout with the high pitched vocals we’ve come to expect from ZHU tracks.

I’d liken the track to San Francisco weather. It may start out sounding like an upbeat dance track, then ten seconds later it sounds like a Hip Hop track. But then a little later it adds in an intriguing chord progression, followed by more Hip Hop and finishing with a calmingly refreshing percussion led fade out. In other words, you can go a few seconds (blocks) and have a completely different sound (weather). Semi-confusing analogy aside, if you haven’t checked out ZHU’s debut EP, you’re missing the bus…#NightdayEP

ZHU - Superfriends

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

There's Something About Porter Robinson I Really Dig


As I’ve continued to bring myself up to speed on all that is Porter Robinson, I’ve found it really difficult to change tracks whenever Sad Machine comes on. I can’t help but mentally compare the sound to Passion Pit, both vocally and beat wise. There’s a care-free Indie vibe to the song that’s alluring. It’s more of a lullabye story than an EDM track, but that’s also what makes it so intriguing.

You don’t hear to many flute/harp samples woven into EDM tracks, but Porter did it seamlessly around the 3 min mark. It’s like an oasis of tranquil between two chapters in the song. I’ll put it this way, I’ve gone from intrigued about Porter to seriously looking into purchasing concert tickets to see Porter live…#BuyingIn

Porter Robinson - Sad Machine

Monday, July 14, 2014

"If You Only Knew She Came to Give it to You"


s it me or is Pharrell doing everything he can to get funk back into contemporary music? From his contribution to Daft Punk’s album, to his own solo album and now his production effort on with Usher and Nicki Minaj’s She Came To Give It To You, he’s bringing back the rolling bassline. On first listen, I’ll admit, the percussion immediately reminded me of Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines, also produced by Skateboard P. It’s the type of track you could probably find common ground with your parents with because it has that “grown folks will dance to this vibe.” Late twenties folks with relatively young parents know what I’m talmbout.

I mentioned it in a previous post, but Usher’s upcoming album is something to write home about. I’m still anxiously awaiting his new one with Skrillex, but if his first two singles are any indication, it’s going to be an album filled with a buffet of different sounds. Coming from a blogger who appreciates artists who have the balls to tinker with different genres and styles, when all is said and done in 2014 we might be talking about one of the better releases this year…#SheCameToGiveItToYou

Usher feat. Nicki Minaj - She Came to Give It to You (prod by Pharrell)

Sunday, July 13, 2014

"Let Me Be Your Stranger"


I'm having a hard time coming to terms with liking Chris Malinchak's new single with Mikky Ekko, Stranger. It's undeniably funky, but almost to the point of being over done. Sound wise the MJ comparisons will come, but it's a song that stands out because it has such a throwback sound. While you'd expect flashy disco lights and big hair on the video, you're not going to get it. For the record, the video does a great job of contextualizing the song and brings it to life in a unique way...

Man, listening to this track can be addicting. My guess is you're either really going to like it or you're going to give an emphatic "WTF is this?" Either way, it will elicit a strong reaction and that's what I'm here for ladies and gentleman, to make you feel something...#Stranger

Chris Malinchak feat. Mikky Ekko - Stranger

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Still CRNKN Out the Deep House


Want a track devoid of edges? I've got you. CRNKN's new track with the incredibly talented Jhene Aiko goes down super smooth. Now that the potential of deep house as a genre is starting to become more and more realized by the masses in the US, more and more swanky tracks like Still are surfacing.

I wish Jhene could have added more than a few echoed vocals, but her presence was appreciated on the track. If you listen closely, there's a quick beat breakdown around the 2:10 mark that contrasts well as a bridge between the bouncy rhythms. Deep house might as well be called new funk because it's chill, but it entices you to dance, no matter how hard you try not to. Keep an eye out for CRNKN, he's got some serious skills as a DJ...#Still

CRNKN feat Jhene Aiko - Still

Friday, July 11, 2014

Videos of the Week July 11th


As per usual, a bit of funny and strange mixed with great music videos. Let's start with the strange, how about Marcus Tisdale (pretending) to blatantly smoke crack on the streets of San Francisco with little or no reaction from anyone...including law enforcement. Man, the Bay Area takes liberal to a whole nother. Continuing with the odd, it was nice watching Jimmy Fallon look up Halle Berry's skirt do the human hamster wheel just for fun. There's probably good reason why he couldn't keep from smiling and everyone in the band was giving that "ooohhh sh****t" look.

Music wise, a whole lot of well put together R&B with some new Bobby Ray off his recently released No Genre 2 mixtape. Aloe Blacc's version of Hello World is better than the overly harmonious World Cup version IMO. On the serious side, it's tough not to get emotional while watching John Legend's You & I video. Lots of people enjoying companionship and conquering life together, which is a uplifting to see when given the right soundtrack...#NobodyInTheWorld
Comedian Smokes Crack in San Francisco, Nobody Cares (Videos)

Aloe Blacc - Hello World (The World Is Ours) (Video)

Jimmy Fallon & Halle Berry's Human Hamster Wheel

B.O.B. - Follow Me (Video)

John Legend - You & I (Nobody in the World) (Video)


Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, July 10, 2014

"Follow Me, Follow Me You'll Forgive Me"


It's probably been well over a year since I posted a Wale track. Much of that has been due to both of our musical tastes changing at the same time. For him, it was a Maybach Music leap that led to a lot of loud Hip Hop that lacked the vigor and depth of message that first few albums had. For me, it was a gradually increasing disinterest in Hip Hop as the quality in my eyes has continued to decrease each year. People will point toward Kanye albums, but other than Kendrick Lamar's debut album, have there been any great Hip Hop albums over the past few years?

Rant aside, this is the first time in many moons where I listened to a Wale track and really dug its vibe. There's a stream of consciousness that he let's loose in an unfiltered way that's more therapeutic than focused. Mind the skips throughout the track and follow along with the lyrics if you will, but it's a disorganized brain dump of verbal gymnastics that has a proud tone to it. Whatever it is, I enjoyed it's vibe and it's got me looking forward to his upcoming album, Album About Nothing...#TheFollowers

Wale - The Followers (Produced by Pro Reese & Marce Reazon)

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

Music That Should Be Played Far Too Loud


After listening to the track below, I fully understand why Oli Cash goes by the name Far Too Loud. If you're into rowdy EDM that has a big sound capable of igniting an entire festival, this is your jam. It has the build ups and ebb and flow you'd expect, but with the combination of heavy bass and aggressive repetition you'd associate with a lot of trap music. Don't get it twisted, it still has the progressive riffs you've grown to love, but the pulse of the track is palpable. What I mean by that is you can listen to Boom! and imagine the speakers pumping it out in a rhythmic way, which is exactly why it's so perfectly suited for an outdoor festival. While you're at it, might as well cop it on Beatport and if you're like me, you've mentally bookmark the name Far Too Loud. Here's to hoping there's much more like this to come...#Boom

Far Too Loud - Boom!

Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Clinton Sparks Runs The Fugees Through the Trap


What great memories from a truly classic album. Back in 1996 the Fugees were ahead of their time when they released The Score. Lead by the hauntingly melodic Ready or Not, they took us to a place we had never been before with a deadly mix of Lauryn Hill harmony and Wyclef raps. One of the biggest let downs in music to this day was their inability to continue making great music together.

Lack of longevity aside, Clinton Sparks decided to run their most classic track through the trap. While I wouldn't call it a masterpiece of a remix, I can appreciate the tempo and heavy bass he was able to impart into the original. Picture the original vocals mixed with a few speaker pounding interludes of pounding bass. Your speakers will appreciate the workout on this one and the best part about it is that Clinton put it on his Soundcloud for free.50...#ReadyOrNot

Fugees - Ready or Not (Clinton Sparks Trap Remix)

Monday, July 07, 2014

Recess is Fun With Flux Pavilion and Skrillex


Picture Skrillex's Recess armed with drops that require a parachute. Actually, don't waste too much time doing that because all you really need to do is press play below. What Flux Pavilion did with Recess should be banned in at least 40+ states because it's that nasty.

When I first heard Skrillex's version of Recess, I appreciated it's playful sing-songiness. I can't say I was completely sold on it, but that's OK because he teamed up for four of his closest friends to stretch and pull the track a million directions. Sure, it's given I'll gravitate toward the arena filling Moombahton version, but there are a couple other comparably awesome versions put together by Milo & Otis, Valentino Khan and Ape Drums. It really is pretty awesome how many creative directions you can take a track and still have each of them be successful in making the original into new, awesome things. Whatever you do, just know that these remixes should only legally be played at high volumes...#RecessRemixes

Skrillex - Recess (Flux Pavilion Remix)

Sunday, July 06, 2014

"I'm Just a Believer That Things Will Get Better"


As a broad generalization, I generally gravitate toward uplifting music. Whether that be uptempo beats or lyrics that are inspirational or fun, genre matters less when there's an underlying positivity about it. A great example is American Authors track Believer, which is a feel-good Alt-rock track with a positive message. Check the original below...

Evidently Tiesto felt the same way because he blessed it with an equally uplifting EDM version. Basically take the lyrics of the original, add in a few drops and some fist pump inducing synths and you've got yourself a remix. It's a fun addition to an already solid track that translates it to a completely different audience...#Believer

American Authors - Believer (Tiesto Remix)

Saturday, July 05, 2014

Baauer Unleashes a Heavy Clang


For those of you who think Baauer is a one-hit wonder, you're sorely mistaken. Rather than tapping your foot waiting for another Harlem Shake, I'd recommend remaining quietly confident that he's steering trap into the right direction for the future. You've got Slip, Higher, Good 2 U, Infinite Daps and his new single below, Clang, all of which bring the heat. Collectively, they showcase a wide range of tempos, but they're all heavy, loud and full of quirky percussion. On Clang, the looped samples blend really well, making for listenable symphony of excitement. The track is proof that trap doesn't always have to push the pedal to the floor to be great...#Clang

Baauer - Clang

Friday, July 04, 2014

Videos of the Week July 4th


More of an audio focused videos of the week with a few promos and funny videos sprinkled in. Only Skrillex would make a sweet video game-y promo for a four song remix EP. Along those same lines, I will definitely be tuned into the Espys for Drake hosting. We'll see if he can hold his own stand up wise on the intro and between awards. My guess is he's good friends with so many of the athletes that he should have the green light to drop a few one liners.

As far as funny in concerned, seeing Kendrick Lamar rock karaoke was an entertaining watch. Not sure whether he tried to be intentionally rough around the edges on songs, but that's what happens in real life so you never know. My favorite video of the week, was hearing Dave Chappelle's five minute routine on Donald Sterling. Man, if anybody is questioning whether or not he's back, all my doubts are now gone. Finally, if you've ever had a jealous ex, you'll be able to empathize with Cazzette's Sleepless video. Happy 4th of July y'all...#4thOfJulyVideo
Skrillex Recess Remix EP Teaser

Kendrick Lamar Karaoke's Eminem, Jay-Z and 50 Cent

Cazzette - Sleepless (Video)

Drake Espy's Promo

David Chappelle on Donald Sterling

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Disclosure Amps Up the Electrofunk on Good Kisser


Oh hell to the yea, what a treat! Take a catchy R&B track from Usher and add in a funk filled shot of deep house provided by Disclosure and what do you get? A super-dope remix to an already likable track. Man, when the beat kicks into gear around the 1:07 mark, gooood night! This is the perfect party starter for a rooftop 4th of July party. I'm skeptical you'll be able to cop it before then, but my guess is you've already found a technological way to get around using the embedded HTML5 player at the bottom of this post. Raise your hand if you've got your Bluetooth mobile game up!...#GoodKisser

Usher - Good Kisser (Disclosure Remix)

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

"Do It One More Time For This Girl"


No matter how successful their music ends up being, I'm always going to be tuned into the Stafford Brothers' music. They were the first EDM group signed to a Hip Hop label and they did so during a time when my tastes in music were waffling between the two genres. Sadly, there isn't much to be excited about in Hip Hop anymore, but that's also why collaborations like the one below are particularly interesting to me.

Is This Girl as catchy and addictive as Hello? Nope. Does T.I. sound strange on an EDM track? Yep. Is the track worth listening to? Yep, despite it sounding a bit forced, Eva Simons brought her A game game, which helped a lot. No word yet on whether this is a random single or a step toward a debut album, but I have high hopes for the Aussies to make a splash if/when that ever does happen...#ThisGirl

Stafford Brothers feat Eva Simmons & T.I. - This Girl

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

"Finish What We Started, We'll Be the Lionhearted"


Admittedly, I'm about four years behind on the Porter Robinson train. Since the age of 18 he's been on the rise, reaching the top of Beatport's overall chart three times before the age of 21. Over the past year he's been dominating the main stage of all your favorite festivals including Ultra, Tomorrowland and Bonaroo to name a few.

Rather than focus on what he's done, let's talk about what he's doing now in the form of a studio debut album called Worlds that is going to hit iTunes in mid-August. If you're as behind as I am, you should probably give a listen to the first two singles off the album Sea of Voices and Sad Machine before pressing play below. Lots of progressive house marked by ethereal synths that are more calming and dreamy than excitable.

What I find most cool about his music is the organic Indie vibe he's able to impart into his music. Call it Indie EDM or Indietronica if you want to be super specific, whatever it is, it's imaginative. Lionhearted is a great case in point. With the help of Urban Cone, Porter is able to create a Passion Pit meets funk vibe. All in all, it's upbeat, fun and extremely catchy. Color me excited for the full length studio album if the singles are an accurate representation of what's to come...#Lionhearted

Bonus: Check the video below...

Porter Robinson feat Urban Cone - Lionhearted

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