[Event Review] Mura Masa, NAO and Bonzai @ The Independent–SF, 5/12

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 20, 2016

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’Mura Masa – …Girl’
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I can remember pretty distinctly when my enchantment with Mura Masa’s music began—specifically the first time I heard “…Girl.” That piano-driven, trap-influenced beauty served as an ample intro to his intricate production style but it really only scratched the surface of what was to come. His 2014 debut album Soundtrack to a Death, a collection of dynamic beats, cemented his status as one of the most exciting electronic artists out–seamlessly fusing the enormity of trap percussion with fluttering instrumentation and chopped vocal samples.

While that first project captured the bloggers and electronic music enthusiasts, it was Mura Masa’s Someday Somewhere EP that, with the help of a diverse set of collaborators, catapulted his notoriety among casual fans and the biggest producers in the game alike. Since that release, he’s launched Anchor Point Records his own label that’s already brought us fantastic projects from Bonzai and Jadu Heart.

In San Francisco, it’s common to discover an artist on Soundcloud and find them on a show flier within a few months. In the case of Mura Masa, though, the wait for a live performance felt like an eternity—spanning almost three years. Having checked literally hundred of artists off of the must-see list in that time, it would be a massive understatement to say we were excited as we walked into The Independent to see the 20-year-old phenom’s SF debut alongside Bonzai and NAO. So, if you’re wondering why this article is so long it’s probably because we’ve been waiting for so long to write it. Continue reading →

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Saturday Selection Vol. 6

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - May 16, 2016

Saturday Selection

These past two weeks have been an absolute GOLDMINE for music fans everywhere. We’ve honestly never seen a month this stacked with releases both from established legends and exciting newcomers in a long time. It doesn’t stop, and we’d be fine it never did really. Even with all of the hype, you may have missed a few things, and we’ve got some highlights that you definitely need to hear. Switch up your taste a little today and show the talented folks below some love.

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CAFUNÉ – Don’t You Forget
Soundcloud

We love CAFUNÉ. After having the amazing opportunity to premiere their debut EP, Love Songs For Other People, we’ve been hooked on their pristine style of electronically tinged pop. They continue to demonstrate their mastery of the genre with “Don’t You Forget” in a positive minded approach, both lyrically and production-wise. They’ve even been given praise from Pharrell Williams himself, so, even if you haven’t heard of them yet, you will. From their amazing covers to their catchy and sweet original material, CAFUNÉ show that pop music isn’t all formulaic, and we’re lucky to get to hear them break that barrier.

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Mura Masa – Lotus Eater (Tonton Remix)
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Simply put, this is a stunning rendition of an already phenomenal song. Remixing Mura Masa is no small feat, and Tonton made it look effortless. The defining features of the original were kept, but this “Lotus Eater” update has skyrocketed into popularity on its own merit. Finding a way to still make your speakers go through a workout and maintaining a cool and collected sense of calm is quite the balance, but this remix handles both without fail. Keep your ears open to for more Tonton.

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Anna Straker – Late Night Swimming
Soundcloud

We’ve got even more great pop coming at you this week, and it’s here courtesy of Anna Straker. Debut tracks on SoundCloud are always great to come across, and “Late Night Swimming” continues this trend without a hitch. You can soak up the sun with this one, or cruise around with the windows down as the breeze whips around you almost in time with the song itself. Anna Straker is enchanting throughout the tune, and, even with the strong production, her voice is the anchor holding “Late Night Swimming” together. We are VERY ready for more from her.

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Mishegas – Home
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Building an emotional appeal with no words is something to be admired, and Mishegas‘ sophomore tune channels a similarity to artists in Foreign Family in this regard. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let “Home” transport you into another dimension of heavenly synths, swaths of reverberating drums, and a serendipitous melody that makes you feel like everything might just be alright. We’re catching onto Mishegas early, but there’s no stopping him if more tunes like “Home” are on the way.

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YOKE LORE – SAFETY
Soundcloud

What do you get when you put a little bit of banjo into electronica? YOKE LORE. At first glance of that sentence, it may seem like a silly combination, but “SAFETY” has proven it can work, and very well at that. The group vocals chant harmoniously along with a strumming banjo, thumping kicks, and resounding synths that culminate into something extremely unique. This is one tune you’ll just have to listen to to believe. Grab their EP here!

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[Electronic] Mura Masa – What If I Go?

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - March 15, 2016
Mura Masa
What If I Go?
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After a short five month silence, Mura Masa is back. Shifting from the orchestral approach of “Love For That,” he calls on Bonzai to bolster the more soulful and dynamic instrumentation of “What If I Go?” with her immaculate vocal presence. This song stands strong as a second single for his upcoming album, and, unsurprisingly, captures some of the best nuances of Mura Masa and his fastidious method of production.

The impact of his noteworthy Someday Somewhere project continues to thrive throughout each new release, and that is the sort of delicate balance between consistency and innovation that electronic music has been moving toward more and more. Mura Masa has been an integral part of that change, and his merit in that regard is undeniable. In case you were unsure, you’re listening to the future here, and it’s a great thing to witness.

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[15 to End 2015] Ninja Dom’s Best of the Year

Posted by Dominic Powell - December 30, 2015

As a sweeping generalization, 2015 will go down as a year dominated by collectives. Future Classic, Hegemon, Moving Castle, Soulection, HW&W, Wedidit, Monstercat, and French Express pooled their talents together to commandeer the music scene this year. The technical aspects commonly associated with “Future” crept into the DNA of producers, becoming a topical theme across genres from the most obscure to the most mainstream.

In particular, and as one of the most recent additions to the TMN staff, it has been quite a journey both as a contributor and music fan since early April. Without the collaboration of the entire staff – the guidance of editors and advice of my fellow writers – year one as a ninja would not have been possible. Along the way I’ve covered tours, shot music festivals, and met some of my favorite artists, who have graciously exposed me to their own intricate webs of sound. That being said, below is my best effort to reduce thousands of great tracks released this calendar year down to a manageable number. Enjoy the tracks below, in order of release date, and see you all next year!

’Oceaán – Veritas (Young & Sicks Mixed Feelings)’
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Although it has nearly been removed from all channels of the internet, this remix of Veritas is a fluid tune, incorporating contrasting techniques in a way that set it apart this year.

’OBESØN – Mon Amour’
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This is both my favorite song ever and the answer to the hypothetical question “if you could only listen to one song for the rest of time…”

’San Holo – We Rise’
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Deserving of a spot on all lists, this has been the de facto party-starter and pregame anthem since it’s release in February.

’Alison Wonderland – Run’
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The title track from AW’s debut album taps into the talents of fellow producers Djemba Djemba and AWE in creating this hooky, electronic masterpiece.

’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’
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For an artist focused on quality over quantity, this is Mura Masa’s greatest creation to date.

’DIVERSA – Burning House’
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Burning House is the most powerful release of Diversa’s, serving as a benchmark for the current wave of Drum & Bass producers to measure up against.

’Jamie xx – The Rest is Noise’
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Jamie XX has been graced with near unanimous approval of his album In Colour; The Rest is Noise incorporates his most polished elements in a lengthy rainbow-colored instrumental.

’Tory Lanez – Acting Like (Prod. by Shlohmo)’
Soundcloud
Another up and coming artist out of the blooming Toronto hip-hop scene, Tory Lanez, enlists the help of Shlohmo in putting together this dark, rhythmic jam.

’Golden Vessel – Borrowed Time (ft. Tiana Khasi)’
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Melbourne locals Golden Vessel and Tiana Khasi teamed up to create one of the most enchanting and soulful pieces of the year, bar none.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”
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As the most groovy track of the summer season, this was also an introduction and revival of the nostalgia-pumping funk genre, which used to dominate the charts.

’Tame Impala – The Moment’
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Parker shows off his adaptability on this one; in cutting the downtrodden lyrical content against a synth-driven bridge full of cheery guitar riffs and rhythmic hand claps, the single is inextricably linked with the bridge in fellow Australian band Pond’s recent release, “Medicine Hat”.

’Moi Je – Fais Rien (PETIT BISCUIT Remix)’
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Although the title literally means ‘do nothing’, it is nearly impossible to hear this remix by Petit Biscuit and not be tempted to move by the upbeat tempo.

’Khai – Do You Go Up’
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This bubbly, minimalist tune is carried on the strength of its hook and the catchy vocals of its creator.

’SevnthWonder – Maria I’m Drunk (Ft. Deverano) (Travis Scott Cover)’
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As the most notable track by the best up and comer out of 2015, this remix displays a vision and creativity beyond SevnthWonder’s years.

’Finding Hope – Wonder’
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With roots in the ambient genre, down-tempo is the most calming style of music. The deep, pleasant reverie continues through Wonder and does not end until the close of the song.

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[Electronic] Mura Masa – Love For That (feat. Shura)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - October 12, 2015
Mura Masa
Love For That
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Following the release of his outstanding Someday Somewhere EP back in April, Mura Masa has everyone wanting more. Today, we get some long-anticipated new material with the first single from the UK-based wunderkind’s upcoming sophomore album. “Love For That,” in part thanks to fantastic vocals from Shura, displays yet another facet of Mura Masa’s sound coming about as close to a slow jam as he’s gotten. Even so, his always-inventive techniques and distinct sounds continue to shine–from the intricate string section that starts the song to an enormous, yet perfectly placed, breakdown half way through. The smooth percussion cultivates a playful bounce that, despite the track’s somber tone, make it a great contender for late-night club play. There’s no release date or title for Mura Masa’s sophomore album quite yet but we’ve certainly got our eyes peeled.

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[Electronic] Mura Masa – Someday Somewhere (EP)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 9, 2015

After hinting at a new project at the beginning of the month, Mura Masa just surprise released his latest EP, Someday Somewhere.  The follow-up to his superb, instrumental debut, Soundtrack to a Death, sees the UK producer bringing in some friends to take on the vocals with features from Nao, Denai Moore and Jay Prince. Sonically, Mura Masa continues evolving on the project with his lush, experimental and psychedelic approach shining and, although his production overachieves on its own, the talented featured singers and emcees (including himself!) make for a welcome addition that’s sure to add to the project’s appeal for some. Stream the whole project below or on Spotify here.

’Mura Masa – Are U There’
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’Mura Masa – Firefly (ft. Nao)’
Soundcloud
’Mura Masa – Terrible Love (ft. Denai Moore)’
Soundcloud
’Mura Masa – your bones (intermission)’
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’Mura Masa – Low (ft. Jay Prince)’
Soundcloud
’Mura Masa – Lovesick Fuck’
Soundcloud
’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’
Soundcloud
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[Chill] Mura Masa – The Way I Want U

Posted by Ash El Gamal - February 4, 2015
’Mura Masa – The Way I Want U ‘
Soundcloud
’Aquilo – Losing You (Mura Masa Remix)’
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’Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Mura Masa Remix)’
Soundcloud

UK producer Mura Masa put out one of our favorite albums of 2014 with Soundtrack to a Death, a complete and diverse collection of emotional, experimental electronic music. The latest original from Mura Masa, which will be a part of Jakarta Records‘s upcoming compilation, feels like it could easily have been a part of his phenomenal debut. “The Way I Want U” has a shimmering sound to it contrasted by a heavy bassline and 808s giving it a cloud-trap feel. Mura Masa’s use of the vocal sample adds a certain depth to the track and his composition remains on-point, which makes listening a dynamic journey. Enjoy this one above along with two recent remixes from Mura Masa of Ed Sheeran and Aquilo, which will give you a sense of the young artist’s impressive versatility. Jakarta Records’ Winter in Jakarta will be free to download on February 9th–you can stream several of the tracks already at their Soundcloud page.

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