Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[House] RÜFÜS DU SOL – Innerbloom (Lane 8 Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - October 13, 2016

RÜFÜS
Innerbloom (Lane 8 Remix)

Despite being released nearly a year ago (ages in Internet time!), RÜFÜS DU SOL‘s Bloom remains one of the TMN Staff’s most listened to projects. That impressive staying power has only been multiplied by the steady stream of quality remixes it has spawned. The latest comes from fellow Ninja favorite Lane 8, taking on the album’s epic “Innerbloom.” In typical fashion, Lane 8 crafts an atmospheric, melodic tune drawing out the original’s most irresistible parts while leaving the stunning vocals in tact. Although it employs a more standard four-on-the-floor approach, this rendition certainly gives What So Not‘s incredible “Innerbloom” remix a run for its money. Get lost in this blissful tune above.

Treasure Island 2016: 12 Must See Acts — SF 10/15-16 [Festival Preview]

Posted by Ash El Gamal - October 12, 2016

If you’ve been following The Music Ninja over the last few years, you already know that Treasure Island Music Festival reigns atop our list of best music events in the Bay Area. Rounding out peak festival season, TIMF consistently avoids the repetitive lineups that plague competitors while offering an ideal environment for attendees worn out from over-crowded events. 2016 is an important year for the festival marking both its 10th anniversary and final year taking place on Treasure Island itself as a result of upcoming real estate development. Thankfully it will not be the end altogether for the SF staple, which will be relocating to a TBD destination come 2017 (the SF Chronicle even has a poll where you can vote on where it should be).

With those milestones in mind, Noise Pop have stepped up their already fantastic curation bringing what may be our favorite lineup to date. Our best advice would be to catch as many artists as the schedule permits, be prepared for the rain and stop by the Silent Disco. Although we know and love pretty much every artist on this weekend’s bill, we’ve curated our top picks for each day below. Hope to see some of you Ninjas on the island! Continue reading →

Event Preview

[Electronic] Big Wild – Invincible (feat. iDA HAWK)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 29, 2016

Big Wild
Invincible (feat. iDA HAWK)

Soundcloud

It’s been a while since we’ve gotten new music from Big Wild, but he’s been far from inactive. The California-based producer has spent the last year touring the country and world spreading his uniquely uplifting brand of electronic music to an ever-growing fanbase. Today marks a new chapter in his career, though, as he released “Invincible,” his second single on Odesza‘s Foreign Family Collective.

Anyone who’s caught Big Wild live in the last 6 months or so will recognize this tune from his live sets but it doesn’t make the debut any less electrifying. With the help of some stunning vocals from iDA HAWK, who you may recognize from her work with GRiZ, Big Wild builds into a dazzling climax that encapsulates what makes his music so enticing and different. Give this one a listen above–we have a feeling this is just the start for Big Wild.

[Ambient] Pure One – Become

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 28, 2016

Pure One
Become

Buy

Every once in a while I’m sent a submission so different that I’m not quite sure what to do with it. Such was the case when Pure One landed in my inbox over a year ago with her experimental, ambient and stirring sonic landscapes. The more I listened, the more appreciation I gained for its subtleties, intricate arrangement and soft drum patterns. Rather than evoke the standard instant gratification many expect from music, Pure One’s work feels more focused on transporting listeners to an astral plane of reflection, growing in depth with each listen.

“Become,” the first single off her upcoming Deva EP encapsulates that style as she chops her silky vocal chant of “become your truth” adding reverb among other psychedelic accents. That obscuration teamed with expertly placed piano keys and unconventional, soothing percussive elements results in something that truly evokes self reflection if you allow yourself to truly get lost in it.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint clear influences, fans of artists like Bjork, Sigur Ros and Four Tet may enjoy this one. Listen for yourself above and look out for the Deva EP, which is due out on Bandcamp October 16th via Cora Records.

[Soul] Moses Sumney – Lonely World (feat. Thundercat)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 28, 2016

Moses Sumney
Lonely World

Soundcloud

I first came across Moses Sumney during an intimate headlining performance at this year’s Form Arcosanti festival. Given the crowd’s tangible excitement, I was surprised I hadn’t yet heard much about the LA-based singer/songwriter. His performance was haunting and emotionally intense leaving the audience fully entranced. In combining ambient, slow-building soundscapes with beautiful, heart-wrenching vocals, Sumney has proven himself a force among new wave soul/R&B artists and the music world has taken notice. He’s joined James Blake on his recent tour (a bill made in heaven!), will be featured on Solange Knowles’s upcoming album and has been co-signed by Sufjan Stevens among others.

Aside from his work with prominent artists, Sumney is gearing up to release his Lamentations EP on September 30th and today he dropped the latest single, “Lonely World.” The 5-minute track, which features superb bass work from Thundercat, starts with a stripped-down instrumental leaving Sumney’s vocals to draw the listener in. As the instrumentation fills out, you’re taken into a state of hypnosis only broken by an intense, layered closing. It’s a track that I’ve already listened to 10 times and chances are you will have too by the end of the day. Give it a spin above and check out the music video after the jump. Continue reading →

Soul

[Electronic] Punctual – Eva

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 7, 2016

Punctual
Eva

Soundcloud

There’s nothing quite as intriguing as discovering a new artist via their first ever single. Without a full catalogue to explore, the possibilities feel endless and such is the case with Bristol newcomers Punctual. While the production duo don’t necessarily offer a new sound altogether with their debut, “Eva,” it’s crisp production and emotive vibe open doors for a wide range of possible directions. Utilizing an addicting vocal loop, ambient pads and building percussion, Punctual create an organic, house-inspired atmosphere bursting with positive energy. Airy guitar and piano melodies only add to that ambience leading up to a dance-floor ready climax.

Fans of TMN-favorites Petit Biscuit, Tourist or Maribou State, definitely don’t want to miss this one. Give “Eva” a listen above and keep your eye out for more new music from Punctual. We’re certainly excited to hear where they take their compelling sound.

MOSAICS – Freedom (VIZO Remix) [Remix Competition Winner]

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 11, 2016

MOSAICS
Freedom (VIZO REMIX) [TMN Remix Comp Winner]

Download

After a couple months of strong entries, we’re excited to announce Portland-based producer VIZO as the winner of our remix competition for MOSAICS‘ “Freedom.” Bringing a splash of sunshine to the somber, yet empowering, tone of the original, VIZO’s colorful take comes at the perfect time with summer winding down. What really set this one apart was expert use of the vocal sample to create an incredibly addicting bounce. Listen for yourself above!

Special thanks to all the talented producers who submitted remixes and to MOSAICS for providing us with the stems for their fantastic single. If you’re in the Bay Area, make sure to check out their upcoming show at Brick and Mortar on September 14th.