Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Chill] Tycho – Plains (Baio Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - December 9, 2015

Tycho
Plains (Baio Remix)

Tycho‘s 2014 album, Awake, remains our go-to relaxation record with its soothing guitar melodies and otherworldly ambiance. Earlier this week, Tycho let loose a remix of “Plains” from Vampire Weekend bassist, Chris Baio, along with the announcement of an upcoming Awake remix album. While “Plains” is one Tycho’s most ambient tracks, Baio transforms it adding both percussion and vocals. Drawing the listener in immediately with a steel drum, the remix establishes a groove that didn’t exist in the original all the while utilizing the original’s guitar to maintain signature Tycho elements. The subtle vocals perfectly match the backdrop in both lyrics and sonics. Vibe above and look out for the Awake remix album, which drops January 15th and will feature remixes from RJD2, Bibio, Com Truise and more.

[House] Justin Jay & Friends – Karma (ft. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 19, 2015

Justin Jay & Friends
Karma feat. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges

Soundcloud

Given his already-impressive track record, it’s crazy to think that Justin Jay is only 22 years old. The dorm-room house producer has already put out music through some of the most respected labels in electronic music, toured the world and been a TMN Resident Artist. Today, he launches a new chapter in his career: Justin Jay & Friends. The collective will be a collaborative project that combines Jay’s expertise in unique dance music with live instrumentation and indie vocalists.

Although we got a glimpse on his enormous, Benny Bridges-featuring official remix for Alison Wonderland, “Karma” is the first official, original release from Justin Jay & Friends. Opening appropriately with organic percussion and smooth vocals from Josh Taylor, it quickly becomes evident that this isn’t a run-of-the-mill house tune. Once Bridges’ guitar enters the equation, the song finds an incredible bluesy groove making for a seamless fusion of genres. Although quite different in its sound, the collision of underground dance and indie found on this track reminds us of some of Lane 8‘s work with Matthew Dear and Soloman Grey. This tune is also Justin Jay’s first release on UK label Black Butter and definitely leaves us excited for more. Vibe above.

[Hip-Hop] LNDN DRGS – Hop Out

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 18, 2015

LNDN DRGS
HOP OUT

Download

LNDN DRGS, a hip-hop duo consisting of Compton emcee Jay Worthy and Vancouver producer Sean House, have been making waves for over a year now with their distinct brand of West Coast rap. Combining elements of 90s G-Funk and neon-80s production with confident laid-back flows, they’ve utilized clear influences to cultivate a niche all their own. Leading up to the release of their debut project, Aktive, LNDN DRGS have been dropping a steady stream of dope singles. For those not yet familiar, the duo’s latest release, “Hop Out,” serves as the perfect introduction. Falling right into its groovy bounce immediately, Worthy hops on accompanying the colorful production with a smooth, chilled-out delivery.

Aktive drops on November 26th aka Thanksgiving via Fool’s Gold Records. In the meantime, enjoy “Hop Out” above and the video for “Susan,” the previous single, below. Also, fun fact: Jay Worth is the step-brother of alt-pop superstar Grimes. Continue reading →

[Electronic] Whynnel – Murvan

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 18, 2015

Whynnel
Murvan

Buy

We were first introduced to Slovenian producer Whynnel upon the launch of Heroic Recordings‘ ominous, aptly-named counterpart Villain. “Mitzdi,” the first release from the mysterious beatsmith, established a sonic landscape that finds beauty and relaxation in its darkness. That saga continues with “Murvan,” a bleak but gorgeous composition. The song expands on Whynnel’s under-water aesthetic, which subdues sounds to the point where it feels like they are gasping for air. The true emotion in “Murvan” is driven by its subtle contrasts–reaching the greatest heights when the instrumentation peaks its head out for a breathe. Vibe out to this one-of-a-kind tune above and grab a copy here.

Electronic

[Chill] Tennyson – Slipperz

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 18, 2015

Tennyson
SLIPPERZ

Soundcloud

Canadian sibling duo Tennyson haven’t put out much music yet but what they have released has left a lasting impression on the TMN staff. Their jazzy, electronic “You’re Cute” was the very first release in Ryan Hemsworth’s Secret Songs series last year and “Lay-By” remains in steady rotation particularly as the weather cools down. Just in time for winter, they returned this week premiering their latest tune on Jaden Smith’s Beats 1 Radio show.

On “Slipperz,” Tennyson cultivate a playful set of melodies that would perfectly accompany a crib mobile backed by contrasting, booming 808s. As the song unfolds, the listener is taken through an adventurous composition that culminates near the 3-minute mark with a Lido-esque breakdown. Put your headphones on for this one and let it’s warm, fuzzy vibes wrap you up.

Electronic

[Deep House] Solomon Grey – Miradors (Lane 8 Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 7, 2015

Solomon Grey
Miradors (Lane 8 Remix)

Soundcloud

Lane 8‘s debut album Rise has proven one of our favorites of the year–a lush, cohesive collection of house/trance music. The broad range of features on the project helped it stand out further bolstering an already irresistible sound. His collaborations with UK duo Solomon Grey, also regulars on the pages of TMN, were perhaps the most potent. To return the favor, Lane 8 crafted a remix of Solomon Grey’s hit “Miradors” and it’s a nearly ten minute deep house masterpiece. Those who’ve caught any of Lane 8’s recent shows may recognize this blissful joint, which is yet another display of versatility from the talented producer. Get lost in this one above–it’s available now as part of Solomon Grey’s 3D1T remix EP.

PS If you dig Lane 8 as much as we do, make sure to check out our exclusive interview.

[Hip-Hop] Daye Jack – Piggybank (prod. Alexander Split)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - November 5, 2015

Daye Jack
Piggybank

Soundcloud

In the last year or so, Georgia-native Daye Jack has become a steady and consistent force in hip-hop. While his style draws from the recent revival of soul, funk & jazz in the genre, Jack sets himself apart with a multi-faceted delivery and a distinct depth of content. His latest single, “Piggybank,” finds all those skills on full display. With a jazzy electronic backing c/o Alexander Split, Jack prances between rap flows and singing while simultaneously tackling the topic of materialism from multiple angles. The result plays out like an internal battle with society’s ingrained ideas of accumulating wealth. Despite a “conscious” subject matter, Jack keeps his rhymes light, and satirical, perfectly accompanying the laid-back instrumental. The multitude of characters and voices portrayed make it hard to believe there’s just one vocalist on the song in some ways calling to mind the dexterity of Kendrick Lamar. Enjoy this one above and, if you dig it, make sure to peep his EP Soul Glitch.

Hip/Hop