Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

Introducing our Next Resident Artist — Hayden James

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 15, 2015

In an age of constant hype and endless musical evolution, the task of distinguishing artists with true longevity from those with fleeting attachments to current trends proves nearly impossible. As music curators, and hopefully useful filters for an overwhelming influx of content, it tends to fall in our hands to predict the potential for this sort of transcendence amongst new producers and musicians often based off a single project, or even song.

When we first heard Australian producer/songwriter Hayden James‘ debut single “Permission to Love” over two years ago, we had a feeling the up ‘n comer was onto something special. The combination of his own soulful vocals with house-leaning, groove-driven production made for an irresistible sound–an emotional approach that has only become more crucial in contemporary electronic music since that time. Even today, “Permission to Love” remains in heavy rotation for the TMN Staff–a rarity with the fast-paced nature of music these days. Simply put, it’s electronic music that compels you to feel as much as it does to dance.

James’ subsequent self-titled EP, released on Australian powerhouse Future Classic, helped solidify that seductive style but it wasn’t until his hit single “Something About You,” which featured vocal accompaniment from the talented George Maple, that James truly cemented his spot in the mainstream. Aside from making its way into just about every publications’ best of 2014 lists, and rightfully so, the addictive jam could be heard in DJ sets in every corner of the world garnering support from artists across genres. Fresh off the heels of millions of Soundcloud plays and countless co-signs, James hit the road continuing to release impressive, versatile remixes, but also proving his abilities as a DJ and performer–playing sets worldwide including an appearance at Coachella this year.

With a distinguished sound that appeals to fans outside of just electronic music, a multitude of talents and the Future Classic crew behind him, Hayden James undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him as our Resident Artist. Stay tuned to TMN for the next month as we’ll be bringing you exclusive content from one of our favorite up ‘n coming producers. In the meantime, enjoy some tuneage from Hayden James below.

’Hayden James – Permission To Love’

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’Hayden James – No Time’

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’Hayden James – Something About You’

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’Odesza – Say My Name (feat. Zyra) (Hayden James Remix)’

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’Rufus – Sundream (Hayden James Remix)’

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Electronic

[Hip-Hop] Big Grams (Phantogram x Big Boi) – Fell In The Sun

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 10, 2015

Big Grams
Fell In The Sun

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When we interviewed Phantogram a couple years back, one of the most exciting points of conversation was their rumored EP with Outkast‘s Big Boi, who they’d already worked with a few times with great success at that point. As of late, both have been sharing images from the studio bringing the hype to an all-time high for the long-anticipated project. Today, we get the first single from the Big Grams EP and it’s the perfect track to round out the summer.

With Josh Carter’s grandiose, Dilla-esque production and Sarah Barthel’s soaring pop vocals driving the vibe, Big Boi delivers perfect bars to match Phantogram’s enormous sound with his one-of-a-kind ATLien flow. “Fell in the Sun” truly embodies their irresistible collision of styles. Soak it in above–the Big Grams EP drops on September 25th and can be pre-ordered here.

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[Electronic] Tame Impala – Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 10, 2015

Tame Impala
Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix)

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Belgian electro-rockers Soulwax established themselves as legends in electronic music over ten years ago just as the genre hit its stride in the mainstream. As of late, though, there have been scarce sitings of the pioneers–the most recent appearance being their fantastic remix of Jungle‘s “Julia.” It comes as little surprise that Tame Impala‘s phenomenal latest album Currents catalyzed new material from the trio who released a rendition of the hit single “Let it Happen” a couple days ago.

Initially, Soulwax draw the listener in with an arpeggiated backdrop keeping Kevin Parker’s vocals in-tact before dropping in a groovy bass line with steady, tribal-leaning percussion to match. As the song hits the 4-minute mark, the song’s interlude and distinct guitar riff perfectly accompany the rhythmic backdrop which takes over the remainder while interweaving various elements of the original. Running over 9-minutes, it’s the type of track that requires patience that’s well worth it–continually growing in appeal with every listen. There seem to be some hints on their social media pages and hopefully the inspiration Soulwax has found in these recent tracks results in some new original music. In the meantime, let this one sink in.

[Chill] Hundred Waters – Show Me Love (Big Wild Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 9, 2015

Hundred Waters
Show Me Love (Big Wild Remix)

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Ever since we were introduced to Big Wild, he’s continued to impress with his fearlessness to explore different soundscapes and styles. As he’s continued to rise, gaining fans at an unprecedented rate and touring with both Odesza and GriZ, his appetite for musical experimentation only seems to have grown–staying true to his moniker. His latest remix dropped a little over a week ago and marks his third chart-topping Hype M track. Unexpectedly taking on Hundred Waters‘ heart-warming acapella track “Show Me Love,” Big Wild proves his versatility keeping the relaxing vibe with an ambient backdrop and incredible usage of the vocal sample. Adding to that aura, Big Wild introduces slow-paced percussion and soaring backing synths that bolster, rather than completely change, the original’s allure.

Get lost in this beauty and grab a free download above. Also, make sure to catch Big Wild on his world tour with Odesza–dates here.

[Electronic] Kenton Slash Demon – Syko

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 9, 2015

Kenton Slash Demon
Syko

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After hearing Kenton Slash Demon‘s “Harpe,” the first single from their upcoming Harpe/Syko EP, the Danish production tandem immediately became one of our top acts to look out for this year. A couple days ago they let loose “Syko,” presumably the second half of their upcoming Future Classic release, which solidifies the textured, blissful sound that they’ve established with their catalogue thus far.

Carrying on the deep, instrumental style, “Syko” sees KSD taking a groovier approach all the while maintaining the unmatched mind-altering relaxation established on “Harpe.” Once again, it displays how a well-crafted instrumental composition can evoke unmatched emotional power. There’s a certain depth that takes the listener on a magnificent mental excursion that’s easily worth repeated listens.

Harpe/Syko drops on 12″ vinyl via Future Classic on September 11th and can be pre-ordered here. It will be available a week later, on September 18th, digitally as well. Just in case a Ninja co-sign isn’t enough, it’s also worth noting that Flume reposted this on Soundcloud earlier today–it certainly seems like the perfect track for him to remix or at least fit into one of the more atmospheric portions of his live sets.

[House] Maribou State – Wallflower (Lane 8 Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 8, 2015

Maribou State
Wallflower (Lane 8 Remix)

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Maribou State and Lane 8 both put out stellar debut albums this year and, while they both carry a house tempo, each presents its own distinct collection of sounds. While Maribou State brought us airy, ethereal and unconventional sonic elements, Lane 8 crafted a beautiful crossover that melded house, trance and indie pop vocals for a delightful listen from start to finish. As pioneers in their own spaces, it’s little surprise that there’s immense respect between the two.

Last week, Lane 8 let loose a remix of one of our favorites from Maribou State’s Portraits, “Wallflower.” The original is a gorgeous, deeply textured and relaxing cut that truly engulfs the listener with its beauty. Lane 8’s take, however, adds a heavy bass line that inverts the graceful subtlety of “Wallflower” transforming it into a dance-floor ready, trance-leaning cut that’s absolutely irresistible–in some ways bringing to mind the groove in his phenomenal remix of Odesza’s “Bloom.”

This one’s equal parts relaxing and party-starting. Give it a listen above and grab a copy here.

P.S. Make sure to read our interviews with both Lane 8 and Maribou State at those links.

[Future Funk] Seven Davis Jr. – Try Me (I’ll Funk You) + Mono/Poly Remix

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 20, 2015

’Seven Davis Jr – ‘Try Me (I’ll Funk You)”

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’Seven Davis Jr – ‘Try Me (I’ll Funk You)’ (Mono/Poly Remix)’

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LA-based producer and vocalist Seven Davis Jr truly possesses a technique all his own–one that combines elements of funk and tech-house/disco for a fresh, dance floor ready sound. His debut album Universes, which dropped last month, encapsulates that style giving long-time fans a treat while taking the his audience size to new levels with infectious tunes like “Sunday Morning” providing the perfect amount of accessibility without sacrificing artistry. For those more familiar with EDM than old-school house and techno, which is probably most TMN readers, Davis’ music helps bridge the gap and might just tempt you to dive down the musical rabbit hole of the still thriving, legendary tech-house scenes of Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco.

As a bonus track to his critically acclaimed project, Davis has released yet another funktastic banger with “Try Me (I’ll Funk You).” Featuring his own strangely hypnotizing vocals backed by a bouncy, steadily building groove, it’s a great introduction to Seven Davis Jr’s approach for those not yet familiar. Along with the single comes an absolutely stunning remix from Brainfeeder producer Mono/Poly who completely flips “Try Me” into an equally irresistible psychedelic hip-hop tinted jam. It’s a rare situation where original and remix are both incredible but in altogether different ways.

“Try Me (I’ll Funk You)” along with the Mono/Poly remix will be available to cop tomorrow, August 21st, via Ninja Tune and can be pre-ordered now on iTunes or Bandcamp.