Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Chill] Alina Baraz & Galimatias – Pretty Thoughts (FKJ Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 3, 2015

Alina Baraz & Galimatias
Pretty Thoughts (FKJ Remix)

As with every great release, Alina Baraz & Galimatias‘s majestic Urban Flora EP has been receiving the official remix treatment from some of the most well-selected producers out–Pomo‘s take on “Fantasy” really struck a chord with the TMN staff and Stwo‘s rendition of “Maybe” was right at the top of our most recent Chill Dojo. Last night, we got another flawless re-work courtesy FKJ of Parisian label Roche Musique.

FKJ, aka French Kiwi Juice, has found a distinct niche in the realm of blissful electronic and his signature style couldn’t fit the airy vocals of Baraz on “Pretty Thoughts” any better. With its playful bounce and FKJ’s distinct warped, groovy guitar, this track oozes sunshine equally equipped to end a long day or start a new one.

[Hip-Hop] Danny Brown & Clams Casino – Worth It

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 3, 2015

Danny Brown & Clams Casino
Worth It

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Outlandish Detroit emcee, Danny Brown, and pioneering producer Clams Casino are two artists who we’re always on the lookout for new music from. As of late, though, they’ve both been relatively quiet–Brown only appearing occasionally since the release of his phenomenal 2013 album Old and Clams popping up sparsely, but memorably, over the last two years. Thanks to the always-dope Adult Swim Singles series, though, we’ve got a brand new collab between the two living legends that perhaps also provides some insight into what’s been on their minds.

On “Worth It,” both artists prove that they haven’t lost a step as Clams Casino crafts eerie sonics built around bewildering percussion. Brown at first seems to be spitting typical, yet still impressive, boastful raps about the celebrity lifestyle but when the chorus hits he asks the question of whether the material rewards of fame are a gift or a curse. On social media and in interviews, Brown has alluded to his struggles with addiction as it relates to fame, which may partially be his reason for laying low, and this song definitely echoes some of those sentiments without losing site of his signature, bombastic delivery.

Listen to this powerful, thought-provoking cut and grab a free download above. Danny Brown is right in questioning America’s celebrity culture, but what is “Worth It” is touching the world with your music and that’s undeniably something both of these artists have succeeded in doing thus far.

[Smooth] Medasin & Masego – Coffee

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 2, 2015

MEDASIN.
Coffee (Ft. Masego)

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To celebrate the one-month anniversary of their funk-tastic Pink Polo EP, Medasin and Masego let loose a jazzy new tune yesterday that promises to brighten your day. With its lounge-y feel accompanied by Masego’s sublime sax skills, “Coffee” brings to mind “Sunday Vibes,” one of our favorite cuts from the EP. Take a moment out of your Sunday evening and chill out to this one. Grab a free download here and save it for a sunny kick back.

Electronic

[NEW] Kid Cudi – Confused

Posted by Ash El Gamal - August 1, 2015

Kid Cudi
Confused

Soundcloud

After a few weeks of teasing on social media, Kid Cudi‘s returns late at night with the first single from his forthcoming album, Speedin Bullet to Heaven. As promised, “Confused” features all live instrumentation carrying a distinct grunge vibe bringing to mind his cover of Nirvana‘s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” one of the strongest tracks from his WZRD album. However, it feels like Cudi’s improved in adopting the style with more polished instrumentation than ever (he plays all the guitar and bass himself) resulting in an interesting combination that falls somewhere between 90s rock, psychedelia and Cudi’s one-of-a-kind vocals. As its name suggest, the release is a song about inner turmoil, conflict and torment. It’s Cudi at his most vulnerable, which for loyal fans at least, always feels like his best. It’ll be interesting to see how the general public responds but we’re definitely digging this.

Although there’s no set release date for the album, it seems highly likely that it’s just around the corner. While you wait, give this a late night or early morning listen and let us know what you think.

[TMN PREMIERE + Q&A] Niteppl – Shadows

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 29, 2015

Niteppl
Shadows

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Electronic music is often at its most fascinating when it pulls from seemingly unlikely influences. San Francisco duo Niteppl, although certainly inspired by genre’s greats, are a perfect example–incorporating disco, 80s-revivalist and even some Beach Boys-era styles in their music. Their 2013 debut, Cult, was a mostly instrumental project that showcased a distinct nu-disco sound, particularly on our favorite track “Transmission”. The latest iteration of Niteppl features two members, Alton and Sawyer, and their upcoming album, Nu Flesh, builds off the style established on the debut project adding a marked emotional depth with Sawyer’s vocals and unique songwriting ability.

We’ve got the premiere of the second single from that upcoming project and it’s one that we haven’t been able to stop playing since we first heard it. “Shadows” features an ominous backing synth melody giving it a neon-80s atmosphere particularly when combined with additional instrumental layering. Paired with Sawyer’s haunting vocals, it’s an enchanting tune that draws you in while proving strangely addicting. See what they had to say about the track below:

Sawyer: Well, “Shadows” initially began as a simple lyrical line I had written after having a girl enter my life, tug on my heart strings for a bit, then disappear. So I suppose the song is questioning the reality of brief but significant interactions with another person. Did you affect each other in the same way; or was one of you really there at all?

Alton: “Shadows” vocally, I think, comes from a really personal place for Sawyer, as do I think all the lyrics on Nu Flesh. This is the third track on the album and it comes after two pretty big, opening tracks. We placed it in a specific way so that it could add a bit of emotional introspection early in the record.

Check out the single above, grab a free download here, and get to know Niteppl a bit better in the rest of our quick Q&A below. Nu Flesh drops on August 18th on Popgang Records. Continue reading →

Electronic

[Electronic] Zola Blood – Play Out

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 29, 2015

Zola Blood
Play Out

Soundcloud

Depending on where you are in the world, it’s getting to be that time of night when you should probably be heading to bed. Us Ninjas are still wide awake, though, on the lookout for fresh tunes and we’ve got a perfect one for the occasion with Zola Blood‘s latest release, which nearly flew under our radar. After exploding onto the scene seemingly out of nowhere last year and subsequently revealing some more about themselves in our exclusive interview, the London-based four piece dropped the first single since their 2014 debut EP a couple weeks ago.

On “Play Out,” Zola Blood create a subtle beauty powered by a pulsing bassline and eerie vocals reminiscent of Thom Yorke. Although dark undertones permeate through out the song, a steady guitar groove and addicting chorus make for a stark, yet smooth, contrast that provide a glimpse of light at the end of the sonic tunnel. The combination makes for a powerful listen perfect to soundtrack a sleepless night. Lose yourself in the vibes above.

[Future] Subculture- Subculture Vol. 1 (EP)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 28, 2015

’Jack Nagz, Danny Green – Aquafinity (Original Mix)’

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A few months back we covered a Hippie Sabotage show in San Francisco put on by Subculture, an up ‘n coming local collective. The crew have been bubbling in the scene here for a while now bringing cross-genre, forward-thinking artists including Kill Frenzy, Jai Wolf and Falcons to SF all the while presenting their own distinct styles as DJs in the process. As of late, the crew have been throwing down at 1015 Folsom, one of our favorite spots in the city, playing support at an upcoming show there this Friday.

Yesterday, Subculture stepped out of their encompassing role as DJs, tastemakers and promoters releasing their first official EP of all original tunes. Featuring productions from Jack Nagz, Danny Green and Justin Waves, Subculture Vol. 1 fits perfectly with the collective’s dedication to progressive electronic music with a focus on bass-driven compositions. The project’s opener “Aquafinity,” sets the tone for the remainder of the project, which you can listen to below, creating a distinct atmospheric, ethereal vibe. As the EP progresses, though, you can hear an array of styles displayed–playful production techniques on “On My Mind” a straight trap banger with “IC$,” and finally a fitting culmination on the far-out, intoxicating closer “Project 1.”

Subculture Vol. 1 feels like a natural next step for the crew, who’ve clearly been paying close attention to the current direction of dance music, while displaying promise by simultaneously introducing a style all their own. If you’re digging the project, make sure to check out Subculture’s Soundcloud page where they also have some great mixes along with interviews with a number of the artists they’ve hosted for shows. You can grab a free download of their debut EP here.

’Justin Waves, Danny Green, Jack Nagz – On My Mind (Original Mix)’

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’Danny Green, Justin Waves – IC$ (Original Mix)’

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’Jack Nagz, Justin Waves, Danny Green – Project 1 (Original Mix)’

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