Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[TMN PREMIERE] Rudimental – Rumour Mill (Midas Hutch Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 20, 2015

Rudimental
Rumour Mill (Midas Hutch Remix)

In 2013, Rudimental shook up the electronic music scene with their debut album, Home, a unique fusion of drum and bass with elements of house, R&B, hip-hop and alternative. Following the critical and commercial success of that project, the UK four-piece band hit the road bringing their impressive, mind-blowing fully live sets to festivals and headlining shows around the world. Rudimental’s highly-anticipated sophomore effort is only a few months away and, as they’ve been rolling out singles, it’s shaping up to be the perfect continuation, yet evolution, of Home.

Last month they dropped of the single “Rumour Mill,” which trades in the drum and bass backdrop for a more atmospheric, laid-back vibe with some silky vocals from two up ‘n coming stars out of the UK, Will Heard and Anne-Marie. Fitting that chilled-out sound, the single carries a carefree message that, as its name suggests, imparts the age-old wisdom of phasing out negativity and being yourself.

Today, we’ve got the premiere of an official remix of that airy tune courtesy of Dutch producer and TMN-favorite Midas Hutch, who’s also known as FS Green. Rudimental couldn’t have commissioned a better artist to take on such an easygoing jam as Hutch applies his signature 80’s-tinted, nu-disco style making the track his own. With funky backing synths, engrossing percussion and an occasional clean horn-section, Hutch cultivates sonics that mirror the message of the song all the while completely re-imagining the listening experience. Groove to this summer-ready anthem above.

Make sure to also check out Rudimental’s most recent single “Love Ain’t Just a Word,” which dropped last week. Rudimental’s We the Generation is out on September 18th on Major Toms/Big Beat Records.

[Electronic] Rustie – Big Catzz

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 16, 2015

’Rustie – Big Catzz’

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’Gammer – Nostalgia (Rustie Edit)’

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Although he rose to popularity during EDM Trap’s prime, to constrain Rustie‘s music to that sub-genre would be selling it short. His grandiose, intoxicating productions never fail to impress and, as of late, he’s been putting out the best material of his young career. About a month ago he dropped an enormous remix of Jack Ü‘s “Where Are Ü Now” and, yesterday, he let loose yet another absolute mindfuck of an edit taking on Gammer‘s “Nostalgia,” which we’ve also included above.

After two flawless remixes, Rustie put out his first original track in a while this morning noting that he’s getting tired of waiting on upcoming release dates. “Big Catzz” opens with a fluttering, marching band-esque drum line before erupting with into an enormous synth interlude that’s quickly accompanied by a high-pitched backing melody. Triumphantly, the song climaxes into a glitchy chorus. As good as it is, “Big Catzz” almost feels like a musical sketch for Rustie–nonetheless the engineering is flawless and it flexes his versatility with trance-y undertones accompanying his signature heaven-trap style. It sounds like Rustie’s got some new music coming soon but, in the meantime, turn these ones up for your Thursday night shenanigans and grab a couple free downloads above.

[NEW] Trippy Turtle – Drunk Texting

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 16, 2015

Trippy Turtle
Drunk Texting

Soundcloud

It’s always a good day when Trippy Turtle drops off a new tune. Today, we get “Drunk Texting,” which, per TT’s signature style, combines a ridiculous arrangement of future electronic elements with strategically placed samples from hip-hop and R&B classics. This time around, the trippiest of turtles bounces pretty much all over the place in the best possible, and cohesive, way. Taking vocal chops from Drake, Jhene Aiko, Andre 3000 and Chris Brown, “Drunk Texting” tells a story all its own while simultaneously doing all the various superstar voices justice. It’s a bouncy track that’ll keep you on your toes as do all compositions by Trippy Turtle, aka Lido.

[Electronic] Louie Lastic – Close2u

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 15, 2015

Louie Lastic
Close2u

Soundcloud

Fans of Goldlink will likely recognize the name Louie Lastic for his production credits on three consecutive songs on The God Complex–“Bedtime Story” being our personal favorite. Even as Goldlink has continued to ascend, Lastic’s chosen to keep a low profile, with relatively blank slates on social media and no solo releases of his own. As a fellow DMV-native, it’s somewhat safe to assume that Lastic is an in-house producer of sorts for Goldlink and, therefore, at least partially, albeit quietly, responsible for the “future bounce” movement.

Yesterday, Lastic, who seems to have a similar affiliation to Soulection as Goldlink, released his debut solo track and, it’s everything you’d hope from him and much more. “Close2u” carries the signature bounce that can be found in Goldlink’s music with soulful undertones that will have your head-nodding from the get. Although there’s certainly a “future” aesthetic going on, Lastic simultaneously gives a nod to classic hip-hop production utilizing a masterfully chopped Maxi Priest sample and a perfectly placed backing string section. Without a single dull moment, this dynamic production is hopefully the first of many from the talented producer.

[Hip-Hop] Ethereal – Final Fantasy (Album)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 14, 2015

To call Atlanta’s Awful Records prolific would be an understatement. The team of outlandish emcees and producers have been releasing music at a ridiculous pace while pushing the boundaries of DIY artistry in the most delightfully bizarre ways. With artists like Father and Slug Christ, regulars in our Hip-Hop Dojos who’ve both garnered substantial followings, and an array of connections through out Atlanta’s booming hip-hop scene, the label’s poised to continue its ascent. There’s still a lot of people out there, from the hip-hop purists to the “it’s not really music” snobs, who just don’t get the appeal of the style of music Awful Records puts out–often lo-fi, disorienting, highly experimental and at times superficially narcissistic (see Slug Christ’s NSFW album art as an example). What those people are missing, though, is the raw creativity and talent that this crew has as well as the camp-y, avant-garde tone of their lyrics and style.

Last week, Ethereal, a member of the Awful Recs crew, put out his latest album, Final Fantasy. Self-described as a ‘megalomaniac’–someone obsessed with their own power–Ethereal’s album is a culmination of its title and that introspective diagnosis.

With airy, other-worldly production from Ethereal himself accompanied by charmingly lackadaisical, yet impressively imaginative, flows, it’s also one of the most accessible projects for those just getting familiar with the up ‘n coming crew.

Spanning from wavey, lo-fi vibes on “Fantasy!,” the Slug Christ-featuring “Ultima” and “I Can’t Feel,” which includes a cleverly placed Rick & Morty sample, to oddball bangers like “Bump” and “Come Here,” the album never loses site of its core escapist aesthetic. As a result, it’s the type of album you can just hit play on and zone out, but if you do choose to listen closer, you’ll find some lyrical gems. Stream and cop the album below. Also, make sure to follow Awful Records on Soundcloud and do your best to keep up with their near-daily releases.

**Buy Final Fantasy by Ethereal**

’Ethereal
Fantasy!’

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’Ethereal – I Can’t Feel’

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’Ethereal – Bump (Bounce)(feat. Lord Narf)’

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’Ethereal – Agoraphobia (feat. Alexandria & Archibald SLIM)’

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’Ethereal – Ultima (feat. Slug Christ)’

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’Ethereal – RPG (Circles) (feat. Micah Freeman)’

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’Ethereal – 12’

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’Ethereal – Come Here! (feat. Playboi Carti)’

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’Ethereal – Free Your Mind (feat. Stalin Majesty And Archibald SLIM)’

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’Ethereal – UGKog’

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Hip/Hop

[Alternative] Mac DeMarco – I’ve Been Waiting For Her

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 14, 2015

Mac Demarco
I've Been Waiting For Her

Soundcloud

Mac DeMarco’s been “Passing out Pieces,” as he would say, recently. Last week, he shared a fully instrumental compilation titled Some Other Ones, a pre-cursor to his upcoming, appropriately-titled LP Another One. Today, we get another single from the highly anticipated follow-up to Salad Days. On “I’ve Been Waiting For Her” sees Mac in prime form layering breezy guitar and nonchalantly soothing vocals. As the song closes you can hear a quirky modified guitar solos that brings to mind his early LPs. DeMarco’s sound will always have a timeless feel to it, even with its oddities, and his latest is definitely no exception.

Hit play above and let your mind wander to its happy place. Another One drops on August 7th–you can pre-order here.

[Nu-Disco] Trails and Ways – Downright (feat. Harriet Brown) (Falcon Punch Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 14, 2015

Trails and Ways ft. Harriet Brown
Downright (Falcon Punch Remix)

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Since we first caught wind of Trails and Ways all the way back in 2012, we’ve kept a close eye on the Oakland band. They’ve steadily built their following since then, but this year has truly been a breakout one for them. After signing to Barsuk Records early this year, they released their debut album, Pathology, which both showcases what we love about their radiant, organic sound all the while expanding their sonic scope. The track “Downright” falls into the latter category with a groove that manages to combine their signature, South American-tinted style with an ’80s groove and aesthetic. A verse from Harriet Brown, another Ninja favorite, ties that vibe together with his silky vocals that recall Prince.

A week ago, Denver-based producer Falcon Punch put out a remix of “Downright” that maintains the 80s-revivalist nature of the tune all the while transforming it into a nu-disco jam. Electing to place Brown’s voice first, Falcon Punch utilizes many of the original’s elements–the breezy guitar and the catchy backing piano–but with the help of perfectly placed pads and a BPM boost, breathes new life into the song without losing its charm. Take a trip back to the Neon 80s and grab a free download above.