Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Chill] Made In Heights – Slow Burn

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 4, 2015

Made In Heights
Slow Burn

Made in Heights, a producer/vocalist duo comprised of Sabzi and Kelsey Bulkin, have achieved perfect musical symbiosis creating endlessly enjoyable chilled-out pop tunes. As they prepare to release their next full-length later this month, MIH let loose their latest single earlier today. “Slow Burn” carries a light, textured backdrop layered with playful melodies and a groovy bass line. Bulklin’s somber vocals match that vibe making for a subtly intoxicating listen. Give it a spin above–Made in Heights’ Without My Enemy What Would I Do drops on May 26th and can be pre-ordered on iTunes here.

[NEW] Mark Johns – All Day (Cover) (Prod. Sweater Beats)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 4, 2015

Mark Johns
All Day (Prod. Sweater Beats)

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After sharing the artwork last night, Moving Castle vocalist Mark Johns and Huh What & Where producer Sweater Beats let loose their epic cover of Kanye West‘s “All Day” this morning. Sweater Beats completely re-imagines the production melding his enormous, R&B-influenced sound with heavy guitar licks, which he plays himself. The vocals of Mark Johns, who is no stranger to Kanye covers, match the dynamic production beautifully as she continues to push boundaries musically. The variation through out this re-imagination are incredible ranging from hard-hitting trap to smooth soul with Sweater Beats’ guitar developing to match at every turn. Enjoy the ride above and grab a free download if you’re feeling it.

[NEW] Duke Dumont – The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 4, 2015

Duke Dumont
The Giver (Reprise) (Wave Racer Remix)

Soundcloud

In the near year since Wave Racer last released music, it’s only become increasingly evident the impact his playful, bouncy style has had on electronic music. The pioneering Australian producer returns today picking up right where he left off with his official remix of Duke Dumont‘s smooth “The Giver (Reprise).” Matching the chilled-out vibe of the original, the remix steadily builds eventually giving way to an epic combination of his signature sounds. Although it maintains Wave Racer’s general aesthetic, this one’s certainly more of a slow burn than anything we’ve heard from him. Wave Racer’s hitting the road soon and, from what we’ve heard, it’s not a show you want to miss. Give his latest a spin above and check out his upcoming dates below. Continue reading →

[TMN Premiere] Champagne Drip – Champagne Drip Theme (Big Wild Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 29, 2015

Big Wild
Champagne Drip Theme (Big Wild Remix)

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Fresh off the phenomenal, Foreign Family-released original “Aftergold,” Big Wild returns today with yet another refreshing offering that keeps listeners on their toes. This time around, the LA-based producer takes on Champagne Drip‘s self-titled theme song, building on its video game inspired elements in a delightfully unexpected way. When combined with the original’s playful Giraffage-esque melodies, Big Wild’s signature thumping tribal percussion makes for a transformative, euphoric experience. At the 1:30 mark, though, the song takes an incredibly unique turn as the beat retreats in favor of an airy guitar solo from Big Wild. It’s a seamlessly woven moment where you might not even realize you’re listening to the same song until the outro brings back the initial groove.

Pioneered by acts like ODESZA, a fascinating movement in electronic music towards organic, tribal percussion and acoustic elements has emerged in the last year or so. With his string of recent releases, Big Wild has proven an innovator unafraid to take the musical risks that breathe life into his music and make his adventurous sound unrivaled. It’s a style that promises to translate well to performance so make sure to catch Big Wild on one of his upcoming tour dates. In the meantime, hit play above and take a sonic journey.

[Alternative] Trails and Ways – Say You Will

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 28, 2015

Trails and Ways
Say You Will

Soundcloud

Following up the stellar lead single for their debut album, Trails and Ways are back today with another promising glimpse into their highly anticipated first full length. “Say You Will,” an indie pop ballad, portrays yet another facet of the Oakland band’s sound. Written by bassist Emma Oppen about at love-at-first-sight moment, the track glides with breezy, funky guitar licks backed by steady percussion and a groovy bass line to match the ethereal vocals. Trails and Ways really hit their stride on “Say You Will,” continuing to build on their organic, irresistible style. Read what Emma had to say about the song in the PopMatters premiere below and pre-order Pathology, out June 2nd, here.

Two years ago I met someone very special, and had the experience of falling in love in a matter of hours. In my delirium, I imagined making an ultimatum: Say you will, or don’t say anything at all. A few months later, I wrote the bassline in the back of the van on our first summer tour, and made the first demo recording of the vocal melody against the droning fan of a venue bathroom. Silky four-part harmonies open into a dance between syncopated bass, plucky synths, and an insistent, grounding beat. A biting rhythm guitar kicks in at the chorus for a sassy groove you can choose to love forever, or wherever you are in the moment.

[Chill] Maribou State – The Clown (feat. Pedestrian)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 28, 2015

Maribou State
The Clown (feat. Pedestrian)

Soundcloud

Maribou State‘s debut album is quickly becoming one of our most anticipated of the summer. Building on an array of the UK’s finest electronic styles, the production duo feel like an organic progression from their roots. This may be more evident than ever on their smooth, emotional, Pedestrian-featuring latest single. “The Clown” builds around a grand piano melody that when combined with a falsetto brings James Blake to mind before a percussive-driven groove emerges. The house tempo bolsters the flawless vocals and combines with occasional warped synths that tie together the songs’s steadily developing structure. It’s a colorful tune that draws at your heart strings and gets your head nodding simultaneously. Vibe above–Maribou State’s Portraits drops June 2nd and is available for pre-order here.

[Indie Dance] Club Cheval – From the Basement to the Roof (Oliver Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 27, 2015

Club cheval
From The Basement To The Roof (Oliver Remix)

Soundcloud

French production team Club Cheval dropped the silky smooth house ballad, “From the Basement to the Roof,” a few weeks ago perfectly showcasing their versatility. The official remix EP for the single dropped today featuring a complete re-imagination from ninja-favorites Oliver. The LA-based production duo flip the vibe completely taking it from the basement straight to a disco-ball adorned dance floor infusing their signature funky bass lines. Despite the vastly different feel, Oliver weave the vocals in beautifully and cultivate a gorgeous outro that recalls the original’s laid-back groove. Get down above and, if you like what you hear, head over to iTunes or Spotify to listen to the whole remix EP, which also includes a dope garage take on the track from MikeQ.