Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Hip-Hop] Young Fathers – Rain or Shine

Posted by Ash El Gamal - February 3, 2015

YOUNG FATHERS
Rain Or Shine

Coming off a huge year, experimental hip-hop group Young Fathers continue to push their sound forward with their latest single, which comes along with the announcement of their upcoming sophomore album. As with most of their material, “Rain or Shine” defies classification with an energy that balances rap, rock and pop. A vintage organ and heavy percussion create a unique sort of chaos as the Young Fathers bring in chanting vocals. Following a common motif in their music, the Scottish-based trio cover social issues and power struggle with a distinct, poetic delivery backed by soaring backing harmonies. Give this one a spin above– Young Father’s upcoming album, White Men Are Black Too, is due out on April 7th on Big Dada Recordings and is available for pre-order via iTunes now.

[Chill] Nick Leng – Leaves

Posted by Ash El Gamal - February 3, 2015

Nick Leng
Leaves

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San Diego producer Nick Leng released his debut EP, Tunnels and Planes, last Friday and it’s quickly become one of this ninja’s favorite releases of the year. Since first popping up on our radar last year, Leng has been steadily building a following on Soundcloud for his warm, ambient brand of electronic music. “Leaves,” the second track on the project, embodies the emotional depth of his sound. Matching his own soaring, distant vocals, Leng builds a pulsing backdrop with piano and guitar melodies that fall into utter bliss. It’s hard not to smile while listening to this one and the remainder of the EP is equally delightful. Vibe above–Tunnels and Plans is available to stream on Spotify and purchase via iTunes.

[Hip-Hop] Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – Aesthetics 1.0 (Mixtape)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 29, 2015

The multi-talented vocalist Bipolar Sunshine initially caught our attention last year with a number of smooth releases finding the perfect intersection of R&B, hip-hop and electronic music. In preparation for what promises to be a breakout year, Bipolar Sunshine has teamed up with Jazz Purple, the producer behind the majority of his solo work, for a mixtape to hold fans over. The project, released on their Manchester-based label Aesthetics Sounds, features an incredible range of sounds melding elements of future electronic music with hip-hop, R&B and a broad range of cross-genre influences. As you listen, you’ll likely recognize unlikely, masterfully-spun tributes to and samples of Gary Jules‘s “Mad World” and Coldplay‘s “Fix You” among others. Aesthetics 1.0 proves a fascinating, engaging listen that’ll keep you intrigued from start to finish and is a great sign for what’s to come. Give the full project a listen below and keep an eye out for Bipolar Sunshine’s upcoming single, “Daydreamer,” due out on February 8th.

’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – John McEnroe’

Soundcloud

’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple
Mad World’

Soundcloud

’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – Battle’

Soundcloud

’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – Dream A Little Dream’

Soundcloud

’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – Dreamy’

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’Bipolar Sunshine & Jazz Purple – No Time To Waste’

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[via Okayplayer]

[NEW] Sam Gellaitry – Temple

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 27, 2015

Sam Gellaitry
Temple

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Scottish producer Sam Gellaitry made serious waves on Souncdloud in 2014 accumulating nearly 50,000 followers, finding a spot in our editor’s top picks and catching the attention of the forward-thinking folks at the Soulection collective. The 18-year-old protege’s style is endlessly eclectic ranging from synthy, playful tracks to garage electronic vibes to heavier trapped-out anthems defying classification and keeping listeners on their toes in the best way possible. Today, Soulection announced his long-anticipated debut EP, Short Stories, along with the project’s intro song. “Temple” has the distinct feel of an opener starting off slow drawing the listener into a dreamy state before bringing in heavy 808s, hi-hats, horns and sirens. As it introduces a groovy bass-line and various contrasting elements, the song blows past genres separating itself with its versatility and sonic diversity. Give this atmospheric cut a listen above–Short Stories drops on February 17th and is available for pre-order now via iTunes.

[via Soulection]

Electronic

[Electronic] Haywyre – Insight

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 27, 2015

Haywyre
Insight

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It’s crazy to think that there are people who still question the legitimacy of electronic artists as musicians. Vancouver producer Haywyre is just one of many to disprove the closed-minded with lush, complex sonic arrangements and a clear understanding of musical composition. His latest Monstercat-released track, “Insight,” proves as a perfect introduction to his work melding gorgeous piano melodies with heavier elements of bass music for a genre-bending journey. Starting with a playful, jazzy vibe, the song quickly builds into a bass-filled breakdown before dropping into a keyboard solo for the ages that progresses back into the massive chorus. To go along with the song, Haywyre put out an epic video of himself performing the song, which bodes well for his upcoming 9-date US Two Fold Tour. Hit the jump to watch the video below and check his upcoming tour dates here. Continue reading →

Electronic

[Hip-Hop] Azad Right – When You Know (Prod. IAMNOBODI)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 22, 2015

Azad Right
When You Know (Prod. by IAMNOBODI)

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LA emcee, Azad Right, has been building significant buzz over the last few months since the October release of his impressive For the Hopeful project. Keeping the momentum going, he dropped off a soulful gem earlier today titled “When You Know.” Over some irresistibly smooth production provided by Soulection‘s IAMNOBODI, Right tells a vivid love story about a pursuit that doesn’t quite work out using a flawless delivery to paint a relatable picture. Even with its slightly somber undertones, this track has a calming, laid-back vibe perfect for play in a wide range of atmospheres. Give this one a listen and grab a free download above.

Hip/Hop

[NEW] Toro y Moi – Empty Nesters

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 19, 2015

Toro Y Moi
Empty Nesters

Soundcloud

Toro y Moi‘s Anything in Return was easily one of our favorite albums of 2013, remaining in heavy rotation well over a year later. After taking a brief hiatus from Toro to focus on Les Sins in 2014, Chaz Bundick recently announced that he will be putting out a new Toro y Moi album later this year. Today, we get the first single from the project, which was first premiered yesterday on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show. “Empty Nesters” carries the care-free, breezy vibrations we’ve come to expect from Toro y Moi, but relies more heavily on guitar melodies than usual resulting in a winning combination of slacker pop and funk. Bundick has proven himself as one of the most versatile musicians of his generation and “Empty Nesters” seems to be yet another iteration in his artistic evolution. Enjoy this one above–Toro y Moi’s What for? is due out on April 7th via Carpark Records.

[via Pitchfork]