Author Archives: Clayton Warwick

Mat Hunsley – Do You Need Me Near [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 27, 2017

Mat Hunsley
Do You Need Me Near

Mat Hunsley’s “Do You Need Me Near” coincidentally came into my peripherals along with the changing seasons here in Denver and it already has me daydreaming about lazy summer nights, swinging in a hammock, heartfelt campfire conversations with only the closest of friends, and those unexpected weekend adventures in a pup-filled car, heading somewhere into the wilderness.

This emotive song is the first of the year for this Newcastle-based singer/songwriter, following up on a handful of stellar releases at the end of last year. Just like before, I’m finding myself in a lucid daze, complete with a content grin, digesting his thoughtful lyrics and calculated fingerpicking. With the addition of carefully-placed, fairy-like vocal hums, today’s offering is somehow even more alluring and encapsulating than expected.

This song is testament to my oldest and dearest friends. Like everyone else, I have had those friends whom I believed were essential to my happiness. I mistakenly thought that without their constant presence and participation in my life that I couldn’t possibly be as happy as I once was. Despite my worries and despite each of us having followed our differing paths, these friends have remained close to my heart. When reunited we slip effortlessly back into the old habits and patterns as if we’d never strayed away. These people don’t need me near them in order to get everything they need and deserve from life, but it’s comforting to know that our friendship will forever stay the same.

“Do You Need Me Near” was beautifully produced by Mick Ross (Lanterns On The Lake, Ajimal, The Lake Poets), and will be released on April 28th via Trellis Records. After you support the single, make sure to support Mat’s live show at the Evolution Emerging Festival in Newcastle this May.

VILDE – Maintain [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 18, 2017

VILDE
Maintain

Soundcloud

I hadn’t ever experienced the newly coined genre of “Study-Dance,” but that’s probably because this is my first experience with Australian-born, Stockholm-based VILDE. After only a few spins through, I now have a full grasp of it, and quite frankly, I’m enamored.

VILDE’s style should call on associations of other heady artists who effortlessly combine emotive and intelligent lyrics with danceable beats and delicious synth arpeggios, yet you’ll find that it stands alone, steadfast and well-defined. “Maintain” showcases just that, as do his previous releases, each of which is a build to an eventual full album release.

Until that release day comes, we strongly encourage you to spend some serious time with “Maintain.” It’s certainly a cerebral piece, while still maintaining a coveted approachability. Thanks in part to his unique vocal tone, which should have Alt-J fans tipping their proverbial cap, it’s immidiately welcoming, keeping listeners locked in and engaged throughout long build, driving percussion, and impressive lyrics.

The subject matter of the song is somewhat of a crammed amalgamation of ideas. Part inspired by the film ‘Ace in the Hole’, where a news reporter begins to twist events in a dark way to gain fame through his portrayal of the story. There’s some pretty bleak imagery in the lyrics, yet bits of optimism seep through too, provoking a sense of solitude, release & calm.

If you’re digging this, head over to his SoundCloud to fully immerse yourself. Then, hope and pray he’ll be coming to your city soon.

[Giveaway] Win 2 Tickets to Jean-Michel Jarre at the First Bank Center

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 14, 2017

There’s never a shortage of shows in Denver. Between Beta Nightclub, Red Rocks, and the dozens of other top-notch live music venues across the front range, we’re seemingly scurrying out to shows every other night of the week. Or, at least, we know we are.

One of the shows we’ve had on our radar for quite sometime happens to be taking place at the First Bank Center in Broomfield on May 24th. If you haven’t guessed who it is by now, we’ll just lay it out there for you. Grammy-nominated Jean-Michel Jarre, who recently collaborated with legendary acts like The Who’s Pete Townsend, M83, and Moby, is bringing his live electronic set up to town. If you’re not quite familiar with what that entails, we’ve included a sweet promo video below.

After you’re done watching, scroll below for your chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. And, if you’re not feeling so lucky, you can buy a ticket here.

How to Enter

1) “Like” us (The Music Ninja) on Facebook here:

2) “Like” the Jean-Michel Jarre on Facebook:

3) Comment below this post with why you deserve to win. Maybe you just went through a terrible break up? Maybe this would be your first show ever? Fill us in! We want to know.

There are a few rules, of course:
– Must be 18+
– You are responsible for your own transportation.
– You must bring a valid form of ID to pick up your tickets at the the venue.
– 1 Winner will be announced May 14th

Electronic

[House] 909 Til Infinity – Like That

Posted by Clayton Warwick - April 1, 2017

909 Til Infinity
Like That

Buy

In all honesty, I really wanted to get you this track before the weekend. It’s undeniably a massive party-starter, which would have been perfect for your Friday night festivities. But, since we still have one night of freedom left before we have to start winding down for the work week, I figured you’ll be a little forgiving. That is, until you wake up with the blistering hangover this track will inevitably cause. But, I can’t be held accountable for the wild night out that will ensue after pressing play. So, don’t even come at me with that noise.

Back at it again, 909 Til Infinitiy (aka option4 & MANIK) have a feverish and filthy dance club monster (out on Psycho Disco’s Psych 101 comp) that will make even the shrewdest of homebodies feel the itch to get out and hit the club. The bassline is heavy, designed for a hefty set of speakers, the dedicated sway of an emphatic, dancing crowd, and your favorite go-to cocktail.

Fans of the old school works of Jack Beats (which includes this blogger right here) will definitely be drawn to “Like That,” which calls on associations of those classic weird and whacky house hits with fuzzy, twisting synths and a perfectly repetitious vocal sample.

At this point, it’s too late for you to turn back. You’re going to turn up. You might as well pour yourself a shot of tequila and accept the inevitable.

House

Jake Houlsby – Oklahoma [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 29, 2017

Jake Houlsby
Oklahoma

Soundcloud

It’s the middle of the week, which means its time to stop, take a moment to reflect, and drink in everything that’s coming your way in the next few days. To begin the process, we highly recommend delving into this lovely tune from Newcastle-based Jake Houlsby. It’s the perfect blend of shoegaze, pysch-rock, and folk to get you in the right frame of mind for some self-reflection.

This is just the second track coming off his upcoming Vondelpark EP, due out May 5th via Tipping Point Records, and it should have you clamoring for a full experience with the entire collection. Pronounced percussion work definitely provides a hearty backbone, allowing glowing keys and guitars to settle in nicely behind. Each of these elements comes together beautifully, providing the perfect soundscape for Jake’s unique vocal tone and delivery.

You might be asking yourself how a young fellow from the UK landed on a song title for what most Yanks would consider a “fly-over” state. Here’s what he had to say about it:

“There’s something about the American South that has always enchanted me. I’d just read Woody Guthrie’s autobiography a few years ago when I remember seeing Oklahoma and getting this weird feeling of discount and nostalgia. I wrote this song shortly after.

We’ll go ahead and assume that you’re feeling this release, which means you’ll want to catch it live. You can do so by hitting up one of the following shows below.

Apr 29 – Live At Leeds

May 5 – The Mining Institute, Newcastle

May 6 – The Eagle Inn, Manchester (supporting Joan Shelley)

May 20 – The Great Escape Festival, Brighton

Light Bodies – Gravity [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 24, 2017

Light Bodies
Gravity

Download

You hear that? It’s the faintest of rumblings coming over the horizon. It brings with it unadulterated freedom and a worry-free vibe that will wash over you in just a few hours. By now you should have guessed it –it’s the weekend and its charge is being led by a phenomenal collection of tunes from the newly-founded Bribery Corporation. If you’re not familiar just yet, don’t worry. This record label/fashion house is set to make a huge splash, as today’s release will indicate.

Dropping as a free download in partnership with BitTorrent, “Gravity” is one of twelve tunes that highlight the tastes of this Miami-based project. Written, produced, and sung by Light Bodies, who has somehow flown under our radar, it was a personal favorite amongst the mix. If this track is any indicator of what’s to come, we can easily assume that it won’t be long before more people start to catch on.

“Gravity” is a sultry stunner, heavily driven by smooth a thumping, seductive bassline, minimalistic beeps, brooding piano chords, and some otherworldy vocals. It’s alluring, but not overwhelming or overdone–a perfect balance of soul-driven lyrics and gorgeous production sure to incite some goosebumps throughout the ride.

If you’re digging “Gravity,” make sure to grab the full bundle on BitTorrent.

[It’s Almost Summer] NoMBe – Freak Like Me

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 22, 2017

NoMBe
Freak Like Me

Soundcloud

For this moment–this one right here–I’m going to pretend that global warming isn’t happening at an alarming pace, instead, choosing to soak in the sunny rays of Denver’s unprecedented 80 degree weather. My soundtrack for this near-summer day? NoMBe’s “Freak Like Me.”

I can see it all now: pool parties, BBQs, rowdy rides to festivals, and epic nights out on the city. Those warm-weather visions are currently being brought to life with this catchy-as-hell arrangement of playful, funky guitar work, emphatic kick drums and spiraling toms, and cooler-than-the-other-side-of-the-pillow vocals.

If you’re not hip to this Angelino just yet, now’s the time to get acquainted. He has a healthy stable of tunes ready for you to dive into, so get to it already!