Author Archives: Clayton Warwick

DAUNT – Unbearable Light [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - March 21, 2017

DAUNT
Unbearable Light

“Unbearable Light” gave me such a blissful, encompassing experience. In only a matter of seconds, the deep, brooding synths, simplistic percussion pattern, and light, spattering of piano keys had me well inside my own psyche, enjoying the depths I was receding into. And that was all before I dug into the lyrics and vocal cadence.

Drawing on comparisons of Bob Moses and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service)–whom I consider the one of the best songwriters of our time–this up-and-coming Londoner has my attention piqued. His previous releases elude to the fact that the quality is steadfast, far from a one-hit flash-in-the-pan. Each provide a gorgeous simplicity, tapping us on the shoulder to relish the beauty of a well-crafted song.

With a bevy of influences from hip-shaking hip-hop beats, timeless, soulful rhythms and iconic disco bass lines, as well as the genre-bending artists like Beck and Glass Animals, it’s safe to say we’ll continue to see Daunt pushing the boundaries.

If you find yourself in London on April 26th, make sure to head out and catch the his EP launch show at The Waiting Room.

[Indie] Absofacto – Light Outside

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 27, 2017

Absofacto
Light Outside

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Through the course of over a half-decade of blogging, there are tens of thousands of songs I’ve scanned through, never giving an ounce of attention to past that initial impression. Going one layer deeper, there are artists I’ve inexplicably freaked out about, frantically writing them up as if my life depended on it. Yet, some of those artists fade from the forefront of my memory quite easily. Then, there are the artists that leave a lasting impression. The ones I clamor for, hoping the next release would just hurry up already.

For me, that’s Absofacto. His music has been with me in times of strife. It’s been with me in times of joy. It’s seen the rolling hills of Tuscany as I trained from city to city in search of self-affirmation. It speaks to me, more so than a lot of my favorites.

I’ve had to live off old releases for sometime now, constantly pouring over “Dissolve” again and again. Sure, he’s had a few stellar collaborations with The Knocks, but that’s not Absofacto. “Light Outside” is. It’s every bit of that well-crafted, emotive, and delicious indie-pop. It sends waves of warm remembrance over me, giving that surge of dopamine I had experienced time and time again in the past.

Catchy in nature, as I’d expect, “Light Outside” is a wildly addictive thrill ride that courses through dance-inducing builds and beautifully orchestrated half-time lulls. It’s powerful, yet in a way that doesn’t overwhelm from its own defined pop sensibilities. The only negative thing I can say about it is it took way too long to come to fruition. If you’re reading this, Jon, pick up the pace with the next few releases, will ya?

[Contest] Win 2 VIP Tickets to BUKU Music + Art Project & Hang with Ekali

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 15, 2017

The Big Easy. The Crescent City. Nawlins. New Oar-leans. Whatever you call it, you know that it stands upon a few strongly-planted pillars–good food, good music, and good times. We’ve had some epic moments down in New Orleans, which is why we’re beyond stoked to be heading to BUKU Music + Art project. As if one of the best party cities in the world wasn’t enough, this epic 2-day festival just added some rather unnecessary icing onto that Creole cake.

Our excitement is obvious, but we’re not here to talk about that. No, no. We’re here to get you excited. How do we plan to do that? Well, it’s pretty simple. We’re offering up two, two-day VIP 2-Day Passes tickets to one of our can’t miss festivals this year, PLUS a chance to hang with one of our favorite performing artists at said festival. That’s right. One lucky winner will be taking a friend down to Louisiana with a couple of free ticket and some epic hang time with the one and only Ekali.

UPDATE: THIS CONTEST HAS CLOSED AND A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.

So, what do you have to do to enter? It’s pretty fricken’ easy. Just check out these instructions below:

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

2) “Like” the BUKU on facebook:

3) “Like” the Ekali on facebook:

4) Comment below this post with why you deserve to win. Maybe you just went through an epic break up? Maybe you hold the record for most shrimp eaten in a single sitting? Fill us in! We want to know.

More details
– Winner will receive 2 VIP 2-Day Passes
– TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
– You have to be 18+ to enter.
– Winner will be chosen on March 3rd at 12:00 EST and notified via Facebook
– You must come correct with some wicked dance moves all weekend long.

GOOD LUCK, NINJAS!

[Secret Ninja Pass] This Week at Beta 2/9 – 2/12

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 9, 2017

What the hell is going on with this weather, Denver? I mean, we’re not complaining about 75 degree days, but it’s a little concerning (cough, global warming, cough.) Well, even though it doesn’t feel like winter we’re still going to head down to 19th and Blake and get toasty in the best way possible – by dancing to some top notch beats. Per usual, we’re making it incredibly easy for you to get off your couch and head down. Why’s that? Because we’re hooking you up with free entry.

Here’s how:
– Head to the front door and enter the club before 11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Get there before 9:00 on Sunday
– Show this post to the cashier (Valid for 21+ only).
– The deal is valid for THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY this week.

TJR - 2/9

Jvst Say Yes/Dack Janiels - 2/10

Bunny of Rabbit in the Moon - 2/11

DJ Tennis - 2/12

FayRoy – Life and Death [TMN VIDEO PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 7, 2017

It shouldn’t take you long to fall in love with this Indian Rocks Beach-based four-piece. With a tasteful blend of psych and garage rock, New England occult, and 1960’s surf culture, they have a brand and sound that stands out above the noise that clutters pages of blogs and publications on a day-to-day basis.

FayRoy Members Zachary Hoag, Kyle Fournier, Greyson Charnock (Someday River), and Dallas Eubanks (The Jackettes) accomplish this through highly engaging lyrics, clean, spacey guitar work, and well-pronounced basslines. “Life and Death,” which is dropping on their upcoming debut LP, is a perfect example of that. Smooth riffs give a laidback beach vibe, yet the expansive soundscape complete with epic instrumental breakdowns are perfect for getting blissfully lost. Instrumentally, the track does have somewhat of a somber mood, which ties in perfectly to it’s underlying meaning.

This song pretty much stems from a proverbial slap in the face of perspective we had before a show. We were with a big group of friends outside of the venue and all witnessed a group of teenagers get into a fight across the street. The scuffle appeared to just be another Friday night for these kids until we heard a gunshot and watched one of them fall to the ground as everyone else scattered. It happened so quickly that many people in the surrounding bars had no idea that it even happened. Life and Death is about a realization that the world has billion of situations constantly happening at the same moment, and for the most part, you are just one of them. We all share that. It’s a scary thought, but also incredibly liberating, depending on your perspective, of course.

Sit back and enjoy the official music video for this stellar track, then head over to their Facebook to keep up with news on the release, upcoming shows, and pictures of the always gorgeous Gulf Coast.

Directed by Michael Joseph Azcui

Alternative/Rock

[Secret Ninja Pass] This Week at Beta 2/2 – 2/5

Posted by Clayton Warwick - February 2, 2017

With old man winter bearing down on the Mile High City, we have one thing and one thing alone on our mind. It’s time to head down to 19th and Blake and get toasty in the best way possible – by dancing to some top notch beats. Per usual, we’re making it incredibly easy for you to get off your couch and head down. Why’s that? Because we’re hooking you up with free entry.

4B - 2/2

Joyryde - 2/3

Manufactured Superstars - 2/4

Nick Fanciulli - 2/5

[House] Eat More Cake – Heat Of The Night (Original Mix)

Posted by Clayton Warwick - January 20, 2017

Eat More Cake
Heat Of The Night (Original Mix)

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It’s almost the weekend, which means you should be loading up your Let’s Boogie playlist in preparation for a few nights of pure, unadulterated, work-free freedom. We certainly are, and this groovy lil’ number by London-based Eat More Cake is certainly taking top position for our upcoming festivities.

“Heat of the Night” is a stunning club-friendly jam, filled with some accentuating trop house elements, balanced out by pitched down vocals and an upbeat bassline. The end result is something perfect for any number of situations, whether it be a dinner prep dance session, or a late night out with the fellas or ladies.