Author Archives: Dominic Powell

[Future R&B] SPZRKT – Blind Man (Prod. by J-Louis)

Posted by Dominic Powell - July 7, 2015

SPZRKT
Blind Man (Prod. by J-Louis)

This weekend Xavier Adams, the pride of Warner Robins, Georgia, released the latest song under his affiliation in the STRT_TRBL collective. Adams, more commonly known as Spazzy Rocket – and often shortened to SPZRKT – should sound familiar from previous coverage on his highly regarded work with Sango co-creating the EP Hours Spent Loving You this past March.

In fact, SPZRKT – whose music first appeared on TMN in 2013 – has seen rapid growth in recognition and popularity since the release of Middle of Things, a timeless single (and personal favorite) from Sango’s album North.

Following the success of other recent releases like “Crossroads,” “Can’t Wait” and “The Motive,” Blind Man is the latest instance displaying his ability to infuse tracks with soul and emotion. With an aesthetic charisma and the smoothness of a lullaby, Blind Man coincides with Spazzy’s previous musical themes such as the earthly and heavenly connection in healthy relationships.

Lyrically, the song strikes the listener with similar silkiness displayed on tracks from Hours Spend Loving You. With lines like “I’m gonna take my time with your mind, your ambition won’t leave me alone // body like a queen but it ain’t about your body baby it’s about your being”, Spazzy’s R&B crooning is a powerfully emotional talent that takes the production of J-Louis over the top on this release.

Listeners can stay up to date with all of SPZRKT’s tunes on his soundcloud, as well as that of STRT_TRBL. Check out “Blind Man” up top and bookmark this one for next year’s Valentines Day playlist.

Future
Soul

[Nu-Disco] Moon Boots – Magic

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 25, 2015

Moon Boots
Magic

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When Leon Oziel created the French Express record label in 2010, it signaled a departure from the norm of big-room music production. Originating with the ideals of originality and fearlessness in mind, its producers set out to break the mold regarding the state of electronic music. 5 years have passed since its foundation, and the collective has ascended to the position of DoLab favorite and torchbearer for the blend of nu-disco and dance music.

With a stacked list of contributors featuring Isaac Tichauer, Jonas Rathsman, Chris Malinchak and Perseus, the assemblage has built a reputation on its collective of like-minded artists, churning out tunes that fit into the DNA structure of R&B Disco Funk.

Fitting perfectly with that theme is fellow collective mate Moon Boots’ new song “Magic”. Released via Annie Mac’s New Music Monday series, “Magic” uses an up-tempo vocal sample to construct an irresistible foot tapping track. Moon Boots also utilizes subtle ambient vocalizations, an extensive use of synthesizer, and a funky base line to round out the song.

In producing a tune comparable to his previous hits, the Chicago-based producer has pulled elements from works like “C.Y.S.,” Talk Talk, and Don’t Ask Why in creating another timeless single. Listeners can stay up to date on new releases on his soundcloud, and can catch him live at Mamby on the Beach in Chicago or at Woogie Weekend presented by DoLab in Los Angeles in July.

Disco
Future

[Future/Chill] Flight Facilities – Heart Attack Feat. Owl Eyes (Snakehips Remix)

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 23, 2015

Flight Facilities
Heart Attack feat. Owl Eyes (Snakehips Remix)

Soundcloud

For readers who have followed The Music Ninja over the past few years, there will undoubtedly be a great deal of familiarity to the sounds of UK based production duo, Snakehips. As a bona fide favorite among the staff, we have covered numerous releases by the PBR&B/electronic pair such as “Gone,” “Dímelo,” “Forever,” “On & On,” and “Wanderlust.”

Snakehips latest remix is a unique take on the original of another electronic duo, Flight Facilities. “Heart Attack,” which came out late last year, is an emotional tune that immerses the listener in a feeling of solitude thanks to the lyrical talents of the soulful Owl Eyes.

In their latest remix, Snakehips have done a remarkable job of matching the sentiments of the lyrics (But you’re so far away… Searching for a heart another world away // How far have I got to move… You’re all I need and now if you knew) with the feelings conveyed by the melody. Having kept with the theme of companionship, the remix maintains the subtlety and refine of the original while also creating a markedly familiar synth-based production in line with their previous works.

A reprieve from the constant wave of over-produced future bass, “Heart Attack” is a track music lovers will be playing on repeat for a few days upon first listen. Enjoy streaming the track above and find all of Snakehips’ work over on Soundcloud.

Future

[Future/Soul] Golden Vessel – Borrowed Time Feat. Tiana Khasi

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 18, 2015

Golden Vessel
Borrowed Time Feat. Tiana Khasi

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Earlier this week we were once again graced with a surprising new artist from down under. Australia’s own Golden Vessel teamed up with fellow Brisbane resident Tiana Khasi to create the emotional new track, “Borrowed Time”. Golden Vessel, at age 17, has shown promise beyond his years as a producer with remix productions of popular songs by Odesza and Panama.

As a downtempo/future/R&B production, Golden Vessel’s newest track perfectly blends previous works with the enchanting sounds of Tiana Khasi. In fact,the soulful vocals on this production vaguely recall another artist who saw a meteoric rise to success recently, Sinead Harnett. With such a powerful song being released by these two young up and comers, it won’t be long before we’ll be seeing their names everywhere.

Check out other works by Tiana Khasi here, or catch some feelings and download Borrowed Time here.

Future
Soul

[Electronic] DIVERSA – Of The Mysterious Voice (EP Review)

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 11, 2015

Among the countless electronic music producers of today, music fans repeatedly encounter artists lending styles to and from one another. From the massive build up and drops of major EDM artists, to the ever growing adaptation of future bass by up and coming artists, setting oneself apart as a musician is arguably more difficult now than ever.

Thanks to a multitude of recent releases by Daktyl`, Skrux, and Obesøn, listeners have grown accustomed to high quality, genre blending music from the successful Hegemon label, pushing an already progressive-thinking music scene further. Last week we were unexpectedly graced with the release of fellow Hegemon label mate Diversa’s latest EP, “Of the Mysterious Voice”.

The five track EP, released via his newly minted affiliation in London-based Inspected (home to talented artists Gemini and Zeds Dead) is a beautiful, thought-provoking collection of tunes loosely termed as drum and bass. Continue reading →

[Future] Flume – Some Minds (Luca Lush Remix)

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 9, 2015

Flume
Some Minds (FT. ANDREW WYATT) (LUCA LUSH REMIX)

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Following up on last week’s epic release – which we covered earlier – Luca Lush seems intent on making June his biggest month yet.

Luca’s latest remix, a fresh take on Flume & Andrew Wyatt’s “Some Minds,” was released this afternoon on the heels of his successful Atlas Bound remix.

Spanning five and a half minutes in length, the production is extensive enough to demonstrate an impressively wide array of production techniques. With an inventive introduction, touches of electric keyboard and snare, 8-bit samples, future synth, and an appropriately timed crescendo/diminuendo dynamic scheme, Luca’s remix has a defined and original feel that is worthy of high praise.

While the remix is in and of itself an innovative deviation from the original, Luca is able to also capture what makes Some Minds so impressive by shaping his futuristic creation around the familiar and melodic vocals of Miike Snow front man Andrew Wyatt.

We hope Luca Lush will continue this trend of releasing new music weekly – while we wait on his next great release, enjoy “Some Minds” above.

[Future] Atlas Bound – Tell Me (Luca Lush Remix)

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 4, 2015

ATLAS BOUND
TELL ME (LUCA LUSH REMIX)

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Luca Lush and the Alaya crew have been steadily churning out forwarding-thinking tunes for quite some time now. Affiliated with names like Josh Pan and Feki, the productions of the ambitious collective have more or less served as the blueprint for aspiring new producers by touching on mainstays of the genre, while also pushing the envelope of creativity.

Luca Lush in particular has been exceptionally successful at giving the future twist to a variety of tunes, from the hugely popular “Money” by Lido, to SNBRN’s “Raindrops,” to my personal favorite, “No Type” by Rae Sremmurd.

His latest release is a take on the popular Atlas Bound slow-jam “Tell Me“. While the original is a slow, melodic, downtempo tune carried by the talented vocals of the Sydney duo, Luca’s remix gives new life to the release. In his attempt at showcasing the familiar tones of the genre, the remix doesn’t lose what made the original so popular – the stunningly smooth vocals. Luca’s rendition of “Tell Me” also incorporates an increasingly utilized sound, synth-brass, layered over aesthetically pleasing percussions.

Give this versatile and complex piece of music a listen, and download the track here.