Author Archives: Ivan Chung

[Event Review] And The Best Independent Artist Award Goes To…Chet Faker

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 9, 2014

(PC: Summer Luu @ ListenSD)

How do we even start with Chet Faker? From the volumized ginger beard and the man bun, to the charismatic stage presence and unpredictable maneuvers, Chet Faker has got it all. Needless to say, he brought down the house with his performance last Monday at Belly Up Tavern in San Diego. The 23-year-old Australian musician is known to be a one-man band; whether it’s singing, DJing or producing songs all on his own. Racking up an unbelievably huge following as an independent artist, Chet Faker is doing something extraordinary given the talent and opportunities he’s got.

Starting off the set with “I’m Into You”, an oldie but goodie, Chet Faker gave his 110% when it comes to showcasing his caliber. Aside from the vocal performances, he incorporated numerous DJing acts throughout his set to spice up the entertainment factor. With the spontaneity and nonchalance of being an independent musician, he made up a song from scratch in the middle of his set, claiming that “this next track does not exist anywhere else but here”. As the crowd screamed and cheered, he created this complex beat with vocal samples made on the spot through his microphone. Newer fans were not disappointed, as he played a selection of gems from his recent album Built On Glass, namely “Gold”, “To Me”, “1998”, “Cigarettes & Loneliness”, etc.

The entirety of his set lasted roughly about ninety minutes, yet it was seemingly shorter. When he said he’s closing out with an acoustic version of “Talk Is Cheap”, it was almost like he just got on stage half an hour ago. His soulful R&B vocals soared through the venue, catching everyone’s attention and stopping all the casual chattering at the back of the venue. There was no greater feeling to see your favorite artist giving his all on stage while everyone sings along to every word of his songs. He turned Belly Up Tavern into a massive karaoke.

San Diego was his last stop of his US tour, meaning that he will return to the land down under after giving this epic performance. We cannot tell you how bittersweet yet excited we are to see what new music he is working on next. Sky is the limit for the Chet Faker, and he’s about to show us what he’s got hidden in that manly gingerbeard of his.

Chet Faker
1998

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[Electronica] Dirty South – With You (Jai Wolf Remix)

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 5, 2014

Dirty South
With You (Jai Wolf Remix)

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Having a lousy day? Struggling to find motivation? This magical track will get you going like no other. NY-based producer Jai Wolf just released this Dirty South remix titled “With You”, and being that it’s different than his other work, it’s still refreshing and addicting. The epic synthy intro that eventually replaces the beat drop immediately catches our attention. The synthwaves are bold and catchy, and are the perfect addition to the new style of music Jai Wolf is swaying towards. The subtle vocals combined with a warm, welcoming vibe almost resemble the sound of Porter Robinson.

The talented producer definitely deserves more attention after this epic remix. Check him out on his soundcloud and grab a free download via his Facebook page here. We’re expecting big moves from Jai Wolf soon!

[Chill] Atlas Bound – Talk

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 3, 2014

Atlas Bound
Talk

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If you ever feel like chillaxing, grab your headphones and treat yourself to this wonderful tune. Atlas Bound, an Australian DJ/band crossover duo, just released this gem titled “Talk”. First thing that catches your attention is the Chet Faker-like vocals. The lazy yet soulful voice is mixed with a beat that is minimalist and downtempo. The faded piano keys in the background further accentuate the dreamy and jazzy approach of the song. The duo manages to create a sound so hypnotizing it’s almost therapeutic.

With the addition of Atlas Bound, Next Wave Records is set to take over the electronic music scene, showing such diversity and talent in its caliber. Definitely stay tuned for more dope music coming your way!

[Future/Tropical] Corbu – Neon Hallway (Autograf Remix)

Posted by Ivan Chung - December 3, 2014

Corbu
Neon Hallway (Autograf Remix)

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Chicago-based duo Autograf have established themselves as one of the frontrunners of future house music. Labelled as future tropical, Autograf’s style of music is memorable and unique in its own way. “Neon Hallway”, the original tune by the Brooklyn indie group Corbu is stripped down to the bare bone. Their signature tropical sound is featured in this remix, creating a rather mysterious and intense vibe. Xylophones melodies and djembe beats are also incorporated into this juicy tune, while the hollowed vocal samples further spicing up the futuristic approach.

Make sure to stay tuned for the duo’s “Future Tropical” series as they constantly come out with quality music at an unbelievable pace, and you can bank that we’ll be on top of their luscious sound for you Ninjas as well.

[TMN Premiere] Ne-Yo ft. Juicy J – She Knows (Kayliox Remix)

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 25, 2014

Ne-Yo
She Knows (Feat. Juicy J) (Kayliox Remix)

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Following the rising popularity of tropical house, bass-house/future-bass is becoming another household sound in the revival of house music. Kayliox, a Canadian electronic duo, is fueling the movement by producing quality future house music. On their latest, a remix of Ne-Yo and Juicy J‘s “She Knows, Kayliox once again proves they’re one of the frontrunners in a new way of house music.

The tune starts off with a standard 4×4 house beat fused with Ne-Yo’s R&B vocals. While the beat mixes well with the original tune, the drop is not as hard-hitting as we would expect. The grungy synth is both subtle and catchy, and Juicy J’s rap flows well with the overall futuristic style of the track. It shows the diversity and complexity in Kayliox’s music, as they continue to appeal to a larger audience by cleverly remixing Top 40 hits.

Stay tuned and grab a free copy of this dope remix on their Soundcloud page! We are expecting big moves from this talented duo.

[Alternative R&B] Willow Smith feat. SZA – 9

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 21, 2014

Willow Smith
9 (feat. SZA)

Stream Only

The talented Willow Smith is set to take over the industry with the release of her upcoming 3 EP. Only 14 years of age, the music star child shows her new found passion in alternative R&B. Of the three songs in the EP, “9” stands out as the track that best represents Willow’s current direction of her music. Her sharp and powerful vocals flow perfectly alongside SZA’s magical voice to help create a dreamy touch to the hollowed instrumental. It’s a memorable and wonderful track.

With an ever-growing fan base, Willow Smith is climbing up the ladder in the neo-soul/alternative R&B scene. As she continues to catch everyone by surprise with her new music, it is safe to say that sky is the limit for Ms. Smith. We are excited to see what else she has in store for us.

[Electronic Pop] Years & Years – Memo

Posted by Ivan Chung - November 21, 2014

Years and Years
Memo

Soundcloud

British electronic group Years & Years just released another track off their upcoming album Desire. and this one hits us right in the feels. Describing their own music as soulful electronic pop, Years & Years speaks to their audience through memorable melodies and soothing vocals. Olly Alexander, the lead singer of the group, definitely stole the spotlight by showcasing his pleasant R&B vocals. The synths and the simple piano chords perfectly support the flow of the tune. Everything about this track is done right and leaves you wanting more.

With that said, stay tuned for the group’s much anticipated album releasing on 11/23. We cannot wait to listen to more of their new music!