Author Archives: Michael Serratore

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #96

Every so often you come across a track which pushes the boundaries of what one would generally consider “chill” music, but there are inherent qualities to the sound which undeniably fit the vibe of what we preach in this Dojo. That so happens to be the case in our leading feature from the talented Haywyre, who has crafted a melody that reaches straight for the emotions. ‘Everchanging’ may hit hard with its moments of glitch hop flare, but there’s no overlooking the irrefutable soul contained behind the writing in this song. There was no such contention in considering this next one from young producer Y2K. Together with the captivating vocals of Mark Johns, ‘White Wine’ is a dose of future sounds that will command your full attention from beginning to end. Even if you had caught the post last week, take this as another reason to keep this one on heavy rotation. Actually, 3 of the remaining features in this write-up aren’t exclusive to this playlist, but they’ve been covered by the ninja crew for good reason, and that’s because they’re some of the best chill releases for the week. There’s the stunning cover of the iconic ‘One’ courtesy of Autograf, transforming the Swedish House Mafia classic into a magical wave of tropical synths and percussion. Kicks n Licks drifted outside their usual style with a piece of ambient delight in ‘Morning Light’, filled with glimpses of pure serenity in the form of echoing vocals and naturalistic soundscape. And of course, there’s no forgetting this glorious rendition of ‘Latch’ from TEEMID and Daniela Andrade. But one you might not have heard is this charming deep house edit from German duo Lakechild, who add their touch to the fresh original from Angus & Julia Stone. It may have only been a minute since the release of the newest self-titled album from the Australian siblings, but summer only lasts so long, and when there’s a remix as perfect as this, we can only be thankful we get to play out the later end of the season with this flowing from the speakers.

Rest-assured, whether you’re a religious music blog follower or not, we’ll have you covered right here with all our favorites for the week. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #96 zip

’Haywyre – Everchanging’
’Y//2//K – White Wine ft. Mark Johns’
’Autograf – One (Swedish House Mafia Cover)’
’Kicks n Licks – Morning Light (ft. K Emeline)’
’Disclosure – Latch (TEEMID X Daniela Andrade Edition)’
’Angus & Julia Stone – Grizzly Bear (Lakechild Edit)’
’FKJ – Open The Door’
’Jafunk – This Love Is For Real’
’You And Me VS Maxi Priest – Close To You (Claes Rosen Mashup)’
’Shook – Violet Hues’
’Hopium – Dreamers ft Phoebe Lou’
’Pixel Fix – Lungs (The Walton Hoax Remix)’
’Susie Suh x Robot Koch – Here With Me (Bearson Remix)’
’GoldLink – When I Die (Alex Young + Jonah Baseball Version)’
’FutureXPusha T – Move That Dope (NeguimBeatsRemix)’
’Sadie Ama – Fallin (Midliife Remix)’
’Polar Youth – Bae’
’mindfield – maybe tomorrow’
”Flume – Sleepless (Tyord Remix)’
’Yumi Shizukusa – I Don’t Love You (starRo Remix)’
’Sizzlebird – Lost in a Dream’
’kuma – I’ll See You Later’
’Thrupence – Don’t You Mind’
’Yamill – Summer Day’
’Nujabes – mystline (AbJo Refix)’
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[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #95

Whatever the events of your weekend, be it wild or chilled, Dojo number 95 has more than enough material to make sure the wind-down continues well into the working week. Now Joe Garston is a name that you wouldn’t necessarily think of in kicking off a chill playlist, being widely known for his energetic brand of bouncy electro-house. But as many artists have shown us in previous editions, there’s every possibility that elements of your style can be given a mellow feel. Though there’s no thumping bassline present at all in ‘Someday’, the pure happiness embodied in this track is undoubtedly the work of the UK producer. The nostalgic tone is a surreal experience, and will invoke all those memories you hold close to your heart. On the opposite end of the spectrum, New Zealand beatsmith Samuel Truth gives us a soundtrack to a frozen land of fantasy. Well NZ is the land of fantasy after all, and the wintery feel coupled with the palpable emotion is a combo that makes ‘The Cold’ all too real. If that’s way too frosty for your liking, we’ve always got some new Snakehips to breathe the feeling of summer back into your ears. Their latest single ‘After I Met U’ is another jam for your festival season oozing in that signature groove that is so damn addictive, showing just why they consistently provide hit after hit. Another name who delivers one funky tune after the next is none other than Dojo-favorite JNL. The feisty Canadian has outdone himself once again with ‘By Yourself’, bringing a vibe that echoes some serious Daft Punk influences, and will induce some spontaneous dance-floor behavior.

German label Jakarta Records recently released a free compilation of unreleased music from a number of familiar names, and among them was an absolute gem from MURAMASA. Amongst the wealth of smooth beats contained in Summer In Jakarta, ‘Miss You’ immediately stuck out with its lush melody and emotive vocals that reach straight for the heartstrings without any sign of letting go. This will be a go-to song in your library for when you need it most. Hold on tight, because we’re gonna go really deep with this last one. KAASI is notorious for concocting a dangerously deep tune, and you know you’re in for something special when he declares it’s his best yet. We would very much agree with that, because this one flows endlessly into a state of sheer serenity.

Monday sorrows are nothing in the face of this seriously chill tunage. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #95 zip

’Joe Garston – Someday’
’Samuel Truth – The Cold’
’Snakehips – After I Met U’
’JNL – By Yourself’
’Mura Masa – Miss You’
’KAASI – Work With Me’
’Noosa – Begin Again (Thero Remix)’
’Marlon Roudette – When The Beat Drops Out (Samuel Remix)’
’John Legend – All Of Me (Kungs & Noah Cover)’
’Ciara & Justin Timberlake – Love Sex Magic (Axmod Remix)’
’Phoenix – 1901 (J Art & Madan Remix)’
’Nihils – Help Our Souls (Urban Contact Remix)’
’Miami Mais – 200 TIMES’
’Planet Funk – Chase The Sun (Drop Out Orchestra Rework)’
’Tobtok ft. Emil Heró – Higher’
’I Am Oak – On Trees and Birds and Fire (Sam Feldt & Bloombox Remix)’
’Dual Citizen – Say It Anyway’
’RÜFÜS – SARAH (Touch Sensitive Remix)’
’BANKS – Warm Water (Freddy Verano / Berger & Shaqiri Edit)’
’The Weeknd – Often (Kygo Remix)’
’FKJ – Learn To Fly feat. Jordan Rakei’
’Patrick Baker – Feel the Same’
’ZHU – Faded (Madeaux Remix)’
’Howie Lee – Everywhere I Go’
’Azryd – New World (Fracx XO Remix)’
’Ellie Goulding – Burn (WiSkiM REWORK)’
’Tulpa – Paper Walls (Sebastian Carter Remix)’
’At Dawn We Rage – Edible Universe’
’Calum Bowen – Lovely Forest (Maxo Fightermix)’
’DIVERSA – Anaïse’
’Pomo – Only You’
’FloFilz – Shawbreak’
’Zikomo x Esta – ZikomoEstas’
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[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #94

Get set for an edition stacked with vocal delights and enough groove to last well through the week. German pair Gamper & Dadoni have been building momentum with each successive release this year, and their latest remix might just be their best yet. We were calling game over when Oliver Nelson and Tobtok unleashed their version of the Naughty Boy hit single, but this dance-floor igniter looks to have the final say on the matter. With all the trimmings of their signature style, the duo have re-invented this track to give the original a run for its money. Speaking of remakes, Sam Smith’s cover of ‘How Will I Know’ is another fitting tribute to an iconic piece of music history, and this deep house touch from London’s Chris Meid serves to accentuate the emotion even further. Again, it’s summer melodies and sax which are the heroes of this effort, bestowing a heavy sense of nostalgia on every line of these well-known lyrics. There is equal praise for the original works released this week as well, and Toronto’s Tep No caught our attention with this tune which is ready-built to be a summer anthem. The folks at SuicideSheep are always on point with their selections, and to have this picked up by their label, Seeking Blue, is a testament to the potential of both this song and the artist behind it. It’s not hard to picture the vivid image of festival crowds swaying in the afternoon heat, soaking up the feel-good vibes encapsulated here. French Kiwi Juice is no stranger to these kind of feelings, and every track posted from his recent Take Off EP has been oozing the sexy smoothness he’s famous for. This week’s reveal was ‘Higher in Love’, and as the name suggests, it’s one to share with that special someone for sure. We couldn’t end this week’s proceedings without a good dose of the tropics, and luckily dojo-favorite Manila Killa is happy to oblige with something truly beautiful. If this marks what he’s capable of at just 21 years of age, then we can’t wait to hear how his craftsmanship continues to evolve in the future to come.

As for now, that’s another edition in the books, but we’re steadily creeping towards a milestone of our own. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #94 zip

’GAMPER & DADONI feat. DNKR – The La La La Remix’
’Sam Smith – How Will I Know (Chris Meid Remix)’
’Tep No – It’s Alright ( feat. Lizz Kellermann )’
’FKJ – Higher In Love feat. Damon Trueitt’
’Dawn Golden – All I Want (Manila Killa Remix)’
’Fractures – Won’t Win (Japanese Wallpaper Remix)’
’Sam Smith – ‘Stay With Me’ (Prince Fox Remix)’
’Full Crate x Mar – Man x Woman (GANZ Edition)’
’indoors – Everyday Adventures (ft. sleepytimejesse)’
’Salt Cathedral – Tease (Kodak to Graph Remix)’
’VOYAGEUR – Pharaohs (The NEF Project Remix)’
’Kiesza – So Deep’
’Hatch – Everybody Loves The Sunshine (Roy Ayers Cover)’
’3LAU feat. Bright Lights – “How You Love Me” (JUSTice Remix)’
’Kanye West – Good Life (SevnthWonder Remix)’
’Pierce Fulton – As You Were’
’EVVY – Collide (Keljet Remix)’
’POOM – LES VOILES (Moi je Remix)’
’Back Back Forward Punch – Solid Gold (Pat Lok Remix)’
’Chordashian – Skyscraper Souls Feat. Freedom Fry (Citizen Select Remix)’
’Danny Darko – Butterfly (Tontario Remix)’
’Bad Suns – We Move Like The Ocean (Sebastian Carter Remix)’
’Robin Thicke, Felon & Isla – Get Her Back (AA ‘Isla’ Bootleg)’
’Cesare – Chill Love Feat. Resin Moon’
’Lemaitre – High Tide (Avenue Remix)’
’FloFilz – jazzchains’
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[T-T-T-T-TRAP] Empia – My Own

Empia
My Own

The Australian sound has really come to the fore in 2014, with a mob of talented artists delighting the world with bright upbeat jams, and enough chill electronica to populate an entire festival’s worth of playlists. Just don’t underestimate them when it comes to getting down and dirty, because as Sydney’s Empia will prove, they’re more than capable of unleashing an absolute melter. Like many of his fellow countrymen, the young producer has found a home in plenty of our past Chill Dojo editions, and the charming mix of vocal chants and woodblocks which prelude this track would have you believe this is another to add comfortably to the list. Well you’d be dead wrong, because this one was a trap all along. Behind those calming jungle sounds lies a monster, and an insanely nasty one at that. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

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[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #93

As chill as this dojo is, we all need a holiday once in a while, and thankfully Ninjette Brooke was kind enough to step in during my break to make sure that the vibes kept flowing. Let’s pick up exactly where we left off and launch back into some of the best new music that has this summer thriving.

There’s no better style than tropical tunage to get things going, and no better man than Viceroy to kick-start this sun-drenched playlist. Now you’d be forgiven for anticipating the lyrics of Nicki Minaj to enter after hearing the first few chords of ‘The Life’, but thankfully it’s the sweet vocals of Penguin Prison that greet us in this 2014 anthem from Mr “Summertime All the Time”. This is the quintessential track for any beach party this year, no questions asked, but would you have expected anything less when these two names combine? I may have been on a break for a little while, but Oliver Nelson is a man who never stops pumping out one tropical gem after the next. His fiendish disco frenzy continues with his latest remix of ‘Busy Baby’, complete with those trademark slapping drums that never fail to induce some serious head bopping. Long Beach duo LBCK are another group geared up for a big summer this year, and they’re firing things up with a remix of a burning classic from Mariah Carey. The perfect combo of soul, funk and warm groove make for one hell of a start to their campaign, and it’s one we’ll watch with eager eyes.

It just wouldn’t be a summer playlist without a good showing of some Norwegian talent, and once again Bearson demonstrates that he has it in spades with another mind-blowing remix. We knew this brand of mellow house would make him blow up very soon, and we’re sure it won’t be too much longer at all before he reaches the heights he deserves. Not to be outdone, fellow countryman Matoma is another Scandinavian superstar who wields a nu-disco vibe to be revered. No stranger to a golden hip-hop acapella, his latest slice of paradise is seamless in its treatment of those untouchable lyrics, and will ensure they’re enjoyed for countless years to come. While we’re talking about stunning revivals, this Damian Marley cover from EFIX will take things to a whole new level of chill. With amazing control and pace, every minute of this delightful journey will take you to a completely new place, and is truly a marvel in musical construction. That guitar and violin partnership is absolutely mesmerizing. Rounding out this wrap-up is the latest bootleg magic from DJ AA, which hits all the right notes in its use of Sam Smith together with some dance-floor heat from 1up.

Whether you’re gunning for a holiday or just the weekend, this playlist will set the mood right to get you there. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #93 zip

’Viceroy – The Life Feat. Penguin Prison’

’Tomas Barfod – Busy Baby Feat. Nina K (Oliver Nelson Remix)’

’Mariah Carey – Emotions (LBCK Rmx)’

’Astronomyy – Nothin On My Mind (Bearson Remix)’

’Hold On Be Strong Vs. Big Poppa (Matoma Remix)’

’Damian Marley – Road To Zion ( EFIX & XKAEM Cover )’

’1up & Sam Smith – Gir1s (AA ‘Latch’ Ibiza Bootleg)’

’FKJ – Waiting feat. Madelyn Grant’

’Tom Misch – Memory’

’Sinead Harnett – No Other Way (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)’

’Snakehips – Days With You ft Sinead Harnett (Pomo Remix)’

’Tennyson – Lay by’

’ODESZA – Memories That You Call (feat. Monsoonsiren)’

’Saint Pepsi – Fiona Coyne (Maxo Yo yomix)’

’Harrison – Happy Boy’

’Nice Feelings – freeSki’

’чk. – Rainbows And Skunks’

’The Sneekers – All You Need Is Lovin (Red Milk Remix)’

’Skrux – If You (Original Mix)’

’Henry Krinkle – Stay (Justin Martin Remix)’

’The Avener – Fade Out Lines (Synapson Remix)’

’Patrick Baker – Lies’

’Florian Bery – The Wave’

’Slow Magic – Girls’

’Demouche – Fritz 12 8’

’Giorgio Oehlers – I Rise’

’Freddie Joachim – Wait’

’Mincha – Tales For Her’

’Harris Cole X Birocratic – Summer Nights’

’Cabe – Hope’
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[Deep House] Cœur de Pirate – Wicked Games (Daniele Di Martino Remix)

Cœur de Pirate
Wicked Games (Daniele Di Martino Remix)

German producer Daniele Di Martino has made 2014 his year, with a string of chilled house remixes gathering plenty of attention for his emotion-steeped style. Fresh off the release of his first EP, he delivers yet another beautiful rendition of indie music mixed with hypnotic beats and fading synths. Canadian singer/songwriter Cœur de Pirate had already brought a new presence to her cover of the popular original from The Weeknd, but it’s the extra touch from Daniele’s handiwork which truly brings this track into its own. The deepened vocals and poignant piano elicit another level of meaning from the haunting tune, creating an experience that extends far beyond the ears. Grab the free download on his Facebook page and keep this one at the ready for when you need a heavy dose of feels.

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[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #90

Just like the World Cup is a celebration of the world’s best football talent, we like to think the Chill Dojo brings together a similar caliber of gifted individuals when it comes to vibe-filled tunes. Only we don’t have to wait four years to bask in these brilliant artistic displays, because we’re getting them on a weekly basis. Kicking the show off this week is Canadian producer Pomo, giving us a sneak peak into his forthcoming EP with a sun-drenched single in ‘Start Again’. Head-bopping beats combine with the soothing vocals of Andrea Cormier for a track that just oozes summer feelings, and is sure to get heavy rotation over the season this year. This week saw the release of the remix package for Chordashian’s ‘Questions’, and among them was a familiar name in jackLNDN, who once again crafts his deep house groove seamlessly into the feel of the original. The warm disco vibes are certainly heating things up in this playlist, and they’ll do the same for any party mix you choose to throw this one into. Chromeo’s ‘Jealous’ is always a massive party-starter, and remixes have been flowing thick and fast ever since it first began lighting up dancefloors. There’s actually a contest on at the moment, and we think we’ve found a number-one contender in San Fran producer Funk Leblanc. You can probably guess the style from the name, but you won’t be expecting just how insanely funky this version is until your body is already under its control. This fits the style of Chromeo to a tee, and if you didn’t know any different, this could easily pass off as the original.

Next up we’ve got the latest from UK duo Blonde which was featured a little earlier in the week. Their coming EP is due in a bit, but the warmer weather cries out for blissful music like this, so we’ve got this poolside jam to enjoy in the meantime. Seven Lions is known for his bass-filled melodic masterpieces, but this week he called out a particular remix of ‘Strangers’ which caught his eye for all the right reasons. Described as ‘Anti-drop’ music, Irish producer The Eden Project has turned generic structure on its head with an innovative track that doesn’t need a heavy climax to make a statement. In a similar vein to Koan Sound’s recent style, we’ve traded a whomping bass for heavenly atmospheric elements which accentuate the beauty of the original vocals, and it’s this sort of freshness which we want to share week in week out. The upcoming generation are definitely at the forefront of this boundary-pushing material, and 15-year old $aturn consistently shows that with every new song that surfaces. Forget his few years of experience, his latest effort in ‘Pentecostic’ is a lesson in quality trap production for all ages, and it really sets the bar when it comes to mixing slick beats with gorgeous melody. And while we’re speaking of emotion, Ryan Hemsworth is a maestro when it comes to eliciting feels, as you’ll quickly find from ‘Every Square Inch’. There’s an undeniable charm in everything he produces, and you can sense that it’s something that comes from his persona as much as his musical prowess.

Together this makes a team of supreme artists to excite you with the best of their creativity and skill, and that’s something worth cheering about. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #90 zip

’Pomo – Start Again Ft. Andrea Cormier’
’Chordashian – Questions Feat. Frances Rose (JackLNDN Remix)’
’Chromeo – Jealous (Funk LeBlanc Remix)’
’Blonde – Higher Ground (feat. Charli Taft)’
’Seven Lions – Strangers (The Eden Project Remix)’
’$aturn – Pentecostic’
’Ryan Hemsworth
「Every Square Inch」(with Qrion)’
’SM!LE – Everyday’
’Alina Baraz Ft. Esta – Paradise (Jarreau Vandal Remix)’
’Mariah Carey – Touch My Body (Harrison TouchMyButt Version)’
’YUNG LEAN x Lido – Gatorade (Manila Killa Ft. Mark Johns Flip)’
’Kappa Kavi – Talk 2 The Heart’
’fwdslxsh – With You (P A T H Remix)’
’Sophia Black – OVR AGN (Equator Club Remix)’
’Willow Beats – Merewif’
’Jason Burns & Sarah Winters – Lightweight’
’Strehlow – space jams’
’MisterMack – Let You Be’
’temu bacot – Boogaloo Blues’
’Linus Complex – In Yellow Glow’
’V A G A B O N D – Divergent’
’Mincha – You Know Me’
’Norman Doray & NERVO ft. Cookie – Something To Believe In (Matoma Summer Remix)’
’Memeb – I see you Ft Kaleem Taylor (Original Mix)’
’JNL + Moses Mayes – Free (Instrumental)’
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