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Author Archives: Michael Serratore

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #60

Posted by Michael Serratore - November 4, 2013

With dojo number 60 we are well into the golden years, but we’re far from retiring anytime soon. This week’s playlist gives us plenty of reasons to keep groovin on, and that’s what we plan on doing for a long time to come.

Now brace yourselves for the insanely sweet funk that is this remix of DCUP’s ‘Don’t be Shy’ by La Felix. Though this rendition wasn’t included on the EP, it may just be our favourite one, and it won’t take long for it to steal your heart as well. The smooth piano melodies and disco flavour sound like something straight out of Breakbot’s playbook, bringing an unescapable charm and a feeling of joy you’ll never want to end. Alas, we do need to move on, but thankfully it’s onto a track that is equally as smooth from one of our favourite artists in Bit Funk. Taking on a hip-hop classic from Pharcyde is no easy task, but the way this set the Hypem charts alight over this past week is testament to how well this was pulled off. This is the version for 2013 which nails the vintage 90’s style to a tee. Another man who oozes old school flair in everything he does is Aeroplane, and his latest remix of Mayer Hawthorne is another treat for disco fiends everywhere. The gifts keep on coming with this bright and sunny take on Goldroom’s ‘Embrace’, which is no doubt the way it is best enjoyed. The original has definitely been getting plenty of remix love lately, but these tropical vibes from UK’s jackLNDN were not to be denied. But for those whose dancing legs aren’t what they used to be, it’s time to tone things down to a more relaxed feeling with this beautiful tune off Maribou State’s recent EP Truths. The sampling and vibes in this song are all on point, making for music that is simply good for the soul. And sometimes simplicity is the best thing when it comes to chill music, especially when dealing with the calibre of London Grammar’s ‘Hey Now’. Phil Drummond stays true to that notion completely with his edit of the original, adding subtle touches ready made for deeper house sets. On a final note, we end the playlist with a tribute to the passing of legend Lou Reed, a man whose musical contributions will never fade.

That’s the magic of this powerful stuff we enjoy writing about so much. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #60 zip

’Dcup – Dont be Shy (La Felix remix)’

’The Pharcyde – Runnin’ (Bit Funk Remix)’

’Mayer Hawthorne – Wine Glass Woman (Aeroplane Remix)’

’Goldroom – Embrace (JackLNDN Remix)’

’Maribou State – Moon Circles’

’London Grammar – Hey Now (Phil Drummond Edit)’

’Stwo – Syrup’

’Sweater Beats – Do It For Me ft. Erin Marshall’

’SkeeLo – I Wish (Xtopher Remix)’

’Emily Underhill – Dreamcatcher (Cross Them Out Remix)’

’Justin Bieber – Hold Tight (Figgy Remix)’

’Le Roi Crocodile – Inside’

’Sizzlebird – Never Be Afraid’

’Sizzlebird – Forgotten World’

’Le Moti – Drippy’

’Moods – Take You There’

’FloFilz – Nomind’

’Amtrac – Walkin’ (Autograf Remix)’

’Pete Oak – Lyra (Original Mix)’

’Neon Chief – Indian Summer’

’Agnes Obel – Fuel To Fire (Xinobi Rework)’

’Rihanna – Diamonds (Sorgloss Bootleg)’

’Freddy Verano feat. The Beatles – Lonely People (Original Mix)’

’Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side (John Monkman, Tribute edit)’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #59

Posted by Michael Serratore - October 28, 2013

This week’s highlights are all about music for those late night pensive moments, the backing tracks to those times we lie awake lost in thought. It’s music like this that helps clear the mind and accentuate the experience. So delight your ears and feed your mind with some aural stimulation below.

When it comes to selecting and writing about songs for the Chill Dojo, it’s less about the technical side of things and more about music that makes you feel. 18-year old Dutch producer shak. captures that notion completely with a track that’s not only steeped in emotion, but shows production finesse far beyond his years. ‘Only Now’ from his upcoming EP, Slow Wonders, is an ambient masterpiece filled with smooth guitar progressions and hauntingly beautiful vocal echoes, savoured best in those moments when the mind goes wandering. With similar effect comes the next track from Chicago’s KR$CHN, who adds his downtempo flavour to the gorgeous Dreamcatcher EP from Emily Underhill. Apart from the incredible ambience and stunning use of the original vocals, the real treat here is the meticulously crafted drum patterns, which oftentimes emulates that of a beating heart, and will no doubt have yours racing in kind. Long time dojo favourite Sizzlebird was also on remix duties for the EP, providing his emotional brand of chillstep we know and love. Heavy bass and aggression are something that are easily paired together, and Koan Sound have quite an arsenal of tracks boasting this punchy style. Their latest Sancutary EP goes down a different path though, and it’s a breath of fresh air to hear big sound design mixed in an emotive way that yields a truly mellow experience. It’s a divine combination of layers and atmosphere across the whole release, but we’ve selected the two that resonated with us the most. Rameses B is no stranger to this style of production either, and he delivers another melodic slice of dnb heaven with some assistance from the angelic voice of Veela. We can’t get too wrapped up in the deep side of things though, so Druid Cloak helps kicks off a change to the playlist with a dose of funk from his Return to the Grove EP. From here onwards there’s plenty of smooth jams and upbeat dancey tunes to enjoy as always.

So don’t overthink what to do next because the week’s best chill music is right below. That’s a no-brainer. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #59 zip

’shak. – Only Now.’

’Emily Underhill – Dream Catcher (KR$CHN Remix)’

’Emily Underhill – Dreamcatcher (SizzleBird Remix)’

’KOAN Sound & Asa – This Time Around ft. Koo’

’KOAN Sound & Asa – Sanctuary’

’Rameses B – Timeless (feat. Veela)’

’Druid Cloak – Ghost Iron’

’stwo – Quiet Life’

’IAMNOBODI – Cali (Part Deux)’

’Cherokee – Don’t Matter feat. Darianna’

’Owl Eyes – Open Up (Motez Remix)’

’Jhameel – Feisty (Blue Satellite Remix)’

’Patrick Baker – Control (Pherotone Remix)’

’Patrick Baker – Black Clouds’

’Koda – Staying’

’Justin Bieber – All That Matters (Tommy Jacob Remix)’

’Affelaye x BIG – This Could Be Superman? (AA Bootleg)’

’JMSN – The One’

’Sohn – The Wheel (CBR Remix)’

’Lily Kershaw – As It Seems (De Hofnar Edit)’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #58

Posted by Michael Serratore - October 21, 2013

Whether it’s dancing, head-bopping or just plain chilling out, we’ve got you covered in #58 with all that’s fresh for another week.

It was tough to decide just how to start, but this new jam from 5 man Melbourne band Jakubi is just too damn funky to pass up, so let’s start this playlist with dancing shoes at the ready. The artists themselves like to delve into a variety of styles with their music, and it’s easy to hear the rich blend of influences going on here. All the different elements are on point right from the get go, but it’s the last minute where the song really takes things to another level. Yeah ok, we’re really just suckers for a talkbox solo, but then again who isn’t? We also have a weakness for anything from Mr. Carmack, and we’ve plucked out a track from a collection of beats he’s been putting together recently to kick off our own series of beats for this playlist. This man has a gift for creating vibes that’s for sure, and the melody and atmosphere on this instrumental are really something else. But it was when that horn solo kicked in that things turned from appreciation to love with this track, and it was destined to be on repeat for days. Another man who can weave a tune like it was fired from Cupid’s arrow is US producer Pascäal. ‘Drowning in You’ certainly caught our attention with its smooth stylings and incredible use of sampling. If you’re now as addicted to his sound as we are, go check out the rest of his latest EP Fragile, where there are plenty more gems like this. Australian artists have been all over the playlist in recent weeks, and Sydney’s Hayden James has taken on a single from Melbourne dream-pop band Snakadaktal to make sure the presses keep running hot. The original was already an indie summer hit in its own right, but Hayden has turned up the chill factor with this amazing electronic remix, using those gorgeous vocals to full effect. The beats are far from over though, as dojo favourites IAMNOBODI and Sweater Beats throw their hat in the ring for one truly jamming playlist.

This edition’s got a feeling you’ll want to bottle up and enjoy for days. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #58 zip

’Jakubi – Feels Like Yesterday’

’Mr. Carmack – Day 7: Awe’s “Jurassic”‘

’Pascäal – Drowning in you’

’Snakadaktal – Fall Underneath (Hayden James Remix)’

’IAMNOBODI – Arguments , Hugs & Arguments Again’

’Sweater Beats – Feel Me’

’KOAN Sound & Asa – Starlite’

’Sizzlebird – Where We Belong’

’Astronomyy – Drivin Me Crazy’

’Goldroom – Adalita (feat. Chela)’

’Chordashian – Skyscraper Souls Feat. Freedom Fry’

’Drake – Too Much Ft. Sampha (Love Thy Brother Remix)’

’J88 – The look of love (FloFilz Remix)’

’AltJ – Breezeblocks (Sebastian Carter Remix)’

’Mariah Carey – Shake It Off (Manila Killa Remix)’

’Chloe Martini – Temptation’

’Stereotic & Ghostpoet – L’automne (AA ‘Meltdown’ Bootleg)’

’Erykah Badu – Times A Wastin (mannmademusic replayed Edit)’

’The Shins – New Slang (GAMPER & DADONI Edit)’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #57

Posted by Michael Serratore - October 15, 2013

So it seems with all this chill music in our heads, we’ve been caught napping on the release of Shook’s debut self-titled album at the start of August. That’s a whole two months we’ve been missing out on our dose of funk from the master himself, but to make things right we’ve highlighted two of the best tracks from the release. ‘Walking To The Sun’ and ‘Always’ carry the signature dreamy groove and sweet melodies that will have your ears charmed in an instant. Go and peep the rest of the album for more of his infectious upbeat tunes. One thing we weren’t going to sleep on is the latest remix from German producer Dinner Date. The indie roots of the DAWA original is maintained in this mellow house interpretation, with a relaxing beat and stunning atmosphere taking this song to the next level as the perfect chill-out material. When you hear tracks like this, you can be sure he’s a name you will see again for many more playlists to come. Check out his other remix below for more of the great work coming from this artist. If any of you were caught dozing this past week and happened to miss this post from earlier on, here’s a wake-up call to say that the Thomas Jack remix of ‘Little Talks’ is definitely worth your attention. He’s certainly got the attention of Hype Machine on numerous occasions, and with the tropical vibes flowing freely from this catchy tune, it’s not hard to see why. Now let’s crank it up a bit from warm to hot and steamy with the latest bedroom magic from Giraffage. Our man from San Fran infuses a bright melody into the sultry tone of the original and then let’s loose with a rumbling bass breakdown for good measure. No stranger to this sexy side of the spectrum is dojo favourite stwo, wooing fans like only the French know how with two emotional R&B delights. And of course, if we’re talking the smoother side of things, we couldn’t leave out one of our favourite vocalists, Patrick Baker, whose amazing single ‘Control’ received the silky remix treatment from 5 Reasons, an artist combo that’s worked mighty fine in the past as well.

So now we’re all caught up on the latest chill news to report. Try not to get too lost in these relaxing tunes. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #57 zip

’shook – Walking To The Sun’

’shook – Always’

’DAWA – Roll The Dice (Dinner Date Remix)’

’José González – Crosses (Dinner Date Remix)’

’Little Talks (Thomas Jack Remix) – Of Monsters and Men’

’MOVEMENT – US (Giraffage remix)’

’BASECAMP – Emmanuel (Stwo Remix)’

’stwo – Virgo (ft. Shay Lia)’

’Patrick Baker – Control (5 Reasons Remix)’

’Banks – Warm Water // Zebra Safari Remix’

’The Magician – When The Night Is Over Ft. Newtimers (Claptone Remix)’

’CRNKN – 2K’

’Dilla & Phat Kat – Game Over (Moods Remix)’

’The Stuyvesants – Good Times’

’Mono:Massive – Sunday Jazz Party’

’JL – Hold Moi’

’Sizzlebird – Peace Of Mind’

’Henry Green – Electric Feel (Kygo Remix)’

’Pomo – So Fine’

’Mark Morrison – Return Of The Mack (Traveler Remix)’

’Get It Up For Love (Roller Radio Edit)’

’Simply Red – Sunrise (Deepjack & Mr.Nu Slomo Edit)’

’Simply Red – Something Got Me Started (Deepjack & Mr.Nu Dance Mix)’

’Harrison – Shine A Light’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #56

Posted by Michael Serratore - October 7, 2013

It’s time again to wind down after a hectic week and take a chance to chill before the rush starts again. Indulge in what we’ve put together for edition #56.

Sometimes it takes all of two seconds to know that a track is a winner, and that was exactly the case with the latest downtempo delight from Perth duo Slumberjack. Well known for their sleepy tendencies, this laid-back tune has been specially crafted for those lazy afternoons where getting up and doing something active just doesn’t seem all that appealing. After all, these lush sounds and soothing vocals go down pretty darn well with that perfect spot on the couch. It’s out as a free download along with its own remix package, including the smooth edit from LAKIM below. We’re keeping the beats flowing now with another Aussie producer in ProtoKol, who throws down some groovin chords in his remix of a hip-hop classic from Roots Manuva. And while we’re talking fresh takes on classic songs, dojo favourite French Kiwi Juice breathes new life into timeless soul jam with his trademark funky style that is pure class. Nu Disco is always a welcome addition to the playlist, and German producer Kris Santiago has put a charming spin on the title track from Goldroom’s latest EP. This mellow edit is a perfect fit for Goldroom’s style, with that touch of summer we all know and love. And even though the season is long over in their part of the world, that won’t stop more summer tunes flowing from German artists, with Gamper & Dadoni releasing their take on “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall”. Sure, the song may have received the remix treatment over a thousand times by now, but it’s nice to hear an interpretation that isn’t trying to get a crowd going at a festival, and can just be appreciated for its musical brilliance. We end this week’s write-up in a feel-good way with a track from Norwegian producer Jerry Folk, who also turns out is a big TMN fan. It’s always great to hear that people are loving the music we feature on the site, and even better when they deliver something for us that is right up our alley.

That’s what we have to share for another week, so plant yourself in a comfy spot and enjoy. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #56 zip

’Slumberjack – Crave The Rain feat. Keely Jackson’

’Slumberjack – Crave The Rain (LAKIM Remix) feat. Keely Jackson’

’Roots Manuva – Witness (Protokol Remix)’

’William De Vaughn – Be Thankful For What You Got (FKJ Remix)’

’Goldroom – Embrace (Kris Santiago Remix) NDYD Exclusive Track’

’Coldplay – Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall (GAMPER & DADONI Remix)’

’Daydreamin’ – Jill Scott (Jerry Folk Remix)’

’ellie goulding – burn (leo kalyan remix)’

’I Don’t Wanna Fall in Love (Deepjack & Mr.Nu Remix)’

’CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share (Moon Boots Remix)’

’Jamiroquai – Space Cowboy (Neptune Safari Remix)’

’Klaves – Without You’

’Cut Copy – Free Your Mind (Fort Romeau Remix)’

’Childish Gambino – Heartbeat (GRiZ Bootleg)’

’Djemba Djemba – I Just Go (Tk Kayembe RMX)’

’Justin Timberlake
Until The End Of Time Ft. Beyoncé (Tajan Remix)’

’Wayvee x JT – Let U Knw’

’Chu. – Sunday Morning’

’Crystal Waters – 100% (Atlantic Connection Remix)’

’R. Kelly – Genius (ill esha remix)’

’Louis M^ttrs – War With Heaven (Catching Flies Remix)’

’Free n Losh – The World Within’

[Electro House] Favright – Green Storm

Posted by Michael Serratore - October 5, 2013

Favright
Green Storm

We’ve all got that one playlist stashed away for when we need that instant high-energy rush injected straight into our ears. If yours is sounding a little stale, then we’ve got just the thing. Sydney producer Favright is back on the scene and looking to cause a stir with a track that hits you like a 4 pack of Red Bull. With a hard-hitting electro house style akin to the likes of Feed Me and Wolfgang Gartner, “Green Storm” packs all the aggression and intensity you’d expect from the name. With dancefloor annihilation as the objective, this producer’s come in with a thumping bassline and dutch style synth as his primary weapons of choice. So if you’re hanging out for that extra kick in your day, go and get caught up in the storm. “Green Storm” is out now via Monstercat.

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #55

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 30, 2013

This week we shed some light on some stellar late night tracks, and not the kind you’ll hear at a 4am recovery set in a seedy club. We’re talking about the kind of music you play lying in bed awake, contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Or love. Or the meaning of life. Or whatever other deep, complex stuff keeps you awake at night. Doesn’t matter. All that’s important is that the songs below are superb, so go lose yourself in their beauty.

After we posted about this track last week, it was really a no-brainer that it had to be at the top of the dojo. The recently formed electronic trio FLXXDS, consisting of well known artists Crywolf, Prfft & Svyable, and Gazzo, have debuted with a stellar cover of City and Colour’s ‘Two Coins’. It’s truly a breathtaking remake of the iconic original that just oozes emotion. Another artist that brings emotion like no other is dojo favourite Patrick Baker, and his latest single will have memories of summer come flooding back. His smooth voice has always been the talking point of his previous work, but the production in ‘Summer Lover’ shows this talented man really is the whole package. Kastle has been unstoppable lately, with week after week of mind-blowing material. This time he’s gifted us with a stunning remix of ‘Tessellate’ filled with his signature bassline groove that is Kastle at his very best. It’s been a little while since our latest fix of chill hiphop mixes in this playlist, and these edits of a couple of classics come courtesy of talented beatmakers in Maxo and Demouche. DJ AA returns with another bootleg blending together Rudimental, Bondax and Lorde in a way that just clicks. We round off this write-up in the best way possible with more Ta-Ku magic, this time bestowing his masterful beats on a downtempo take on the big summer hit from LDRU.

One things for sure, you’ll be feeling this one. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #55 zip

’FLXXDS
Two Coins (City & Colour Cover)’

’Patrick Baker – Summer Lover’

’Ellie Goulding – Tessellate (Kastle Remix)’

’Maxo – PUPPET MASTER (Cypress Hill w. Dr. Dre).mp3′

’Demouche – 2pac X Smokesia’

’Not Giving In (AA Royals Bootleg).mp3′

’L D R U – The Tropics (TaKu Remix)’

’Pink Elephant
LAX (WISKIM Edit)’

’IAMNOBODI – Elevated’

’Sweater Beats – Sippin”

’ASTR – Hold On We’re Going Home (Drake Cover)’

’Yumi And The Weather – All We Can (Vondelpark Rework)’

’Aaliyah – Rock the Boat (Carnizzy Remix)’

’Dino Soccio – Another Love’

’Kalai – Flare’

’Nova Casa – My Heart’

’Anna Kendrick – Cups (kataa REMIX)’

’Sizzlebird – Close Your Eyes (Feat. Laura Hahn)’