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Author Archives: Michael Serratore

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #54

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 23, 2013

There’s no bigger joy in compiling this playlist than when you hear an amazingly chill re-interpretation of a classic song. Listening to the recent September mix from the Satin Jackets, the very first track offered just that, and it was love at first sight. UK small-town artist Henry Green’s atmospheric take on ‘Electric Feel’ was a beautiful cover in its own right, but the deep electronic touch of Russia’s Anton Lanski has taken it to another level of serenity. The vocals, plodding beat and stunning guitar all combine here for a perfect vibe. Take note for next summer, this is the tune for those nights you never want to forget. If we’re talking house classics, then Kaskade’s ‘It’s You, It’s me’ is definitely right up there as one of the best. Marques Wyatt brings a whole new appreciation for this one with a deep, funky spin on the original that is easy-listening at its very finest. To continue the deep house theme we’ve started here, it felt right to throw in the latest edit from this month’s resident featured artist, TJR. Drake’s newest hit is definitely hitting the airwaves hard at the moment, and there are remixes a-plenty floating around the net, but sometimes all it takes is the simple polish of a pro to show the rest how it’s done. And while we’re in the funky dancing mood, it would be tragic if we didn’t highlight Chromeo’s latest disco smash featured a few days back, which has definitely set off quite a bit of excitement for their upcoming album. But if you just can’t wait for some more funk in your life, then Long Beach duo LBCK have got you covered with an infectious track from their latest album, The Goods. It certainly lives up to its name, because that is exactly what it delivers. If you happened to check out the two exclusive chill guest mixes from DJ AA last week on the site, you’ll recognise the peaceful sounds of this next track from EFIX & FLINT. With bird songs, smooth jazz, bright melodies and serene atmosphere, there’s not a single element they haven’t thought to include in this beautiful piece of music. Big thanks to DJ AA for bringing this wonderful song to our attention in his mix, and for continuing to produce his signature chill bootlegs for the dojo, like the one you’ll find below.

It’s an awesome blend of sounds this week, and there’s sure to be a few on the list that will be instant favourites. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #54 zip

’MGMT – Electric Feel (Gespleu Downcast Edit)’

’Kaskade – It’s You, It’s Me (Marques’ Deep Interpretation Remix)’

’Drake – Hold On, We’re Going Home (TJR 120bpm refix)’

’Chromeo – Over Your Shoulder’

’LBCK – Take You Away’

’EFIX & FLINT – Wild Boy’

’FM Laeti x Wayward x Nora En Pure – Show Me The Way (AA ‘Only Flaw x Come With Me’ Bootleg)’

’Rezonate – Lonely (feat. Bijou)’

’Sizzlebird – Waterfall’

’Jaymes Young – Moondust (Ianborg & Bronze Whale Remix)’

’wouterhamel – Noam (remixed By Boeboe)’

’Canblaster – I Think About U’

’SWIM DEEP – Honey (Oceaán Remix)’

’IAMNOBODI – Mango Juice & Coconuts’

’Dude Skywalker – Notorious Dude’

’Moods – The City That Never Sleeps (Rotterdam)’

[TMN Artist Feature] Introducing DJ AA + Exclusive Guest Mixes

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 19, 2013

’The Music Ninja: DJ AA Guest Mix (Deep House)’

’The Music Ninja: DJ AA Guest Mix (Downtempo)’

Frequent followers of the Chill Dojo will have seen the name of DJ AA popping up a lot recently, and for good reason. After his sensational bootleg of No Diggity and Bondax charmed us with its soulful style, his brand of super chill edits have been a regular feature in the weekly playlist. As downtempo production continues to evolve and audiences begin to crave these sounds more and more, he’s shown he’s got quite a good ear for quality chill music, and that’s something we can definitely dig. He’s put together two exclusive mixes for The Music Ninja to prove just that, so hit that play button and read on below as we formerly introduce you to DJ AA.

TMN: Let’s kick things off with a bit of an intro, tell me a bit about growing up in your home town and early music influences.

AA: Growing up in Oman in the Middle East I was always surrounded by unbelievable nature from beach to mountains to sand dunes, we have it all. I have always been obsessed with all kinds of music but it wasn’t till around 2003 when a good friend of mine exposed me to house music and everything changed. Songs like ‘Madan’ (Martin Solveig), ‘Summer Moon’ (Africanism) & ‘Your Body’ (Tom Novy) made me want to become a better DJ.

TMN: What were you doing before music, what made you take the step to take it up as a career?

AA: I started DJing in highschool (very poorly, with 2 discmen and a mixer – just pressing play and cutting in the next track), eventually I got myself a set of proper decks and mixer and really started to learn the art of mixing. When I got to University in Boston I would make mix CDs for friends and eventually I had an opportunity to play at a club. When I moved back to Oman in 2009, I stopped DJing completely – Joined my family business and became “serious” in life. I would share some mixes online every other month but that was the extent of it. At the end of 2012 – a hotel in Oman, The Chedi Muscat, approached me to help change the music at the property. I used to mix mostly electro house but my tastes had changed and by the time I started working with The Chedi I was mostly into Deep House and some Downtempo Chill music. I still work with my family business and I am doing music on the side.

TMN: So what is the music scene like back home?

AA: Oman is a small country and we have never had access to big DJs or artists. People have to go to nearby cities like Dubai to be able to see big artists, however, thanks to the internet and social media people are aware here and are craving a better nightlife scene. At The Chedi Muscat we are trying to improve the scene by providing a venue that plays unique music.
TMN: Tell me about some of the venues you’ve played at, and your favorite one.

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[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #53

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 16, 2013

With week number 53 clocking over it almost feels like a new start, that is until you realise that every dojo brings something fresh to the table. Come check out our weekly specials below.

It all starts with Shoe Scene Symphony, a pair of talented producers from Southern California, and their unique take on a recent hit from Kaskade. ‘Atmosphere’ was one of the biggest tracks this summer, and is sure to ignite a ton of hard-hitting remixes with wild festival crowds in mind. However, these guys have captured the emotion of this song in a way far more powerful than any heavy drop. The pleasant electronic melodies and rhythmic percussion make for one incredible vibe that does justice to the polish of the original. And speaking of remixes, just when I thought I had heard enough interpretations of Goldroom’s ‘Fifteen’ for one lifetime, J-Art & Madan have come out with another to make me fall in love with it all over again. It’s got a tropical flavour as you’d expect, but is still incredibly fresh through and through, with plenty of special touches to keep your head bopping the whole time. But now the time is right to get your whole body moving with another incredible groove from Aeroplane. This jam was made for setting dancefloors alight, and that bassline just can’t be ignored. Not a week goes by where Kaytranada doesn’t blow our mind with another future sounding beat, and this time it’s Azealia Banks getting the remix treatment from the master. It’s getting harder and harder to describe the constant magic he’s able to produce, but it’s also at the point where seeing his name alone in a post warrants an instant download anyway. Elevated, the first official release from incredible beatmaker IAMNOBODI is out soon, but to wet your appetite he’s dropped a preview with ‘Maputo Dance’. Sexy bass is always a winner in our books, and the man knows how to set the vibe just right with his silky sounds.

It’s been a very good week for chill music, simple as that. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #53 zip

’Kaskade – Atmosphere (Shoe Scene Symphony Remix)’

’Goldroom – Fifteen (JArt & Madan Remix)’

’Surahn – Wonderful (Aeroplane Remix)’

’Azealia Banks – Atm Jam Featuring Pharrell (Kaytranada Edition)’

’Iamnobodi – Maputo Dance’

’djjdsports – Just little’

’Gladys Knight – Grapevine (Mr. Carmack Remix)’

’Sean Mackey – Mountain Republic (SizzleBird Remix)’

’Bow Wow ft. Ciara – Like You (starRo remix)’

’Tajan & fwdslxsh – Beautiful’

’Bamf – holdmeclose’

’Drake – Hold On, We’re Going Home (Kastle Remix)’

’Jade – Every Day Of The Week (Stwo Edition)’

’Worakls – Good Night my Love (Joachim Pastor remix)’

’Lindstrøm – Vōssākōrv (Hemingway Remix)’

’GAMPER & DADONI, De Hofnar – Oxas’

’Markus Spitta, Tom Odell & Fleetwood Mac – Dancing In The Rain (AA ‘Everywhere’ Bootleg)’

’Noah – It Breaks Your Heart (Marv Remix)’

’Laid Blak – Lava (Timmokk Remix)’

’James Blake – I Am Sold (Stil & Bense Remix)’

’Nova Albion – City Streets (MyKill Remix)’

’Bostro Pesopeo – Cheer up’

’Le Roi Crocodile – How I Feel’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #52

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 9, 2013

Every week on the Chill Dojo is a celebration of music, but number 52 is a whole lot sweeter marking a year’s worth of playlists since it first began. It’s been a great journey so far covering a number of emerging artists doing creative things, as well as some of our favourite names who continue to produce and develop their amazing trademark styles. And if recent weeks have been any indication, things are only going to get better as time goes on.

If there was ever a song to celebrate this occasion, it’s this latest one from Australian producer Wave Racer, who takes the groovin original track ‘The Dofflin’ to the next level with his infectious sound. The artist is creating all kinds of buzz lately, and not just in his home country either, with a recent signing to Future Classic and massive coverage all over the blogosphere. Granted, the Chill Dojo has been caught napping in posting his music, but it’s definitely a case of better late than never here. A quick listen to any of the tracks featured below will be enough to know why he’s got plenty of people dancing, chilling, or even just smiling at how damn good he sounds. Switching things up now to some chill house and a man that needs no introduction in Joris Voorn. To the joy of many fans, ‘Ringo’ has finally had a recent release and it’s not hard to see what the anticipation was all about. Put simply, it’s just a beautiful song which has been crafted to perfection, progressing along with plenty of intricate details and magical moments. In much the same way, Germany’s Stimming delivers the same kind of sentiments to his remix of ‘Kids Play’, which definitely brings back fond memories of summers come and gone. And if we’re talking house, you just know we want to throw in some funky French flavour, and thankfully Edward Newgate has come up with the goods with a superb remix of FKJ. Keeping on trend we’ve also got the usual suspects in Ta-Ku and Kaytranada amongst the playlist, and we’ve even ended things off in our favourite with a little reggae number courtesy of Demouche. A perfect way to top off what’s been a great year of chill music.

For chill ninjas old and new, we hope you continue to enjoy these playlists and the exciting things to come. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #52 zip

’Cosmo’s Midnight – The Dofflin (Wave Racer Remix)’

’Wave Racer – Rock U Tonite’

’Wave Racer – Stoopid’

’Ghost Town DJ’s – My Boo (Wave Racer Remix)’

’Joris Voorn – Ringo’

’Ian Pooley – Kids Play (Stimming Remix).mp3′

’FKJ – Lying Together (Edward Newgate Remix)’

’Hayden James – Embrace (Version)’

’Zero 7 – Don’t Call It Love (12″ Version) feat. Tom Leonard’

’Taku – We Were In Love’

’Kaytranada – At All’

’Joel Compass – Fucked Up (Compuphonic Remix)’

’Koreless – Never (8prn rmx)’

’Xian – Feel’

’stwo – Liz (Arnold x Lil Texas Remix)’

’AZEDIA – Something (Rameses B Remix)’

’Demouche X Rainmaker’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #51

Posted by Michael Serratore - September 3, 2013

Often music news has more to do with celebrity antics than anything of actual musical quality. Well that may be of interest to some, but as far as the Chill Dojo’s concerned, we’re far too wrapped up with what’s really worth talking about, talented artists and amazing music.

Our first track from Moods is exactly that, with a shining example of a raw instrumental that is a million times sexier than any display of ‘twerking’ could ever achieve. We’ve been a strong advocate for the Dutch beatmaker for a while now, and his stunning production on this addition to the latest EP from Catching Flies is well deserving of another shout out. It seems like we’re singing this guy’s praises every week, but lo and behold Kaytranada is back again with that signature bassline and drums that we just can’t get enough of. Whether you choose to dance or just vibe to his latest remix of JMSN, it’s definitely another feather in his cap for what has been an absolute tear of late. The modern revival of R&B classics has been an exciting trend in recent times, with many artists bringing tracks from the late 90’s and early 00’s into a new scene of future sounds mixed with the sexy jams of the past. This week we feature DJ Hoodboi who adds some Jersey Club flavour to this 2001 chart-topper from Ginuwine, which is sure to get bodies moving all over again 12 years later. German duo Gamper & Dadoni have been another revelation to the dojo this week, but their array of bouncy, light-hearted mixes are a perfect way to see out summer. So too is this latest remix from Figgy, who takes on the beloved original from Banks, and brings a new level of warmth to this smooth serenade. Dojo favourite Lane 8 certainly knows his way around a beautiful female voice, so expectations were set pretty high for his remix of the stunning ‘Youth’ from Daughter. But, just as always, his chilled house style perfectly caresses the gorgeous vocals for amazing results. And before we wrap up, we have to give a final shout out to another new discovery in Kygo, the 21 year old Norwegian producer who sports a Soundcloud well worth checking out if you’re digging the tunes we’ve posted below.

So for all the music news that really matters, you know where to go. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #51 zip

’Catching Flies – Sunrays (Moods Remix)’

’JMSN – Love & Pain (Kaytranada Remix)’

’Ginuwine – Differences (DJ Hoodboi Remix)’

’Laura Veirs – July Flame (GAMPER & DADONI Remix)’

’Banks – Warm Water(Figgy Remix)’

’Daughter – Youth (Lane 8 Remix)’

’Passenger – Caravan (Kygo Remix)’

’Ed Sheeran & Passenger – No Diggity vs. Thrift Shop (Kygo Remix)’

’Matt Corby – Brother (Kygo Remix) Free Download’

’Kygo – Laber Bris’

’Macklemore ft. Ed Sheeran – Same Love (De Hofnar Bootleg)’

’Imagine Dragons – It’s Time (Faceless22 Remix)’

’Hot Natured feat. Roisin Murphy – Alternate State’

’Radical Something – Spraypaint (Viceroy Remix)’

’Bondax – Giving It All (Joe Goddard Remix)’

’Drake, Ghost Loft & Stwo – Say Something (AA ‘So High’ Bootleg) ‘

’Drake – Say Something (Stwo Remix)’

’Ghosts Of Paraguay
Come Home (Dubstep Version)’

’Ghosts Of Paraguay & Plutonic
When The Rains Came down’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #50

Posted by Michael Serratore - August 26, 2013

Summer is certainly the season of music and this year has been very good to us indeed. Our recent Mega Summer Playlists are testament to that, not to mention the months of amazing chill music that have brought a whole variety of unique sounds to our ears. Even though the season is winding down now, as long as we have these vibes flowing through the speakers, the feelings of summer will never fade. And that’s exactly how it should be, all year round.

If you didn’t catch our earlier preview of the new single from RAC, this is your official message that it’s one not to be missed. Everything is perfectly on song with this chilled summer anthem, from the groovy chords to the fun lyrics just made to be sung along with friends. The whole track has a free-spirited feel that you wish could last forever. And when it comes to summer anthems, Bondax has quite a few to their name this year, with ‘Giving it All’ sure to be on everybody’s shortlist. Add in the funky bouncing style of French Kiwi Juice to that equation, and you have a certified winner. We also have to pay our respects to Kaytranada this season, for his work would have been part of many a summer festivity in plenty of cities all over. He’s currently embarking on a winter tour of Australia right now, but if these next two features are any indication, he’s sure to be heating things up and getting dancefloors bumping. Whether it’s on a sweet instrumental or on the remix, he always brings the fire. Now usually when it comes to females featuring on chill tracks, we’re praising the incredible vocals they bring to the song. It’s not often we get to speak about female producing talent, but Poland’s Chloe Martini is definitely one on our radar, and damn are we excited about what she brings to this mix. We really do hope this will be a common trend in these playlists in the near future. What has been a common occurence in recent weeks though is the work of DJ AA, who’s back again with a blend of French Kiwi Juice and The Fugees, which sound like the ingredients for the perfect summer cocktail. Well it’s a damn good mix and we’d certainly drink it all day.

Actually, a cocktail would go down pretty well with this playlist. We recommend mixing one up before you hit that play button. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #50 zip

’RAC – Let Go (ft. Kele & MNDR)’

’Bondax – Giving It All (French Kiwi Juice Remix)’

’Kaytranada – Seeu Enni Way’

’Cyril Hahn – Perfect Form (Kaytranada Edition)’

’Brownstone – If You Love Me (Chloe Martini Remix)’

’Ready Or Not (AA ‘Lying Together’ Bootleg)
The Fugees & FKJ’

’Oisima – Everything About Her (Taku Remix)’

’stwo – Liz (Druid Cloak Remix)’

’Abigail Wyles – Mantra (Andrea Remix)’

’Rihanna + Evil Needle = Pour it Up’

’King Krule – Easy Easy (JaeGenius Remix)’

’Minnesota – Stardust Redux (Nanda Remix)’

’Sizzlebird – Make A Wish’

’Felxprod – The Wolf Feat. Thallie Ann Seenyen (TMass Remix)’

’Gero – Turn Around (feat. Kullai Timi) (Satin Jackets Remix)’

’Jason Burns – Back 2 You (Remix)’

’Chris Malinchak – So Into You’

[MP3 Playlist] The Chill Dojo #49

Posted by Michael Serratore - August 19, 2013

Chill music is like that friend in your life that can make light of any situation. The best tracks can bring a smile to your face when it’s needed most, or can make a good moment even better. So here’s to the people and music that make us happy.

If there was ever a melody that embodied these sentiments, it’d be from our track of the week courtesy of LA artist spazzkid. ‘Getting to Know You’ is infectiously joyous, the kind of music that looks to spread all the good vibes you can possibly fit into 5 minutes. The kind of tune that could even tame an enraged bear (wouldn’t recommend testing that though). Continuing the positive feelings is the young talented Parisian, Stwo, with a silky smooth remix of some classic Nas. The up-and-coming producer hasn’t been in the game for too long, but is already getting plenty of notice for his soulful skills. It’s a magical thing when well-crafted lyrics are matched with a track of equal quality, and this one certainly has it all happening. If you’d like another example of such a perfect pairing, bootleg specialist DJ AA has done it again with a super chilled mix combining the vocals of Ben Harper with Affelaye’s ‘Never Felt Real’. We bow down to you and your genius ear for stellar mashups. We’re certainly not short of fresh talent this week, our next feature highlighting an amazing Ellie Goulding edit from Australian duo, Latchless. From their self-description as “Full-time Ninjas”, we could already tell they would fit in well here, and the track certainly ticks all the right boxes. Just perfect. And we’ll end this week’s features with another perfect note, this remix from Henry Krinkle. The production on this future-sound is just too good, with a soundscape that is oh so sexy.

So definitely plenty to smile about in this week’s playlist. And we’ll do it all again next time. Peace out.

Chill Dojo #49 zip

’spazzkid – Getting To Know You’

’Nas ft. Lauryn Hill – If I Ruled The World (Stwo & Fitzroy Remix)’

’Ben Harper & Affelaye – No Sunshine (AA ‘Never Felt Real’ Bootleg)’

’Ellie Goulding – Tessellate (Latchless Edit)’

’Cyril Hahn – Perfect Form (Henry Krinkle Remix)’

’Joel Compass – Astronaut (Ghost Loft Remix)’

’Flowers Groove – Strange Feelings (Moose Fusca Remix)’

’Holy Models – Swimming (Tesla55 Remix)’

’Goldroom – St. Ides Heaven (Elliott Smith Cover)’

’Tensnake ft. Fiora – See Right Through (Yaaman Remix)’

’A$AP Rocky – Fashion Killa (Blackbird Blackbird Remix)’

’EmbusE – Heads Up’

’Sizzlebird – Skyward’

’Sweater Beats & Arnold – Jello Drip’

’Catching Flies & Ifan Dafydd – Don’t Know How (Free DL)’

’Tiger Tsunami – Antarctica’

’Saes – Alcanzame’

’FilosofischeStilte – Growth.mp3′