Author Archives: Sara Natkins

[Trap] Major Lazer & DJ Snake Feat. MØ – Lean On (Stellar Remix)

Major Lazer & DJ Snake
Lean On Feat. MØ (Stellar Remix)

When it comes to remixing music, especially some of the biggest songs of today, you are always taking a risk. Some originals are so revered by the fans that anyone who tries to lend their own flavor are immediately dismissed. On the other hand, because we may know a song so well, it’s intriguing to hear it in a different light.

Stellar’s remix of Major Lazer and DJ Snake’s dance hit, “Lean On,” takes the original in a new, bass-filled direction. Entirely replacing the melody with a ridiculously serious series of bass lines, listeners will find themselves unable to resist the hold of its brilliant rhythm and beat. But just to give you a better idea of what we’re talking about, think of a song with one of the heaviest drops you’ve ever heard. Now imagine that drop continuing through out the track, only instead of getting repetitive, constantly switches up, and consistently introduces you to a new rhythm. Basically what we’re getting at here is: this track is a monster, but you won’t know this until you hear it for yourself.

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[Nostalgic] Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Apashe X Oski X Lennon Bootleg)

Backstreet Boys
Everybody (Apashe x Oski x Lennon Bootleg)

All of you are probably asking yourselves, “did I read that title correctly?” “Did The Music Ninja actually just post a Backstreet Boys remix?” Well ninjas, we actually did. Digging deep into our childhoods, Apashe, Oski, and Lennon summon the inner fangirl with their modern take on the boy band’s 1997 pop hit, “Everybody.” The bootleg introduces listeners to a strange, but pleasurable mixture of nostalgia and unfamiliarity. It retains the pop essence of the original and manages to steer clear of tampering with the melody and vocals that have symbolized our youth for over a decade. Simultaneously, the refurbished classic finds its place in today’s music with a harder and grungier feel. So go ahead and take a listen to your soon-to-be favorite guilty pleasure.

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[TMN Exclusive Interview] Jaykode Talks Dream Festivals, In N’ Out Burgers and New Music

JayKode
BeeHive (Out Now)

Only a few days ago, rising bass aficionado, JayKode, released massive track, “BeeHive,” via Buygore. The piece is an elaborate scheme of electronic and live instrumentals that create a sound he labels as “classical bass.” You can hear JayKode demonstrating his mastery of both the piano and guitar, as well as production through out the track.

After having a listen of “BeeHive,” TMN was eager to get to know the producer behind the intense and intricately structured tune.

TMN: Many who listen to your music may be unaware that you’re not only a producer, but additionally, a classically trained musician. What made you decide to create electronic music?

JayKode: It’s been a long and interesting journey. I’ve been doing music almost my whole life. Like you mentioned, I started playing the piano when I was 7, then picked up the guitar when I was 13. Ever since then, I told myself that my number 1 goal in life would be to get my music out there to the world. Back then, I was heavy into the hardcore and metal scene but as I was growing out of it, I started getting into electronic music because all my friends were listening to it. This is back in 2007/2008, so the music was very different compared to how it is now but there was this energy and heaviness that really appealed to me. It was actually very similar to metal as far as composition, build-ups, drops/breakdowns, etc…Once I discovered Wolfgang Gartner, who is still one of my biggest inspirations to this day, I realized that I can actually use my classical skills and guitar skills and combine them to make some really dope electronic music. I feel like he was one of the first to really break that barrier by combining extremely melodic/classical elements with super distorted basslines and I immediately fell in love with his music because of that. That’s really when I embarked on this journey.


TMN: Would you consider electronic music the most predominant genre in CA at this time?

JayKode: I think so. I mean hip-hop is still a very big part of California, and more specifically Los Angeles, culture but I don’t think it’s bigger than electronic music. I know this is an overused example, but look at the Sahara tent at Coachella. Every year they put more and more emphasis on that stage and it keeps getting bigger and crazier with each festival. Sometimes it’s even more crowded than the main stage. It’s also mostly what you hear on the radio nowadays as well. Whether we want to accept it or not, the boundaries between pop and electronic music are becoming almost non-existent at this point. Mainstream pop nowadays IS mostly electronic music.

Read the rest of our interview with JayKode after the jump!

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[Future] The Chainsmokers – Roses Feat. ROZES

The Chainsmokers
Roses ft. Rozes (Original Mix)

The first thing we do when we wake up in the morning, at least most of us, is look out our windows to see what the weather is like. Usually just this simple act can set our mood for the rest of the day. Whether good things or bad things come your way within those next 24 hours, the way you perceive everything is predetermined by that one glance. But this is when music becomes the hero. Just one push of the play button and a single song can completely change our attitude for the remainder of the day.

So what’s a perfect example of one of these powerfully effective songs? How about The Chainsmokers’ newly released original, “Roses,” featuring Philly vocalist, ROZES? From start to end, the signature uplifting and melodically rich production of the charismatic duo fills your ears with sweetness and your mind with visions of cloudless skies and sunshine. Surfacing this is the soft, yet resonating voice of ROZES, who sings of the notion of a beautiful romance. Her voice harmonizes with a not-so-familiar voice during the buildup, that of The Chainsmokers’ very own, Drew, consequently adding a sense of depth to the track.

So go ahead and click that play button, because the next time you wake up, you will be smelling nothing but “Roses.”

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[Chill] Basenji Feat. Scenic – Petals

Basenji
Petals (feat. Scenic)

You know those tracks where you don’t even need to listen for a full 5 seconds before knowing it’s going to be amazing? That slight feeling of adrenaline rushing through you as you anticipate what’s going to come next, knowing that it’s only going to keep getting better? Well, that’s exactly the sensation we felt when we pressed play on Basenji‘s latest release.

“Petals” beckons your ears with the soothing effect of Scenic‘s voice over a combination of a relaxed beat and a mellifluous melody. While each layer of the song is modest in sound, the simplicities found in the textures are blended so perfectly together that they yield a product that is both delicate and striking.

The tune reminds us that it is not always about having the most intricacy and detail in order to be appealing. On the contrary, the most uncomplicated of songs, many times, are the ones we consider most beautiful and respectable. It is nearly impossible not to admire Basenji. He has acquired the skill to produce music that is stunning, yet is made up by such simple parts, an ability more impressive than most.

Listen to the single above, and after you’re done, make sure to grab a copy for yourself from iTunes.

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[Trap] Apashe x Tha Trickaz – Trap Requiem

Apashe x Tha Trickaz
Trap Requiem

Like music that packs on the bass? Then click the sideways triangle above. “Trap Requiem” is an absolute monster of a song. Apashe and Tha Trickaz come together again for an original on Kannibalen Records. Each of these acts are known for their destructive bass music, but together they are unmatched in intensity. In fusing orchestral elements into this beast, they created something truly divine. Dig the massive sound? Then make sure to grab your copy here!

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[Future] Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Real Love (Blaklyte & ALMOND Remix)

Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne
Real Love (Blaklyte & ALMOND Remix)

Music has a powerful way of speaking to us. It’s able to trigger a multitude of deep emotions, moods, and thoughts through sound. Since it’s that time of year when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, what better than to release music that brings about uplifting and blissful feelings?

The Clean Bandit team and Jess Glynn are both gurus of feel-good music. They are able to develop songs that elicit the most euphoric of emotions and moods. “Real Love” is one of many of their songs that, from beginning to end, pervades us with only warm feels.

What happens when Blaklyte and ALMOND team up for a remix of “Real Love?” They produce musical magic. Taking the original, they insert an upbeat, poppy melody, toss in samples of chirping birds, and bring it all together with funky instrumentals. The result is a stimulating remix that, guaranteed, will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Take a listen to this remix, and trust us, you won’t be able to help but smile.

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