Author Archives: TMN Staff

[House] Bleu Clair – Sand Dunes

Summer’s alive and well – just ask anyone in the current heatwave. What’s even hotter is “Sand Dunes” from the Indonesian born producer/DJ Bleu Clair. This independent release is one of our favorite house tunes of not only this year’s festival season, but this year in general.

“Sand Dunes” isn’t shy as it packs a punch from the start. Bleu Clair’s ability to blend sounds from different cultures is on display in full with a song that’s full of influence from the Middle East. It’s catchy, cool and ready for any and all clubs around the world. Bleu Clair plays with the listener taking them on a journey that changes from beginning to end while offering up some pleasant surprises. Add this one to your pool party playlists!

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[Synth Pop] RUNN – If The Devil Is You

Just like the rest of the world that watched the newest season of Stranger Things, RUNN was enamored by the alluring Eddie Munson. The lovable misfit inspired the creation of “If The Devil is You” which follows up from RUNN’s previous solo single “How To Be Happy.”

We knew RUNN could do pop, but this synthy treat is an instant favorite among her incredibly deep discography. What makes this song even more special is that RUNN not only wrote and performed the song, but she produced it herself and released it independently as well. It’s a strong record that will have you falling for it just as easily as we all did for Eddie Munson.

There’s something that Eddie embodied in the show, a misunderstood person, a complex and rough around the edges person, a social reject that really resonated with me. I’ve got a soft spot for people like that, and find that they’re the most loving and passionate people out there. I wanted to write a song to every person who’s ever felt like they weren’t supposed to love who they love, but said “fuck it” and did it anyways.” – RUNN

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Marton Talks New Single + Classical Background [TMN Interview]

The musical maestro Martron has independently released his latest original “The Feeling” and entered the dojo for a little chat. With Martron’s unique musical background, it was cool to get some insight on not only this new song, but also on his background and what’s upcoming with his project.

Before we get to the Q&A, we just want to touch on “The Feeling” as its a laidback gem that blurs the line between genres. With influence from R&B, future, hip-hop and even future bass, it’s a delicious musical treat that is a must have for all chill playlists. Martron did a hell of a job with it and we can’t wait to hear what else he has in store for the rest of this year.

TMN: Can you tell us about your classically trained background and how that informs your music today?

So my classical background consists of playing flute for 20 years, piano for 14 years and writing classical music for about 13 years. All 3 taught me how valuable things like patience, consistency and getting the basics down are. But a major thing for me was hearing the different approaches to playing and writing from different cultures and countries. For example the 2 countries I gravitated to most musically were France and Japan. Studying and listening to the different arrangements, scales and styles made me a better musician.

TMN: What were some of your biggest musical influences growing up? Who are you currently listening to too?

Growing up, some of my biggest influences were The Beatles, Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Steel Pulse, Tool and Daft Punk. When I started producing, Deadmau5, Skrillex, Feed Me, Alison Wonderland and Flume were at the top for me. And lately I’ve been listening to Madeon, Porter Robinson, Fred Again.., The Rolling Stones, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac, Moore Kismet, So Dope and ISOxo.

TMN: Tell us a little about your new song “The Feeling” and how it came together.

The Feeling has many layers, but it’s about my best description of what being in love or being loved feels like. That connection you have with someone where you grow with them and experience life together. It’s something I’ve wanted to write about for a while, but anytime I tried, I wasn’t able to properly express that message. Then one night this year in late May/early June, I sat down to play piano and started improvising over this simple chord progression. I immediately recorded it and when I started putting together the vocal chops, that was it. That was what I was looking for and The Feeling was born.

TMN: What’s been your biggest career milestone so far, and what is your next big goal before the end of the year?

I’d say the biggest milestone of my career was playing a guest mix on Insomniac Radio last November, it’s definitely the coolest milestone of my career if I had a choice. My very talented friends Niiko x SWAE have a show on Insomniac called “NXS Radio” and they were kind enough to invite me on to play. I’ve followed Insomniac for as long as I’ve been producing, doing that was a dream come true and I can’t thank Niiko x SWAE enough for believing in me and giving me that opportunity.

TMN: Who are some artists you’d like to collaborate with?

There are way too many to limit it to just a few but here it goes: The first name that comes to mind is Chandler Leighton. Her voice and writing skills are simply unbelievable. Next is Alison Wonderland, she’s a virtuoso and the energy in her music is contagious. Moore Kismet would be so dope, they’re a great performer and their production skills are unreal. Same with Virtual Riot, his sound design skills are so good, he could probably make a growl by rubbing 2 sticks together. Last one I’ll mention is Madeon, I admire his musicianship and passion so much. To make something with any of these 5 artists would be an honor.

TMN: Have any tips for other producers out there?

Absolutely, here’s an important one: Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, just focus on yourself. There’s no correct way to get where you wanna go with music and comparing yourself to others is certainly not the answer. Do your thing, put the work in, take your time and of course, have fun.

TMN: What else can we expect from Martron before the year closes out?

As of right now, you’re getting at least 2 more original tracks and a remix from me before the year ends. I’m excited for all 3 tracks to finally be out, especially the remix. There are a few more things in the works, like some collabs and projects that I can’t say too much about right now. I’m not sure if any of those will drop this year, but what I can say is there’s a lot new music on the way that I’m really psyched about.

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[Disco House] Sparkee & Sierra – Breathe

Hope you’re ready to dance! Sparkee and Sierra‘s disco-friendly original “Breathe” is a fantastically fun record that is one of our favorite Summer jams of the year. Something this great is to be expected from a producer that wowed Tiesto to win his “The Business” remix competition.

“Breathe” from the start is a vibe, delivering energy quickly with a groove reminiscent of Daft Punk for an infectious introduction. From there Sparkee and Sierra drive forth with a song that’s as dynamic as it is catchy. It’s hard not to feel good when this is playing. And for that reason, among many others, it’s a must add to your playlists before we say goodbye to another Summer!

Having been a fan of Sparkee’s past releases, the opportunity to collaborate was an easy yes! When I heard the instrumental I instantly knew it was the one and the song practically wrote itself. Super excited to give everyone one last banger before the Summer ends.Sierra

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[Dubstep] RUVLO – Chaos EP

New York bass producer RUVLO has dropped his debut EP Chaos on Kannibalen Records. With three track RUVLO takes the next step in his career and further establishes himself as one of dubstep’s gems.

Chaos begins with the AfterMyFall featured “Chaos In The Confines” that is a hard-hitting headbanger hit. Next RUVLO takes the energy even further alongside CRANKDAT for the party anthem “Rage Cage” that is just as heavy as you think it is. Lastly RUVLO shines on his own with the weird and wonky “Giant Spider Invasion.” Overall it’s a strong debut that sets the stage for the next part of RUVLO’s burgeoning career.

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[Future Bass] Danny Olson x RUNN – I Hope You Know

Danny Olson returns with the next chapter of his emotionally charged EP journey. This time working alongside the ever talented RUNN for the inspiring single “I Hope You Know” released on Seeking Blue. As the follow up to “Waking Up” from the upcoming Firelight EP it takes listeners through another expedition through the emotions of losing a loved one.

Despite losing his dad at times Danny found some comfort and inspiration in the lasting impression and memories that still remain. This uplifting emotional crux lives at the heart of this impactful song that really captured the scope of such a feeling. RUNN is as masterful as ever, while Danny shifts his style for a pop-centric hit. If you’re not paying attention – it’s catchy; and if you are, then it hits deep. Don’t let your playlist miss out on this one.

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[House] Checo – Palo Santo (feat. The Magic Mullet)

Miami music producer Checo has joined Doodle’s The Magic Mullet for the vibey original “Palo Santo.” If you’re familiar with the NFT space, then you might already know Checo’s collaborator who aided in creating such a club-ready jam.

“Palo Santo” is as smooth as can be from start to finish. The grooves are phenomenal, the vocal is slick and sultry and the production evolves from beginning to end in a manner that never leaves the listener hanging. Checo and The Magic Mullet brought their A game for a record that will surely live rent free in our playlists for a while.

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