Latest Electronica Posts

[Festival Review] CRSSD Epic Weekend Recap

Posted by TMN Staff - October 7, 2016

(PC: Felicia Garcia / CRSSD Fest)

San Diego’s Waterfront Park hosted its fourth CRSSD Fest this weekend, a place that’s become home to lovers of electronic music across the entire Southern Californian region. Maintaining a similar aesthetic to the previous CRSSD festivals at the park, the scene was filled with feelings of a tropical escape, an escape that differs only so slightly from that of the city the event is held in, but it’s the difference that gives patrons a feeling that they’ve left home and arrived at a new one. The lineup, as always, was stacked with legends and exciting up and comers alike. TMN had the opportunity to check out the show, and we’ve got a full run-down below.

The fest kicked off its first day with huge names like MK, Justin Martin, Miike Snow, Cashmere Cat, and Bonobo. As per usual, Dirtybird showed up in big numbers, and Justin Martin’s set and Shiba San’s set were ones to remember. There’s always something so special about the Dirtybird crowd. Knowing that all of your lives were probably touched at one point by Shiba’s track “OKAY” is a strong bond that not many other labels can achieve, and Shiba’s set was filled with all the depth and bass one would imagine. Justin Martin’s headlining set drew crowds that were worthy of his talent, and the set was an hour and a half of pure bliss. And while Justin Martin was taking everyone on a journey at one side of the festival, house music legend Marc Kinchen (aka MK) was giving everyone an education on the other side of the fest. Pioneering house music with tracks like “Always” from the 90s, MK has his finger on the pulse of house music now more than ever. We were ecstatic to see him headlining, getting all of the glory that he deserves.

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[Electronic] W I S H I W A S – I Want To Believe (Ft. Cameron Walker)

Posted by Ivan Chung - October 7, 2016

W I S H I W A S
I WANT TO BELIEVE (Ft. Cameron Walker)

Soundcloud

Following the success of “We’re Better Than This” and “Cutting Ties”, LA-based producer Wish I Was is back again with another collaboration with singer Cameron Walker, and this might just be their best work yet.

“I Want To Believe” is like The Postal Service meets EDM. A delightful piano melody starts off the tune together with Cameron’s alt-pop vocals. The chorus features a dance beat and sliced up vocal synths, providing an infectious melody perfect for a love song. A series of robotic Daft Punk-like vocals follows and shows the level of production going into the vocal work.

Wish I Was is hitting a home run with this latest release. If you dig his stuff, make sure to check out his On My Mind album released earlier this year.

[Ambient] Pure One – Become

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 28, 2016

Pure One
Become

Buy

Every once in a while I’m sent a submission so different that I’m not quite sure what to do with it. Such was the case when Pure One landed in my inbox over a year ago with her experimental, ambient and stirring sonic landscapes. The more I listened, the more appreciation I gained for its subtleties, intricate arrangement and soft drum patterns. Rather than evoke the standard instant gratification many expect from music, Pure One’s work feels more focused on transporting listeners to an astral plane of reflection, growing in depth with each listen.

“Become,” the first single off her upcoming Deva EP encapsulates that style as she chops her silky vocal chant of “become your truth” adding reverb among other psychedelic accents. That obscuration teamed with expertly placed piano keys and unconventional, soothing percussive elements results in something that truly evokes self reflection if you allow yourself to truly get lost in it.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint clear influences, fans of artists like Bjork, Sigur Ros and Four Tet may enjoy this one. Listen for yourself above and look out for the Deva EP, which is due out on Bandcamp October 16th via Cora Records.

[Electronic Soul] Abi Ocia – Running

Posted by Mitch Marzuola - September 26, 2016

Abi Ocia
Running

Soundcloud

The instantaneous and powerful sensation of a song taking your breath away doesn’t come around often, but when it does, it acts swiftly with little warning. “Running” has that exact effect, and you’ll want to experience it firsthand. Abi Ocia‘s debut merges thoroughly entrancing and atmospheric production, courtesy of Draper and Mkulu, with her alluring voice into a meaningful and majestic song that carries traces of the always wonderful Jessie Ware throughout.

When it comes to providing a myriad of talented artists, London never falters, and Abi proves the strong case for her hometown yet again by stepping up to that standard right out of the gate. She demonstrates her tact in songwriting and appreciation of exploring the entire space of the song with a deft ease. Now that fall is slowly beginning to show signs of arriving, we’ve got another exceptional song with which to enjoy the incipient colder weather. Get familiar with the name Abi Ocia. She’s on her way to being someone great.

[Electronic] Fytch – Show You (ft. Alisa Nappa)

Posted by Ivan Chung - September 20, 2016

Fytch
Show You (ft. Alisa Nappa)

Buy

Following the success of Falls Like Rain EP, French producer Fytch is back at it with a fresh new track off his upcoming Show Me EP. “Show You” once again features the lovely vocals by Alisa Nappa. Contrasting to their previous collaboration “Over Your Head”, the EP title track has toned down the bass a few notches and embodies a downtempo vibe. Alisa’s fluid vocals takes the track on a smooth sail, which will leave you vibin’ from beginning to end.

Fytch has proven once again just how versatile yet unique his music is. His recent work has helped set the bar high for bass music, and we cannot wait ’til the full EP comes out this Friday.

[Electronic] Punctual – Eva

Posted by Ash El Gamal - September 7, 2016

Punctual
Eva

Soundcloud

There’s nothing quite as intriguing as discovering a new artist via their first ever single. Without a full catalogue to explore, the possibilities feel endless and such is the case with Bristol newcomers Punctual. While the production duo don’t necessarily offer a new sound altogether with their debut, “Eva,” it’s crisp production and emotive vibe open doors for a wide range of possible directions. Utilizing an addicting vocal loop, ambient pads and building percussion, Punctual create an organic, house-inspired atmosphere bursting with positive energy. Airy guitar and piano melodies only add to that ambience leading up to a dance-floor ready climax.

Fans of TMN-favorites Petit Biscuit, Tourist or Maribou State, definitely don’t want to miss this one. Give “Eva” a listen above and keep your eye out for more new music from Punctual. We’re certainly excited to hear where they take their compelling sound.

[Event Preview/Playlist] The Underground Music Showcase – 7/28 – 7/31 – Denver, CO

Posted by Matthew Bloss - July 27, 2016

It’s no secret at all that The Underground Music Showcase in beautiful Denver, CO has become a mainstay for our Mile-High Ninjas, and as we’re just a day out, we are once again gearing up for another edition of one of the U.S. festival scene’s best kept (not-so) secrets. One of the few remaining music gatherings in the fair city of Denver to eschew the typical smattering of major label festival fare, The UMS boasts a lineup of over 400+ acts strewn across various shops and bars dotting Denver’s historic South Broadway district, and we’ve been salivating like one of Pavlov’s pit-bulls in anticipation of this year’s entry.

Headlined by a number of intriguingly eclectic acts including Poliça, Thee Oh Sees, Sunflower Bean, Allah Las, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and The Bright Light Social Hour as well as some of the city’s most promising acts like Flaural, Shady Elders, déCollage, The Yawpers, Inner Oceans and Sunboy; 2016’s version of The UMS offers us yet another tastefully curated weekend of music in one of the best settings possible. We’ll be out in full force all weekend, and in anticipation of this year’s festivities, we’ve put together a playlist highlighting some of our favorite UMS artists. Get your sunscreen ready, and we’ll be seeing our Denver friends in the sun all weekend!

’POLIÇA – Chain My Name’