Latest Synth-pop Posts

The New Division – Introspective [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - June 9, 2015

The New Division
Introspective

If you’re not hip to this Riverside, California-based electronic act just yet, today will mark the day you follow him on Spotify, Soundcloud, Facebook, and Twitter.

Having already experienced success with two albums, two EP’s, and experiencing tremendous love and support at Pitchfork and NME, The New Division is back with a third full-length album, produced in collaboration with F.J. DeSanto from Hypefactor. Titled Gemini, it boasts 13 songs, including “Introspective,” all which are officially coming out on June 23rd.

Also known as John Glenn Kunkel, The New Division’s roots are planted firmly in the new wave music sector of the massive electronic landscape we’ve come to know today. “Introspective” is a shining example of that style, bringing Kunkel’s signature sound to listeners through a luscious soundscape developed by layers of sonorous guitars, uplifting synths, and, of course, that iconic voice.

It’s also available to purchase, as of right now, via iTunes. We strongly suggest you head over and show your support.

[Dance/Pop] Moonboy Inc. – Forever (feat. FEMME)

Posted by Matthew Bloss - June 4, 2015

Moonboy Inc.
Forever (feat. FEMME)

Soundcloud

From what we’ve been told, Moonboy Inc. -the very new and very dance-centered project of Berlin based artist and producer Christoph Ryman- has been polishing up a series of infectious, piano led singles to trot out under his latest moniker. “Forever” is the debut tune from Moonboy Inc. and its fluidly wormed its way into our heads (and headphones for that matter) behind an effective sampling of shuffled hi-hats, uplifting but reverb laden vocals from the lovely FEMME, and crystaline bass. And we also love a good story behind a tune, which “Forever” certainly has. Moonboy Inc and Femme’s joint effort came about per chance at a Berlin house party, as the two were so serendipitously introduced by a mutual friend, immediately struck up a musical bond, and decided to collaborate. Moonboy’s instrumentation flirts with pop structure and House sound kits while FEMME’s penetrating reverberations weave a crisp finish to this one, resulting in a single we’ve been chomping on all day. “Forever” is the first single from a pending three-track EP due out late this year. Until we’ve got the entire thing, we’ll be reveling in the glow of this one.

[Future] Sam Gellaitry – Waiting So Long (CRNKN Remix)

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 3, 2015

Sam Gellaitry
Waiting So Long (CRNKN Remix)

Download

At the ripe age of 22, future producer CRNKN has become the torch-bearer of musical relevance for his home state of New Hampshire. Championing Northeast vibes from his new home in Los Angeles, CRNKN has put together quite an impressive track record thus far, earning him spots in the Northern Nights and Shambhala Music Festivals later this summer.

CRNKN has made a name for himself relatively quickly by releasing unique, aesthetically diverse remixes of popular songs by Alesso, Purity Ring, Major Lazer, and Banks.

This morning, CRNKN released a remix of fellow up-and-comer Sam Gellaitry’s song “Waiting So Long”, the latest attempt at pioneering his unique sounds among an increasingly talented new wave of musicians. It’s a unique take on Sam Gellaitry’s original; complete with a heavy synth-ensemble, toned-down trumpet sequences, and timely bass looped over the playful vocals–reminiscent of recent works by Brasstracks. Enjoy a taste of the future above and grab a free download if you’re feeling it.

[Deep House] Cyril Hahn – Last ft. Joel Ford

Posted by Dominic Powell - June 2, 2015

Cyril Hahn
Last ft. Joel Ford

Stream Only

After a nearly three month hiatus, Cyril Hahn‘s newest single, “Last,” proves more than worth the wait. The highly regarded Vancouver-based producer teamed up with a relative newcomer in Brooklyn-based vocalist Joel Ford in creating his latest masterpiece. The end product of their collaboration is a lengthy single, running over five minutes, complete with all of the synth and bass one would expect from previous Cyril Hahn hits such as “Perfect Form“.

“Last” portrays the musical talents of Cyril Hahn, who has been able to build on a recipe that has provided him so much success, while also demonstrating his ability to constantly advance his signature brand of house music.

Cyril Hahn’s EP Begin is set to release soon via PMR Records.

[Denver Giveaway/Event Preview] Miami Horror w/ De Lux – 5/26 – Larimer Lounge

Posted by Matthew Bloss - May 21, 2015

Miami Horror
Love Like Mine feat. Cleopold + Denver Giveaway!

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It’s our favorite time again friends, as we’ve got another great show put together for the fair city of Denver. The Music Ninja, along with our friends at Souls In Action, are proud to present flag-bearing Melbourne synth-rock & dance troupe Miami Horror and L.A. rising alt-poppers De Lux next Tuesday, May 26, at one of our most cherished and intimate Mile High venues, the Larimer Lounge. Of course, we haven’t just come today to toot our own horn; as always, we wanted to get you Ninjas in on the action as well. We’ll be giving away a pair of free tickets to one lucky winner to join us early next week for what will certainly be a night featuring incredible music, an educated and lively crowd and lots of libations (unless of course you are under the legal US drinking age as this is a 16+ event).

Entering our contest is beyond simple. Just “like” both The Music Ninja & Miami Horror on Facebook, and comment on the post below with your favorite Miami Horror song (we’ve even made it easy by including their single “Love Like Mine” above) and boom! You’re entered. For those of you who’d rather secure their spots at the show, you can punch your ticket the old fashioned way here too. Good luck Ninjas!

[Electro/Synth-Pop] Elohim – She Talks Too Much

Posted by Matthew Bloss - May 20, 2015

Elohim
She Talks Too Much

Soundcloud

When one spends a majority of their time perusing through countless press blasts, blog rolls and Soundcloud posts; those moments in which an unknown artist surfaces out of the blue with a complex and thought-out debut tune tend to be the most special. Currently stationed in Los Angeles, Elohim stirred up one of those aforementioned moments within this writer by way of her first single, “She Talks Too Much”. Comparisons have been drawn by a couple of us TMN staffers already to early Dragonette, but most importantly, Elohim carries a sound of her own. Blending luscious synth hooks over a rolling 80’s drum kit at its base, “She Talks Too Much” simultaneously wields an obviously vocal driven focal point. Elohim’s buoyant but penetrating refrain inches its way into every nook and cranny of the pop driven melody, resulting in an admirable introduction to the world. “She Talks Too Much” will see release on a 12″ vinyl A/B side, featuring backing single “Xanax” as well, via B3SCI Records, which you can pre-order here, and you can bet we’ll be on the line for more from Elohim in the near future.

[Nu-Disco] CAPPA – Killin’ It (Eau Claire Remix)

Posted by Matthew Bloss - May 20, 2015

CAPPA
Killin' It (Eau Claire Remix)

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Rachel Wong’s consistent evolution and progression of sound through her Eau Claire project has been a hot topic of conversation around TMN lately. The DC based disco slayer has continually raised expectations with every passing release, most recently being featured through a properly deep take on Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is”; and shows no signs of slowing down her assiduous output. Today, Eau Claire’s teamed up with Nashville by way of Philly artist CAPPA to author a disco infused remix of “Killin’ It”, taking the original’s slick downtempo pop feel and framing it gorgeously through a syrupy, even more danceable lens. As the weather turns a bit warmer stateside, we’re expecting to hear this one on rooftops and pool parties all season. Stream Eau Claire’s “Killin It” remix above, and grab a free download here.