Latest Video Posts

[Hip-Hop] SonReal – The Name EP

Posted by Tyler Trew - September 1, 2016

If you aren’t familiar with the name SonReal, then you’re in for quite the treat. The Canadian hip-hop all star has been steadily making a name for himself with strong tracks, and stimulating music videos that entertain to a high degree. SonReal is about true artistry in a time when rap/hip-hop seems to be at one of its lowest points in history, talent wise. SonReal so much more than just a hip-hop artist, but he has no problem putting it on his back and bringing it into a renaissance. Most recently, the streets and the internet have been blessed with his EP, The Name.

Because SonReal is both a musical and visual artist, we’re sharing this EP through his videos, rather than the normal route we use in the dojo. If we simply shared the music, we’d be doing a disservice to his full artistic vision. But, let’s move on to the goods. The Name starts off with SonReal’s highly successful single “Can I Get A Witness” that expresses the artist’s dilemma of moving into a new sonic direction. The video portrays a trial of sorts, with SonReal being accused of the heinous crime of developing as a creator. “Can I Get A Witness” has an acoustically driven instrumental that SonReal plays over with his unique charm and flavor-filled lyrics.

Of the five tracks on the EP, two of them got music videos; the first and the last. Now, we dive into the other three. “No Warm Up” is a playful tune that shares the same acoustic edge that the “Can I Get A Witness” has. The thing that sticks out the most about SonReal can be easily heard through “No Warm Up,” and that is his ability to make music fun again. When you listen to an album like the Beastie Boys’ License To Ill, it’s almost as though you can sense the enjoyment and emotions that went into its creation. The same goes for this EP, as well as many of SonReal’s other tracks, including “No Warm Up.” His genuine nature can be heard also in his ballad “All I Got.” Here, he strays from his emcee ways and flexes his singing voice that he isn’t afraid to use. After the love, comes the loss in “Hot Air Balloon,” a vivacious single whose fun attitude juxtaposes the not-so-fun loss of love.

Lastly, we reach “Soho.” Here SonReal brings the style more align with contemporary hip-hop, but in bringing his own stylistic tendencies, he keeps things extremely fresh. “Soho” is nothing short of an anthem, with its grand chorus, gritty beat and SonReal’s ice cold performance. It’s hard to believe, but in fact a white skater from Vancouver made a record sound this gangsta. Leave it SonReal to blow your mind.

The Name was released on August 12th through Black Box Recordings. Purchasing this project is more than worth your while. Chances are you’ll be bumping these tracks through the year into 2017. Don’t forget to keep up to date with SonReal by following him on social media, or bookmarking his official website.

[Music Video] Protohype – Lights On Feat. Malcolm Anthony

Posted by Tyler Trew - September 1, 2016

The British poet Alfred Tennyson famously once wrote “Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all.” Many of us have gone through the difficult time of having lost an important relationship in our lives, whether it be with a friend, significant other or even family member. Protohype‘s single with Malcom Anthony, “Lights On” shares the sentiments of being in such a situation, but now the song has a music video to go along with it.

Within the video we see what happens when a person loses something they once loved, in particular, a significant other. From the moment it’s over, through the phase of reliving those cherished moments to the hard times of waiting for them to come back, this video covers it all. It even dives into both perspectives, to paint a real picture that will hit right at home for may viewers. Not only is it a great video, but the song is just as powerful. “Lights On” is a part of Puppy Crew, which can currently be purchased through digital stores. Lastly, Protohype and Firepower Records are currently holding a creative contest for fans to show what they leave the light on for. Submit your video via Instagram by using the hashtag #ProtohypeLightsOn.

Hoody Time – …to be reckoned with (Official Music Video) [TMN Premiere]

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 24, 2016

Los Angles emcee Hoody Time is bringing more than just any old rap project to the internet. He’s bring ripe beats, hot lyrics (actual lyrics, not just mumbling) and art to anyone who’s willing to dive into this rich chasm of creation. He’s already released an EP, a handful of collaborations, and now he’s here with a massive music video for his single “…to be reckoned with” that you will view first here in the dojo.

After watching this music video for the first time, we knew we had to jump on it for a premiere. There’s so much going on in it, you’re going to have to watch it at least a few times before you catch everything. Technically, it’s a lyric video, but it’s much more that just that. Hoody Time went a head and put together a true visual art piece that took a ton of time and effort. The result is worth it, as it expresses Hoody’s brand and creative direction nearly perfectly, if not perfect. From memes, to snacks, to movies, to games, you’ll find a bit of everything packed into this extraordinary video.

[Music Video] Kai Straw – Don’t Tread On Me

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 22, 2016

Back in April we shared with you an album by the name of Toothpick from an artist named Kai Straw. The ten track LP was solid from beginning to end, making it hard to pick a favorite. That’s when you know it’s special. One of the ones that did stick out to us though, was “Don’t Tread On Me.” Today, we’re happy to share with you a music video for that single.

Kai Straw is a man of many talents, which is why he went ahead and directed this incredible video himself. “Don’t Tread On Me” in its visual form is more than just any old music video. It tells a tale, and portrays a situation that millions of women find themselves in every year. Domestic violence is no joke. It’s a hot topic that can turn people away in an instant, but Kai handles it with grace and attention to detail, always keeping in mind his respect for anybody who is being affected by this problem. Not only that, but he delves into the complexities of abusive relationships all while creating a visual art piece that you’ll watch again and again. We already have; now it’s your turn.

Indie
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[TMN Exclusive Interview] UK House Duo Just Kiddin’ Talks About New Music, Tour Life & More With TMN

Posted by Matthew Bloss - August 16, 2016

Ever since first cropping up on our Ninja radar back in 2014 with the underground sweeping single “Thinking About It”, Just Kiddin’, the British House duo comprised of Lewis Thompson and Laurie Revel, have held down a tender place within many of our writers’ hearts. Formed in 2010 and originating from the small town of Kettering, Northamptonshire, England, Just Kiddin’ have quickly become one of the hottest acts in all of Club-Land over the last few years, and for good reason. We had the chance to catch up with Lewis & Laurie not long after wrapping up their most recent North American tour & behind the release of their latest music video for “Fall For You” (see below to watch the entire piece); and as always the two brought a smile to our face while dropping some insight into what’s been going on with them as well. Read the transcript of our entire conversation below, and be on the lookout for more music from Just Kiddin’ very soon.

The Music Ninja: First off, thanks so much for taking the time to sit down and answer a few questions on behalf of TMN. We’ve been following you guys pretty closely since all the way back in August of 2014. So thanks again, we’re very excited to pick your brains. Let’s just get right after it! After a bit (read: a lot!) of background research on you guys, we came across some interesting arcs to the Just Kiddin’ saga. Lewis & Laurie, you both grew up in the same town of Kettering, and from what we understand, were near the same social circles, and both grew up with more traditional music backgrounds as well. With those rich musical histories, how did you both manage to fall in with each other in a musical capacity, and what led you both towards the world of club & electronic music; and also why did you decide to apply your talents in that direction?

Just Kiddin (Lewis): Good researching! Laurie & I have been friends since we were about 13, from a young age we got into electronic music together really, hence why our tastes are so similar. We tried to go down the band route originally, but got frustrated with organising band practise and how long things can take. I think this impatience made us grab copies of some music production software, and there’s been no looking back ever since!

The Music Ninja:You guys had early releases as Just Kiddin’ on Nurvous, HK & Exploited before becoming an Eton Messy staple. Obviously, Eton Messy has released and pushed some of your most notable tunes. How did you guys end up getting involved with the YouTube page turned club night, record label and electronic industry leaders? We assume you guys have a pretty solid relationship with the number of releases you’ve had under their banner.

Just Kiddin’: We love the guys at Eton Messy, they’re our good friends and we’ve had some wicked times together. We originally met them at a club night we played at in Bristol after they had been supporting our music on the channel, we hit it off and then decided to release “Thinking About It” with them.

The Music Ninja: Do you both consider Eton Messy to be a home of sorts for Just Kiddin’?

Just Kiddin’: Yes and no really. Like we said, we love the Eton Messy guys and really appreciate the help they’ve given us along the way. But we don’t want to state one place as our home and sounds & styles can change.

The Music Ninja:Your last release was the original record “Fall For You”, for which the official music video recently dropped as well (watch the whole thing above). It’s got quite the buoyant, summery feel to it. Do you think of Just Kiddin’ as maintaining a certain aesthetic and sound, or do you feel you both can go in any number of directions with the project?

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[Music Video] Ella On The Run – Walk Away

Posted by Will Rowe-Parr - August 11, 2016

Ella On The Run
Walk Away

Soundcloud

When we caught up with Ella On The Run earlier this year, she had released her incredible EP ‘Undone’, featuring tracks such as ‘Walk Away’, and her unique version of ‘All that she wants’ by Ace of Base. Her sultry alt/ pop sound consists of infectious beats and melodies, and spacious, alluring lyrics, which have crowned her “queen of of the alt-pop block”, according to Wonderland.

Now, having been working with award winning video director Rafe Gibbon, (recently notable for Will Joseph Cook’s ‘Take Me Dancing’ video), Ella On The Run has released her mesmerising new music video ‘Walk Away’. Questioning forbidden love and temptation – “Could we be lovers, more than friends?”, she conveys a hypnotically intriguing story and image of colour and pattern, which combines perfectly with these complex beats and alternative synth sounds. The mirrored profile of Ella On The Run singing, cleverly interlinks with the harmonies within ‘Walk Away’, as if conveying two separate voices, questioning her internal desire and passion. This theme is carried through the verses and pre-chorus until the track throws us into an up-beat chorus of fervent synths, accentuated by distorted patterns and manipulated images.

Be sure to check out this video for ‘Walk away’ below, and to familiarise yourselves with her formidable EP!

[Music Video] Crywolf – Anachronism

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 9, 2016

Back in November of 2015, Crywolf shook the world with his Cataclasm LP. The sounds contained within it made it more than just any ol’ electronic album. It transcended boundaries, pushing us to redefine what we categorize as electronic music. One of the leading singles off the LP was “Anachronism,” which now has a visual partner.

That’s right. Crywolf has recently released a music video to go along with the emotive original. Although the video is quite simple, it features Crywolf out in the beautiful wilderness, there is more to it than meets the eye. Crywolf has always had minimalist tendencies, which shine especially in this video. If one were to look at his album and this new augmentation of the project, it’s quite clear that Crywolf is bringing the art back into musical artist. In electronic music, as well as elsewhere, the common characteristics of music aren’t as unique as they once were. Crywolf is attempting to bring that sense of artistry back by setting an example for others to look at. The “Anachronism” music video is just another example of that.