I awoke this morning to a stuffed nose and an inflamed throat. In an attempt to save what’s left of my voice…

A down-tempo progressive take on Fred’s pick for track of the year.
Major Lazer – Get Free (Adriatique’s Lazers Never Die Rework)
Major Lazer - Get Free (Adriatique's Lazers Never Die Rework) by Adriatique

Old-school Mat Zo, being re-released alongside “Defined.”
Mat Zo – Rush (Original Mix)


Great big room follow-up to Knetter, the tech trance track of 2011.
Jonas Stenberg vs Artento Divini – Hammer (Original Mix)
Beatport
Jonas Stenberg vs Artento Divini - Hammer by Armada Music

A Dane, an Italian and a South African walk into a studio. For lack of a punchline, there’s this.
Djuma Soundsystem & Aki Bergen ft. Lazarusman – Love Her Madly (Aki Bergen Version)


This week’s video is a deeper look at the guy from Todd Terje’s “Inspector Norse.” Have a great weekend!

WHATEVEREST from Kristoffer Borgli on Vimeo.
Sometimes, I wish I were a Christmas Tree too…

     When I decided to write this post, I was on a ski trip with many of my friends and, well, since we were all hungover, I was unable to put slabs of wood on my feet and allow myself to fall. As a result, my desire for productivity led to the words on this virtual piece of paper you are all reading.

   
     A relatively recent discovery of mine, and self-admittedly kind of late on this one, John Talabot also seems to have a certain amount of say in the ever-evolving genre. As I went around the FACT magazine webpage, I stumbled upon his mix and absolutely loved it. Consequently, you can all imagine my delight when informed that this man has released his debut album at that very same approximate time the mix was recorded (February 2012). Although approximately a year behind, I refuse to let this gem go unnoticed. Entitled "fin" and yielding from Permanent Vacation recordings, the release encompasses many facets of the artist's talents and tastes. Although this is not his first time around (he has released under a different alias prior), fin was well received and critics claimed to be fantastic (Pitchfork, Resident Advisor, Drownedinsound, etc.). I agree.



     While we're in the past, I might as well bring back this gem from TriAngle artist Holy Other. His album 'Held' released in September of last year, and was relatively well received, although my affinity for existentialism-provoquing music really caused this to strike home. I mean, who wouldn't appreciate something that sums up the entirety of human yearning and the satisfaction of obtaining what is intrinsically desired?


     Enough with the throwback Thursdays. On another note, it seems as though the amount of basement producers is on the rise. Too often do I find Youtube channels dedicated to those desiring to be discovered, along with the plethora of amateur Soundcloud portfolios. Additionally, they are all extremely young, making me feel like I have accomplished nothing since my birth.  However, amongst the majority of bad music the younglings have produced, there are a few who have been blessed with a good ear and a knack for software comprehension.


      All personal shame aside, it is the underground that currently controls anything trip-hop and dreamscape. Would you like me to demonstrate why? This is where Taches comes in. The french native producer released his production entitled "Vegas" earlier this month at the very beginning of the year, and, to say the least, he is off to a great start. In fact, not only does he get my stamp of validation (whatever that means), but that of other producers as well, for an edit from DSTRYD came out short days after the release. Hear it for yourselves; this guy seems to resonate on the same level as Cyril Hahn, with a slightly more upbeat tempo. The usage of pitched vocals and a light percussive kit to emphasize on the soft synth stabs really sets the mood.

     Out with the old, in with the new. Other than basement producers, signed artists have given us a taste of the new year, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. In all honesty, I am fucking ecstatic. Bonobo is back in the game with a brand new single off his upcoming release (cough cough new album) (Edit: the name of the album is 'The North Borders'), which was previewed through Gilles Peterson's weekly podcasts last Saturday; might I also add that he has not released original material for over two years. In other words, welcome back to the scene, Bonobo. Also, George Fitzgerald's essential mix, as featured on a sub-segment entitled Future Stars, really showcases how he is going to progress through the year. Additionally, Leon Vynehall's upcoming EP, entitled Rosalind, sounds absolutely amazing, according to the small teasers he released at the beginning of the month. Lastly, Jacques Greene released a new piece of his entitled 'Quicksand' on his Soundcloud approximately 1 day ago; shall we just say my head was nodding to the captivating sampling and progressive layering he is so well known for.








     As this post progresses, I am beginning to realize just how good this year will be. It is blowing my mind. Anyways, enough with the chatter. The video of the week is brought to you by Cid Rim. This LuckyMe affiliate is most definitely one of the up and comers this year. You heard it from me, and Jacques Greene.


     I would like to apologize in advance for the lack of detail pertaining to each individual song. Thing is, if I were to write a paragraph per piece I showed you all, this would become a novel.  After all, my primary purpose is to educate, not review, even though they somewhat come hand in hand.

     Although I have more to show you all, I will save myself for the next time we meet. Until then!

     Originally, I had written a lengthy introduction. However, my touch pad just went a little haywire and I watched in horror as my computer froze and the whole of my text was highlighted. Thinking it would end the rogue behavior, I placed my fingers on the ctrl, alt and delete keys to bring up the task manager. I must have pressed the latter a split-second before the others, because the next thing I knew, the window was blank and the undo was unresponsive. Our regular readers will certainly be acquainted with my pathetic work ethic, so don’t be surprised when you discover how short this post is. Enough crying over spilled eggnog, let’s dive in to this week’s tracks.

     First on the docket is a rework from Dirtybird regular Justin Martin. During the label’s Christmas takeover of the Essential Selection, Martin was granted a short solo segment, where he played his version of the XX’s popular “Shelter.” A stand-out track from the episode, the tune plays with a weird 3-note lead throughout, applying numerous filters and flangers. The original vocals are brought forth roughly 1:30 into the sample below, providing a healthy contrast to the Dirtybird influence. The San Franciscan leaves his city’s stamp with a small 808 drum, a large kick and several rim shots, properly representing the bass music the west coast is known for.
The XX – Shelter (Justin Martin Rework)
The XX - Shelter (Justin Martin Rework) by PiazzaDelivery

     For those of you who aren’t sure how the website works, it is possible to check the SoundCloud profiles of those who have subscribed to the sounds of an artist you also follow. In doing this, you can listen to the recordings of little known musicians. I’ve found this process to be more often than not unfruitful, as many users choose to upload work of poor quality and/or taste that doesn’t align with mine. However, late in 2012, I found amawalk and his amazing “We.”

     I find this track to be so aurally pleasing that I wouldn’t be surprised if I were responsible for at least 50 of it’s roughly 200 plays. This is feel good chill out at it’s absolute best, with all the necessary ingredients to get the job done. The song begins with 2-note reverberating synth who plays background to the lead, a xylophone who’s ADSR is so perfectly life-like, it’s hard to tell if the instrument is physical or digital. After a short intro of rapidly conglomerating xylophone sounds, a mystery string instrument livens the mood with the help of some vocal cuts and alternating kicks and claps. This grouping of noise is so innocent and pristine that it feels as though my brain is being flooded with positive imagery. If you simply click the play button, I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that I finally hit the SoundCloud jackpot.
amawalk – We (Original Mix)
We by amawalk
     And now, my favorite of the week, which comes from Algerian producer Mino Safy. Signed to the relatively new Tellurium Records, “Passenger” is a progressive trancer with the hair raising capabilities of a new Armin track. As indicated by Tellurium’s website, the track follows “the best traditions of ASOT,” with an elaborate melody preceding the epic build-up and long emotional breakdown. With support from Beatport’s staff and the guys from Fast Distance, this track is sure to be a big one in upcoming sets. 
Mino Safy – Passenger (Original Mix)
Released on January 3rd on Tellurium Records
Beatport

 
     If you have any respect for Montreal’s electronic music scene, you won’t stay home this weekend. This year’s Igloofest finally gets underway tonight, with Mistress Barbara opening the month-long event in place of Sasha. Bulgaria’s KiNK works the outdoor decks on Friday, followed by Paolo Rocco, DJ Sneak and Josh Wink on Saturday. Competing with Igloofest tonight are the girls from Blond:ish, who play at the Velvet Club ($10 at the door). If you’re up for some extra fun on Friday, check Time Supper Club following KiNK for David Tort, or Circus for Sébastien Léger. Saturday’s Igloofest precedes a star-studded night elsewhere, with Wolfgang Gartner playing alongside Walden at New City Gas and Victor Calderone spinning at Stereo. On Thursday the 24th, Igloofest welcomes Ellen Allien and Miss Kittin while New City Gas makes up the Skrillex and Alvin Risk show that was snowed out on December 27th. Nina Kraviz and Pan-Pot do Igloofest on Friday the 25th while Feenixpawl plays Time Supper Club and Raneem takes care of after hour duties at Circus. TNGHT comes to town for their Igloofest performance on Saturday the 26th, playing right before Forza and Mark Knight, the latter who’s set to debut a residency at New City Gas.
     This week’s video is a TV documentary about how clubbing changed the world. Famous actor/DJ Idris Elba narrates a 90-minute special about the subject which is intimately tied to electronic music. It’s a long one, but worth the time for those interested in a rough history of our beloved genre.


     Ok, VERY rough history, but still.

     I am hoping that every citizen of music has enjoyed the last few weeks of, well, not being sober and receiving gifts of all sorts; for this is the only time of the year where it is acceptable to let go of your inhibitions, in every sense of the word, and take part in multiple ORG... festivities.  Additionally, if this is not your first holiday season, you must be well aware that giving is an equally important aspect of what comprises our current joviality.  Whether a cool hand-knit sweater from the g'ma, or simply a gift card to Hollister (which I hope is not the case), we all crowd the malls in the hopes of putting a smile on the faces of our loved ones. I, however, have chosen the unbeaten path, and have stuck to bringing ear tears to you, fellow Hawt members (in other words, I am cheap as fuck).

     Rants aside, the year is coming to a close, and in my holiday-drunken state, I am demanded, due to the ubiquity of lists these days, to spew out a list of my own, comprised of songs that have blessed my ears, and that of many, over the last twelve months of my existence. However, before I name the aforementioned, let us go over the year, musically speaking of course.

1. Dubstep, and all its half-cousins



     We have lived through the distortion of what is commonly referred to as dubstep by the plebeians. It is time to set the record straight. Emerging from Southern London in the late 90's as the darker, experimental cousin of 2-step garage, this genre began to set a certain notoriety for itself at the start of the new millennium. With releases from the likes of Zed Bias, Oris Jay and other UK natives, you would most likely be left confused listening to one of their works; you may ask yourself where the laser shooting dinosaurs are, and why the drop is of such subtlety that it is inaudible to the bro-step ear. Unfortunately, I have no other reply than to insult your lack of musical culture. Then along came Rusko and friends, in which the stereotypical bro-step aficionado can find slight comfort. The rise of modern "dubstep" sprung from the aforesaid during the turn of the decade, wobbles galore and what not. As of today, the evolution from garage towards dubstep towards what is now referred to as bro-step and moombahcore (refer to Mark's post pertaining to the difference between the two) has seen a massive increase in popularity. I guess people seem to enjoy laser shooting dinosaurs. To keep it brief, let's just say that any listening ear has heard of "dubstep", and nothing can be more mainstream, other than Mr. Bieber and your usual avicii-style progressive house. However, Mad Decent (Diplo's record label) still attempts to spice up your hits fm radio show, hosting an array of relatively decent (get it? because the label name is the same as the quality of the music they.... nevermind) moombahcore and bro-step for the masses (decent is as good as it will get in my books; call me biased, zero fucks will be given).

2. Damn son, where'd you find this? 



     In all seriousness, I fucking love trap music. There's something about a hard baseline and the sound of never-ending hyperventilation that just strikes one of my deepest desires to cook crack/cocaine. So what if myriads of commoners are searching for trap remixes of all their beloved Odd Future songs; doesn't bother me in the slightest, for trap music is E for everyone.  Originating from the southern US in association with the drug dealing scene, the early 2000's were full of crisp snares and pitched vocals over some straight spittin'. Nowadays, it seems as if the movement is veering towards EDM, since trap is, at the very core, a hybrid genre capable of leniency. All this being said, with huge releases from labels such as LuckyMe, Mad Decent, Kannibalen as well as unsigned artists, this genre is not going extinct anytime soon. After all, the people need their crack/cocaine.

3. There is a supreme ruler in the Trance World


     This year, as many of you may know, Armada music now has control of the Anjuna labels. This being said, the majority of amazing trance you will hear will be coming out from the aforementioned record company. However, the competition came prepared. Huge label Spinnin' records have people such as Leon Boiler, and Garuda music has Gareth Emery and Ben Gold, amongst many. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Armada now oversees the development of trance music.




15. Theophilus London - Why Even Try (Bloody Beetroots Remix)

     This is a track Bloody Beetroots released on their soundcloud as an unreleased track (basically, you can only find a low-ish quality version of the track and you can't buy it anywhere). It's not the type of track you'd play at a party, because everybody would leave for another party if you did, but it has this really chill feel to it and I really enjoy listening to it. I'd qualify this song of "indie electro rap", since it's the type of track you'd probably had found on the Hype Machine 3 years ago. Listen to it, it's worth it. 



14. Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks (The Knocks Remix)





13. Labuzinski & Graef - Trash Ludi

     This song is the dark horse of the list. A song recorded on the Box Aus Holz label as well as featured on an earlier set I played in September, I believe Trash Ludi to be one of the hidden gems of 2012. To give you an idea of just how much digging is required to find it, this piece is unavailable nearly everywhere; the only place you could obtain a free listen, to my knowledge, is on a youtube video with 300 views. In other words, forget a free download, it will not happen (if any of you are aware of a link, please provide it in the comment section below).  This one, in the words of a friend, "really creeps up on you". Love it or hate it, in its uniqueness lies the beauty. The subtleties within Trash Ludi are so well harmonized. For developed deep house ears only.


12. Flosstradamus - Total Recall 

     Like Nikhil said earlier, trap this year exploded in the edm scene. This track is from one of the first artist to make trap music popular: Flosstradamus. You may remember the Original Don remix he did... yes the one that got "slightly" overplayed, but man that track was cool. I feel like Total Recall is  a better track overall, less of a banger and more of an actual track while keeping its "fucking cool" factor. Flosstradamus went all out on that track, mixing a lot of different synths with the trap feel (even euro synths and such). Check it out:


11. Hot Natured ft. Ali Love – Benediction


10. Hideaway EP - Maths Time Joy 

     I was so pleasantly surprised to hear this wonderful EP only short months ago. Everything works so well together, and Maths Time Joy's implementation of so many instruments would seemingly prove otherwise. In all honesty, this EP is meant to put you in a good mood and is a great soundtrack to any of your psychonautic experiences.



9. Express Yourself EP - Diplo

     This is a no brainer. Diplo pushed the limits of EDM even farther with this one, mixing some unexpected genres toghether, like dancehall, New Orleans Bounce and EDM. It was a huge success and was played countless times all around the globe. If you don't have time to listen to all of it, listen to the Express Yourself track, it'll give you an idea of the rest.


8. Porter Robinson – Language





7. A Meaning EP - Braille

     There are very few labels that produce consistently good music. Amongst them, Hotflush recordings has done everything right in 2012, and subsequently launched themselves into the new year with quite some momentum. This being said, it is with logic to assume that one of the best EP's from Hotflush in the previous year will make this list. Braille's usage of vocal sampling, percussive brilliance given the monotony for the sake of deep house, as well as a signature prolonged and subtle synth which does not overpower makes this EP great. I will only post the first song off the EP, but feel free to purchase (download) it and listen to the others, for there is no full soundcloud set for this collection of songs.

6. Live Forever (feat. Aruna) - Ferry Corsten feat. Aruna

     I'd qualify this as Trance-House (fuck you trouse). The first time I've listened to it was at last year's Bal en Blanc, during Ferry Corsten's set and it was love at first sight (listen..?). It has this liberating feel to it and is amazing in a big event when every one has his hands in the air. Go ahead, listen to it.

5. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith – Latch


4. Tenishia - Where Do We Begin (Andrew Rayel Remix)

    Featured on ASOT 581 as the tune of the week and on the mix of the year 2012, Andrew Rayel has made a ton of noise this year in the trance community. In ASOT's tune of the year, he has approximately 5 tracks in the top 20, and with good reason. This song is absolutely mind blowing, and is a true representation of the soul-peering nature of trance. The breakdowns successfully harmonize vocal use and  soft synth stabs to create quite an atmosphere. There is much potential in this young man, and we expect to be seeing him at Bal En Blanc in the following months.


3.  TNGHT EP - TNGHT (Lunice & Hudson Mohawke)

     Everyone knew this would make the list. The infinite use of sampling in this and the sheer hardness of the beat (tubas galore in Higher Ground, for example) can drive an entire crowd nuts.  For the uninformed, Lunice and Hudson Mohawke comprise this duo and, well, since Lunice just so happens to be a Montreal native, we will be seeing the two at Igloofest in the following weeks! Get excited! On a side note, this pretty much blew up trap to what it is now, alongside with the Mad Decent crew. The following is a teaser of the entirety, go get it if you haven't already.

2. Major Lazer - Get Free

     Aaaaaaaaaahh, this track. Well it's fucking amazing and it makes you feel like you're floating, with or without the help of drugs. Open your ears people, this is indescribable with words:

1. Eric Prydz presents Pryda