I’m not really sure what to write for this week’s introduction, but for some reason, I feel the holiday spirit. So allow me to air my grievances towards my position as a division manager for a youth basketball league and my ridiculously boring job, responsibilities that have prevented me from talking trance with a friend of mine. Ben Gold would’ve been there too. Enjoy the pole below.

     Finally, a preview for this track! The Estiva remix of “Love is Strong” achieved moderate success on Enhanced’s 5th instalment of the Digitally Enhanced mix compilation series, but I can only wonder what kind of attention would have been drawn if C-Systems, Jo Micali and Hanna Finsen’s original mix had been featured instead. Built upon the solid foundation of Mrs. Finsen’s voice is a tune that is as delicate as it is energetic. The emotion-filled synth work layers nicely with the breakdown’s piano and the chorus’ subtle claps, all  feeding the buzzing lead that comes full circle to give more importance to the song’s lovely vocals. A definite purchase for all progressive trance fans.
C-Systems & Jo Micali ft. Hanna Finsen – Love is Strong (Original Mix)
Released on October 22nd on Enhanced Progressive


     Until recently, I had never heard of Danny Chen or Statement! Recordings. However, the aptly named label has made a statement, releasing a magnificent production from a relatively new member of the trance family. Putting a capital ‘U’ in Uplifting, Chen easily communicates a happy feeling throughout the tune, staggering rising sounds with a quiet wandering synth in the intro and a reverberating bassline that follows the lead of the 5-note piano sequences that drive the chorus. With “Sunny Days” being reviewed in DJMag Italy, it’s clear that Danny Chen is a name to look out for in the future.
Danny Chen – Sunny Days (Original Mix) Statement! Recordings.
Released on July 16th on Statement!
Beatport – iTunes
Danny Chen - Sunny Days [Statement!] by Danny Chen

     If hawtmusik.com had a record of the week, this would be it. Apart from featuring the best bassline I’ve heard a long while and a vocalist who seems to change gender mid-song, Disclosure’s latest single is filled to the brim with clips that could run a track on their own. Whether it’s the quick succession of notes forming the afternoon delightful melody (see what I did there), the  separate vocals that yelp every now and then, the sublime kicks, claps and stabbing cymbals (attack, decay, sustain and release are so short, this element sounds more like chopsticks hitting together) that congregate to form the percussions, the aforementioned incredible bassline or the perfect isolation and/or interweaving of these layers, there’s something in this song for everyone. Having reached the 22nd spot on the UK singles chart, I’m obviously not the only one to think this song is amazing and I hope you join me in supporting Disclosure by purchasing this future classic.
Disclosure ft. Sam Smith – Latch (Original Mix)
Released on October 8th on PMR
Beatport – iTunes


     Getting it’s first play during Pete Tong’s Essential Selection on October 12th, the Larse remix of “Love is All I Got” is a deep house tune that is sure to attract a different kind of audience than mau5trap is used to. Originally a collaborative effort between electronica/folk band Crystal Fighters and electro wunderkind Feed Me, the track gets a calmer and groovier take with the help of another fantastic bassline and somewhat minimalistic percussion sounds. It’s hard to downplay how wonderfully the German producer has used the vocals in this track as it seems that he himself recorded the lyrics to specifically go with his instrumental. Along with identifying the track’s mood, the singing gives life to certain parts that would have otherwise seemed endlessly repetitive. Another vote of confidence for German engineering, the Larse remix of “Love is All I Got” is a mandatory buy for all those interested in the softer styles of house.
Feed Me & Crystal Fighters – Love is All I Got (Larse Remix)
Released on November 18th on mau5trap
iTunes Pre-Order
Feed Me & Crystal Fighters - "Love Is All I Got" (Larse Remix) by Larse

     It’s no secret that I have a broner for Eric Prydz and by proxy, anyone he makes music with. Andre Sobota is a producer who falls into this category, having released a 2-track EP on Pryda Friends in July of this year. His Prydz-like music is not what attracts my attention this week, however. Hiding in the rough of the Brasilian’s SoundCloud page was this diamond, a remake of Sasha and Krister Linder’s “Cut Me Down.” Under Sobota’s tutelage, 2011’s IMS anthem transforms from melodic tech house to acoustic electronica and it sounds absolutely fantastic. While musicians like to take listeners on a journey through their albums and productions of longer length, Sobota possesses the rare capability of doing this within the span of a single track, inserting slightly downtempo d&b percussions and elongating Linder’s vocals to serve his purposes. Transitioning his reconstruction to Sasha’s original lead at the end beautifies the production even more and makes this song well worth a listen.
Sasha ft. Krister Linder – Cut Me Down (Andre Sobota Remake) Acoustic, Electronica.
Sasha - Cut Me Down (Andre Sobota Remake) by andresobota

In terms of shows, the next 2 weeks are booked solid. On October 19th, Raneem will be playing an extended 7-hour set at Circus for a live episode of Drop Zone, his radio show, while Calvin Harris plays his unique crossover style at New City Gas (sold out). The most overused showroom in Montreal opens itself up once again on the 20th to host veteran Bob Sinclar. Let’s fast forward to the 24th, when dubstep supergroup Nero take over Telus Theater for a bizarre Wednesday night show. Friday the 26th begins with Ferry Corsten and Gabriel & Dresden at New City Gas and ends with Ben Gold and Dennis Sheperd at Stereo. The following night is another doubleheader, with Tim Mason at New City Gas (best costume wins $5000), spinning a solid opener for James Zabiela, who pays a rare visit to Circus. On All Hallows’ Eve, New City Gas opens it’s doors yet again, this time for a costumed night with legend Erick Morillo and Third Party.
Finally, I’d like to introduce the new end of post segment that will be featured from now on. Every Thursday, posts will be capped off with a video related to music. It could be a music video, a documentary, an intervew: anything really. This section has nothing to do with songs and artists we like (we don’t necessarily dislike them either), but rather the actual video. This week, the video for Ben Gold’s next single, “Fall With Me.”


Boy, that escalated quickly. I will not apologize for that.

     For anyone born in North America around ‘91, Scooby-Doo was a seminal part of youth. I, for one, will never forget the loads of information I absorbed through the show, like how a latex mask and an olive green suit are the only steps between a human and Frankenstein or how people can eat dog treats too. But the one thing I remember the most is the theme song and that’s how I’ve decided to bring editor Fred out of hiding, hence the title. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy writing for this blog, as it keeps me in the EDM loop and allows me to share the music I enjoy. However, I’ve composed every single post since the blog’s resurrection and I’m sure all of you would like some variety. So don’t be shy, leave a comment below imploring Fred (feel free to call him Fredou) to return to his blogging ways!

     There is a very small number of artists who are able to keep a consistent production quality for the length of their lifetime. One of the most influential and relevant producers of the modern DJ age, EDM pioneer Alexander Coe is one of these select few. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Coe has been actively contributing to the EDM scene throughout, timeless classics coming left and right. Better known as Sasha, this Welshman is behind the first commercial DJ mix CD, as well as the all-time best-selling mix and arguably the greatest EDM track ever, the famed “Xpander.” Now an established dance music veteran, Sasha has been turning his attention towards his record label, the ominously named “Last Night On Earth.”

     This song in question is a remix of Hot Chip’s “Flutes.” Using his version to close many of his recent sets, Sasha does a great job of changing the sound elements of the original to produce a less vocal and housier track. The reason I say this is that the lyrics seem to be passing through a quality filter and come out the other side less crisp, giving the stage up to the house elements. The song’s melodic bassline is characteristic of a Sasha production, as it follows a long pre-set sequence, lasting 56 bars, or so I counted. The percussions in the beginning of the track differ from the meaty parts in a quite interesting way. The heavy clap from the start sounds like it could serve as a kick replacement, but is quickly overshadowed once said kick is introduced: it’s a nice complement. Altogether, the song is another great production from Sasha which confirms the sentiment that he still has many years to come in the business.

Hot Chip – Flutes (Sasha Remix)
Released on September 24th on Last Night On Earth

Hot Chip - Flutes (Sasha Remix) by Last Night On Earth

     I owe a large debt of gratitude to CamelPhat. Remember that remix of their’s that I posted a few weeks back? Let’s go through a series of causal events; CamelPhat remixed Stevie Wonder, posted it on SoundCloud a week before I aimlessly wandered onto their page, which brought me to their Facebook page, which informed me of the song’s feature as ‘Killer Cut’ on the Toolroom Knights podcast, which convinced me to subscribe to Mark Knight’s radio show, which ultimately led me to discovering last week’s ‘Killer Cut.’ While you may argue with my porous logic, I dare you to do the same with this next track. Described by Mark Knight as “[...]an up to date, deep house monster,” Jon DaSilva, Maceo Plex and vocalist Joi Cardwell’s collaboration is just that: a track that kills the dance floor Jekyll in all of us.

 From left to right: Jon DaSilva, Maceo Plex and Joi Cardwell
     Originally a solo DaSilva remix of the Jones Girls’ “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,” this reimagining has so much going for it. The recurring hi-hat and cymbal combo contrast perfectly with the soft kick drum and makes the strongest case for the song’s deep house categorization. The slowly growing, quickly fading background synth does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for the decidedly uneasy mood from the very beginning of the track. The bassline/melody represents the lyrics and meaning of the song better than I’ve ever seen in EDM before. The awkward, oddly pleasing clip is in complete accordance with Joi Cardwell, as she sings of a dwindling relationship who’s spark has disappeared. Seeing all these pristine elements together in one song: priceless. It’s a steal at $0.99, go buy it on September 24th.

Maceo Plex & Jon DaSilva ft. Joi Cardwell – Love Somebody Else (Original Mix)
Released on September 24th on Ellum Audio

     James Zabiela is a big shot in the techno and house worlds. Known for his DJ skills more than his production talents, the young Englishman has been featured not only in the DJ Mag top 100, but also what lots of people consider to be a better barometer of skill: the Resident Advisor top 100. If that’s not enough to convince you of his abilities, check out this next track. In staying with this week’s house motif, this final tune is even deeper than the last. Like Sasha’s, this is a remix of Hot Chip, a reworking of their “How Do You Do.” The arrangement is populated by numerous rhythmic claps (can’t say enough about these), very deep bass work and incomprehensible vocals.  The piano loops during the breakdown transition well to the body of the track and help provide the overall groovy vibe that is intended. The best part is definitely at the 2:40 mark, where only the vocals can be heard. A strong synth then quietly starts to build force, growing in volume. This sound plateaus at 3:20, sending the track into somewhat of a breakdown as a kick is added. The synth is reset and continues to grow, all the way up to 4:02, where the kick is eliminated and a more melodic version of the bassline is inserted into the mess of sounds that all elevate together to aid in the transition to the drop. Fantastic layering work from an admittedly DJ-first kind of artist.

Hot Chip – How Do You Do (James Zabiela Remix)
Released on September 10th on Domino Record Co.
Buy from Domino Records

How Do You Do (James Zabiela Remix) LoFi by jameszabiela
     Event-wise, the next couple of weeks are great for lovers of all genres. Aly & Fila get the weekend started right at Circus on Friday, followed by Max Vangeli & AN21’s Saturday visit to New City Gas and Nicole Moudaber’s show at Stereo. Oliver$ takes over Jean-Drapeau Park as Piknic Electronik’s headliner on Sunday, playing alongside Sipherdee and Pulses. One week from now, AutoÉrotique makes an appearance at Underworld, competing with rising electro house star Cazzette at the Telus Theater. Subb-an takes over Stereo Nightclub on the 21st, while Max Graham and Protoculture play into the wee hours over at Circus. That Saturday night belongs to Thomas Gold as he spins a solo set at New City Gas for only $15. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to let Fred know you want him back! 

   
     Yeah yeah, it’s late, piss off. Another week, another post and I think this one is worth a celebration. For the first time since the Hawt’s return, all parties involved are either in work or school. However, this hasn’t stopped us from shining light onto tracks we like to brighten your week. Sure, it might be a little shorter than usual, but at least there is one. Remember those lengthy stretches during exam periods when you had no procrastination material? Gone. Our first post back clearly stated that the blog would be updated EVERY Thursday and we meant it. So enjoy this week’s journey though the EDM universe.

David Forbes – Engage (Original Mix)
Unknown label and release date

     I’m going to take a shot in the dark and guess this gets released on Aria Digital on September 24th.

Jochen Miller – Nevada (Original Mix)
Released on September 17th on Big & Dirty Records
Exclusively on Beatport

     Big & Dirty Records has the ugliest album art of any EDM record label. Michael J Fox could draw something nicer than that.
   

Gabriel & Dresden ft. Betsie Larkin – Play It Back (Original Mix)

     I LOVE me some Gabriel & Dresden. I voted for them in the DJ Mag top 100. Speaking of that awful excuse for a DJ ranking system, check out the Hawt this Sunday for a rundown of the best campaign videos for this year’s poll!


     The last track this week comes from legendary producer Sasha. It’s a remix of ThermalBear’s “U Love,” out on Sasha’s label, Last Night On Earth. It’s a huge melodic tech house track that had me grinning like an American at the drive-through window the second I first heard it.

ThermalBear – U Love (Sasha Remix)
Released on August 20th on Last Night On Earth
Exclusively on Beatport

     We’ve learned during this week that the Josh Wink and Azari & III performances at Piknic Electronik are no more, although you can still see Danny Tenaglia at Stereo on Saturday the 25th. On the night previous, you can find youngster Jordy Dazz and Montreal’s own King Louis at Arena Nightclub for the extremely cheap price of $10. Check us out on Sunday when we countdown the top campaign videos for this year’s DJ Map top 100!