Sickly Metaphor

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     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…

Literally blowing my mind.

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     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.



     Now that we have this out of the way, allow me to drop some musical knowledge on you Hawt readers. While browsing soundcloud, I stumbled upon a 17-year-old japanese producer from New York. He goes under the name of Y U M E and, quite frankly, produces very pleasant dreamscape atmospheres. The tones remain true to naturalism; this is demonstrated in 2GETHR, for example, when the instruments used in the creation of this song resemble the primitive nature of our planet, encompassing earth-like undertones to create a link of an innate nature with the listener. Although that may sound obscur, it is. Did that confuse you? Same here. Check out the teaser I am giving you, do yourself a favor, and follow him on Soundcloud.


   
     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!

Shit Microsoft Silverlight, Get it Together

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     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.
Justin Martin
     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.