I’m obligated to only post club-bangers and party playlist tracks on Fridays, so here it is, the best of the best for the week of March 11th.

MAKJ | KURA | dBerrie

//Ziad Ramley

I’ve done several posts on releases from LA-based Prep School Recordings and it really seems like their curation just keeps getting better and better. Y LUV first showed up on my radar when Clinton VanSciver remixed Driftin and now their EP, It Doesn’t Make Sense, is getting the full remix treatment. The release features a variety of styles, ranging all the way from Dr. Fresch’s progressive rework of If This Has An End to Sound Remedy’s brilliant dubstep interpretation of The NOC.

Buy on Beatport

Y LUV on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

When you’re remixing a classic like  Babe I’m Gonna Leave You it’s easy to lose the beauty of the original, but I can safely say that Toronto duo, Free N Losh, have done an amazing job with their homage to Led Zeppelin.

Free N Losh on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

I’ve been in the need for some great Glitch-Hop lately and luckily for me the The Glitch-Hop community has released their second compilation, Life’s a Glitch. Included are five tracks that each stand on their own. My favorite song  off of this release is Re:Flex’s The Aquarian Age. Check it out below!

- Filippo

The official video for ‘Telemiscommunications’ just came out, and it’s a real treat in terms of visual appeal. Whether you’re a fan of the song or not, watching the story transition through a rainbow of animation styles is worth the experience on it’s own. This is exactly the sort of thing I’ve come to expect from Deadmau5… so well done, with no regard to what the rest of the scene is up to.

Deadmau5 on: 

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

Imogen Heap on: 

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

- StatiK

This video for An-Ten-Nae’s latest track is a trip and the atmosphere he creates is other-worldly. Not to be over-looked.

Buy the Raindrops on Roses Remix EP on Beatport

An-Ten-Nae on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

NDMA is an Ottawa producer with an entirely unique take on hip-hop. Mixing in elements of synth-pop, dance, and soul to form a listening experience that is highly enjoyable. His latest EP, 505, is seven tracks that are hit after hit. My favorite part of this release is NDMA’s lyrics. Touching on equality of religion on the first track, Give Me Love, really sets the mood to whats in store lyrically. His production and flow never outshine each other  they just perfectly blend together. After listening to this EP a couple times I dug through his SoundCloud, I highly recommend checking out his remix of Drake’s latest single. I can’t wait for summer to come, this is what will be playing on long road trips.

NDMA On:

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter

-Filippo

As if Need U 100% wasn’t enough, UK’s Duke Dumont is at it again with this superb summer jam remix of Los Angeles trio HAIM’s Falling. I was on a run today flipping through sounds I had randomly flagged on Soundcloud and this track came on just as the sun was poking over the clouds and I knew that summer was on the way. I could taste it and I could definitely hear it. Thank you Duke and thank you HAIM. Stay positive.

“Never look back, never give up” 

Duke Dumont on:

Facebook | Soundcloud 

-LeCastell

It’s that time of the week… I’ve got a bunch of bass, and I think I might report it. Yup, sounds reasonable.

#1 Benga & Kano – Forefather

Benga churns out another classic, this time featuring Kano on vocals. I’ve been a big fan of Kano since his work on Jakwob‘s album ‘The Prize’, and think he slots in nicely alongside Benga‘s old school style here. I can already tell ‘Forefather’ is gonna be making my party playlists for a good while.

#2 Antiserum & Mayhem – Trippy

‘Trippy’ falls into a pretty predictable trap drop, but it changes up often enough that I won’t criticize… and at #2, I’m clearly a fan. The catchy club melody between the madness is really what caught my attention though. I found myself expecting some rap vocals to show up, and felt the track sounded like a bit of a hip-hop/trap crossover.

#3 ETC!ETC! & Brillz – New Jack Swoop

‘New Jack Swoop’ is a refreshing change, using many aspects of traditional trap, but increasing the speed a little. Once again, I can’t help but think of it as the drumstep of trap. These two claim to have more of the same style in the works, and I can’t wait to hear it!

#4 Cedric Gervais & Borgore – Deception

#5 Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre – Waiting All Night

#6 PatrickReza – BANG!

#7 Oliver Twizt & Angger Dimas – XXX (Andys iLL Remix)

#8 Bro Safari – Scumbag (J.Rabbit Remix)

#9 Funtcase – Predator

*Late Night Special*
Wilkinson – Take You Higher (Foamo Remix)

Foamo‘s remix of ‘Take You Higher’ is leaning more towards deep house than straight up bass music, but it’s definitely late night friendly. The beat is so heavy, and deserves a fat set of speakers. You’re thinking too much if this tune doesn’t lure you into a deep trance.

Still Hot!

#1: Kill Paris
Slap Me (GRiZ Remix) [From Bass Report 33]

#2: Kill Paris
Catch You [From Bass Report 34]

#3: Zomboy ft. Lady Chann
Here To Stay [From Bass Report 35]

- StatiK

After Kaytranada’s recent release on HW&W Recordings I was interested to find out what other gems this Los Angeles label was hiding. This search brought me to the SoundCloud of Ontario producer, Elaquent. I was immediately hooked on his sound after listening to his remix of Huron River Drive, and the tracks kept getting better as I progressed through his catalog. A few words with his manager, William Cole, later and I was sitting in the California sun with a blue Gatorade in one hand and my phone connected to Skype in the other. Enjoying that track up above? Well, read on, there’s plenty more where that came from.

—————————

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Elaquent. Beat-maker, producer, hip-hop, a little electronic. I’m from Guelph, Ontario. I’ve been doing this for a few years now.

What do you produce with?

I’m all software. I use Fruity Loops with a bunch of midi interfaces and I have an SP-404 that I rock with for live sets.

How did you get started making music?

For me, always being a hip-hop fan as a kid my older brother briefly got into rapping and we always had this ‘whatever you can do, I can do better’ sort of mentality. I wasn’t a very good rapper, haha, but I liked production so I got curious in the 8^th grade and I’ve kept doing it since then.

Really? That’s pretty young.

Yeah, well I mean I wasn’t good back then… I was just clicking boxes and I didn’t really care, haha. It wasn’t until university really that I tried to be somewhat serious with it.

How would you describe your style?

That’s tough to say. I always throw hip-hop as the main foundation, but I think I’m more well known for my laidback, vibing, almost neo-soul type stuff. But I guess I go through phases. Like I went through this video game phase where I did nothing but 8-bit Nintendo kinda stuff. Ultimately though I guess I’d describe my style as… I dunno! I don’t really trip out too much on labels, I just make what I like.

Do you think that where you live has an impact on your sound?

Well, Guelph…

…Does it have a good music scene for what you make?

As far as specific stuff that I do… no, haha. At least, if there is a good scene I’ve clearly been living under a rock. That doesn’t really bother me though, I don’t want to be defined so much by where I come from. Some people don’t even know that I’m Canadian at all and that’s fine, all that matters is that I keep making stuff that I enjoy making.

Who would your biggest influences be then? If it’s not the city that you’re from then you have to have some artists that play a large role in shaping your sound.

I guess it depends on my mind-frame and when you listen to my songs you can make some pretty educated guesses as to who I grew up idolizing. Guys like Dilla and Mad Lib, that’s not really a surprise to anyone. Some of my biggest influences come from my friends, to be honest. Guys that are doing good music too.

————

I hope you all enjoyed learning about our Introducing artist this week. Be sure to check out the links down below for more from Elaquent!

Elaquent on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

Anyone who has the misfortune of knowing me in person knows full well that I hold a grudge against the vast majority of progressive house producers for evolving at a glacial pace over the past 3 years so whenever I hear tracks that break the mold I can’t help but support them. True, it hasn’t been long since The Chainsmokers released their last remix, but I’ll be damned if that’s going to stop me from posting this beauty.

The Chainsmokers on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

Whether you’re a trap, electro or moombahton fan, the past week has been full of quality remixes.  Familiar artists like DJ Slander, 7DeadlySynths, Kayzo, Kaptain and Dat Beat have released some major gems that have been on repeat since the minute they dropped! Please download these tracks for FREE,  enjoy and support these artists!

Support DJ Slander on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

Support 7DeadlySynths on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

Support Kayzo on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

Support Kaptain on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

Support Sentiflect on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

Support Dat Beat on Facebook  |  SoundCloud  |  Twitter

//Yup

Out today on Beatport through Armada Music, this Hardstyle remix of Dash Berlin’s anthem “Till The Sky Falls Down” is the perfect remedy for this low-energy Monday. Dutch producer DJ Isaac, a veteran of the Hardstyle scene, brings a melodic, pulse-pounding twist to the Dash Berlin favorite.

The track starts with a stripped down version of the vocal line that quickly builds into a preliminary Hardstyle drop, which’ll certainly make you sit right up in your chair. The track then cuts out into a beautifully rendered piano section, and as the vocals build the track back up, I really began to enjoy the song. It’s Isaac’s attention to harmonic detail that I miss the most in a lot of the EDM of today, and the layered synth section from 3:00-3:30 sends chills down my arms every time. And while the brutal Hardstyle kick might be a little tough to digest for some, from time to time I just feel like there just isn’t anything that can compare to the surging energy. Plus, Hardstyle dance videos are the coolest.

-Icarus

Shadow Child AKA Dave Spoon is one of the rising stars to watch, using his new alias as a means to put across music without being judged by his original tunes under Dave Spoon. Could the fact that he is managed by the same agency that represents Swedish House Mafia be a sign that the people in the inside of the industry are thinking that this UK house scene is the next big thing? We’ll have to wait and see.

Download Free Here

I’m surprised that Canadian native, Blood Diamonds, has stayed under the radar this long. His sound design is dreamy and his songs offer almost unlimited replay ability. It’s been a while since we have had any original material from Mr. Diamonds, his last being the collab with Grimes on the track Phone Sex. But in between that time and now he’s drop a few grade A remixes, my personal favorite being his remix for Ellie Goulding. But today he releases his first EP on OWLSA, Barcode. Harlem rapper  Dominic Lord is on vocals for the track, Lord used to be apart of the A$ap mob that is now blowing up. While I’ve heard mixed feelings on Dom’s vocals, I personally enjoy them. The lyrics are typical “radio Hip-Hop” affair, money, women, and cars. But Dom delivers one of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard in a long time; “I’m dreaming of a number can you tell me what it is? AK-47 and I’m coming where you live.”

Barcode kicks off with some hypnotizing synths and Dom quickly starts laying down his verse. Technically this is Trap, but it’s one of the most elegant Trap songs I’ve ever heard. The bass isn’t over powered and there are no lazer sounding synths anywhere to be found. I really dig this style of Trap Mr. Diamonds has produced here. When the chopped up female vocals come in they are a nice contrast to Dom’s voice. There is a lot of detail in this song ranging from minor glitchy vocal melodies to major bass jabs. Midway through the song the tempo slows down and the lush synth sounds are replaced with a harsh bass. It’s a sudden but nice change up. At the end the main melody is replaced with a beautiful piano.

Accompanying the original is three remixes. The first remix is brought to us by UK producer Dj Q. Out of the three remixes this is my personal favorite., it’s so damn funky and contagious. Q doubles the length of the original and it feels fresh for the full six minutes. Up next is the Clicks & Whistles remix, while not my particular cup of tea, I still enjoyed this break filled remix. Figure’s remix is, well, typical Figure! Heart convulsing bass accompanied by a fast paced Drumstep beat. This is the remix I feel a lot of bass heads will gravitate towards.

Another stellar release by the OWLSA crew! This is the first of two remix EP’s, the second will be released sometime in April and they promise some big names to appear. Blood Diamonds is one of the most under rated producers out there, check this EP out.

- filippo

Belgian producer A.N.D.Y is back again with this amazing remix of Voltron’s latest single, Let Go.  A.N.D.Y also happened to co-produce the original track along with Gil Foucart & Voltron. The remix though gets some serious deep house treatment and dives deeper beyond the original.  You can pick up the track on beatport right now!

Check out A.N.D.Y on:

Soundcloud/ Facebook /Twitter

~ karolina ~

I’ve had a tough time keeping my lips sealed about this release, and now finally I can share it alongside an official release on iTunes via newly-formed Parisian label, 11Heads.

Little Freaky Things is the work of  French duo, Nicolas Nekmouche and Maï-Lan Chapiron, and  represents a welcome evolution of that iconic French disco house sound. Both originals on this release undeniably command your respect, however the stand-out track on this release is easily the Donovans remix of Nightfall (followed closely by the original mix of What A Bad Day).  Grab that free Donovans remix download and then check out the full set down below.

Buy on iTunes

11Heads Records on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//Ziad Ramley

This track ladies and gentleman is house music redefined coming from a Swedish label on a crusade to redefine house music (FrenchExpress). This offering from Swedish producer Jonas Rathsman just ooozes a certain feel good vibe that I think will keep it on my top ten list for the next while. As for the label, it is about as righteous as it gets with Knights Templar Jonas Rathsman, Perseus, Chris Malinchak, Moon Boots and Isaac Tichauer.

May the righteous prevail.

Jonas Rathsman on:

Facebook | Soundcloud 

-LeCastell

I love a good compilation, don’t you? Just over a month ago, TeamSupreme unleashed their magnificent Collection 1 and now, a like-minded collective known as The Melt is doing TS one better by releasing the 19-track ”Compilation Vol. 1″ for free! Stylistically, these two compilations share a lot in common; both dabble heavily in left-field trap, both feature contributions from Djemba Djemba, FuzZ, Kloud, Snorlax & Colta and both are unquestionably indebted to the L.A. beat scene. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that The Melt is: “a forward-thinking music collective, blog and club night based out of Los Angeles, California, showcasing up and coming musicians from all over the globe”  (via Facebook).

“Compilation 1 Vol. 1″ features tracks from The Melt‘s five residents: Djemba Djemba, FuzZ, Snorlax, Gossamer, Kloud and Moiety as well as an assortment of international producers, Toronto’s Deebs being one of them. Despite the geographical separation, all of the artists on the album share a predilection for the style of instrumental hip-hop championed by J Dilla and 9th Wonder, being preserved today by artists such as Flying Lotus and Daedelus.

The Melt compilation presents to us the new-school disciples of the aforementioned artists. Djemba Djemba, Deebs, Snorlax, Obey City, and etc. . . these are next-gen producers pushing instrumental hip-hop into uncharted territory. Building off of the groundwork laid by their forefathers, they draw on an array of distinct genres, most notably, southern trap, Chicago juke, and UK bass. Globalization and the rapid growth of technology in this day and age have made this sort of  melting-pot music possible and popular. Electronic music in particular, is ever-expanding in its scope and creativity thanks to collectives like The Melt and their open-minded attitude towards music.

Okay, it’s time to get down to specifics. From here on out, I am going to briefly outline my five favourite tracks from “Compilation Vol. 1″ starting with Deebs’ album opener “Alibi”. The Toronto native commences the album right proper with a gorgeous harp sample, flourishing piano plinks and running water sound effects that promptly lead in to 808 snare hits and a deep but melodious synth line. Ryan Hemsworth would approve.

Wondr‘s luxurious downtempo house jam “Bolex” stands at the halfway mark of “Compilation 1, Vol. 1″ acting as a  grounding point amongst all the weirdo footwork and trap. Not that I don’t appreciate eccentricity but sometimes, it’s nice to sit back, take a deep breath and listen a simple, chill-out tune like “Bolex”.

“Swimming” might just be my favourite track on this compilation. I have not heard of Agendas until now but damn, this guy (or girl?) is good. . .real good. Funky synths, classic hip-hop stylings, and ultra-polished production; this track simply could not get any better.

I didn’t even have to listen to this track to know it would be one of my favs. Djemba Djemba is at the top of his game right now and it seems he is incapable of even the slightest mis-step. The awesomely titled “Stahp” sees Djemba continue his streak of flawless productions with a pan-flute trap banger. Didn’t think you’d ever see pan-flute and banger in the same sentence, did you? This is real avant-garde s**t.

In an alternate universe where Kendrick Lamar is a footwork DJ rather than a rapper, “Ceremonies” would be “Swimming Pools (Drank)”. I suppose that would make Kloud a rapper but no matter, we’re not in an alternate universe, we’re in a regular universe where Kloud is a masterful electronic producer. He certainly proves it on “Ceremonies” by merging juke rhythms with footwork patterns, pitch-shifted vocal refrains and ethereal soundscapes. Now, that’s a universe-altering achievement.

Thanks for reading my review of The Melt’s “Compilation, Vol. 1″. You can stream the entire album below and/or download it for free from Bandcamp. Until next time. . . .

The Melt on:

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

//totem.

“Free the Universe”, Major Lazer‘s highly anticipated follow-up to “Guns Don’t Kill People . . . Lazers Do” may not be out for another month but you can stream a new song from the record now via Listen Before You Buy. “Jessica” premièred on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 programme over the weekend; boasting simplistic reggae production and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend (who also have a new record coming out in May) on vocals, “Jessica” is nothing short of solid in my books.

//totem.