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Evan Exempt - Mix Tape #1 [OUT NOW!]

After months of anally retentive, arguably productive digging and tweaking, I have AT LAST settled on a final edit.  This wasn’t easy  to do, but I gave myself a July deadline and have willfully suppressed my OCD tendencies in order to stand by this deadline — though if given another month to work on it, I most certainly could… and would.

My very first mix tape project has been a tremendous learning experience, both with respect to using my software/equipment, and to my conceptual understanding of mixing songs — what works and what doesn’t.  As with any first attempt, there are things about this mix that I am not completely happy with.  But for what this release lacks in production polish, it makes up for in rich content:  Sporting dense layering,  intricate editing and a roster of over 40 songs (including sampled fragments), as well as some “personalized” use of text-to-voice samples.

I have intentionally undermined the rampant, compulsive tendency of many dance music DJs to favor the latest over the greatest — as to say:  While most of what is featured In this mix is very current, I have pulled some tracks from a decade ago (or longer) on the basis that I love them, rather than on the basis that I want to impress other DJs with my ahead-of-the-current selections.  This being said, I feel that my heart is behind this mix, 100%, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

EVAN EXEMPT - MIX TAPE #1

(A mix-and-mash of heavy breakbeats, techfunk, tribal and nU rave electro-bangers)

***DOWNLOAD FULL .ZIP PACK HERE***

(MIX TAPE #1 CAN BE HEARD AND DOWNLOADED AT MY SOUNDCLOUD PAGE, BUT THE ABOVE .ZIP PACK INCLUDES HIGH-RES AUDIO, ALBUM ART AND A .PDF TRACK LIST, WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH THE SOUNDCLOUD DOWNLOAD)

mix-tape-1


SIDE A:

BLIM - “Driving”

Loopholes - “Shall We Dance?” [Tribal Injection Mix]

LAZRtag - “Detonate” [Dan Sena RMX; Evan Exempt RE:3d1t]

Steve Bug & DJ T - “Monsterbaze”

Breakheadz - “Progressymphonic”

Rennie Pilgrem & Dub Species - “The Sermon” [Sensei's Pounding Mix]

Anarchy Rice - “Alles Chic”

Bobsan - “Skorocela” [Instrumental Mix]

Strider - “Inner City Sumo”

Lily Allen - “The Fear” [Jayou's 'Oh No' Remix]

Peter Paul - “Runner (Two Codes)” + Fine Cut Bodies - “Huncut Hacuka” [Audio Soul Project Remix]

Trash Yourself & The Toxic Avenger - “Die”

ALSO CONTAINS SAMPLES OF THE FOLLOWING: Lily Allen - “The Fear” [a capella], Koma & Bones - “Freak Around”, Pink Skull - “Drugs Will Keep Us Together”, The Toxic Avenger - “Poker Face” [Lies In Disguise Remix], Quest Ft. Odissi - “Break Me” [Lillicia Libertine Mix],  Sharam Jey - “When The Dogs Bite” [Loulou Players Remix], Dune - “Boomerang”, Trisco - “Musak” [Wonderland Avenue Remix]

SIDE B:

Access Denied - “Atomic Reactor” [4KUBA Remix]

Peter Paul - “The Final”

Sharam Jey - “When The Dogs Bite” [Loulou Players Remix]

Kid Dub - “Tetris” [Tocadisco Remix]

Rektchordz - “Left Behind”

Klaus Heavyweight Hill - “G’s Groove” + Black Kids - “I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend…” [The Twelves Remix]

LAZRtag - “Detonate” + Mephisto Odyssey - “Superphonic”

10 Rapid - “Start Marching”+ Viro, Rob Analyze - “MRI”

JHZ - “Chips” + Debbie Deb - “When I Hear Music” [Instrumental Mix]

The Toxic Avenger - “Escape” [Bloody Beetroots Remix]

Bag Raiders - “Funpunch” [Calling In Sick Remix]

ALSO CONTAINS SAMPLES OF THE FOLLOWING: Plump DJs - “Beat Myself” [a capella], Skeetaz - “Gators” [Lawgiverz Remix], Future Funk Squad - “Sorcerary” [Lawgiverz Remix], Beat Assassins - “Generation MTV”

AN ESPECIALLY HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF THE ARTISTS WHO CREATED THIS BADASS MUSIC!! “WOW!!”  NOTHING BUT LOVE TO EVERY ARTIST CREDITED!!

- Evan Exempt

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nUb Raver Tuesday #18

***This week’s edition of nUb Raver Tuesday features new songs and remixes from La Roux, A Girl and A Gun, Trash Yourself, Little Boots, Dragonette, The Bloody Beetroots, and more.

This Saturday, while America celebrates the 4th of July with fireworks and BBQ bonanzas, I will cruelly be stationed in my POSTMUSIC.ORG cubicle putting together another half-assed writeup that will eventually be published as “NRT #19.”

Or…not? Find out next Tuesday on POSTMUSIC.ORG.

La Roux

La Roux

What a huge year it has been for British electro-pop singer/songwriter Elly Jackson of LA ROUX (please note that La Roux is in fact a DUO, not Elly’s stage name). Although their first official single Quicksand was released in late 2008, it wasn’t until the release of the hit single In For The Kill (one of the most remixed songs of the year) that the duo started getting an overwhelming amount of exposure on blogs, magazines, and radio stations worldwide. The third single Bulletproof was released on June 22, right in time for the official release of La Roux’s debut self-titled album, which was released yesterday (Monday June 29) by Polydor (UK) Records (home of KLAXONS, SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR, and more). In mid-July, La Roux will commence their first U.S. tour, starting in San Francisco, California. Surprisingly, the song Tigerlily has not been released as a single…YET…but I get the feeling it could soon be their next one. A newer remix of In For The Kill was released by LAST JAPAN. I can’t say that it is the best one of the song, especially when compared to the ones done by HOSTAGE or L-VIS 1990, but it’s definitely up there. (**Also, make sure to check out some of the other La Roux songs that have been featured on past NRTs.**)

1. La Roux - Tigerlily
2. La Roux - In For The Kill (Last Japan Skream ReEdit)
3. La Roux - Bulletproof (TEPR Remix)

Recently, electroclash darling A GIRL AND A GUN from Alabama announced a remix contest for her song Teenage Blitz. The contest is over now, but you can still give it a shot for your own amusement (download the vocals here). I’m not sure who won the contest, but the remix done by LOUD PARTY from Los Angeles seems to be the one being circulated (listen to some of the other remixes on her MySpace music player, including the ones by the amazing DSKOTEK from LA and Italian duo BELZEBASS). Check it!

4. A Girl and A Gun - Teenage Blitz (Loud Party Remix)

The Toxic Avenger

The Toxic Avenger

Let’s just say this - ever since I heard the collaboration banger Die (find it on NRT #6) from Midwest’s favorite dance party duo TRASH YOURSELF and (one of my personal favorites) the amazing TOXIC AVENGER from France , I’ve been waiting for the remixes of the song. Well, it looks like Oklahoma City club duo KIDS AT THE BAR decided to take the first shot. I have to admit, it wasn’t exactly what I anticipated - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Kids at the Bar definitely did a solid job, but it just wasn’t the non-stop, heavy club “banger” I was hoping to hear. However, I don’t think it necessarily falls short of the original (in other words, “I’ll take it”). Trash Yourself also recently did a remix of the song Louder by California electro producer AUTOMATIC PANIC. As you’ve probably figured out by now, anytime Trash Yourself get down on a track - it turns into a BANGER. And when you start with a Automatic Panic song, it’s almost too good to be true!

5. Trash Yourself & The Toxic Avenger - Die (Kids At The Bar Remix)

6. Automatic Panic - Louder (Trash Yourself Remix)

Hopefully by now, you have gotten accustomed to seeing my personal favorite electro-pop singer/songwriter LITTLE BOOTS on NRTs (I think this would be the fifth time a song of hers’ will be featured). If not, well too bad :P !!! At this point, I feel sort of obligated to share with you another remix of the single New In Town. So far on NRT, we have heard some really good remixes of the song done by popular electro/house DJ A1 BASSLINE from the UK (find it on NRT #9) and another one by DROP THE LIME from Brookyln (find it on NRT #2). I have to admit that those two remixes are my favorites so far, but no disrespect of course to the latest remix done by the lovely New York DJ THE GOLDEN FILTER. It’s always a treat to hear different interpretations of a catchy electro-pop song, and I think you’ll appreciate what The Golden Filter has done with the track.

7. Little Boots - New In Town (The Golden Filter Remix)

It’s kind of odd that the duo ROBBED BY ROBOTS just now released a new remix of the catchy 2007-2008 single I Get Around by Canadian electro-pop group DRAGONETTE (BTW this would be the third straight week that Dragonette have been featured on NRT!). It’s odd mostly because Dragonette just released their new single Fixin’ To Thrill more than a month ago (check out the official video…WARNING: it’s kinda bizarre), so you’d think maybe they would’ve taken a shot at remixing the new single. Maybe they will? Who knows. Anyway, I didn’t think I’d hear a better remix of I Get Around than the one done by Australian synth-pop group MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS, but the Robbed By Robots’ interpretation is just as good…in a different sort of way. You’ll just have to listen to see what I mean. Either way, I like it!

8. Dragonette - I Get Around (Robbed By Robots Remix)

Death To The Throne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Death To The Throne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It won’t be easy topping the DEATH TO THE THRONE (Phoenix, AZ) remix of the catchy song La La La by entertaining hip-hop/electro duo LMFAO (find the remix on NRT #13). Then again, it’s never easy ‘out-remixing’ a banger from DTTT. But, TERROR DACTEL from New York put out a respectable remix of his own that introduces a completely different interpretation than the one by DTTT. Unlike the DTTT remix, Terror Dactel incorporated more of the song’s melody and verses, while still retaining a banger club beat behind the hook. If you ask me, you should just rock both remixes back-to-back. :)

9. LMFAO - La La La (Terror Dactel Remix)

Honestly, when I first heard the BLOODY BEETROOTS song Warp featuring the one-and-only STEVE AOKI, I didn’t really think it was that great, at least in comparison to the other countless anthems by the Beetroots. Apparently, the rest of the world disagreed. Even NRT cannot ignore the flood of Warp remixes. It’s gotten to the point where there are so many good remixes of the song that 1) I don’t even care for the original (not that I ever really did) and 2) there isn’t necessarily a ‘best’ or stand-out among the bunch. Nevertheless, the latest remix done by the electro/nu-rave duo VIRGIN CAVALIER from Colombia is a top-notch BANGER. Enjoy!

10. The Bloody Beetroots - Warp (ft. Steve Aoki) (Virgin Cavalier Remix)

Is that it? I guess so. Oh don’t forget about these bonus tracks. Later!

Bonus ch00ns:
11. 3OH!3 - Don’t Trust Me (Acid Girls “Erotic Braille” Remix)
12. Keri Hilson - Turnin’ Me On (MSTRKRFT Remix)

~ [p33]r0y
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Rip!: A Remix Manifesto - Film Review

rip-posterUntil recently, I knew very little about Rip!: A Remix Manifesto, other than the fact that it was a new documentary on the topic of intellectual property law.  Legal and ethical conundrums of this scale often deter my interest due to their volatility and insurmountability.  But given that my recent self-reinvention as music blogger and DJ/mix-artist has begged of me many of the questions posed by this conundrum, my interest in the topic is to say… topical.

Rip! was written and directed over the course of six years by Canadian film-maker, Brett Gaylor.  The artistically edited, meticulously organized 87-minute documentary carefully examines the myriad of personalities, questions and arguments surrounding its infinitely complex subject matter.  Though the film’s perspective is broad and cultural, Gaylor’s narrative focal point zeroes on mashup prodigy and indie-music icon, Girl Talk.

Since the film is available for free*, I will spare you a long-winded play-by-play, though I would like to share a few of my impressions:

In spite of Rip!’s artistic focus on Girl Talk, its real intellectual steam is supplied by Stanford law professor, Lawrence Lessig and fellow Canadian culture critic, Cory Doctrow, both of whom forge convincing arguments and cast illuminating observations on big media’s role in public art and information sharing.  Also worth mentioning is artist, Dan O’Neill who battled Walt Disney in a lawsuit over his 1971 comic strip parody of Mickey Mouse, Air Pirates.  Disney VS. O’Neill stands as one of the most significant intellectual property rights cases of our time, along with Metallica VS. Napster, also covered in Rip!

Continue reading Rip!: A Remix Manifesto - Film Review

***BREAKING nU’s***

Our sources have confirmed that Michael Jackson is dead.

michaeljackson1

famous

Rest in peace, bro.

Michael Jackson - Thriller (DiscoTech Remix)
Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal (LAZRtag Remix)
Michael Jackson - Beat It (Kid Nexus Remix)

~ [p33]r0y

FUKKK OFFF - Live in GRAZ

fukkkofffl_ed71b23a822ab2e98c6e2991f34c2We got a little tease from German electro producer Fukkk Offf’s debut album Love Me Hate Me Kiss Me Kill Me (released on June 8, 2009) on nUb Raver Tuesday #17, which featured the title track (which is already one of my favorite electro anthems for the summer) and the catchy club jam More Than Friends (which features a few hip-hop guest drops…sorry, no idea who they are just yet).

The album consists of 13 tracks, starting with the two previously mentioned tracks, followed by our favorite Fukkk Offf banger Rave Is King. I think you’ll enjoy the rest of the album as well - particularly I Give You Bass (another potential club BANGER) and The Bottom.

Fukkk Offf recently released a live set in PRAZ, as somewhat of an un-official teaser for the new album. It is just over an hour long and is recorded in near-studio quality. You can download his set below.

Fukkk Offf - Live In GRAZ

You can also order the album or buy remixes of the single Love Me Hate Me Kiss Me Kill Me on beatport. Do it!

~ [p33]r0y
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nUb Raver Tuesday #17

***This week’s edition of nUb Raver Tuesday features new songs and remixes from Three Fingers, Calvin Harris, Fukkk Off, Rye Rye, Lykke Li, The Bloody Beetroots, and more!

***This post was edited on June 26, 2009***

Believe it or not, the hardest part about writing these NRTs every week is the opening paragraph. I’m a very simple-minded person that follows the same predictable routine - not just in my incompetent blogging, but with my life in general. Every Tuesday, I feature dozens of new electro/dance MP3s for your downloading pleasure - but really, have you ever thought that this might be some sort of elaborate facade to shamelessly promote my MySpace music page with link after link after link…after link until you subconsciously feel compelled to give me a profile view or five? On top of that, did you notice that I always find a way to mention some irrelevant and unnecessary tidbit or spiel about my personal life to satisfy my attention-deprived interweb ego? No, no, I would never do that. And finally, I somehow always find a not-so-clever way to direct readers to past entries, as if any of you have the patience or time to go beyond this current entry. I know you’re busier than that - with your job, all those hobbies, friends, and such. Well, you know what? Things are going to change around here. I am not going to start NRT #17 with some pathetic opening paragraph. I’m going to get right down to it - the music. I’m going to give the people what they want! T3H B4NG3RZ!

*Please Note: I wrote most of this entry during my writeup for NRT#16, so please forgive me if some of this new music is 3 WHOLE days older than you’d like it to be…you jerkface! I mean, thanks for reading? *

Three Fingers

Three Fingers

Recently, the new duo THREE FINGERS from Sydney, Australia released their first-ever production jam called Downstream, which has been circulating the music blogs for a couple weeks. Remix guru TEEN WOLF from Las Vegas, Nevada also cut up the track, and the two songs are mostly being featured side-by-side. The original is a legitimate electro cut that has some remix potential to become a solid banger. Teen Wolf has done a good job, but if you ask me, the remix surprisingly falls short of the original. Three Fingers also recently put out a remix of the single I’m Not Alone by popular Scottish electronic songwriter/producer CALVIN HARRIS. If you ask me, the Three Fingers’ remix is the best one so far, including the ones we’ve seen before on NRT. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’ll be hearing from Three Fingers.

1. Three Fingers - Downstream

2. Three Fingers - Downstream (Teen Wolf Remix)

3. Calvin Harris - I’m Not Alone (Three Fingers Remix)

Some of you probably recognize the German DJ sensation FUKKK OFFF from his 2008 banger-anthem Rave Is King. Well, he has returned! And, this time he’s introduced his debut album called Love Me Hate Me Kiss Me Kill Me, which was released on June 8th. Think Rave Is King times ten, and you basically have the debut album. It’s creating a lot of buzz on electro/nu rave blogs, particularly the title track which will likely become a favorite in your summer playlist. Luckily, it’s only a matter of time before the remixers get their hands on the hit. I’m not sure yet on how to obtain the album, but I guarantee more bangers from the album will inevitably be featured on future NRTs. For now, enjoy these two brand new tracks from FUKKK OFFF.

4. FUKKK OFFF - Love Me Hate Kiss Me Kill Me

5. FUKKK OFFF - More Than Friends

Rye Rye

Rye Rye

Rapper RYE RYE from Baltimore, Maryland is probably not as ‘big’ as she should be at this point, even if she received a decent amount of worldwide exposure from touring with Blaqstarr got quite a bit of play in dance clubs throughout the world. Her single Bang, which features M.I.A., was on the Fast and Furious 4 soundtrack and has been a remix favorite for several months. A couple stragglers have surfaced in the last couple weeks, including one by UK DJs DECIBEL. Please ignore the fact that it’s called Decibel’s Gang Bang RMX, it’s not quite that messy. It’s probably my favorite remix of the track. Check it out!

6. Rye Rye - Bang (Decibel’s Gang Bang Rmx)

You gotta love UK DJ/producer GRUM. There’s a limited amount of his production stuff out there, but nearly everything he’s put his hands on - remixes, production, etc. - have been solid electro bangers. I found a newer remix of Grum’s jam Runaway done by twin brothers (one from Croatia, the other from Ireland) SymbolOne, who have been tearing up the Euro scene and are bringing their game to the U.S. for a brief tour. They’re mostly known for their studio anthems, including Mean Rocket and the song Love Juice - which has been remixed by the likes of DANGER and MOULINEX, among others. They’ve put their imprint on a couple of remixes, including their take on the Grum track. It’s good! Add it to your collection!

7. GRUM - Runaway (SymbolOne Remix)

Lykke Li

Lykke Li

LYKKE LI was one of the biggest singer/songwriter newcomers in 2008. As most of you already know, she has that special ability to make any song sound beautiful, including her b-sides, covers, and guest drops. The song Knocked Up by popular alt-rock group KINGS OF LEON (from the 2007 album Because of the Times) was one of her first studio covers. Honestly, I have not heard the original, nor can I really say that I know much about Kings of Leon. As an electro/nu rave fan, I do know that there are a handful of BANGER-esque electro remixes of Kings of Leon songs, as well as Lykke Li songs (for those of you who haven’t heard them, it might be hard to imagine. But, they exist!) However, it’s not often that a remix is done of a cover. In this instance, the amazing (and one of my personal favorites) DEATH TO THE THRONE from Phoenix, Arizona turned the cover into an outright club banger. As far as remixes go, Death to the Throne rarely disappoint. I think you’re going to like this one!

8. Lykke Li - Knocked Up (Kings of Leon cover) (Death To The Throne Remix)

California DJ CRASH OVERDRIVE has returned to NRT with a new remix of THE BLOODY BEETROOTS anthem Warp, which (as you probably figured out already) has caused a remix frenzy over the past couple months. There are so many remixes of Warp that it’s difficult to tell you how the Crash Overdrive remix compares. But let me just say boldly that it is certainly one of the best! Don’t let it slip by you, trust me.

9. The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1.9 (Crash Overdrive Remix)

So how do you feel about the new single Fixin to Thrill by Canadian electro-pop group DRAGONETTE? Hopefully, you had a chance to listen to the DON DIABLO remix from last week (it’s good!). Just as good, if not better, is the take from electro hard-hitter AUTOMATIC PANIC from Los Angeles and the lovely DJ CAT NYC, who has been working with Automatic Panic on various projects. This one is a keeper for sure - check it out!

10. Dragonette - Fixin’ To Thrill (Automatic Panic vs. DJ Cat Remix)

Bonus ch00ns
11. Pitbull - Blanco (Fndannyboy Remix)
12. Leon Jean Marie - Bring It On (Rusko Remix)

Alright, I am out of this piece. Until next time…

Written by [p33]r0y
Contact: p33r0y@gmail.com
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Ableton Live + APC-40 VS. Traktor

Please allow me to first acknowledge that the title of this article is intended to be provocative, and really is not intellectually honest, accurate, etc.  This article is by no means a fair and thorough comparison between music software platforms Ableton Live and Traktor.  (A real comparative review would pit the programs head-to-head and draw objective conclusions from in-depth analysis… blah blah blah…) I have also assumed the reader’s basic knowledge of these programs’ functions and features; if you are not familiar, I would recommend you explore each of the below links (in body) before reading further.

I have been using Traktor LE for my live DJ sets. I do have Ableton Live 7 (Suite), but only on my studio PC. Deejaying with Traktor is great, but I believe that deejaying with Ableton Live would offer a lot more creative leeway.

I am planning on purchasing a copy of ABLETON LIVE LE to run on my laptop, along with an APC-40 controller. If you are not familiar with this set-up, please follow *this link* to view a video introduction.

Below is an excerpt from a recent dialog with a friend who uses TRAKTOR PRO. akai_apc_40


My Ideal Set-Up:

I think I am going to try to use the Ableton LE + APC-40 to run all my tracks. The direction that r0y’s and my mixing is going is toward looping and rearranging song fragments and creating what I call ‘mash edits’ (not exactly what you’d think of as a ‘mash up’, but the same basic idea — perhaps less showy and a bit more practical), rather than just deejaying entire tracks (which is what Traktor lends itself to). I am wanting to get away from the vinyl emulator approach and pull from a ‘parts bank’, adding a little more creativity and flexibility to the live dynamic.

My ideal set-up would include Ableton with an APC-40 as the centerpiece, a drum machine/groove box on one side, and a single turntable on the other (no vinyl controller interface, just a straight deck to spin some wax on).

I’d run this all into one master channel (maybe via a little 4-channel strip-mixer) and then send that into the center DJ mixer. I’d also set up a headphone cue switcher so I could individually cue any of my components (turntable, drum machine, etc.) + be able to monitor p33r0y’s mix in the headphones, if necessary.

This could be done cheaply and would definitely be a lot more interesting and creative than crossfading two or three virtual decks in Traktor.

(No diss on Traktor, mind you. It’s an excellent program for mixologists and turntablists, but I want to take the ‘mixology’ a step further.)


Any Ableton + APC-40 users want to chime in on this? Any Traktor users want to debate my assessment?

Thanks!

- Evan Exempt

Add me on MYSPACE!

nUb Raver Tuesday #16

***This week’s edition of nUb Raver Tuesday features new songs and remixes from Groove Armada, Dragonette, John Roman, Little Boots, Boys Noize, Sneaky Sound System, and more! ***

Tuesday is upon us again, and you know what that means. That’s right. Poseur-blogger/mega-nerd [p33]r0y has put his best efforts into writing yet another edition of nUb Raver Tuesday. And for whatever reason, he is unnecessarily writing this introductory paragraph in the third person. Meanwhile, the only thing you skim-readers have to do is scroll down and prepare your index and middle fingers for one-and-a-half minutes of right-clicking and “Save As”-ing. WELCOME TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF MUSIC BLOGS! If you truly ARE a nUb ravian, please spare just twenty minutes of your directionless internet browsing time to look through past editions of NRT.

Every Tuesday, I showcase new music from several nu rave and electro DJs, producers, bands, etc. But, I also showcase my writing inability, in particular my lack of creative transitions (analogously - see my DJ sets ;) ). With that said, what about that GROOVE ARMADA, huh? You know, the big/beat electronic duo from the UK? They are certainly not NRT regulars - in fact, they have not been previously mentioned on POSTMUSIC until now - but they’ve certainly been the regular go-to-guys when TV commerical and computer game soundtrack producers are looking for something electronic-sounding for their product. But in all seriousness, there should be no questioning their accomplishments over the past decade. I found an older remix of their single Get Down off of the 2007 album Soundboy Rock, done by the amazing electro duo STREETLIFE DJs from the UK. Don’t ask why I am essentially re-resurfacing an “older” (late 2008?) remix - it’s GOOD! Listen.

1. Groove Armada - Get Down (Streetlife DJs Remix)

Dragonette

Dragonette

The second full-length album entitled Fixin To Thrill from Canadian electro-pop group DRAGONETTE will be out sometime later this summer, and I’m kinda stoked about it. Their debut full-length Galore was released in late 2007 in Canada and Europe, but it took over a year to be officially released in the United States - which is why the album and its many singles are still fresh in a lot of our minds. The title track (also the first single) off the new album was recently made available for free download on their MySpace, and DJs are already getting their hands on it. Dutch producer/DJ and electro phenomenon DON DIABLO, who has been EVERYWHERE since signing a major deal with Sony BMG in 2008, recently released his remix of the song. Need I say more? Yes…grab it now!!!

2. Dragonette - Fixin To Thrill (Don Diablo Remix)

The young DJ by the name JOHN ROMAN from Toronto, Canada is…well…THE SHIT. He’s been getting a lot of exposure this year in the dance music blogosphere…but seriously? HE ISN’T GETTING ENOUGH!!! Let’s start by mentioning some of his BANGER remixes in 2009. First, his remix of the YEAH YEAH YEAHS‘ single Heads Will Roll (find it on NRT #4) is easily my personal favorite remix of the track. And, have you heard what he did to THE BLOODY BEETROOTS‘ banger The Death of Cornelius (find it on NRT #5)? Well, he delivers once again with his new  jam Wreck The Discotek, which you’ll notice samples from the BUSTA RHYMES‘ 1996 hit Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check. As if that isn’t enough for your stereo, the song has already ended up in the hands of fellow Toronto DJ and NRT favorite BARLETTA. Drop this shit in the club!!!

3. John Roman - Wreck The Discotek
4. John Roman - Wreck The Discotek (Barletta Edit)

Anyone recall when I featured the CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES (UK) and DRLKT FREDDIE (NY duo Van Scott and Jad Cooper) remixes of the ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (NY) banger Rock U on NRT #13? Well, now it’s time to feature a Chewy Chocolate Cookies (CCC)’s remix of an electro banger by Drlkt Freddie. Something I failed to mention in  NRT #13 is that I am a HUGE fan of CCC - almost everything they’ve done, as far as production and remixes go, have been solid GOLD. It’s safe to assume that  when you see a CCC remix, it’ll be a club BANGER. This remix of the Drlkt Freddie song Bloody is no exception. Grab it!

5. Drlkt Freddie - Bloody (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Remix)

Little Boots

Little Boots

Needless to say, I’m pretty happy about the debut album Hands (released last Tuesday) from NRT’s favorite electro-pop singer/songwriter, LITTLE BOOTS, who has already become somewhat of a “hit” in mainstream music magazines and blogs. To someone unfamiliar with Little Boots, the album could sound like a typical but infectiously catchy pop album - even to me, it sounds more pop than it does electro-pop, which is certainly not a bad thing. The major difference between her and some of the bubblegum pop artists she might be compared to is that Little Boots actually has TALENT (check out her bedroom studio YouTube videos for visual proof - particularly the home version of her single Meddle and the popular video of her covering the HOT CHIP song Ready For The Floor using a Tenori-On). Much of the album tracks have been available for quite some time - including songs like Stuck On Repeat and Meddle, which have been remixed a number of times over the past year and longer. Recall that I featured a remix of Also, the official video (I believe her first music video) of the lead-off track and first single New In Town was released a couple weeks ago - recall that I featured remixes of New In Town by UK’s A1 BASSLINE on NRT #12 and Drop The Lime (NY) on NRT #2. A song off the new album that hasn’t leaked until recently is Remedy, another radio-friendly song that should have you wondering how long it’ll take for Little Boots to become a household name. Check it out!

6. Little Boots - Remedy

They might not technically be a “household name,” but BOYS NOIZE from Germany is certainly one of the bigger and popular names in electro/dance music ever since his 2007 release Oi Oi Oi , along with more than a handful of hard-hitting remixes of popular indie and electronic artists over the past two years. Luckily for us, he has a new album in the works (to be released in the fall of this year) and some of the tracks have been released unofficially into the blog world. Let me just say that you’re an IDIOT if you don’t grab these…with that said, please grab these! :) If these two tracks are any sort of indication of how good the album will be, then it’s shaping up to be a nice followup to Oi Oi Oi. I’m excited!

7. Boys Noize - Jeffer
8. Boys Noize - Starter

Well, I just got done watching the music video of the song Gotham City by relatively unknown-to-the-states psychedelic electro-rock band Kidofdoom from South Africa…and TBH I have no idea what the fuck I just watched. The video has some limited comedic value I suppose, but mostly it tells me that I should never listen to this band EVER again. Luckily another South African native and DJ by the name HAEZER has decided (for whatever reason) to turn this unusual song into something we can appreciate a bit better. Here it is:

9. Kidofdoom - Gotham City (Haezer Remix)

The Australian dance group SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM started their first U.S. tour in the past week, released a new single earlier this year called It’s Not My Problem, and are slated to release their new album in the fall. Since the release, there have been a number of remixes, including one by popular British electronic music producer/remixer/songwriter Stuart Price, also known as THIN WHITE DUKE (among many other aliases - remix fans might recognize his other commonly used alias, Jacques Lu Cont). Price has produced songs for several big-name artists, including P. Diddy, Madonna, New Order, and Seal, but he is perhaps best known for his remixes of THE KILLERS’ songs When You Were Young, Mr. Brightside, and Human. After being introduced to the single by the Sneaky Sound System, he decided to take his best shot at it. If you ask me, it’s by far the best remix of the song. See for yourself.

10. Sneaky Sound System - It’s Not My Problem (Thin White Duke Remix)

BONUS ch00ns:
11. The Faint - Glass Danse (Short Circuit Edit)
12. Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (MSTRKRFT Remix - Sonic Truth Disco Edit)
13. Akon - So Damn Beautiful (VIKING Remix)

Thanks for reading! Come back for NRT #17, it’s going to be a good one!

Written by [p33]r0y
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10 Rapid - MINOR RIOT Single + SUMMER’S HERE DJ Mix

Evan Exempt here!  Welcome to Postmusic’s second feature on up-and-coming U.K. DJ-producer, 10 Rapid.    If you missed our first round, you can catch up *here*. With MINOR RIOT just three weeks hot off the presses, 10 Rapid keeps the self-promotion fire burning with a slick, new half-hour mix session, aptly titled, SUMMER’S HERE.  Today we are going to take an in-depth look at these recent releases.

[Just a quick note on semantics:  For purposes of distinction, the song titles ("Minor Riot" and "Start Marching") will appear in quotation marks; when referring to the entire release (MINOR RIOT) I will use capital letters and no quotation marks.  This same principle shall apply to the release title and respective song titles of the SUMMER'S HERE mix.  I am sorry to be anal, but I REALLY like clarity, if you haven't noticed.]

10-rapid-face

10 Rapid

I hope no one gets the wrong idea when I say that 10 Rapid’s two-song MINOR RIOT single is actually going to get a bit of a mixed review from me; maybe ‘mixed’ is a bit of a strong word.  On one hand, the pair of sample-driven compositions has all the ingredients of a 21st century dance-floor banger.   But in both cases we hear a dynamic build to a tense, suspenseful groove that rides and rides, but never really seems to break free, or develop completely, particularly on B-side “Start Marching”, which sounds to me like one long build-up.  Tracks like this certainly have their place though, and MINOR RIOT possesses plenty of undeniable attributes aside.

As a DJ, I would be inclined to use the monstrous, rigid, metal-guitar sound of “Start Marching” as a sinister opener, or a suspended plateau groove for a dark, driving rave set.  The title cut gives us a little more room to breath as it lays into its forward bass-synth riff, blasting the high-end with a raw, repetitive string sample while leaning on the back-beat to keep things moving.  One thing to take note of is the use of stark simplicity in both songs, showcasing only three or four voices at any one time; and while I find this type of sonic simplicity to be favorable from a mixology standpoint (i.e. crowded sounding tracks beget cluttered sounding mixes), I believe that 10 Rapid could have applied a little more imagination and boldness in the musical composition department (note-movement, melody, programming tricks, fills, etc.).  Still, the textures here are rich and raw, the samples well-used and the final execution, solid — and I think it is safe to assume that ’solid’ is what the artist was going for.

If you like menacing, dirty breakbeats that will dare to mean-mug the wimps on the dance floor, but will do so without completely alienating the non-elite, then I would definitely recommend this release.  But if you’re looking for some glossy, fun sounds to lure sober, pop-music-patrons out onto the floor, don’t bother; MINOR RIOT packs a heavy edge that probably falls in line with some of the darker works of Justice, or Mephisto Odyssey, for some household examples.

10 Rapid’s MINOR RIOT is a rugged workhorse that could prove quite useful for any breakbeat or indie-dance DJ who doesn’t mind laying it on heavy.  I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from this guy.

10rapidminorriot***10 Rapid - “Minor Riot” - Sample Crop***

***10 Rapid - “Start Marching” - Sample Crop***

[Sorry for the sample crops, but everybody got full-version freebies of Rapid's last remix of Cagedbaby; we can't give 'em all away.  Also, we will be getting a Flash media-player set up soon and will be able to offer more flexible listening and downloading options, depending on the artist/label.]

Support–>***10 Rapid on Beatport***<–Support


SUMMER’S HERE DJ Mix ON NEXT PAGE! Click HERE!

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nUb Raver Tuesday #15

***This week’s edition of nUb Raver Tuesday features new tracks and remixes from The Presets, Futurecop!, Diplo, Birdy Nam Nam, Yuksek, Passion Pit, Dan The Automator, and more.***

Hey! Thank you for checking out the latest edition of nUb Raver Tuesday, PM’s weekly feature on fresh electro and nu rave music brought to you by local music nerd, [p33]r0y. First and foremost, I have to admit that I did not get an opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted to dig deep into the various electronic music blogs that I frequently visit like the mp3 scavenger that I am. TBH, it probably took me less than an hour to collect, listen, and decide on the tracks that you will shortly be reading about here. So, to anyone that really cares, I apologize in advance if this might seem slightly lackluster compared to previous editions. Nevertheless, I think there are plenty of good jams (including several new faces…and yes, BANGERs) featured this week to make it worth your while.

For starters, I found another remix of ‘Kicking and Screaming’, the jam from Australian synth-pop duo THE PRESETS. I don’t know what you thought of the DJ LOVEBOAT remix featured on NRT #12, but personally I prefer the one by Los Angeles DJ SHORT CIRCUIT, who has done a number of pretty catchy remixes - some of which are available for download via his MySpace. Listen to this one:

1. The Presets - Kicking and Screaming (Short Circuit Remix)

Up until now, I had not heard of French native DEEJAY RAPH, who is currently working the clubs in Santa Barbara, California. Nor have I heard of PANCE PARTY from San Francisco, who remixed the Deejay Raph electro jam ‘Fuck Me I’m French’. The track is currently featured on a lot of other electronic music blogs, with the original track nowhere in sight. Before you check out the remix, you can read this interview of Deejay Raph by UCSB’s Daily Nexus. You never know, we could be hearing from him again soon.

2. Deejay Raph - Fuck Me I’m French (Pance Party Remix)

Futurecop!

Futurecop!

I was excited to stumble upon some new tracks from UK duo FUTURECOP!, who are Manzur Iqbal and Peter Carrol. Perhaps best described by DISCODUST, Futurecop! “create a sound inspired by 80s teen flicks, especially the movies of John Hughes and Sci-fi cartoons like Transformers or Thundercats, not caring about being different or trying to be commercial, even though the music might as well be called pop music”. A new album has been apparently in the works for some time, and I have been able to get my hands on a few of the tracks. As you’ll soon realize, this particular song (‘Tonite’s Hero’) seems to support the description by Discodust pretty well.

3. Futurecop! - Tonite’s Hero (Original Mix)

Earlier this year, respected house DJ LAIDBACK LUKE from the Netherlands once again teamed up with another big name in electronic/dance music - the one and only…DIPLO. The collaboration track is called ‘Hey!’, and I found a remix done by North Carolina DJ/producer group SONIC TRUTH, who consist of FIVE members (I can’t even begin to imagine what that setup is like). From an entry found on (one of my personal favorite music blogs) WHITE FOLKS GET CRUNK, you can find a zip file of 20 original tracks, mashups, and remixes done by Sonic Truth. Cool! I haven’t had an opportunity to check it out yet, but based on the tracklist, it looks pretty interesting. In the meantime, check out this remix of the Laidback Luke & Diplo jam.

4. Laidback Luke & Diplo - Hey (Sonic Truth Remix)

Birdy Nam Nam

Birdy Nam Nam

If you haven’t gotten a chance to listen to the four DJ crew from France, BIRDY NAM NAM, then you should probably do so. RIGHT NOW!!! Check out this video of the guys at work. Pretty amazing, to say the least. If you think the song ‘The Parachute Ending’ sounds an awful lot like JUSTICE, then you are spot on, because the track was actually produced by Justice. Also, check out the newly released official video of ‘The Parachute Ending’, hosted by DISCOBELLE.NET. I was pretty excited when I found a remix of the song done by superstar electronic producer VITALIC. Don’t let this one slip by you, because it is the OFFICIAL NRT BANGER OF THE WEEK!

5. Birdy Nam Nam - The Parachute Ending (Vitalic Remix)

NRT regulars have listened to a number of different remixes of the jam ‘Extraball’ by French DJ/producer YUKSEK (in case you missed those, you can find them here), but now it’s time to check out one of many remixes done by Yuksek. I should also quickly mention that Yuksek produced the track ‘TransBoulogne Express’ by Birdy Nam Nam. Anyway, I came across a Yuksek remix of the 2009 single ‘Farewell To The Fairground’ from the album To Lose My Life… by London indie/rock band WHITE LIES. I can’t say that I am the biggest fan of White Lies, but I can never overlook a Yuksek remix, and I’m sure you won’t want to either. White Lies have been remixed a number of times over the past two years, but this one is a new personal favorite. Check it!

6. White Lies - Farewell To The Fairground (Yuksek Remix)

I think you’ll really enjoy the catchy NEO TOKYO (UK) remix of ‘Sleepyhead’ by indie/electro band from Massachusetts PASSION PIT, who are another remix-friendly up-and-coming band. The 7” single of ‘Sleepyhead’ is available for order on NEON GOLD RECORDS web store. According to their site, “…Mixing Go Team!-esque samples with hooky MGMT synths and frontman Michael Angelakos’ distinct falsetto’d vocals, this double A-side release is just about the best thing you’ll hear all year…” Luckily, we aren’t as desperate to buy the 7″ as they are to sell it, so instead, let’s enjoy this remix of ‘Sleepyhead’.

7. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Neo Tokyo Remix)

Dan The Automator (+ monkey?)

Dan The Automator (+ monkey?)

We are all fans of hip-hop producer DAN THE AUTOMATOR, whether we realize it or not. After all, he was the mastermind behind several highly acclaimed albums from artists like DR. OCTAGON, DEL THA FUNKEE HOMOSAPIEN, HANDSOME BOY MODELING SCHOOL, GORILLAZ, and HEAD AUTOMATICA to name a few. Dan The Automator recently released a remake of the classic Sugar Hill Gang song ‘Rapper’s Delight’, featuring Domino and Casual from HIEROGLYPHICS and Charli 2Na from JURASSIC 5. Along with it, he announced a remix contest of the remake, and the first one I got a hold of was done by French dance club favorite, TEPR. I like it!

8. Dan The Automator - Rapper’s Delight (TEPR Remix)

I’m a shameless fan of the overly homoerotic, 25-year old English singer/songwriter PATRICK WOLF. I haven’t heard much from him since the 2007 release, The Magic Position, but apparently his new album The Bachelor was released on June 1st. I found a remix of one of the songs off the album called ‘Who Will’ by BUFFETLIBRE from Barcelona. No, I have not heard the original. But, I think it’s safe to say that this remix probably does not sound much like the original (unless Patrick Wolf has suddenly decided to go electro ;) ). And clearly, it was suitable enough to be featured on an edition of NRT. Here it is:

9. Patrick Wolf - Who Will (Buffetlibre Remix)

I hope you aren’t already getting sick of hearing the new singles (and countless remixes of those singles) from the YEAH YEAH YEAHS. There are probably close to a dozen remixes already of ‘Heads Will Roll’, some of which are quite good - including the remixes by JOHN ROMAN (featured on NRT #4), DAN OH, and EMRE B (featured on NRT #14). Honestly, I don’t even remember what all of them sound like, so I can’t tell you where the FOUL HOUSE remix ranks among them. Why don’t YOU tell ME?

10. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (Foul House Remix)

BONUS ch00ns:

11. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Schizofonics Remix)
12. Daft Punk - Aerodynamic (Loudnessboy Remix)

Thanks once again for reading. See you next Tuesday! Don’t forget, the Santigold and MSTRKRFT show is this Saturday in STL. Be there!

Written by [p33]r0y
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