LITTLE STEPS :: Josin - Company (Kiasmos Remix)

Josin - Company (Kiasmos Remix)

Need some nice chill tuneage? I've got you covered. This Kiasmos remix of Josin's Company is midtempo chill at it's best. Josin's voice reminds me of Radiohead's Thom Yorke in a slight way, and I mean that as a compliment. You can check out more of her work in the Soundcloud profile below.

BUMP N TIME :: Blair Norf - Klymera

Blair Norf

Hailing from Vegas, I don't know much about Blair Norf. I know that he's produced tracks for some pretty prolific producers but feels comfortable in the underground scene. God bless' em. These tracks are tops.



Check out more at https://soundcloud.com/blairnorf

NO SCRUBS :: Shleepytime - Real Tasty!

Shleepytime - Real Tasty!

Lush Crank (yes, it's a genre) producer Devin Mills aka Shleepytime combines sexy funk, bouncy vibes and No Scrubs in Real Tasty! ... the end result might just have you skipping dessert. Check out Shleepytime's Facebook page for more information.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW :: Ori Kawa / The Entals

Ori Kawa

Ori Kawa is a DJ / Producer based in Chicago by way of California. He's been involved in the music scene as an artist for a few years and is now putting a group together to record and tour. The Entals are a group of rotating musicians under his artistic direction. They are crowd funding their costs on the IndieGoGo platform, with just 9 days left to reach their goal.

I had a chance to interview Ori, available here after the jump -



Let's go way back ... what are some songs or artists that drew you into the scene?

My older brother was a big influence in my early days in the bay area underground scene. He followed a lot of trance DJs. Mars & Mystre were favorites ... Dyloot, DJ Denise.

That was in San Jose, CA?

Yes, we had a really good local record store, Solid Grooves, that imported a lot of high quality techno/house that I didn't know at the time was from Chicago. When I branched out from my brother's tastes, I was listening to Donald Glaude and DJ Dan a lot, funky west coast house DJs.

Derrick Carter was the first Chicago DJ that I got really into. From there, I started to get into the roots of the culture and wanted to come here and study! Guys that got me into the scene here were Rees Urban, The Sound Republic, Bryan Jones. We could go further...one year for xmas, my little brother got a Talkboy. It had pitch adjustment...

So, you get to Chicago and start hitting Smartbar and eventually started working there ... yet, you were also booking for a club in San Jose from Chicago?

Yes, for a little while before I moved..maybe a few years..I was running the lounge for this place in SJ called Blowfish. Sushi joint, but was very clubby. I would book DJs, handle the equipment, etc.

Free sushi?

Yes. They treated me and the DJs well. For us local DJs, it was a solid paying gig, with a bar/food tab. Moving to Chicago gave me the connection to bring DJs from here over there.

I would work for sushi! 

So what are some of the highlights from your time at Smartbar?

Definitely working with Mr. Scruff and the Switch NYE stand out. Mr. Scruff is a vinyl junkie and brings all kinds of stuff, even 45s. He only plays the whole night, no time slots. He brings dance music from all eras and will start off the night with old jazz, authentic dub...all kinds of stuff. He makes it a journey from the beginning of the set to the end. My Blowfish days gave me a big appreciation for this, because there, we would play 3-4 hours. But during the beginning of our sets, people would still be eating dinner. So, you can't play bangers, you had to sculpt a mood to have the people dancing by the end of the night.

Mr. Scruff does all that and more. My experience was not just showtime...He brings his engineer, Ben, on all his gigs, and they do a proper sound check way before the show starts. During one of his sound checks, Ben was walking around SmartBar's dance floor. He went back and forth between all four of the Funktion One stacks and finally stopped at one, signaling Scruff to stop the music.

He said the phase was reversed. We had to open up the speaker, and sure enough, it was flipped. (The speaker had just come back from the shop)

A perfectionist?

You could say that. Just wants to set the scene right. As a DJ, you of course have to be able to go with the flow. But prepping goes a long way.

I've got to say Smartbar is my favorite club in Chicago, if not the world. They always bring the best artists, the dress code is casual, the staff is friendly. If you were the the owner and if you could change one thing about Smartbar, what would it be?

It's hard to say what could change with SmartBar...I guess if I was to change one thing about SmartBar, it would be the location! It's right by Wrigleyville and a bunch of sports bars.. but then again, I guess that's what gives it a "diamond in the rough" quality.

True

You've frequented there...I think I met you there actually! Would you change anything?

Maybe just the location, as you said but I'm not sure there's a better neighborhood.

So tell me about The Entals ... who are some of the musicians you are working with?

So I've got a bunch of music that I've written over the past five years or so. The Entals is the way to deliver this music. The only musician so far that I've worked with a lot before is my big brother Monte. He plays guitar. The others are friends that I've met working at restaurants here in Chicago, or other various industry connections. What I love about Chicago is that there is a lot of talent here, but it does not feel over-saturated. Most people that work at restaurants, or maybe just people in general, have some kind of creative outlet.

I agree.

To make a variety of tracks, sometimes it takes a variety of contributors.

So "The Cosmosis" is your first attempt at releasing music? And you are crowd-funding it?

I've released some music before, solo stuff. Nothing really sprouted though. So I decided I needed to improve my songwriting and performance skills. After a bit of musical solitude, I am ready to go at it again. But this time, I'd like to make it a group effort!

You also worked at Cajual Records. Are you looking for distribution through a label like that?

Yes, that was a great experience. Distribution has changed quite a bit, and it has become easier to release things independently with success. One of the great things about running the crowd-funding campaign is that I was able to get in contact with people who can help with that side of the business.

By the way, it's good talking to a fellow Mighty Boosh fan haha...

Haha yes

They're a bit too out there for some people, but that's what I like. They take risks.

I actually discovered the Boosh through a sample in a DJ mix.

That's dope! what sample was it?

I'm old GREG!!! I've got a MANGINA!

oh it was that one!! hahah yeah my favorite ... mmm Baileys!



So, I got a few questions from mutual friends - Do you have any secret awesome skills that nobody knows about? What are some of the craziest events you have ever performed at? In today's times, is it more about talent or followers?

Hahaha ok first one, skills ... i can gun sling like a western cowboy. I tried to make a music video one time, and the theme was cowboy mixed with postal worker. Don't quite know what I was thinking there, but I got a hold of a couple of authentic replica pistols and a holster belt from this cowboy shop on Chicago Ave.

That's awesome!

It's actually a good workout, the guns like those little 5 lb. dumbbells. Good aerobics.

Craziest event? DJing: probably closing for Mark Farina at Evil Olive. The crowd was already putty by the time I went on, I just rode the wave!

Non DJing: I played taiko drums in this group Ho Etsu taiko a while, and couple years back we drove to Lexington to play 6 shows in 2 days at a summer festival. The heat was intense and the stage was burning our feet through our footwear! It was an exhausting gig but rewarded with authentic bourbon in the heartland of it.

And third question, more about the talent or the followers? ... that's an interesting question. you won't get completely decisive answer from me on that! As I can only answer for myself, it changes at times. At times I have wondered why I have a small following, and it has pushed me to try and polish artistic abilities. A desire for that following can be very motivating. It has also pushed me to change hats in the industry, and figure out some of the logistical stuff that goes into building that following.

In the end, I know I must have a quality product that showcases the talent of my cohorts in The Entals. This is not the case with every act.

Our goal is to take this show on the road, so we can play music for the people and have fun and confidence doing it. So it's circular. And in the music business, sometimes you can get eaten up by the madness. Demands of fans can be harsh and lead artists to lose their own self. In this case, they must take sometime and focus on themselves. Use their talents to do what they and only they want to do. At other times in this business, we become a little TOO much about ourselves, and we have to remember to do it for the fans, for the followers.

All this is why it is important to us to have friends in the crowd. It is OUR crowd, we are YOUR band.

Without them, there would be no business.

Yup! no business, no energy, no participation

Anything else you want to add?

I had 2 rules for myself when I started DJing... 1. Have fun--if you don't enjoy it, how can you expect a room full of people to? 2. Make the people dance. That's it, only 2 rules. I still apply them to my performance, although rule 2 has become Move the people. Gotta plug my campaign of course.

Yes ... Please go and support these guys through this link and share with your friends - http://igg.me/at/orikawa



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FAVORITE MIX EVER :: Lary Breaks - Sub-Strata (Sub Side)

Lary Breaks - Sub Strata

Good things truly do come to those who wait. Back in the mid 90's, I picked up a Jungle mixtape - Lary Breaks - Sub Strata ... somewhere along my journeys in the mid-west rave scene. I played that tape so many times. I blew my speakers in my car. I made my fellow companions listen along the journey. Somewhere along the way, that tape met its demise.

Cut to many years later, I managed to get in touch with Lary via email. "Please send me another tape." I pleaded. "Sorry, but I don't have any more copies." A few years after that, I tried again. "I might be able to re-create the mix." he said. I waited. Then tonight, I'm mindlessly going through Facebook, then OMG - what's this?!?! Lary has uploaded your favorite mix to Soundcloud!!!

So, here I am listening ... reminiscing ... thinking about friends I've lost.

Starting at 25:00 is when this thing hits pure magic. I just wanted to point out. But, listen to the whole thing. It purely is old school jungle at it's finest. Thank you Lary! Thank you ... thank you ... thank you!!!!



In memory of Ajani "Burt" Ellis ... rest in peace my friend.

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Tycho :: Black Sunrise - Sunrise DJ Set at Burning Man 2014

Tycho - Black Sunrise

There was a lot of media coverage on Burning Man this year ... more than I have ever seen in years past. One story that got a lot of coverage was the Skrillex and Diplo set at Burning Heart and the rumor that they got booed off when Diplo dropped "Turn Down for What". Whether it was true or not, one other artist played an amazing set there - which was recorded for those of us unlucky enough not to attend.

Ghostly recording artist Tycho played a sunrise set for Disco Space Shuttle on Friday, August 29, 2014. Tycho included a pretty eclectic selection including some classics like the drum n' bass track Photek - Pharoah (a gem I had on vinyl once), which was played right before sunrise. I can only imagine how incredible it was to be there. The total result is pure magic!



Track Listing:
>> SET BEGINS - APPROX 5:40AM
Slag Boom Van Loon - Poppy Seed (Boards Of Canada Remix)
Boards of Canada - Olson
Clark - Tooth Moves
Manitoba - Dundas, Ontario
Atoms For Peace - Dropped
Tycho - Dye
Photek - Pharoah
>> SUNRISE - APPROX 6:20AM
Ulrich Schnauss - In All The Wrong Places
Tycho - Awake
Bibio - À tout à l'heure
Airbird and Napoleon - In The Zone
Tycho - Awake (Com Truise Remix)
Psychemagik - Cosmic Forest
Cos-Ber-Zam - Ne Noya (Daphni Mix)
Leon Vynehall - Time
Leon Vynehall - Be Brave, Clench Fists
Fort Romeau - Jetée
Dauwd - Lydia
Mirror People - Kaleidoscope (Psychemagik Remix)
Mano Le Tough - Primative People (Tale Of Us Remix)
16 Bit Lolitas - Deep Space Girls (DAVI Remix)
Dauwd - Heat Division
Tycho - L
Lancaster – Beachy Thing
Panama - Destroyer
>> EMBRACE SCULPTURE BURN BEGINS
White Denim - A Place to Start
Washed Out - Amor Fati
Little Dragon - Little Man (Tycho Remix)
Moths - Heart
White Denim - Street Joy

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Jeekoos - The Wreck EP

Jeekoos - The Wreck EP

Producer and DJ, Jeekoos a.k.a. Bartek Jeekoos has been peddling his own take on bass music for well over a decade now. He's been influencing kids and getting many hooked on that addictive bass line from his headquarters in Chicago. Now, he's dropped a new product - The Wreck EP, which features The Wreck, which will have you waylaid for hours and Gettin' - whose chronic influence will get you lifted and well retarded. Enjoy responsibly!



https://jeekoos.bandcamp.com/album/the-wreck

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London Afrobeat Collective - Prime Minister (Captain Planet Remix)

London Afrobeat Collective - Prime Minister (Captain Planet Remix)

London Afrobeat Collective are an expanding ensemble from (take a guess) headed by lead singer, Funke Adeleke. They've just recently release their new single - Prime Minister and allowed a few remixes including this driving juggernaut by Captain Planet. This one is just extra Afro Funky! The horns really make it great. Be sure to pick up all the versions on their Bandcamp page.



No Boats

Jokers of the Scene - Silencio / Have You Said Your Prayers Today?

Jokers of the Scene - Silencio

At the top of their game, Canadian duo Jokers of the Scene have dropped their newest single - Silencio for Lau / Astro Lab Recordings Various Artists album - TREASURE HUNTING VOL 2. This one is a fun, energetic tune with perfectly timed samples. Looks like this is my new tune to wake up to.



BONUS: Jokers of the Scene "Have You Said Your Prayers Today?"


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Todd Terje Essential Mix 2013

Todd Terje Essential Mix 2013

Enjoy this Essential Mix from Todd Terje from July 26 of this year. It's chock full of afrobeat, rare groove and disco.



Tracklist:
1.wally badarou - voices
2.riuichi sakamoto & robin scott - once in a lifetime
3.herb alpert - rotation
4.jim morrison - ghost song
5.guru guru - taoma
6.edu lobo - zanzibar
7.paul mauriat - from jupiter with love
8.juan laya & jorge montiel - cumbanchero
9.traks - wild safari (edit)
10.men at work - down under (chuck norris dub)
11.dennis brown - out of the funk
12.tanner ross - straight to the moon
13.tim green - cherry
14.let's get lost - 1002 nights
15.nese karaböcek - yali yali (edit)
16.angelo & eighteen - flight 2
17.status iv - you ain't really down (edit)
18.lone - lying in the reeds
19.chico hablas - los voladores (edit)
20.joe - r.e.j. bit
21.kitty winter - new morning (prins thomas edit)
22.shindai lovers - a little bit faster (prins thomas edit)
23.linus loves - skagg
24.steve miller band - serenade
25.sleazy mcqueen - mrs vanderbilt
26.guitar slim green - shake it up (edit)
27.gerry rafferty - right down the line (12" mix)
28.nicolette larson - lotta love (12" mix)

No Boats

SICK TO THE MAX :: Bassnectar - Immersive Music Mixtape - Side Two (download)

Bassnectar - Immersive Music Mixtape

Bassnectar has just created a helluva mixtape. This one's got everything including the kitchen sink. Make sure you also check out Side 1.



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Booka Shade - Love Inc

Love Inc

I'll be honest ... I could use a lot of love right now, we all could. I had a dear friend pass a week ago today and his wife, another dear friend and her kids are dealing with the fallout. I could use some Love Inc. Thankfully Booka Shade has provided ... with one of their newest tracks "Love Inc". This one is just beautiful ... let's share this and pass love around to one another all over the planet ... 4 REALZ!



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fuckmylife (deadmau5) - petspetspetspetspetspetspetspetsPETSpets

The artist formerly known as Deadmau5 - fuckmylife a.k.a. Joel Zimmerman has been making magic lately. Within the last two days, he's released 4 new tracks on his Soundcloud page which are all very similar and could easily be mixed together. In Nyquist Redeux and Nyquist Redeux2, I can almost hear the Barber's Adagio for Strings melody in the background - although chopped up a bit. stepstepstepstepstepstepstep and petspetspetspetspetspetspetspetsPETSpets are identical, except the latter is longer.

Will Joel continue under the fuckmylife moniker? Shouldn't I then be able to edit his Wikipedia page? Enquiring minds want to know!









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OLD SCHOOL JUNGLE :: Lary Breaks - Succumb To Bliss (mix)

The 90's were my formative years in electronic music. I traveled to many parties in the mid-west and mid-south during that time and there were a few DJ's that really inspired me. Larry Cole a.k.a. DJ Lary Breaks was definitely the one DJ who created my love for Drum 'n Bass and Jungle. Lary played for BAM productions in Nashville and it was his performances and mixtapes that got me hooked. One mixtape in particular - Substrata, which is lost to the world ... I've even contacted him and he no longer has copies, was played so much in my car that I blew all my speakers and wore out the cassette.

Lary and others like him helped the scene to grow here and I will always be thankful.



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VISIONE - Notturna (download)

Visione a.k.a. Drew Conn might just be one of Chicago's finest producers. I might be a little partial. After all, I did ask him to be a part of this site. But just check out Notturna! This 100 percent analog track takes me back to the 80's, but with an updated vibe. Pure gold!



DOWNLOAD

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BANGER :: DAN FARBER - Rattlesnake [Feat. Kokoro]

Another email submission in my inbox today ... this time "It's Dan!". Dan Farber, that is. This 26 year old DJ/Producer from Tel Aviv, Israel, started nearly 10 years ago as the in-house producer and artist for Israel's biggest rap collective TACT. After a messy break up, he went out on his own and has since then produced some of Israel's biggest hits. Rattlesnake is a hype heavy banger of a track that will make you climax at least a few times before it's over.



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WIKKID :: Bachelors Of Science - The Ice Dance

Ah, the glory days of drum 'n bass ... when the snare drum was king. Well, your longing is over. Bachelors of Science have you covered. The Ice Dance is a melodic, entrancing, snare drum stepping, masterpiece. It is built for speed and energy ... and all without the come down. Chris and Lukeino Rene of Bachelors of Science have put drum 'n bass on the map in San Francisco. Don't doubt for a minute that the glory days are over!



BONUS: BACHELORS OF SCIENCE - CODE MIX VOL 1


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RIGHTEOUS :: MitiS - Life Of Sin Pt. 4 (download)

The future is ours to create. A world free of strife, poverty, greed and war. These are my thoughts as I listen to the latest from MitiS - Life Of Sin Pt. 4. Philly based MitiS a.k.a. Joe Torre is a game changer ... having trained as a classical pianist, he's only recently started producing Electronic music in the last two years. In his own words - "it's the new age classical."



DOWNLOAD

BONUS: MitiS - Change WIll Come Mix 2013


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SHOEGAZING :: NOTHING - Dig

Shoegaze is a genre made popular in the mid 90's with bands like My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and Lush. I haven't heard anything so fitting of the title until tonite with Nothing's track Dig. If ever there was a resurgence of the genre, it's here. Where do they hail from? Philadelphia, no less. Will shoegaze become the new dubstep ... who knows, but with this band, we aren't complaining.



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Burex ft Amy Capilari - Mister Moon & Miss Sun

Burex is a new name in the house music scene; but a quick couple hours on his Soundcloud page leaves no doubt that he's been doing work, and its damn good.  His forthcoming release on London/Rome based Sentio Music Group is no exception.  The 'Sun EP' is five really great tracks but the crown jewel is one I've been playing for a few weeks now and I cant get enough of it.  Mister Moon & Miss Sun has some truly excellent piano work and Amy Capilari's vocals are nothing short of beautiful.  The 'Sun EP' is slated for release August 24th so mark your calendars.

Bonus: Burex - Crazy   [From the Sun EP]

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