FIRE FESTIVAL 2019 OFFICIAL RECAP Playlist

This weekend the world was tuned in to the awe-inspiring success that was FIRE FESTIVAL 2019, the spiritual successor to last year's head-turning COALCHELLA. Boasting A.G. Cook, Arty, Hudson Mohawke, Iglooghost, Slumberjack, YOOKiE, and a whole host of others on one incredible bill, the two day extravaganza had everything. Whether you stayed locked in on one stage or took full advantage of the epic Minecraft world, the whole undertaking was an absolute wonder. As early as Saturday night, sets began to get shared to Soundcloud, many of which come complete with download and/or tracklist. While I (obviously) didn't get a chance to hear each set, a few of my favourites that you can find in SLEEPYCATT's official recap playlist are Krysh, Poolboy, and onlytom. Stream/download below.

Charli XCX - ILY2 (Euphoria Edit)

Recently we saw Charli XCX perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with producer AG Cook lying motionless on stage (watch "Bounce" and "After The Afterparty"), and while it was cool to see those two on such a massive platform, it was missing a little something for me. Turns out it was missing Danny L Harle. The founding member of PC Music, has just remixed "ILY2" from Charli's Number 1 Angel mixtape. This new version, dubbed the Euphoria Edit, nails just what I love about both Harle productions and PC Music as a whole. It's incredibly bright, utterly alluring and oh so enchanting. While the original holds the keys to the car as it were, Harle's skill takes it from a Sunday drive to a trip around the Talladega Superspeedway. And while I absolutely love the super shiny, reach for the sky vibes, that's not all that euphoria and this edit are. The cherry on top comes in the second half as Harle sends us celestial revelers plummeting down to earth with a domineering get down (approx 1:29), proving euphoria isn't pure idealism but pragmatic power, connecting us to the reality of our earthbound existence.Get Danny L Harle's Euphoria Edit absolutely free, here.

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Easyfun - Monopoly (ft. Noonie Bao)

A.G. Cook's PC Music collective, continually churns out bright, captivating, and delightfully poppy productions. The latest release from this music making community is yet another shining example that, despite a Thump published op ed from Kyle MacNeill Is It Time to Pull the Plug on PC Music?, this record label is here to stay. Easyfun and Noonie Bao's "Monopoly" comes on the heels of GFOTY's Call Him A Doctor, a sensational 9 track EP that runs the gamut of styles and emotions, while maintaining an unmistakable PC Music sound. "Monopoly" however is a more direct and precise, stand alone, single. It can easily be enjoyed by itself, led by sharp synths stabs, wanton, wavering vocals, and magnificent melodies. At first it appears as a straightforward, poppy PC Music production, but Easyfun's creative brilliance shines through in progressive and delightful diversions. The main refrain, "I want it all," plays perfectly with the multitude of melodies and capricious combination of sounds. Play "Monopoly" by yourself or with friends, via Apple Music, Spotify or buy it via iTunes.

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The Genius of Danny L Harle

I really wish I could remember how it was I first came across Danny L Harle, because ever since I heard "Broken Flowers" back in February of this year, I've been enamored with his productions. Incredibly bubbly and so beautifully produced, each track features sounds that send me into a tizzy. I've been struggling to properly quantify what it is that makes Danny's productions so evocative.
Looking back at my iTunes playlist I notice that the first track I properly heard of his was "In My Dreams," and it's clear that what drew me to that track was it's combination of classical rave synths, retro/future vibes and that marimba/vibraphone playing as though its mallets were using my ribcage for its melody. Further peeling back the layers of Danny's mysterious and magical charm, the enchanting "Always Remember," is yet another example of that flourishing playfulness in combining so many different elements seemingly always around those classic rave synths. The ostensibly forever climbing, buoyant nature of his tracks without a doubt injects it's listeners with a lighthearted, jovial perspective. I can always trust Danny's productions to get me out of whatever funk I'm in. Finally the track that spurred me to write this piece, his latest production, "Ashes of Love," may just surpass "Broken Flowers" as my favourite song, not just of his, but overall, certainly in the last few months. Having mentioned my iTunes rating system recently, a look back at the past year shows 301 5 star rated tracks. And while there are probably a hundred that I would never skip, there are very few that I would go to before either "Broken Flowers" or "Ashes Of Love." There's something about his incredible combination of so many seemingly disparate and distinct styles, all as a foundation for two of the more beautiful lyrical compositions. He's able to produce pop music unlike any pop music I've ever heard before, very much so the best pop I could possibly imagine. The world would be a better place if there was more music like this on the radio. So I leave you with his latest, "Ashes Of Love," and highly recommend checking out his work with PC Music label mate, A.G. Cook as Dux Content and further suggest two of his mixes, Broken Flowers EP Minimix and Jungle Survival DJ Challenge.SUPPORT DANNY L HARLE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER