TSHA ft. Trio Da Kali - Demba (Demi Riquísimo Remix)

Woman of the moment, TSHA just keeps turning heads. Recently named one of BBC Radio 1's Future Artists, the London-based producer just launched her debut Essential Mix there Friday, while scoring an inspired remix from Demi Riquísimo on Ninja Tune today. While I'll admit it took me to near the midway mark of her Essential Mix to really get it in the groove, it took no time at all for Riquísimo's resplendent remix to colour me captivated.

Making masterful use of TSHA's trademark percussion and Trio Da Kali's killer vocals, the Detroit-raised producer brings both a new groovy bassline and an extra acid odyssey. Now stretching over seven minutes and sporting a more club-focused feel, "Demba" delivers dance-worthy energy in droves, especially as the bristling bassline, gliding guitar, punchy percussion, and strident synths come together in the extended groove sections. Like an electronic jam band, this remix is more than progressive and playful enough for me to just sit back and listen in awe. The same can be said for the second half of her Essential Mix, especially the section starting with Prospa's "Voyage." And this is where I reveal that half of my decision to write about this "Demba" remix is an excuse to share her Essential Mix.

Less than a handful of the 31 tracks played in the mix have been released, making the two-hour trip all kinds of exclusive. I listened to it on my bike ride yesterday and cannot wait for the next opportunity to get lost in its incredible allure. There's just so much to like about TSHA's blending of more typical organic instrumentation and acid-etched, technologically-driven club type tracks. And this remix of "Demba" is a prime example of that, in one wicked and warm package. Stream Demi Riquísimo's remix below, get it from your favourite outlet here and check out her exceptional Essential Mix now, here.

TSHA · Demba (Demi Riquísimo Remix) [feat. Trio Da Kali]

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Catz 'n Dogz & Gerd Janson - Modern Romance

One of the best things that 2020 has brought us is Danny Howard's Lockdown Link-Up, a series of collaborations between two previously unpaired acts. Of the long list of new tunes spurred by the series that includes MK x Kölsch, Franky Rizardo x Joe Goddard, and Boys Noize x Skream, perhaps my favourite was released this past Friday. Fittingly found on Misfit Melodies and aptly titled "Modern Romance," this Lockdown Link-Up features two European titans in Polish duo Catz 'n Dogz and German genius Gerd Janson.

Immediately upbeat in its drum delivery, "Modern Romance" is an undeniable body mover especially as its killer club synths kick in. No matter which version you press play on, the collaboration commands a powerful punch that plays perfectly with the diverse drum deliveries, potent piano and slinky strings. Its infectious energy and stomping syncopation make it perfect for dancefloors regardless of whether they're full or functioning. It's got an old-school allure that all but demands a dance-off, especially during each offering's extended groove section. And while it's likely there's no fluorescent club for you to make use of, "Modern Romance" obliges by rifling off a ridiculous amount of radiant, rave-like sounds that through closed eyes imagines the dancefloor of your dreams.

Let yourself melt into the marvellous "Modern Romance" below and check out more of the Lockdown Link-ups through Danny Howard on BBC Radio One.

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Peggy Gou - 2019letsgetit Mix

While many of us on North America's east coast are in the middle of an incredible deep freeze, we've caught a bit of a break with Peggy Gou's first BBC Radio One residency of the year. Calling the hour long mix "2019letsgetit," she shares music old and new, both entirely electronic and otherwise organic. Providing little insights into each selection, this is one of the best ways to get familiar with one of 2018's biggest stars and most trusted taste-makers. Of course I'm partial to Jay Daniel's take on "It Makes You Forget," however the new/old/new sandwich of Look Like "Do You Love," 2008 DFA release "Where's Jason's K," into Dorisburg's March release "Rytm," is exactly the kind of mix we expect from Gou - clubby, groovy and downright magical. That said, the final track, Jordan GCZ's "Minor 7 Resin" encompasses all those traits and more, warming our hearts and leaving use floating off into oblivion. Get the official stream via BBC Sounds here and follow the globetrotting Gou's socials for more!FOLLOW PEGGY GOU: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monki B2B Purple Disco Machine @ Café Mambo

The long weekend may be in the rear view mirror, but that doesn't mean we can't still reap the rewards of its epic nature. While many of us took to cottages or festivals, BBC Radio One took their setup to Ibiza's Café Mambo for a slew of incredible sets, often pairing one of their presenters with guest DJs. Annie Mac worked overtime playing a solo set and going B2B with both Mark Ronson and Tiga. Pete Tong took to the decks with Patrick Topping and Danny Howard delivered the goods alongside Camelphat and AU/RA. However my favourite pairing came from Monki and Purple Disco Machine. These sets have been recorded and can be found on Youtube and on the BBC Radio One site.

As you might expect with such a pairing, Monki and Purple Disco Machine got groovy right from the jump, allowing the warm island energy to stir the crowd like waves on the shore. There's no shortage of organic instrumentation in their selections helping us to horns, strings and all kinds of percussion. Opening the set with his enormous "At Night" remix before letting "Body Funk" take over and ending with "Dished," Purple Disco Machine's DNA is all over this 30 minute mix. A tip of the cap also has to go to the genius incorporation of the "Groove Is In The Heart" sample into the finale. The whole thing is just an easy moving grooving set, perfect for Ibiza or really anywhere in the summer.

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Throwback Thursday: Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again EP

Yesterday Swedish singer, songwriter and producer, Robyn broke a long silence unleashing "Missing U" on Annie Mac's show on BBC Radio One. With additional production from Metronomy's Joseph Mount and Teddybears' Klas Ahlund, it is as triumphant a return as one can conceive. It shines spectacular, overflowing with warmth and, as with any Robyn led track, leaves you shaken to the core.
With that in mind, I figured it great excuse to throwback to my favourite work from her, perhaps the greatest collaborative EP ever, Do It Again with Norwegian duo Rökysopp. The 5 track 2014 release is beyond brilliant, both from a pure musical standpoint and of course a vocal/lyrical point of view. The massive, and indeed magical opening number "Monument" is an uber cool creation. Oozing with atmosphere and luxuriant with love it straddles the line between electronic epic and performance art. The drum work, billowing belly of bass, and sax solo make it unlike any production I've ever heard, but my favourite bit has to be Röyksopp's treatment of Robyn's vocals.

Drifting away from this dreamy musical masterpiece, the second track "Sayit" is a club killer. Raucous and raunchy it is the black sheep of the EP, yet sets up my favourite track, the undeniable earworm that is "Do It Again." Also club tilted, it is a sensational stomper that again showcases stunning production and Robyn's resplendent vocals. The rave atmosphere so easily sweeps you off your feet, that you're powerless to its playful potency. At the time of its release I was working a landscaping job and I would often follow its titular task and play it on repeat for incredible lengths.

The fourth track "Every Little Thing" is again a stunning success. Like its predecessors it's overflowing with instrumentation, much of it mere backing but undeniable in its impact. Once again going back for a more expansive, live performance feel, rather than a club cut, it leads into another epic bookend "Inside The Idle Hour Club." Expansive and atmospheric it is a loving, let us down easy kind of finale, full of warmth and poise. Do yourself a favour and give Do It Again a play if you haven't already.FOLLOW ROBYN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Throwback Thursday: My 5 Favourite Essential Mixes

With the long weekend looming, I'll be away from my computer as I attend a bachelor party in Montreal. With that in mind I've decided to share my five favourite episodes of BBC Radio One's Essential Mix that we'll certainly be turning to as the party rages on through Monday. It of course serves as a Throwback Thursday post as each of these mixes original aired between 2009 and 2011, an era I'll forever find close to my heart. Find each five linked alphabetical order with short descriptions. Enjoy!

Alex Metric - April 16, 2011
This has been my exemplar for mixing and track selection, and is best described by the man himself as his past, present and future. Records that he grew up listening to and takes in "80s synth, funk, italo-disco, nu-disco, techno, house, electro, indie, [...] filters the attitude and feeling of big beat through it, [...] that anything goes ethos, [...] no genres, just good music." Picking one highlight is nearly impossible, as there are so many, but the combination of LCD Soundsystem's "You Wanted A Hit" and Yuksek's dub of Katy Perry's "Peacock" is still stunning. (Tracklist)

Boy 8-Bit - May 14, 2010
An obvious inclusion as this is my favourite artist, but what can be said about this epic mix? The crate digging and mixing reign supreme, showcasing so many of my favourite productions, soon to be legends, and just downright dirty deep cuts (see the unknown mix of Detroit Grand Pubahs). Again a single highlight is tough to pick, but the move from the groove of Thomas Shumacher's "Red Purple" to Joe And Will Ask?'s "Rusty Pig" gets me every time. (Tracklist)

Cosmic Gate - February 12, 2011
The only non-house mix in this list, and an oddity in that I had really never heard Cosmic Gate before this. That said I still turn to this mix incredibly often, there's just such a grandness to it that fills me with an immense energy. I use it for long bike rides or other extended travels, where I may need to focus for short stretches, but can still enjoy the overall epicness. The track selection is again top notch, with so many now classics. Dune's "Heiress Of Valentia" still sends me into a tizzy, but the move from "Zero76" to Tristan Garner remix of "Rapture" is rave resplendence. (Tracklist)

Fake Blood - March 14, 2009
Quite possibly the first Essential Mix I ever heard, and it was because of Fake Blood that I became introduced to Boy 8-Bit. Fake Blood was bloghaus at its best, but he was so much more. His skills on the deck, undeniable. His ear for fire mashups and acapellas, perfect. His own productions, awesome. At times it is pure explosive energy and others, sublime and sweet. The sledgehammer to the face that is the trio of Zinc's "Blunt Edge," Lazy Jay's "Float My Boat" and Ink & Needle's "Tattoo Number Three" is stupid good. (Tracklist)

Jack Beats - February 20, 2010
Another excellent example of handfuls of my favourite productions (from Jack Beats and otherwise) being brought together in incredible fashion. One hell of a start with their ridiculously wicked "Little Secrets" remix. But then there's what I've called the best 40 minutes of music starting from their remix of "Epic Last Song" through to Popof's "Serenity." Then there's the transition from "Peanuts Club" to "Donut" that still sends shivers down my spine. The release there with the drums and the depth of "Donut" underneath is almost more than I can bear. True and undeniable brilliance. (Tracklist)

Camelphat - Essential Mix (05.12.18)

House heroes of the moment Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala, together known as Camelphat, just delivered a, dare I say, instant classic installment of BBC Radio One's Essential Mix. Although neither of their biggest successes "Cola" (which grabbed a Grammy nod) and remix of "Right Here, Right Now" (which sat atop the Beatport chart for weeks) appear in this two hour extravaganza, the quality of the mix is undeniable. They bring in trusted technicians Adriatique, Super Flu, Richy Ahmed, Pional and others to build a beautiful, brilliant and all around bumping episode. It's house through and through, but the elements of techno tilt the narrative nicely, giving it a bit more edge. It rolls through the two hours effortlessly, but that's not to say it's without highlights.

Sonically it seems the mix fully finds its footing with Sabb's shining single "Jeopardized" and again when the piano comes in during Black Coffee's remix of "Muye." Later the contrast of Camelphat's own "Dopamine Machine" and Anja Schneider's "All I See" showcases the sublime and wide-spanning nature of house. As the mix nears the three quarters mark in comes Bebetta's massive "Megalon" which continues to amaze, and appear everywhere, rightfully so. The fitting finale, at least in my eyes, comes with the mix from "Sand In Your Shoes" to another one of Camelphat's power productions, "Panic Room," while the following two tracks make for a marvelous denouement. Stream/tracklist here.FOLLOW CAMELPHAT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Four Tet - Essential Mix (17.03.18)

Last weekend I was away and never got the chance to take in Four Tet's triumphant return to the Essential Mix. That said I was certainly enjoying his remix of BICEP's "Opal," as was my dad, who I had to explain the proper formatting of original artist - track name (remixer), so that he too could enjoy the eight minute epic. Finally I'm back home, nearly back to my normal routine, and able to sink my teeth into Four Tet's masterful mix. As Pete Tong says in the intro, Kieran Hebdan is "in the middle of an incredible run" and graces us with some never before heard tunes. As always his selection is eclectic and built around exquisite beauty. There's of course a slew of his own tracks, with standards like Ben Klock and Emmanuel Top to go along with surprises like Britney Spears and Selena Gomez. It is a beautiful two hour episode of atmospheric excellence expertly mixed with just the right amount of oomph and vocal diversions. There are times where you'll find yourself flush from the carefully crafted charm of the mix, agape at the wonder it instills, and others where you'll want to run to the nearest floor to get your dance on. Four Tet delivers, as we ought to expect, so whether you're nursing a hangover, catching up on some work, or just looking for a new mix to make your day better, look no further. Steam via BBC Radio One here, Soundcloud here, Mixcloud below, download here, and find tracklist here.FOLLOW FOUR TET: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Alan Fitzpatrick Changing Seasons Mix

Going back to this past Friday, Alan Fitzpatrick took over the BBC Radio One airwaves with a guest mix for Pete Tong. This edition of Weekend Hot Mix took the theme of "Changing Seasons" as Fitzpatrick put it we're about to move from the clubs to festivals, and with that comes a change in sound, style and delivery. This mix reflects that more spacious, bright and warm feel, as far as techno goes. You can spread out, feel the grass beneath your feet, and the breeze on your face, all while still being jolted by the juxtaposed electronic energy. This mix is a smooth seven track spellbinder. With a new track from the man himself, the always incredible Skream paired with Billy Turner, and the euphoric "Higher" from Lo Shea, this mix demands more than just one listen. The winds of change are coming and the promise of warmth and freedom is on the horizon, with this mix offering up those feelings in droves. Stream below until Monday April 2nd, find the tracklist here, and follow Alan Fitzpatrick at the bottom.

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Alex Metric & Ten Ven - Otic

Apparently I missed the boat on this Alex Metric, Ten Ven collab "Otic," which has been building steam over the last month or so. But when I finally heard it last week in the midst of a slew of strong tracks on Pete Tong's show last Friday I was astounded. The sheer magnitude and sublime simplicity of "Otic" is unassailable. It is quite possibly one of the single greatest pieces of pure house music I've ever heard. And I think that's really the key, it feels and sounds pure; clearly conjuring up the notion of an instant classic. It has a soaring strength while remaining faithfully fixed to the floor; you are simultaneously spellbound to reach for the sky and guided by its groove, sending your hips and feet swaying and strutting. And fittingly to its title, "Otic" is of course pleasing to the ear. Each and every element not only satisfies, it soothes, stimulates and in the case of the low end, quite literally stirs.

Rarely do I get this excited for a track, or find it this easy to write about (more like gush about), but here we are; it's Alex Metric, so that shouldn't come as a surprise. I don't mean to leave Ten Ven out, and it seems it may be released on his label, When I Met You. And I say seems here, because while the image above has been circulated by both artists, the rest of the internet seems to say it will be released on Anjunadeep, as noted on the tracklist for Pete Tong and in the Soundcloud comments. Whatever the case, Alex said it is due out March 1st, so we can look forward to that next week. Until then enjoy the full stream below and be sure to follow both Alex and Ten Ven with their socials below.

UPDATE: Alex has confirmed March 2nd as the release date, indeed via Anjunadeep, see here.FOLLOW ALEX METRIC: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong

With any new year comes a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future. Many outlets present lists of who to watch; even the mighty BBC and Pete Tong have joined the onslaught of augury by welcoming in well known names to provide their own picks of potential. One of those trusted sources tapped was Tiga who provided a mix of the likes of Avalon Emerson, Justin Cudmore, and Dimitri Veimar, among others. This list of "New Names" speaks to Tiga's desire for edgier, more dangerous and risk-taking productions, as opposed to the conservative tilt he's noticed over the last few years.

While even Tiga admits Avalon Emerson is not necessarily new, she does provide much of what he's looking for in the progression of trance music. The break elements may not be overwhelming in her track "One More Fluorescent Rush," but they certainly are present and continue to run through the mix, as perhaps the single common thread. Following Dimitri Veimar's title track from the most recent Turbo Recordings release, comes Tiga's "favourite track," Beton "Directions," which can only be found in this mix and will be sure to have you coming back for more. It really is one of those special tracks whose strange, uniqueness is instantly captivating, taking me back to Tiga's own productions "Bugatti," "Mind Dimension" and Erol Alkan's "Move My Body."

As the mix moves on we get another "favourite track" in the "techno breaks" of Lo Shea's "Tundish." Not only is this a supremely cool and groovy track, but it's mixed with new Justin Cudmore, and man is it magical. Even in a mix meant to show off tracks, Tiga can't resist but show off his brilliance behind the decks. The theme of breaks only seems to get stronger in this final third of the mix, bringing in ABSOLUTE. and undeniable upstart Billy Turner whose not only released with Turbo, but alongside Skream. Wrapping things up Tiga announced his own name as one to watch, with particular attention to be paid to an upcoming collaboration with Kölsch. I'm salivating at the mere thought of such a matching of minds and cannot wait. If this mix was meant to whet our appetites for 2018, it was a rousing success. Stream the mix below via BBC's iPlayer until February the 4th and find the full show via Mixcloud here.

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weslee - Gassed (Yung Bae Remix)

Months ago weslee appeared on the internet with a debut production called "Gassed," which in turn became BBC Radio 1 and Mistajam's "Hottest Record In The World." After receiving a remix from TCTS earlier this month, it was again remixed, this time by disco darling Yung Bae. This isn't the first time Yung Bae's been featured on this blog (see here) and for good reason, there really is no one on the same level when it comes to deliriously delightful disco productions. This version couldn't be much further from the original, in fact essentially the only bit that remains intact is the vocals. Yung Bae gets the groove going with a grin inducing horn line, followed by a sublime synth line. It's fun and funky, the kind of stuff we've come to expect from the California kid. Throw it on and get the party started. FOLLOW WESLEE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Justice's Essential Mix POSTPONED, Woman out Friday

UPDATE: Justice have postponed their Essential Mix, as a result of being too "busy." Regardless, the release of Woman is still slated for release Friday, therefore the rest of the post remains true and intact.

We're sorry to announce that Justice have had to postpone tonight's mix as they're very busy and were unable to complete it in time. pic.twitter.com/3UafYLeyyl

— essential mix (@essentialmix) November 11, 2016

This is a big week for the french duo of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, otherwise known as Justice. Tonight they'll make their triumphant return to "the world's favourite mixshow" BBC Radio One's Essential Mix, their first since 2007. That will be followed by the highly anticipated release of their third studio album, Friday the 18th. With Woman's immanent release in mind, today is the perfect time to ratchet up the hype machine, by revisiting their first Essential Mix and giving the first three tracks of the album another round of plays. Depending on your preference of streaming sources, you have your choice from youtube, soundcloud or mixcloud, the latter you can find below.
I've compiled "Safe and Sound," "Randy" and "Alakazam," the first 3 tracks from Woman, in a spotify playlist below. Pre-order the Ed Banger and Because Music backed album from multiple sources here.

Glenn Morrison - Into The Deep (Ewan Pearson Remix)

For most DJs there is no higher honour than to have Pete Tong include their track in his Weekend Hot Mix. This past Friday, Toronto's own Glenn Morrison received that distinction when Ewan Pearson's remix of his track "Into The Deep" played across the hallowed BBC Radio One airwaves. Many a time, I've found myself ripping tracks right from the radio to include Pete's inimitable voice, that adds so much depth and intensity to the track. His delivery is simply legendary, and is a testament to his 20+ years as a staple on perhaps the greatest radio station our world has to offer. The fame of Pete may yet be rivaled by the two contributors to this track, as both Morrison and Pearson are legends in their own rights. This trifecta of techno gods combine to make an already hot mix, pure fire.Ewan Pearson's contribution to "Into The Deep" is pure perfection, sending Morrison's original further underground for an unreal, old school, never ending dance-off. The movement is a thing of beauty. It starts off with the atmosphere of a desolate wasteland, with ominous echoes in the distance. Pearson then transmutes those echoes into the melody, reverberating with more intensity. About halfway through, the vibes become less ominous and more uplifting, as the technologically created horn blips penetrate the atmosphere. This is where the track really excels, it becomes free, expansive, playful and utterly enjoyable. It is vibes like this, that always make me imagine the glory days of everyone in a club doing both, their own thing, but also moving in some strange unison. Like my post from two weeks ago about Bicep, it is the epic length and progression of this production that I cannot help but fall for.

Unbelievably, this track is available for free download (without Pete's voiceover), via hypeddit.

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Throwback Thursday: Switch - I Still Love You (feat. Andrea Martin)

For this week's installment of my Throwback Thursday series, it gives me great pleasure to reintroduce the world to the raw, breathtaking beauty of one of the most organic, soulful, heartfelt and unforgettable vocal performances ever, courtesy Andrea Martin. Its allure is only amplified by Switch's smooth and stunningly beautiful production. The 2011 Dubsided release, "I Still Love You," (which of course is still the way I feel about this decidedly distinguished track) shouldn't remain dormant much longer.

I can still remember hearing this for the first time on Annie Mac's official start to the weekend on BBC Radio One. However I can't decide what captured my attention more, Andrea Martin's unfathomably awesome voice or the rumour that Annie floated out there, saying that Martin had recorded the main vocal in one take, in Switch's kitchen nonetheless. While that rumour obviously magnifies Martin's earth-shattering performance, it remains incomprehensibly and overwhelmingly angelic, regardless of the rumour's validity. Martin's voice bares all of the raw imperfections that accompany heartbreak, and the glaring incompleteness of a spurned lover. It is that combination of the clearly organic, heartfelt flowing of her voice with the harrowing lyrical content, that make the track so formidable and utterly timeless.

Obviously, Martin carries the track with her unforgettable performance, but it is my assertion that Switch's supportive production is the key to this perfect composition. I'm not sure whether it's the subject matter, or the music, but I'm always reminded of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover." Playing the two back to back, the similarities in musical tone and percussive elements are unmistakable. Both are refined and understated, allowing us to become cocooned by the tremendous lyrical webs they spin. Of the dozens of remixes Martin's performance spurred, I can't say any come close to the original, as they inevitably end up fighting the vocals or simply crumbling under their incredible weight. Only Switch's well thought out and carefully crafted production truly allows Martin to shine. Furthermore, Switch, and his original production, add incredible depth with the supportive vocals samples, ooh-ing and ahh-ing, embodying the lost partner. Mirroring the lyric "I need you to succeed," it truly is the supporting vocals that "make [her] life complete."

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Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Thugli - Sic Em

Tonight on Bump In The Hump, I'm glad to premiere Thugli's latest track "Sic Em." Just over a month ago, the Toronto duo of Pat Drastik and Tom Wrecks opened for NGHTMRE at The Hoxton, and it was this very track that they closed out their set with. Still unknown to that point, "Sic Em" was then premiered during their Quest Mix for Annie Nightingale on BBC Radio One twelve days later. Known for mixing with vinyl, the duo always deliver with their mixes, such as their Inflight mix which serves as a great introduction to the duo, but they've also delivered other quality mixes for BBC before (hear their Diplo & Friends mix from 2014). Their latest, Quest Mix, is yet another example of their amazing abilities, and wide swath of connections, showcasing fellow Canadians Keys N Krates, Grandtheft, Sleepy Tom, as well as dropping the forthcoming Autoerotique, Hunter Siegel collab "OTF" (On The Floor, live video here). Ironically, it was exactly two weeks ago as I was preparing Bump In The Hump, that their video appeared on Much, seemingly before it's official Feb 2nd, premiere. Now I'm using that same video to tease you, ahead of another all new episode of Bump In The Hump on Radio Humber. Catch the live feed from 11-midnite EST here, 96.9 FM if you're in Toronto, or check back to Enlightenment For Your Ears for the mixcloud upload later tonight.

THUGLI - Sic Em (Official Music Video)
THUGLI - Sic Em (Official Music Video)iTunes: https://itun.es/ca/SoPqab Spotify: https://spoti.fi/1WU4WmlSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thugli/sicemhttp://thugli.com/[ Produced with the financial assistance of MuchFACT, a division of Bell Media Inc. www.muchfact.ca ]
Posted by Thugli on Friday, 5 February 2016

The Amen Break: Copyright, Royalties and True Art

There's no way that back in 1969, The Winstons could know their track "Amen, Brother" would contain one of, if not the most, sampled pieces of music ever. Whosampled.com claims the six-second "Amen Break" appears in more than 2000 recordings. So much has been said and written about the sample that it's got it's own Wikipedia article. It also spawned an hour long documentary on BBC Radio One hosted by Kutski. But it's this odd, 18 minute video-recording of a dubplate by Nate Harrison from 2004, that most succinctly addresses the vast influence and copyright ramifications of the "Amen Break." 

Harrison showcases many of the samples and manipulations of the "Amen Break," it's variations and, in return, the creation of various sub-genres. Arguably the inciting force behind the jungle sub-genre, the four bar loop has found itself in everything from NWA's "Straight Outta Compton," The Prodigy's "Poison," to, more recently, Keys N Krates' "Save Me." While it spread like wildfire, it pushed past the boundaries of copyright and royalty law forcing the lawyers to play catch up. As Harrison states in his recording, sampling wasn't mere appropriation but an attempt to re-create and breathe new life into older artwork.

The reflexive nature of art may have become a postmodern problem, as the "Amen Break" literally broke into popular culture, where money was now able to be made. Of course this is the big problem with electronic music and its sample heavy, remix driven nature. As always money is the problem. Big money-hungry labels do their best to shutdown bootleg remixes, but why? This is a problem centuries older than the "Amen Break." Shakespeare said art is a mirror held up to nature, to which Bertold Brecht refuted "Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." What is true art and at what point does it become a commodity?

Once again Harrison hits the nail on the head when he questions whether Richard Spencer (the "Amen Break" copyright holder), thought of sample-based music as not "having any potential, beyond a limited underground appeal." But since we now know that the "Amen Break" has been such a money maker, Spencer sees the recordings that use the sample as both "plagiarism" and "flattering." It's perhaps this reconciliation that best illustrates the inherent problem behind art as cultural production, and the eventual rendering of its aesthetic value into commercial value.

True art cannot be created as a commodity, it's merely an aesthetic release. If there is an audience open to and accepting of such a piece, it can be shared in such a group, lending credence and credibility to the work. However, it no longer remains art, as its use and value change (for better or worse), when it reaches an indiscernible point at which it achieves commercial value (a commodity). It essentially becomes alien and gains a life of its own, perverted by public consumption, no longer owned by the artist.

Art, and much of music (popular music, that is), has become a person's ability to sell their creation as a commodity, that is, artistic goods and services. And while I do not get paid for this blog, and do not get sold by artists to write about their work, I do often engage in and enjoy commodified, pop music. The thin line between art and business is tremendously blurry and seemingly inescapable. Music and its consumption, becomes an entirely subjective and personal endeavor, that can invoke a multitude of emotions and elicit endless meanings for its consumers. Perhaps that is the magic and allure of art. It is both, something so close to our hearts that it seems incarnate, while at the same time being something so mystifying and incomprehensible.