Enlightened Listening for December 13

The year is wrapping up and compilations and remix packages continue to abound. And while so many best of lists keep cropping up, good music keeps dropping and here it is in this week's Enlightened Listening. Things start with mau5trap's 9th edition of We Are Friends followed by two top notch techno EPs from two more top labels in Phantasy and Afterlife. We're then treated to eight new Hot Chip remixes which join the four previously released gems. Justin Jay then joins the fray with a quirky and killer EP worthy of Dirtybird before DJ Zinc and Chris Lorenzo get back together for a couple new joints. Things then turn to remixes as legends Four Tet and SOPHIE take on Skrillex and SONIKKU respectively. Finally the mysterious DnB entity Dawn Wall unleashes propulsive four-pack, Birdmask.


Various Artists - We Are Friends, Vol. 9

James Welsh - Sitting/Rubber Dog

KAS:ST - Hold Me To The Light

Hot Chip - A Bath Full Of Ecstasy (Remixes)

Justin Jay - Don't Trip Like This

DJ Zinc & Chris Lorenzo - Deeper

Skrillex & Boys Noize ft. Ty Dolla $ign - Midnight Hour (Four Tet Remix)

SONIKKU ft. LIZ - Sweat (SOPHIE Remix)

Dawn Wall - Birdmask

Enlightened Listening for October 11

This week's edition of Enlightened Listening delivers a wide range of house records, highlighted by an ingenious album from Chris Lorenzo, from which we've already heard a number of singles but whose breadth truly makes it a masterpiece (see the likes of "Memories Fade," "Here Kitty," "Take Me As I Am" and "City Traffic"). There's also a couple exceedingly cool originals from the legendary likes of Flux Pavilion and Mat Zo, the former straying from his usual dubstep fare while the latter offers up an extended DnB joint.

That takes care of the final two releases in the playlist below, while things start with a fantastic remix from Bit Funk who once again showcases sublime sound design. That is followed by the latest David Penn/Defected release and just like like his "Big Love" remix this one is certain to get rinsed out endlessly thanks to its incredibly catchy craft-work. After that comes Phantoms' remix package for "Say It," which delivers dance-friendly energy on each of the three offerings. And that's exactly what we get with Max Styler's "Echo Over Me," a beat so powerful that your body will move uncontrollably.

In another unreal onslaught of power, YYVNG's debut on Botnek's World Famous Headquarters is sure to leave your head spinning. Finally, Syn Cole's "Cool With That" has captured my attention with simple, understated craftsmanship, particularly with the little bass riffs, but even more so the way it it all meshes with Golden Age's vocals. Stream via playlist and click through to individuals releases below. Cheers!

Dance Yourself Clean ft. Lollies - Your Love (Bit Funk Remix)

David Penn - Stand Up (ft. Ramona Renea)

Phantoms ft. Anna Clendening - Say It (Remixes)

Max Styler - Echo Over Me

YYVNG - WYNEHOUSE

Chris Lorenzo - Late Checkout

Syn Cole - Cool With That (ft. Golden Age)

Flux Pavilion - I Will Stay (ft. Turin Brakes)

Mat Zo - Emotion Sickness

Enlightened Listening for July 12

This is, without a doubt, the largest ever edition of Enlightened Listening, and as a result I simply cannot address each of the 25 releases individually nor will I list them below. That said I do believe this is perhaps the best playlist in terms of fluid listening, so dive into the 42 track, two hour and 42 minute new music extravaganza below. It opens with some bright summery tunes that should certainly get your toes tapping. The fourth track in changes the mood a bit, especially as it comes from Cassius. Directly after that, Chris Lorenzo utilizes the classic Masters At Work sample, once again proving its timeless quality in his dope deep delivery. A few tracks later we see Cloverdale drop off an exceptional EP on Dr. Fresch's young imprint. Staying with newly founded labels, the legendary Tommy Trash graces Botnek's World Famous Headquarters with the ridiculous "Ripper."

The mood of the playlist shifts after that, turning towards extended engrossing numbers from Clarian and Tinlicker, the former giving us a fantastic cinematic EP. Then, the surprise of this Enlightened Listening, Devo (yes, the "Whip It" group) deliver a supremely cool cut that doesn't seem at all out of place in this playlist. Staying cinematic, Canblaster comes through with a literal soundtrack piece made for a video here. Keys N Krates follow that with an 11 track beat tape ahead the second single from Wave Racer's forthcoming album. Things then turn DnB with a triple shot from our UK friends. The energy is obviously up following that as SYN continues to kill it, delivering a diabolic banger in "New Rave." Two more Canadian kids then follow that in Kraysh and ZABO, the former completing his Void EP. In a fire finale of sorts, the power pairing of Eprom and G Jones send us spiraling into infinity.

Enlightened Listening for June 9

This week's Enlightened Listening features a foursome of dance ready EPs, two dope disco singles and a trio of turnt up bass house numbers. We start with the wandering spirit of Sébastien Léger in his Skadi EP which features two equally epic magic and meandering singles along with a remix from Tim Green that fits the mood perfectly. Next up KiNK works with wife Rachel Row for the sensational "To Love You," which truly illustrates Piano Power, whereas the following two tracks are slightly more power than piano, but remain equally alluring. After that come four takes on the incredible "In My Arms," mostly of the more downtempo, chill variety save for Qubiko's club friendly force.

Turning to singles now, Dimitri From Paris and Cotonete reunite to remix the Dimitri produced Izo FitzRoy track "I Want Magic." Electric and magical, it features the fun and playfulness that this pairing always offers. Staying with heavenly horns and divine disco, Daphni has put his touch on Paradise's 1981 track "Sizzling Hot" which leads an EP due out July 19th. Moving laterally, we get a trio of remixes of The Magician's "Ready To Love," including a glitzy disco take from Mercer.

Finally we get to the fire finale of this playlist with Noizu and Eli Brown kicking things off with thumping groove number in "Inside My Head." Shift K3Y follows that up with another fantastically fiery flow which merges Night Bass and UKF in "Nightline." Closing out this collection is another unreal collaboration featuring DJ Zinc and Chris Lorenzo. The two combine for a jaw-dropping joint whose power is sure to send any dance-floor into fits. Enjoy all the exceptional new music now below.

Sébastien Léger - Skadi

KiNK - Piano Power

Ferreck Dawn & Robosonic ft. Nikki Ambers - In My Arms (Remixes)

Izo FitzRoy - I Want Magic (Dimitri From Paris vs. Cotonete 12" Version)

Daphni - Sizzling (ft. Paradise)

The Magician - Ready To Love (The Remixes)

Noizu & Eli Brown - Inside My Head

Shift K3Y - Nightline

DJ Zinc x Chris Lorenzo - Conditioning

Enlightened Listening for March 29

Just as with last week's edition of Enlightened Listening, the focus is on the future and we've got a great taste of it not just in the three diverse, yet equally awesome albums from Nömak, Maceo Plex and Plant43, but also in the trio of super-duos: the return of Dog Blood (Boys Noize & Skrillex), Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) and the newly founded Europa (Jax Jones & Martin Solveig). Rounding out the playlists are two beautiful takes on Luttrell's "Into Clouds," the killer combination of NGHTMRE & A$AP Ferg, and the versatility of Diplo as he does house. Stream below and enjoy!

Luttrell - Into Clouds (The Remixes: Part 1)

Diplo - Hold You Tight

Jax Jones & Martin Solveig Present Europa - All Day And Night (ft. Madison Beer)

Anti Up - Concentrate

Dog Blood - Turn Off The Lights

NGHTMRE - Redlight (ft. A$AP Ferg)

Nömak - 128 kbit/S_My_Love

Maceo Plex - Mutant Series

Plant43 - Three Dimensions

Enlightened Listening for November 30

We're gonna need a bigger blog. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening is maybe the most ambitious yet, highlighting 16 releases in and around this date. There's a number of releases we've been waiting patiently for (Haywyre, Krafty Kuts and Apashe) and some incredible surprises (Attlas, Robert Robert and Vessels). As always I've organized this wide ranging collection for maximum flow from more chill groove to heavy hitters in the playlist below. I'm going to get back to the short descriptions following that, but be sure to give each release a chance, they're all of the highest quality.

Tom Morello - A Higher Frequency (ft. Serj Tankian and Attlas)
Still not sure this is real life. Attlas has had one of hell of a year, but this leaves all his previous productions in the dust. Tempered, yet as resplendent as ever and that magical ability is only amplified with Tankian's truly awesome vocals. Oh yeah, and Tom Morello, he's no slouch either. One of the tracks of the year.

George Fitzgerald ft. Lil Silva - Roll Back (TOKiMONSTA Remix)
My favourite George Fitzgerald track and TOKiMONSTA has done it justice. Beautiful chill stuff.

KAYTRANADA - IT WAS MEANT 2 B
I could take or leave the other two tracks on this EP, but man this is the kind of cool Kaytranda production that just leaves me mystified. Groovy and warm, just the way I like it.

Haywyre - Panorama: Discover
This is exactly what I expected when Haywyre's return became immanent. Didn't miss a step despite two years off. Right back to fantastic form. Incredible artistry and musical abilities. Welcome back!

Krafty Kuts - Fresh Ingredients
Everything we've heard from this EP has been fire and the new additions maintain that quality. Surprising retro feels with some of the synths that make even the more chill tracks uncontrollably groovy.

Keys N Krates - Live In Toronto
Rarely is a live album better than a studio one, but this is very much so the case with Keys N Krates who first made the mark as a live band and continue to thrive through their play. They are now masters of their craft and it shows in this release. If you haven't seen them live I cannot recommend it enough.

Robert Robert - Okay Alright Okay
Last year Robert Robert blew me away with "Coolest Place In The Universe" and he's done it again with this brilliant bouncy beat. Fun and funky, and just indie enough not to feel too processed.

Ryan Davis - Obsidian (Vessels Remix)
Big epic build up. Maybe it because I've been listening to the Ed Banger Orchestral album too much, but it certainly feels like this is built the same way. An absolutely killer craftwork.

Cowboy Rhythmbox - Terminal Madness
Wickedly weird techno EP from trusted providers in Phantasy Sound. Think Mr. Oizo, Djedjotronic and Erol Alkan all wrapped in one. "Vodonik" is my favourite of the bunch.

The Reason Y - Almathea (Kevin de Vries Remix)
Another awesome, illusory production from Kevin de Vries. Try not to float off into the afterlife.

Murlo - Evaporate
A little jolt of energy as Murlo once again showcases his sensational club craftsmanship. WILD!

Various Artists - 7Wallace Sampler
As if Idris Elba didn't already have enough on his plate, his label can now boast tracks from GAWP, Golf Clap, Avesie & Cadence and more. Five equally strong tracks all in the house sphere, leaving me hard pressed to pick a favourite, although the middle three seem to be a notch above.

Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) - Hey Pablo
Could I get away with just posting the "I've fallen down and can't get up" meme? An undeniable dream-team and they did not disappoint. Not only is each track awesome but they fit together perfectly too. Not sure what we did to deserve this treat, but boy am I glad we got it.

Smalltown DJs & Dances With White Girls - Bad Behaviour (ft. SkiiTour)
It's most definitely a party. Slick, smooth bounce. The kind that will get you jumping on the floor and flying with whatever dance you feel.

Various Artists - WE ARE DEADBEATS VOL. 3
Since Deadbeats first started, they've been on the leading edge and they've done it once again. um.., Ducky, Holly, Cozway and Rome In Silver all on one release? Weird, wicked stuff all around.

Apashe - Requiem Remixes
Not only did Apashe craft some of the best bass of the year with the original release, but tapping the likes of CloZee, TenGraphs and Chuurch makes for one hell of a remix EP. Plays like a black and white horror film.

Enlightened Listening for October 19

Gotta love the life Fridays bring through all the new music that comes with it. This week's Enlightened Listening sees some new names (C.O.Z, Parametric and more) alongside some old favourites including a handful of fantastic remixes. There's the likes of Tennyson, Hudson Mohawke, Justin Martin, GTA, TroyBoi, Dombresky and more. Stream below, find brief descriptions after the playlist and enjoy!

Tennyson - Face The Night*
Always inspired, Tennyson craft some of the coolest and most unique pop productions. Such a vibe.

Kito - Pamplemousse (ft. Hudson Mohawke)
The night Tennyson were getting us ready for. More potent percussion. Beautiful and mysterious.

Nick Monaco - River (Mija Remix)
Magical breakbeat mystery. Sublime, stunning soundscape. The voices, bass guitar and sax, just wow.

Strafe - Set It Off (Justin Martin Remix)
Cannot stop listening to this genius. The long version is the best of the 3 mixes, and it may be one of the best tracks of the year. Not sure why but I'm reminded of Erol Alkan's "Forever Dolphin Love." Its just got such a unique, undeniable allure.

EDDIE - Spiritual Contraband
The first of two mau5trap EPs in this list. The more typical of the two, in that its progressive, beautifully crafted techno. The whole EP is definitely dance-worthy, but man is the title track ever good.

Antic - Turncoat
An awesome offering from Anjunadeep. Wandering wonderment with a glitchy groove.

C.O.Z - Back & Forth
Expansive, line blurring blend of bass house/techno. Turn up the sub and let it do the dancing for you.

DJ Zinc & Chris Lorenzo - Gammy Elbow (Dnb Mixes)
I've never seen a remix package like this. Both artists offer their own DnB mixes of their collaboration. Really cool to hear Chris' version compared to Zinc's, his bass house background works wonders while Zinc's consistent quality continues to shine strong.

GTA & Tisoki - Botellas (ft. Godwonder)
Need to bring back TWRK's mix series just for this. Unreal energy, cannot help but wile out to this.

Tails & Inverness - Skeleton (ft. Nevve)
TWRK, Girl Trapz or Get Right Radio, this one has that Benzi stamp of approval as the first release on his new label Parametric. One hell of a get down with vocals that lift you back up every time.

ODESZA - Falls Remixes
TroyBoi, TOKiMONSTA, and Photay all in one remix package? Oh and that's without mentioning Kaskade and The Glitch Mob. STACKED. Jaw dropping work from TroyBoi as per usual. TOKiMONSTA applies a pop polish perfectly, and Photay freaks it out in fantastic fashion. Something for everyone.

Dombresky - Futurmastic
There is no version of Dombresky I enjoy more than the melodic, chill, groovy version. This bright bounce number just feels like the perfect finale to any set or playlist. Exceptionally easy listening.

My Mixtape featuring Frustra

DOWNLOAD MY MIXTAPE FEATURING FRUSTRA

Tracklist

1. Gorgon City ft. Tink & Mikky Ekko - Impaired Vision (Frustra Remix)
2. Flume - Insane (Frustra Remix)
3. Banks - In Your Eyes (Frustra Remix)
4. SG Lewis x Dornik - All Night (Frustra Redux)
5. Noble Oak - Hyperion (Frustra Remix)
6. Mathematic - Brrrlin (Frustra Edit)
7. A-Trak ft. Jamie Lidell - We All Fall Down (Frustra Remix)
8. Katy B x Chris Lorenzo - I Wanna Be (Frustra Bootleg)
9. Just Kiddin - Thinking About It (Frustra Remix)
10. AlunaGeorge - Outlines (Frustra Remix)
11. Dusky ft. Pedestrian - Spruce (Frustra Remix)

Frustra on Bump In The Hump: August 24

If you've been following Bump In The Hump in the last few weeks, you'll be aware of the hiatus, friend of the show, Frustra has put himself in. He's assured me this is only a temporary move, as he continues to grow and work on his sound and style. And although he's still released music during said hiatus (see his remix of Katy B & Chris Lorenzo "I Wanna Be") it seems the turning point is now in sight.

In less than three weeks time, August 24th to be exact, I'll be playing host to the last track from Frustra as we know him, as well as speaking to him about what the future holds for the talented young producer. This afternoon, he released a teaser on his soundcloud, which one can only assume provides some insight into his new direction. Cryptically titled, "VIIIXXIVMMXVI" features deep, dark bass vibes reminiscent of Gesaffelstein and Rezz, amidst militarily precise percussion and affected, ominous vocals. Tagged "bodywave" and "vaporfunk," the feels from this teaser are sure to send shivers down your spine. Frustra's official comment is, much like Big Brother, to "expect the unexpected." Stay tuned to Enlightenment For Your Ears, Frustra's social media, as well as my own, for news regarding the world premiere and exclusive interview, and don't forget to listen to Bump In The Hump Wednesday from 6-7 on Radio Humber for more of the best new Canadian electronic music.

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A Conversation with WWRD (Uncut, Behind The Scenes Version)

As promised, I've uploaded the full 25 minute conversation with WWRD, from which the 5 minute Bump In The Hump interview was pulled. We spoke about her name, her DJing and production history, her passion for tech and deep house, the varying atmospheres in different genre nights, her connection to Anna Lunoe, her love for the Chris's Lake and Lorenzo, how she got in touch with BADLQQK, her forthcoming track "Blitzen," her 15 minute mix for Bump In The Hump, a summer of festivals, the first shows we ever saw, and the explosion of Canadian DJs and producers. The full episode will run again tonight on Radio Humber from 11-midnight, but of course you can listen to it anytime you like via Mixcloud. Stay tuned to Bump In The Hump for more exclusive previews of forthcoming BADLQQK, ahead of their new RQQKIES EP.

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Destructo ft. Ty Dolla $ign & iLoveMakonnen - 4 Real (Drezo Remix)

Drezo bring his inimitable style to Destructo's latest collab with Ty Dolla $ign and iLoveMakonnen, "4 Real." His incredible sub-harmonic manipulations are front and centre once again, relentlessly wrapped around the vocals for maximum intensity. I sure hope you've got a a good subwoofer when you're listening to this, I know when I heard it last weekend, at No Neon, the bass was enough to rattle my soul. Get your copy of Drezo's mix alongside others from Chris Lorenzo, Gerry Gonza and L.A. Leakers.
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