Enlightened Listening for July 23

We've got another massive haul of new music in this week's Enlightened Listening. Leading the way is a monumental ten-artist collaboration led by Mix Master Mike. It's followed by two tremendous multi-track releases from Daktyl and Murlo, both of which are undeniable highlights of this playlist. Turning our attention back to singles, the next five releases move from the always impeccable vibes of Keys N Krates, through ISOxo's electrifying Sable Valley offering "Aarena," and into fabulously fat and fierce ELLM remix of "One Life." Quality Canadian content follows with Bensley, Sultan + Shepard and CRi, who you'll be sure to hear more of on Bump In The Hump. Restraint and beauty take center stage with the next three releases, each of which shines sublime. Taking a different turn, deadmau5 and Lights' "When The Summer Dies" gets a groovy, alternative mix. Powering into the final five releases, Theo Kottis kicks things off with a delightful double dose of sonic sunshine ahead of a ridiculously resplendent dub mix of "Cruel Summer." Turning darker, Claude VonStroke and Walker & Royce combine for a pair of brilliant Dirtybird drops. Finally, Sébastien Léger's epic and immersive remix of "Alien" leads us into the fifth edition of Afterlife's unparalleled Realm Of Consciousness compilation series. Find this week's new music playlist below and each individual release linked at the bottom. 

Mix Master Mike - Megaton 10 (ft. DJ Qbert, A-Trak, D-Styles, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, Craze, DJ Babu, Melo-D & Shortkut)

Daktyl - HALCYON (Tape 1)

Murlo - Unearth

Keys N Krates - Brazilian Love Song

€URO TRA$H & Ibranovski - Alone Tonight

ISOxo - Aarena

F.O.O.L - MENTAL STATE

Benny Page & Sublow Hz ft. Samo T - One Life (ELLM Remix)

Bensley - Cascade

Sultan + Shepard - Something, Everything Remixed

CRi - No Mission

DJ Seinfeld - These Things Will Come To Be

Above & Beyond ft. Zoë Johnston - Love Is Not Enough (Newman Remix)

Low Island - In Your Arms (Alex Metric Remix)

deadmau5 & Lights - When The Summer Dies (Alternative Mix)

Theo Kottis - Sun

Etienne Ozborne & Jerome Robins - Cruel Summer (Dub Mix)

Claude VonStroke x Walker & Royce - Enthusiasm

Cypherpunx ft. Sian Evans - Alien (Sébastien Léger Remix)

Various Artists - Afterlife Presents: Realm Of Consciousness, Pt. V

Enlightened Listening for July 9

After skipping last week, Enlightened Listening is back with more than four hours of new music that you need to hear. Closing the book on last week, I'll note that Daktyl's "Hyperion" is from then, but I prefer it to the new single from his forthcoming mixtape. It, like so much of this week's playlist, features an incredible energy, a wicked vibe, and dope drums.

The other theme appears to be long-form releases (LPs or mixtapes) with Hybrid, Wizard, DJ Ride, and Attacca Quartet, each crafting a unique, cool, and compelling journey. Rounding out that first half, I've gotta give a tip of the hat to Ninajirachi's NLV/Sable Valley release, which is an absolute gas.

Still, the dope drums persist into the second half of the playlist as things get a touch more spacey with an awesome yehno remix package, another unreal Skream ifeel EP, and an Amtrac solo effort on OPENERS. Turning more dancey, and ever more groovy, the playlist continues with intoxicating originals from KUU and Peggy Gou, and a trio of top-notch remixes from Tensnake, Gerd Janson, and ABSOLUTE. Finally, the cherry on top, Chilly Gonzales with one that's sure to make you grin, "Music Is Back." Dig in now below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend!

Hybrid - Black Halo

Daktyl - Hyperion

Wizard - Viper

tails - tic tac toe (ft. laye & Kelland)

Ninajirachi - Dracodraco

DJ Ride - ENRO

Attacca Quartet - Real Life

Polaris - Love Letter

yehno - Tomorrow We'll Be Here Remixes

Skream - Instakord

Amtrac - Outer Station Support

KUU - Voices

Anti Up - Sensational (Tensnake Remix)

Peggy Gou - I Go

Flight Facilities - The Ghost (Remixes)

Chilly Gonzales - Music Is Back

Enlightened Listening for May 1

After the massive success that was Bandcamp's first Friday foray into forgoing their cut of revenue, the popular online music outlet is turning the trick again. As I did last month this week's Enlightened Listening is again hosted on Bandcamp, but with the lack of a playlist creator, you'll have to scroll through the alphabetized list below. I've included brief descriptions, but really the music should speak for itself. Be sure to support the artists if you enjoy. If it's pay what you want, a follow or share is the least you can do. Have a great weekend!

Austra - HiRUDiN
So often a stunning combination of spine-tingling vocals and moving musical beds. She doesn't release often, but when she does it's always incredibly well done. Standout tracks: "Anywayz," "Risk It" and "I Am Not Waiting."

Bakongo - Bopster / Anytime
The kind of drum dominated tracks we've come to expect from Roska Kicks & Snares. Incredibly crisp productions all around, but it's the glow of "Anytime" that makes it my favourite of the two.

Boys Noize - STRICTLY BVNKER
Twitch live analog sessions from Boys Noize's 'BVNKER'. Often dirty and distorted, these tracks are fire and scream chaos. And that's the brilliance of Boys Noize, he cultivates that chaos and somehow culls it into a singular theme. My favourite: "Moonsrad."

Calibre - Shelflife Six
13 track only ever heard in his sets, this album spans 20 years and showcases the ridiculous quality and lifespan of Calibre. One of the best examples of the breadth of musicality at the heart of DnB. Standout tracks: "Things Like This," "Crazy For You" and "Be Beautiful."

Daktyl - Ozymandias Beat Tape 1
Simply one of my favourite artists when it comes to creating soundscapes. Uber cool and equally unique, Daktyl's productions are always inspired and more than that, his musical ability is always front and center. One of the better beat tapes you'll ever come across. Standout tracks: "A Slow Walk," "IQ" and "Warning Signs."

East Avenue - Inner City Dubs Vol. 8
Two deep, funky jungle/garage tracks that ooze with groove. Both are sure to bring the dance-floor to life, but I'm more partial to the gooey nature of "My Future."

Good Room - 'Alone Together' Good Room Relief Compilation
A diverse compilation ranging from disco to techno with the likes of Martyn, Baltra, The Juan MacLean and Fort Romeau. There's wicked rollers, balmy bass-heavy bangers and even a slow burning jam or two. Standout tracks: "Trip Into The Good Room," "Diamond Head" and "Why Want."

Heller & Farley Project - Ultra Flava (Remixes)
Defected really know how to tease, I've been waiting for the David Penn remix for a while and it's finally here. It features his incredible work on the keys and just feels so fabulous. The Darius Syrossian mix is nothing to scoff at either with its masterful mix of atmosphere and power.

Ital Tek - Outland
An engrossing and adventurous album that is sure to transport its listeners to incredible new worlds. At times utterly atmospheric, others truly turnt and twisted. An exceedingly adept electronic offering that largely evades the foreign feel of electronics. Standout tracks: "Open Heart," "Deadhead" and "Oblivion Theme."

Leonce - Nothing To Declare
Something about Leonce's productions, dating back to Insurgency, screams godly to me. Equally almighty, this new EP delivers the dope drum work I expected alongside unholy atmosphere and killer club appeal. Absolutely love "Hyperion."

Plastician - Deep In The Drives
A lush collection of deep dub from the legend. The moods and scenes in these tracks are immaculate and moving. They're largely chill and laidback, but there's a couple sick cuts as well. Standouts: "Alone Time," "Gully" and "Jackal Riddim."

plusol - Lineage
I've been touting this through its singles and I'm glad it came out today so I could include it in this list. It features plusol's unique combination of electronic and organic instrumentation, alongside his cinematic approach that is both beautiful and banging. Listen all the way through, but if you need one selling point, look no further than the fabulous finale "Limitbreaker."

R&S Records - In Order To Care
A massive compilation with the likes of Fracture, Or:la and Special Request offering up sensational singles. Wildly varied through its 43 tracks, but all worthy of the R&S Records stamp. All proceeds go to PPE for the NHS, only further making the £10 price tag, for so many tracks, even more of a steal.

Rohaan - Bleach
The meteoric rise of Rohaan continues and rightfully so as Bleach is brilliant. Mat Zo and Tek Genesis are killer cosigns, just as the tracks here are capable of killing with their heart palpitating qualities.

Too Slow To Disco - Yacht Disco Edits
Another massive compilation, this time featuring the likes of LeBRON, Air Zaire and Yuksek. These edits all share the same sublime thread of gorgeous disco and get off to an incredible start with the divine "Waiting," my favourite of the bunch. Other standouts include: "Hold Tight" and "Right On Time."

Unknown Mobile - Leafy Edits Vol. 1
I'm partial to all of Unknown Mobile's edits so no surprise he's on this list. Four fun and often energized cuts here. "Paradise" is just that, while my other favourite "Underground" is shimmering and gorgeous.

Enlightened Listening for February 28

I'm not certain but this is likely the largest edition of Enlightened Listening ever. Stretching across nearly 80 tracks and over six hours, it features five albums and has its fair share of groovers and bangers.

The first two albums, Daktyl's UNREALITY and Caribou's Suddenly, have had me waiting with bated breath and show off both artists' incredible and thoughtful craftsmanship. The same can be said for the third album in the playlist, Tycho's Simulcast, although I can't say I was aware of its immanence. As to be expected with Tycho, it is utterly gorgeous and warm, preparing us for the long summer days that lie ahead. Turning more electronic and jacking up the funky groove meter, Wajatta's (the combination of Reggie Watts & John Tejada) sophomore album is sensational and sure to inspire more than a smile or two. Equally uplifting and groovy, Yuksek's feature-laden NOSSO RITMO will be undeniable at beach parties everywhere.

Speaking of outdoor events, I hope Sébastien Léger is one of the artists TBA at the All Day I Dream event in Toronto July 18th (here). His third EP for them is another amazing one, as mystical and moving as ever. Picking up with a more driving beat, Colyn comes through Rose Avenue Records with two powerful cinematic numbers. Even more driving, HUNTER reconnects with Roshin for fat joint "Floating." The enigmatic genius of Prins Thomas follows that up with a gritty growler in "Graut" which also receives a wicked and warped remix from Fango. Bridging the gap from the techno to the DnB that's still to come are two unreal originals from HomeSick in "Ampgain" and "Closer."

Immediately capturing my attention, J Majik lives up to his name with a godly remix of Joris Voorn's "Messiah." Flames erupt as Brookes Brothers and Kove follow that with the irresistible Kathy Brown led "Burn." Things really get lit with the return of 13 who is followed by a record I cannot say enough about, SBK.'s "One Man." I know we're still just in the second month of the year but I'm positive it will be in my best of the year list. Another man who is sure to find himself in year end lists is Apashe who delivers another ridiculous single ahead of Renaissance. Turning towards house, BROHUG brings us to the final true banger of this playlist, unhinged heater "Party Out."

Making the transition from house to disco both in the playlist itself and in a single track, CastNowski's "Deep Down" is fabulously funky fun. Next up in that same vein is Mercer who drops a dope bass-line on Bob Sinclar's "I Feel For You." Moving more organic, Duck Sauce's "Get To Steppin" leads us right into our finale, The Shapeshifters' follow up to "Life Is A Dancefloor," the sublime "Second Chance."


Daktyl - UNREALITY

Caribou - Suddenly

Tycho - Simulcast

Wajatta - Don't Let You Get Down

Yuksek - NOSSO RITMO

Sébastien Léger - Secrets

Colyn - Concepts Of Love

HUNTER - Floating (ft. Roshin)

Prins Thomas - Graut

HomeSick - Closer

Joris Voorn ft. HÆLOS - Messiah (J Majik Remix)

Brookes Brothers & Kove - Burn (ft. Kathy Brown)

13 - Atomic

SBK. - One Man

Apashe - Work (ft. Young Buck)

BROHUG - Party Out

CastNowski - Deep Down

Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (Mercer Remix)

Duck Sauce - Get To Steppin

The Shapeshifters - Second Chance (ft. Kimberly Davis)

Daktyl - Veins Detached [Live Video]

Last month, one of electronic music's top talents, Daktyl released a magical and moving single called "Veins Detached" with help from Roméo Testa. A testament to Daktyl's exceptional abilities, today he released a live video of him performing the entire track all by himself. Watch below and purchase here.

While the live performance is an absolute marvel, it would be impossible not to consider the quality of the original craftwork. A brilliantly subtle yet exceedingly cool and captivating studio production, the genius of Daktyl and "Veins Detached" is on full display here. I've always been a fan of Daktyl's soundscapes, largely due to their immersive and intimate feel. It is as though he's dropped you onto a blank canvas, proceeding to paint around you in incredible detail. Here he succeeds in making "Veins Detached" both warm and cold, comforting and melancholic; which is of course the mind-blowing, can't-look-away, quality of the studio version, ultimately magnified in the stark nature of this live performance. While the lyrics would suggest expiration and the end of movement, Daktyl gives the track new angelic life through his guitar work, only to leave us wanting more. Unfortunately it doesn't seem as though we'll be seeing Daktyl in person any time soon as he has no current concert dates, however he is planning to release weekly loop videos which you can find on his twitter below.

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Enlightened Listening for November 16

I often start these Enlightened Listening posts the same way, talking about Friday this, Friday that. What makes this post different is that November 16th has been marked on my calendar for many reasons. It marks the highly anticipated releases of Humans, Jacques Greene and Tiga & The Martinez Brothers. It also sees the return of both Haywyre and HERO after long absences. Joining those incredible offerings is Alex Metric's marvelous remix of "Electricity," a track he helped produce, Daktyl's dazzling take on What So Not and San Holo, and ANNA's epic twist on Jon Hopkins "Singularity." Rounding out this collection is the masterful Jean-Michel Jarre with Equinoxe Infinity. Enjoy!

Humans - Going Late

Silk City ft. Dua Lipa - Electricity (Alex Metric Remix)

Haywyre - Tell Me

What So Not & San Holo ft. Daniel Johns - If You Only Knew (Daktyl Remix)

HERO - Dirty Work

Jacques Greene - Fever Focus

Jean-Michel Jarre - Equinoxe Infinity

Tiga & The Martinez Brothers - Blessed EP, Pt. 1

Jon Hopkins - Singularity (ANNA Remix)

Daktyl - Oscillate (ft. Janelle Kroll)

Going back a few years, there was no one that blew my mind more than the UK's Daktyl. His production is and was always pristine. His sound and style unlike any - in my mind true 'future bass' although that definition/connotation has since changed. Take his early remixes of Wonderful Humans and fwdslxsh as examples. Later his Cyclical showcased his incredible abilities as an original artist, and perhaps this is where his genius and versatility shines most: "Mind," live with frequent collaborator JJ Draper.

Following this Daktyl went nearly radio silent, leaving me and others waiting with baited breath for essentially all of 2016 and a good portion of 2017. His return was then marked by the tellingly titled EP, The Act Of Hesitation. That release seemed to be twofold, in that it opened the floodgates for a more steady stream of music, whether it be his Dusk+Dawn mixes, recent Riyaaz EP, and even more fresh flurry of singles, including "Weather," and today's "Oscillate." If Daktyl's story interests you, serendipity has struck as my friends at FUXWITHIT just released an interview with him today, read here.Maybe it's my love for steel pans, but I was hooked on "Oscillate" in seconds. Janelle Kroll's and Daktyl's treatment of them is (like the rest of the production) brilliantly beautiful. The whole track just seems to shimmer, at least until the bass and groove kicks in sending your senses spiraling. As well as the movement, play and progression combine as one wondrous weapon, it is the little things that make "Oscillate" so spectacular. The one off, varying percussive hits; sneaky, backing strings; and bleepy effects, all add an undeniable allure and sparkling sheen. A wonderful return to the form that I first fell in love with, find the musical magic that is "Oscillate" available for stream/purchase here.

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Bells And Robes - Jackal And The Moon

Electronic music will always have an alien appeal, as we cannot see the strings, skins or reeds vibrating. There is some kind of disconnect, almost fantastic or magical. And for me that is why I'll be drawn to it. It's personal in how your brain receives it and where it takes you. That said, the best compositions tend to lead listeners to the same place, perfecting their storytelling. And that is the case with the latest from Bells And Robes, "Jackal And The Moon" as 'narrated' by Kaisune.

Following on the heels of their exquisite and out of this world Pleasures Of The Mind EP, "Jackal And The Moon" again eases into ears with wondrous, warm instrumentation and shimmering synth work. Comparable to Daktyl, Lido and Flying Lotus the mixture of sounds and styles makes for not only an unmistakably moonlit atmosphere but a chilling one at that. The room left for each element to play its part, and Kaisune's killer vocals to come out on top, is yet another example of Bells And Robes' brilliance. But for my money, the reason this track is such a stunning success is its ability to so seamlessly sew life and humanity into the combination of electronic and organic sounds. Find it free via Bandcamp and Zen Fresh Records, and be sure to check out more of their captivating catalog here.
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Silva - Escape

I've certainly said it before, but something special always seems to be coming from the otherside of the planet. The latest in a long line of Aussies to catch my attention is Harrison Bailie, aka Silva of Perth.

Today's release "Escape" takes me back a handful of years ago when I was first coming across this crazy blend of trap, jersey club and future bass from the likes of Slumberjack, Sable, and Daktyl among others. How ever you want to classify it, and I'm not sure how to do so with "Escape," there's no denying it is incredibly captivating and engaging. The futuristic atmosphere explodes with percussion and all kinds of effects amidst an eerie, almost tribal image. And then there's the drops which are nothing short of nasty; they'll leave your face all twisted up and and your body crippled and contorted as though you've been possessed. This is a wicked weapon and the true definition of turnt. Download for free via Hiva here.

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Maesu - White Peach (Koyö Remix)

Fresh from Hegemon comes a remix from New Caledonian, Koyö who's put his own touch on Los Angeleno, Maesu's "White Peach," and you can now pick it up for free via Artist Intelligence Agency.Immediately identifiable as a Hegemon track with it's incomparably produced percussion sounds, I could be easily convinced that this is a Daktyl track, which should say a lot about its quality. Even though it was posted 20 minutes ago (as I write this), it feels even newer than that as though it's been ripped from a distant future. I'm not sure how I would describe the track, whether more as future bass or as some kind of hybrid trap, but whatever the case it's incredibly well produced. The chiming bells and clicking percussion set the mood, alongside the ever growing ambiance and blasting bass of the drops, however the key to "White Peach" is the combination of vocal manipulations and wavering warm synths. When all of these excellent elements are added together the quality of Koyö's production shines its brightest. This really is Hegemon at its best, and with artists like Just A Gent, Daktyl, GRMM, Obeson and TroyBoi being associated with the label, that's saying a lot. I for one cannot wait to hear what Koyö does next.

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Moldavite - Majesty

Cool Californian producer Moldavite, previously known as Passage, fresh off the release of his 14 track album, The Realest on August 3rd, just dropped another new chill trap production, "Majesty." The sub-genre known as chill trap is a bit of an odd one, almost an oxymoron, as true trap is anything but chill. That being said, chill trap seems to have taken off in the past few years after artists like Cashmere Cat, Daktyl and Mr. Carmack among others, set the bar. Moldavite really seems to have figured out the key to crafting a quality chill trap track as he's got a number of them under his belt, including the marvelously cool "Majesty." It's ambiance fills the room immediately lifting spirits, while the radiant wind-chimes stand atop the massive booming bass.

The key for me however, is the tuning of the percussion, specifically wooden blocks (at 1:08 and again at 2:29). The combination of the percussion, oh so beautiful synths and silvery vocals, and their progression throughout, make "Majesty" a track not just for playing once, but one that can and should be enjoyed countless times. Its serene, composed qualities have an amazing and inescapable allure, one that I imagine will have you grateful for this free download from Moldavite.

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El Speaker & Skan - Never Gonna Catch Me

Fresh as it gets, El Speaker and Skan come together for the defiant and rebellious rhythm of "Never Gonna Catch Me." Out today for stream and download on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play & Amazon.The Paris - Strasbourg connection feels firmly situated in the south of France, with warm summer vibes, supporting vocals that no doubt invoke the island atmosphere of Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff." Not only is the beautiful vocal style amplified by the rising rhythm, El Speaker and Skan add additional depth and production, almost evaporating it in the humidity (0:20).

Somehow these two producers find a way to create an absolutely incredible combination of tropical, trap and future bass. Just as you think the track has hit it's sweet spot, gliding along through disarming vocals, the trap percussion propels it towards a turnt trap drop, before things get switched up with Daktyl-esque popping and hollow percussion, behind further teased vocals.

My favourite part of "Never Gonna Catch Me" comes in the third drop (2:35) when seemingly all facets of the track are unleashed in unison. The vocal manipulation hits its hardest, making an almost cat-like meow, bouncing up in sequence. The xylophone perfectly sets up the trap synth chords, as the vocalist (accused of murder), confidently strides away, which like the style of the track, seems incredibly illusive. If El Speaker and Skan continue to produce tracks like this, there certainly is no catching them.

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Best Free Xmas MP3s

By now I'm sure everyone's done opening their gifts and have taken advantage of some great deals, and since there's nothing better than free, I return after a two day hiatus, bearing the gift of free music.

Arriving today on soundcloud was this wonderful rework of Disclosure and Lorde's "Magnets" from rising star, Dom Dias. It's a really nice peeled back version that glides out of your speakers; it's a little less bass heavy than the previous tracks we've heard from Dom, but the production value is most certainly on par. The ebb and flow of the synths are greatly complimented by a bouncy and fluttering bass drop; the atmospheric sounds of the loons and gusts of wind evoke a live performance at your cottage. The real magic and brilliance lies in the superb drum 'pattern,' which is in scare-quotes because after listening multiple times, I'm still not sure I can pick up on it but damn it's sounds good.

I'm not sure where MDK was when he wrote "Snowdown," but since this has undoubtedly been the Christmas without snow, it's either a cheeky joke or some kind of dark magic that conjures the white stuff when played; some kind of so called snow-dance. MDK brings his unmistakable style to the holiday spirit, great bright, bleepy and bouncy electro drum and bass, that is taken to the next level with his expert ear for sound effects. The sleigh bells, "Santa's getting funky," and laughter samples always make MDK a force to be reckoned with but "Snowdown" reaches a higher level, grab this crowd-pleaser and make sure it finds its way into your New Years Eve playlist. Daktyl delivered on Christmas day putting his mark on Odesza's "Light." Even with the ridiculously massive year he's had this track could be his best of the year. Everything that we've come to expect from Daktyl has been packaged super nicely in this mix; his production value and effect sampling is unparalleled, most notably with the rattling sound that evokes a spray-paint can. His unbelievably ear for atmosphere supports the beyond beautiful vocals from Little Dragon. The spinning and whirling of effects on the drops is what sets Daktyl apart and he seemingly delivered his most dynamic production to date. Shlohmo brought a whole sack of freebies, with Chet Faker, Jim-E-Stack, Baauer and Jacques Greene dropping remixes of Shlohmo's Dark Red EP. Whereas the above three tracks were bright and warm, the four remixes below are far more dark and brooding. All of the mixes have contrasting feels and bring different things to the table. Of course the Chet Faker mix of "Remains" stands out in large part due to his intoxicating vocals, but it's the overall technological vibe and feel from the heart monitoring beeps and incessant typing that sends countless shivers down your spine. Jim-E-Stack's clicky and otherwise delicate mix is truly a "Slow Descent" into the mind of his genius, it sounds as though it could have been plucked right out of Jamie xx's In Colour. Both Baauer and Jacques Greene take on "Ten Days Of Falling," and although their style of productions are so different they both found a way to get the best out of Shlohmo's original. Of course Baauer's mix is more bass heavy and trap inspired, it is the massive atmosphere that shines through, there's no room large enough to hold all that is Baauer and his brilliance. Greene however seems to always find the perfect balance; his productions always evoke an epic journey though his finely tuned and crafted sounds. I nearly forgot about this gem from Ryme, because I've had it in my super secret exclusive folder since the summer, but if you've been fortunate enough to catch one of their amazing sets you very well could have heard their masterful remix of Anna Lunoe's "Satisfaction." Their use of 'simple' effects pan, reverb, delay, echo and flange make this an absolute club killer. The beat and rhythm is never lost and always succeeds in surrounding and propping up it's listeners. Get your shuffle and drop this one into your New Years Eve playlist, where you'll undoubtedly take your BADLQQK to a whole new level. We end with my favourite look for Skrillex, abandoning his quest for creating the heaviest, grimiest tracks, is when we get the most creatively beautiful tracks from his undoubted genius. This haunting and bewitching collaboration with Tennyson and White Sea, is perhaps better suited for Halloween as the synth work reminds me of Wendy Carlos' theme from the Shining. However it is the light yet powerful piano chords that, when combined with the vocals, makes this track inescapable. Just try listening to it once, I have a hard time believing you'll be the same; it'll change you for the better.

2016 Grammy Nominations Revealed, Does Anyone Care?

The Grammys are fighting to retain some kind of relevance and I'm not sure they're succeeding. How long ago was it that Homer Simpson gave away his Grammy? Do people even care? What's the point?

The joke, that is the Grammys, continues to flounder and beg the question what are the criteria for these awards? Apparently, the rules call for voting based on quality alone, and not be influenced by sales, chart performance, personal friendships, regional preferences or company loyalty. Quality alone. Hmm, that's not very clear, what kind of quality? Whatever quality they are talking about, they have spoken with their latest list of nominees. There are the usual suspects and there are the usual seemingly random unknown nominees (see Al Walser's 2013 nomination). Below you'll find my take on the four categories relevant to this blog; Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical), and Best Producer (Non-Classical).

Snakehips ft. Tinashe & Chance The Rapper - All My Friends (Wave Racer Remix)

Australian DJ and producer, Wave Racer, has followed up with Flash Drive EP with a swanky remix of Snakehips' sensational single, "All My Friends," featuring both Tinashe and Chance The Rapper. The original has garner support from all over the scene and has seen a number of remixes from the likes of 99 Souls, PREP, and MVJESTY. Personally, my favourite is the Wave Racer version; easy listening, catchy and just the right production for Wave Racer's unique, bright, bouncy and bumping style. Between the jumping bassline, bright bell chime sounds, popping bubble fills, video game sound effects clips, and echoing vocal manipulations, Wave Racer has absolutely hit this remix out of the park. There are very few producers whose catalogue is entirely 4 and 5 stars in my iTunes library but it seems Wave Racer is incapable of producing anything even close to mediocre. Whether it's original productions like "Stoopid," "Streamers," or "Bubble Wrap," or a remix like "Always," "Stand Still," or "Ryan Must Be Destroyed," that sparkling Wave Racer sound that is so utterly infectious, makes everything better.