Enlightened Listening for February 8

Fridays never disappoint, but this one seems special with a number of my favourite names returning with new releases. Henrik The Artist once again puts on a clinic of unique quality. Paul Mond plays with our heart strings. Camo & Krooked kill it on UKF. Jake Robertz follows with a sick six track EP.  We then change gears for two, top-notch, uber-cool creations from Red Axes and ABSOLUTE.. Then comes MK with yet another inspired remix, which leads into a genius, jaw-dropping original from Haywyre. Finally, PINEO & LOEB drop the best cover album of the year in ELEVATION. Stream this week's Enlightened Listening playlist below and find individual releases linked at the bottom. Enjoy!

CLMD - Trouble (Henrik The Artist Remix)

Jarreau Vandal - What You Saying? (Paul Mond Remix)

Camo & Krooked - Atlas

Jake Robertz - Ophidia

Red Axes - Shabak Shalom

Prospa - Prayer (ABSOLUTE. Remix)

Elderbrook - Old Friend (MK Remix)

Haywyre - Let Me Hear That

PINEO & LOEB - ELEVATION

LIZ - Pandemonium

There are very few 'pop' artists I enjoy more than LIZ. Over the years she's tapped some talented producers to bring to life her incredible artistic vision. Favourites include: Djemba Djemba for "Underdogs" with RiFF RAFF, Lido for "Y2K," SOPHIE for "When I Rule The World," Henrik The Artist for "Wild Target," and Wave Racer for "Queen Of Me." Yesterday she did it again as she linked up with Grammy nominated Finnish producer, Nico Stadi whose credits include Justin Bieber, Lindsey Stirling and Goldroom, to name just a few.

"Pandemonium" does a great job of living up to its complex and crazy namesake with its wild sound design and onslaught of effects. That said Stadi does a masterful job of keep it all taught, in its short pop delivery. LIZ's lyrics mirror the groove and get down of the bouncy bed, bringing her trademark throwback fun and goofiness, never more apparent than in the line "I make it pop like a VHS." And while there's always room for experimentation and progression in an artistic ouvre, consistency in the world your art creates is the best reward for your fans. That's exactly what we get with the look for "Pandemonium" which arises at the end of the music video from her previous single, "Super Duper Nova." Stream via Soundcloud below, and purchase from your favourite outlet here.FOLLOW LIZ: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for March 2

It's Friday which first and foremost means new music. So here we are again with a compilation/playlist of new music for your weekend. As usual we range from club cuts, house (bass, disco and otherwise), and funky groove numbers. There's names we've seen on this blog before: Pied Piper, Henrik The Artist, Aylen, Amtrac, and Night Tempo; and new names like Calli Boom, Swill, and Mansa '91. Stream this week's Enlightened Listening and read brief descriptions below. Asterisk indicates free download.

Nathaniel Knows - Hungover (ft. King Tutt)*
Fall in love instantly with that flittery bass groove, then have your heart ripped out by that ratchet drop.

Calli Boom & Swill - Impact*
Tripped up trickles of percussion send your eyebrows upward while the drop leaves you floored.

Samba Soul - Mambo #5 (A Pied Piper Jumpy Club Regroove)
The expansive excellence we've come to know and love from Pied Piper. Don't be surprised if you start dancing involuntarily as if you were in the classic "Cuban Pete" scene from The Mask.

Henrik The Artist - Everytime We Touch (Drippy Dolphin Remix)
Henrik's refresh gets a jumpy jersey club-eqsue recast. Perfect for freaking out a dancefloor.

Wuki & Wax Motif ft. Earlly Mac - Buns (Aylen Remix)*
I always bow to Aylen's bass design and while this one isn't groundbreaking it's undeniably groovy. Certainly capable of commanding a crowd, getting pairs of feet aplenty flying across the floor.

Mansa '91 - Hollah*
While the image and title give it away you might not catch onto the cheeky "Hollaback Girl" changeup until the whole horn lick comes through. Like the Drippy Dolphin above, the jumpy chaos of this track makes for a fun and screw-face filled dancefloor.

Amtrac - Old Times (ft. Anabel Englund)
Talk about a perfect pairing, finally a true collab between these two. Fans of Anabel's work with Lee Foss and MK will certainly love this. Her line "There's magic in the air" takes on extra meaning.

Night Tempo - Just Be Yourself
I first came across Night Tempo exactly a month ago today, so it's only fitting there's more music, and from the still forthcoming Moonrise album. Seriously, is there anything cooler than this combination of genre tags? Vaporwave, synthwave, disco, dance, chill, deep house, and french house. I think not.

Jengi - Good Good (Midas Hutch Remix)
It's named twice because both the vocals and the instrumental are good. Midas is one of the smoothest operators out there. His stuff always slithers into your soul, satisfying with sublime sonics.

Henrik The Artist Set Recreation

I was pretty sure seeing Henrik The Artist for the first time would not be a disappointment,  in spite of my incredibly high hopes, and thankfully he blew them out of the water. If you're interested in the play by play, head to my twitter and have a laugh. But I'm sure you really only care about the music, so I'll do my best to show off what I remember from the sublime set here. Tracklist above is of course incomplete, and not entirely attributed (although those without artist names are either Henrik's or some kind of remix/bootleg). So here you go, enjoy and don't be afraid to turn all the way up, it's worth it.

I will end by saying that while I don't think this is the version of "All I Do Is Win" he played (his was more internet/meme friendly, especially in the vocal treatment), but it's an enjoyable version nonetheless.

Fresh Hex - Big Party

Maybe I'm just in the mood for Henrik The Artist and Trippy Turtle tomorrow (RSVP/Tickets), but I can't get enough of this new Fresh Hex track, "Big Party." He's tagged it PC Music, and it definitely makes sense, with it's bubbly pop production and overflowing energy. It's bright like a starry night sky, but also violent like a supernova. The vocal chops are absolutely intoxicating; as effervescent as a glass of champagne, and just as satisfying. And of course it's not all about the electrifying top-line, the bass is brilliantly designed, giving the track the oomph necessary for club play. I can only imagine how well this would go off in a kawaii/nxc set, maybe I'll get lucky and hear it tomorrow, once can only hope.
Bring "Big Party" with you wherever you go with a download here.

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Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: VANRIP & Truth x Lies - What Is Love

After quite some time without hearing a peep from VANRIP, he's back with an explosion of new music. Two weeks ago we had his song "The Coast" and since then he's dropped not one but two new tracks. Just over a year ago he took on the classic "Music Sounds Better With You," this week he's again taken on a blast from the past in Haddaway's "What Is Love." Teaming up with New York City's Truth x Lies, the trio has transformed the eurodance track made famous by Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan's "The Roxbury Guys" into deep driving house. The bass bonks brilliantly amidst strings giving the vintage vocals a new and eminent allure. Catch it on Bump In The Hump tonight and stream/download here.Once again I'm bringing back the Weekend Warmup, as I will do all this month (see my A November To Remember post to prepare), this week showcasing Henrik The Artist, who opens for Trippy Turtle, Friday at Velvet, and Great Good Fine OK, Saturday at The Garrison. I've also got big time tunes from the legendary likes of Tiga, Adam K & Soha, Carlo Lio and Jacques Greene. And as always I see you off with the fire finale with bangers from Botnek, Torro Torro, Motus and more. Listen live from 6-8 PM EDT here, or find the full episode after the fact on Mixcloud here.

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A November To Remember

I've spoken/written about it being club season ad nauseam lately, so I'm here put an end to that with one fell swoop. This November is going to be one to remember; as you can see above, there are at least a dozen artists I'll be making my way to the clubs to see. So read along below as I do a quick detailing of the 5 Ws, setting up the massive month of music ahead. I'll include links to tickets, Facebook event pages and most importantly, music to whet your appetite. Hope to see you out!

NOV 3 - Trippy Turtle w/ Henrik The Artist @ Velvet Underground
November starts off with a bang, with perhaps my most anticipated show of the whole month. I've been waiting for Trippy Turtle to come for years and even more so for Henrik The Artist, who I've gushed over several times on this blog. In my eyes there is no better Jersey Club bootleg artist than Trippy Turtle nor is there a more kawaii chiptune composer than Henrik. Over the past while, I've found my feet more glued to the floor than ever, but I'm confident the craziness that these two will conjure from the speakers will have me back bouncing up and down like I were a teenager again. The Velvet Underground is perhaps the perfect venue for such a wild and wacky show (RSVP/Tickets).

NOV 4 - Great Good Fine OK @ The Garrison
To be honest I can't remember where/when I first heard GGFO, but I do know that the song I first heard, "By My Side," immediately gripped me. Jon Sandler's falsetto vocals are stunningly beautiful and play perfectly with the sublime synth pop construction of their songs. They're funky and groovy and I can't wait for their vibes to wash over me in the comfy confines of The Garrison (RSVP/Tickets).

NOV 11 - RL Grime w/ graves & Kittens @ Danforth Music Hall
Trap titan RL Grime brings his Nova Tour to the big stage, with support from graves and Kittens. Other than TNGHT, no one has made a bigger or longer lasting effect on trap than RL. All evidence (his most recent releases "Era" and Halloween VI) suggests this is going to be absolute madness. Add to the bill rising stars and badasses in their own right, graves and Kittens, and you can see why this is a can't miss event for those that demand the best booty and brain shaking bass (RSVP/Tickets).

NOV 17 - Pete Tong @ UNIUN
Now most people know Pete Tong as the inimitable voice behind BBC Radio One's Essential Mix, but less know about his mixing and production abilities. While he skews more towards baleric, which doesn't really suit Toronto mid-November, he is of course incredibly versatile, dabbling in all things electronic and dance. Even if he breaks out just one of his Classic House orchestral pieces, the trip to UNIUN is well warranted. Expect the atmosphere to be warm, friendly and fun (RSVP/Tickets).

NOV 18 - Mura Masa w/ Lunice @ Danforth Music Hall
Both of these amazing artists dropped their debut albums this year, and both are incredibly well respected in the music sphere, just take a look at the long list of features on either album. While both craft incredibly infectious club tunes, the mix of dirty dusters from Lunice and clean crisp cuts from Mura Masa makes for one of the most magical nights in recent memory. Even though this will be the 3rd time seeing Mura Masa in around a year, this is without a doubt one of my most anticipated shows in that same time frame. These a truly two legends, and an absolute can't miss event (RSVP/Tickets).

NOV 23 - Ekali w/ josh pan & Y2K @ Velvet Underground
This month of madness gets capped off with perhaps the most mayhem one bill can handle. By now you better know about Ekali, and to be fair, I've covered just as much josh pan and Y2K as Ekali on this blog. It is however Ekali's Babylon tour and he's got his own stage production set up, although it will likely have to be scaled back to fit Velvet's smaller stage. And while it's a shame (visually), the intimate atmosphere will only improve the onslaught of energy. Each of these three have dabbled in a diverse range of sounds/styles, so I'm not sure what to expect, except the unexpected (RSVP/Tickets).

As above, I'm aiming to attend each of these six shows (health permitting, as my body often fights me following back to back late nights), and as usual I'll likely be live tweeting. Follow me @OggieJames, catch coverage here and on Bump In The Hump, and perhaps I'll see you in the clubs!

Top 100 Tracks of 2016: 33 - 1

Continuation of the list started Wednesday: From 100 - 67, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The middle third of the list can be found here: From 66 - 34.
Soundcloud playlist can be found at the bottom.

#33: Maduk - Got Me Thinking ft. Veela
(As featured on EFYE) From those first strides of warm synths, and the accompanying bass grooves, the track picks up and continually gets steamier. It almost feels like a real band could play this, although they'd have to be operating at an incredibly high rate of speed. And boy would I love to see it played live. From Veela's strong yet ethereal vocals, through the endless groove, fabulous drum fills and playful progression, this track has everything. It gets me going and makes me hella happy.

#32: LDRU ft. Paige IV - Keeping Score (Cut Snake Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) When I wrote about the remixes of "Keeping Score," I called Oski's my favourite, since then I've changed my mind. Cut Snake have absolutely crushed and perfected the original (which too is brilliant). The foundation laid out by LDRU and Paige IV is beautiful, but the additional piano and fluid movement Cut Snake have injected is simply sublime. It's become the kind of all night party track that takes listeners through the gamut of emotions. It's smart, groovy and enchanting.

#31: A.G. Cook - Superstar
This track is built for lists like this, it literally has everything: beautiful vocals and lyrics, brilliant production, all wrapped together in an epic 5 minute journey of emotions. It's no secret how I feel about PC Music and their aesthetic, so clearly I'm a fan of the sounds their leader A.G. has used in this track, despite not being your typical PC Music track. Leaning more heavily on piano, live instrumentation, and Cook's voice, this track is an ode to true musicianship, that often seems absent in electronic music. Its beauty will have you reaching for the sky, hoping to grab a ride into the cosmos.

#30: Courts - Feel My Love
Right from the groovy pickup, Courts have crafted an absolutely captivating track. While it's a true electronic dance track, it (like many of the others on this list) features a ton of live instrumentation. That live element is so incredibly powerful, it's infectious from the fingers to the toes, and the head to the heart. It's one of the most fun tracks in this list, it has me grabbing for my air guitar and hairbrush microphone just to be a part of the band. It's impossible not to feel the love Courts are sharing.

#29: Stormzy - Scary (Slumberjack Edit)
(As featured on EFYE) This Slumberjack production is light years away from their other track on this list. Where "Open Fire" is kind and insightful, "Scary" is merciless and blunt. It absolutely hammers away at your senses, in the best way possible. It takes Stormzy's grime original and turns it into one of the most fire bangers of the year. It's diabolic is its delivery, leaving you stunned, stupefied and floored.

#28: Vera - Eeva (Sketch)
The beautiful tranquility of the flowing water in the opening, lays the foundation of this fresh and fully alive future bass track. It's at once like nothing I've ever heard before yet also so familiar. What would seem to be a cacophony of sounds couldn't be further from the fact. Vera is able to incorporate so much into one track, crafting unbelievable harmonies. Imagine Lido, Cashmere Cat, Ryan Hemsworth and Tennyson all worked together on a track, even then it might not match "Eeva."

Top 100 Tracks of 2016: 66 - 34

Continuation of the list started yesterday: From 100 - 67, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. Soundcloud playlist can be found at the bottom.

#66: Meroshi - Summer Friends
It's hard to believe we made it this far into the list without some drum and bass, but here we are. Meroshi's genius is on full display here. His sound design impeccable, crafting instruments that feel so real, imbuing them with life and passion. The subtle effects and progression he works throughout, give the track an incredible energy. It's horny, groovy and those vocal samples get me every time.

#65: Stephen Walking - It Came From Planet Earth
2015 was the year I discovered and fell in love with Stephen Walking. This year marked a change in his productions, leaving behind the bass of "One Man Moon Band" and "The Difference Between Us And The Aliens," in which he explored different BPMs and styles. However, sticking to his interstellar, future disco/funk disposition, "It Came From Planet Earth" exudes awesomeness.

#64: Cashmere Cat - Trust Nobody (ft. Selena Gomez & Tory Lanez)
The rise of Cashmere Cat over the past two years is a testament to his nearly unrivaled ability, not only to produce around vocalists, but to craft truly divine sounds. While his recent work skews further from the kind of beautiful bangers of Mirror Maru or Wedding Bells, "Trust Nobody" shows off his smooth touch and delightful decorum. This further establishes Cashmere Cat as an paralleled producer.

#63: Jadu Heart - Late Night
Fittingly, I first heard this on a late night coming home from the club. That first flourish hit me like a magic spell, utterly alluring and beautifully breathtaking. And while it worked so magically in that hazy atmosphere, I now use it whenever I need a pick-me-up. It holds a special power in its easy flowing sound, so organic and raw as though it were recorded in one take. Heart rending harmonies through truly insightful and emotionally evocative lyrics, it's always on my mind.

#62: Jameston Thieves - Hypnotic
This certainly doesn't sound like a banger for the first 45 seconds, that is until it dives into a deep house beat. Torquing up the tension Jameston Thieves quickly turn "Hypnotic" in to an all out thrasher, banging the bass with massive strobing throbs, that contrasts so brilliantly with the brighter leads. The sound design of the bass in the drop may be the key to the track's quality, but it truly excels and finds itself in this list because of the drums fills leading into the drop as well as the supporting production.

#61: Justin Jay & Friends - Karma (JJ's Late Nite Dub)
Hearing Justin Jay play this at The Hoxton was one of the highlights of the year; I feel too many DJs are scared to play something out of the ordinary, something that doesn't bang, something not designed for the club. This is the kind of uplifting, yet downtempo, track that I could listen to any time of the day. It's built upon a beautiful premise ("You get what you give") and simple yet sublime instrumentation.

#60: Machinedrum - Angel Speak (ft. MeLo-X)
While I've called Machinedrum's Human Energy my album of the year (in my Grammys post), I decided to include only one track from it in this is (though many are deserving). The problem is the album stands as a cohesive collection, so separating tracks seemed wrong. The exception, and stand out track from it is this, "Angel Speak." For me it encompasses all that makes the album so magical. It it full of life, bringing humanity to the the synthesized sounds, begging listeners to move their feet. Like the album itself it also bounces around from different rhythms, instruments and grooves, truly coming alive.

#59: Torro Torro & Aylen - Designed 4 U
(As featured on EFYE) 2016 blessed us with one of the best collabs the bass community has ever seen. Torro Torro and Aylen are perfect for each other, as clearly evidenced in this track. Everything screams sheer brilliance as the synths never stop moving or progressing, and those vocal riffs, while leading the track they also support and play perfectly into the utterly insane and diverse drops. There really is nothing better than drop by drop progression, and these three take that to the next level, making the first, already awesome drop, pale in comparison to the callous second coming.

Top 100 Tracks of 2016: 100 - 67

Starting today through Friday, I'll be revealing my list of the top 100 tracks of 2016. The following is my disclaimer, as I feel it's important to preface this list with my methodology. I thought long and hard about this list, what and who I should include, where each track should fall, and how to go about doing that. Should I include multiple tracks from one artist? Am I trying to make a point/statement with my placement of each track? How do I deal with the recency bias, and the counter-effect of that on older tracks? The reality is, this blog is mine and mine alone. It is one man's opinions and despite my claims, that these are the "top" or "best" tracks, they are more truthfully my favourite, and what I believe to be tracks/artists that deserve further praise. I did not conduct any surveys, base the ranking on plays or popularity, but rather I went with my heart.

As you'll see I did include multiple tracks from my favourite artists, as they are, at least in my mind, deserving. You'll also notice a hell of a lot of future bass tracks, as is only appropriate for 2016. I also tried to include a variety of other genres, but it will be clear what my tastes, and therefore favourite genres are. However, I certainly feel like this list ended up hosting very little "club" music, despite spending countless hour of 2016 in the clubs. That being said there are dozens of worthy tracks that I either forgot or excluded. Finally, I'll be posting a soundcloud playlist at the bottom of each post, as best I can, assuming each track is still online. So here we go with the first 34 tracks.

#100: Photay - Trophy
(As featured on EFYE) I had to choose one track from Photay's Sadie EP and as I wrote previously, "Trophy" is bold and beautiful. It's the kind of experimental track that I cannot place into a single genre, save for the catch all category of 2016, future bass. The synth work is brilliant and full of feels. And as you'll see, the progression and movement it boasts is the key to many of the tracks on this list.

#99: Cowboy Rhythmbox - Mécanique Sauvage
This techno joint takes be back to the days when the likes of Gesaffelstein, Justice and the classic Boys Noize and Erol Alkan's collabs dominated my playlists, so it's fitting that it was released on Phantasy Sound. The genius of "Mécanique Sauvage" is its raw hammering style, contrasted beautifully by subtle tweaks and progression. This would absolutely destroy a club.

#98: Terror Danjah - All I Need (ft. Dot Rotten)
I got scared for a second when I saw that this song was on soundcloud 3 years ago! However, it still qualifies for this list as it was only released in August of this year. This is one of the deeper more beautiful tracks on this list. Terror lays down a brilliant beat and Dot displays his vocal prowess in more ways that one. His flow is fire and his words will have you wiping away tears.

#97: Bob Moses - Like It Or Not (Joris Voorn Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) Of the Bob Moses remixes that could have fallen on this list, I decided to go with the Voorn version because of its truly epic nature. The journey Joris takes us on is absolutely breathtaking, it gives the feeling of flying with its soaring synths. At the same time it dives to an unknown abyss, with its dark, almost alarming, bass throbs. Buckle up for the brilliance of Joris Voorn.

#96: Solid Groove & Sinden - Din Da Da (Yolanda Be Cool Re-Jiggle)
This is another one of those tracks that take me back to the "good old days," specifically 2006/7 when the original was first released. I first heard this when RYME played it this summer, ushering in one of my most stanky, screw faces. On a proper system you'll be making the same oo's and ah's as the vocalist, thanks to the nonstop bouncy bass. This is a confirmed club killer.

#95: FrankJavCee - Pop Song (ft. Marionismagical)
(As featured on EFYE) I couldn't do this list without including this brilliant indictment of pop music, as you'll see there aren't many, if any, pop songs on this list. Not that there's anything wrong with them. And that's exactly what this song is about, how can you hate on pop music when you make an awesome pop song. Music is about enjoyment, and I thoroughly enjoy this and all tracks on this list.

DUCKY - Don't Give Up Yet EP

After two months of silence from Ryan Hemsworth's Secret Songs collective, the indie label strikes back with perhaps its best release to date. Ever ebullient Los Angeleno, Ducky delivers a delightful four track EP, that sets a new, sparkling, standard both for her productions as well as Secret Songs'. My love for Ryan Hemsworth and Secret Songs is no secret to followers of Bump In The Hump or Enlightenment For Your Ears. Still one of my favourite tracks of all time, Henrik The Artist's "Naked," was released on Secret Songs last year. However the brilliant "Naked," may have lost a little bit of its shine as Ducky's Don't Give Up Yet is seriously scintillating.  Buoyant, bouncy and fantastically freeing, each track irrupts with unfamiliarly fresh feels.

Getting off to a blistering pace, Don't Give Up Yet begins with "Bliss," a peppy, high-spirited track with supersonic synths strides, centered around punchy percussion pops and rising bass bumps. It is the ultimate opening track, immediately catching your ear, while setting the scene for the rest of the joyous journey through sound.

The second track "Heal," sees Ducky really getting into the groove with some near nightcore driving depth and happy hardcore zest. The fluttering future vibes from the synths steal the show, placing listeners in an extremely uplifting and invigorating landscape, as though having your health restored in a Pokemon Center with Nurse Joy.

Whereas both "Bliss" and "Heal" are entirely effusive and elated tracks, there's something slightly different about the third track "Don't Look Down." While it too features the bubbly characteristics of Ducky's production quality, it has a slightly darker tone; one in which doubt and fear creep in. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about it that doesn't feel complete, which I find rather intriguing. I believe it's a deliberate ploy by Ducky in not completing many of the musical phrases the way our ears intuit it to. That being said, Ducky does not leave us hanging, as I believe "Don't Look Down" to be the most well rounded track of the EP.

Closing out Don't Give Up Yet, Ducky once again showcases her ability to create a cohesive and complete EP, not just as a compilation of similar sounding tracks, but as an artistic arc of musical movement. The grand finale "Open Yourself Up and Let Her Pour Out" once again utilizes her signature sounds, but in a more peeled back, emotional nature, indicative of the track's title. Don't Give Up Yet provides the foundation for such a fiercely fresh and expository arc, that makes it a musical marvel, truly one of the best EPs of the year.

Although the vast majority of Secret Songs collection is available for free download, Ducky's Don't Give Up Yet is not, but we can understand why; she deserves to reap the benefits of crafting such a fine piece of artwork. Add it to your Spotify or buy it via iTunes.

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Pusher ft. Mothica - Clear (Shawn Wasabi Remix)

The second official remix of Pusher's track "Clear" with Mothica, dropped today, one week ahead of the full remix EP's release on Black Butter Records. First Graves upped the intensity with rattling future bass slaps, now Shawn Wasabi has added his trademark kawaii sensibilities. Like the beyond brilliant lyrics, these remixes are great combinations of "so dark but delicate" and "rough around the edges" production from the original that lends so perfectly to both Graves and Shawn Wasabi's styles. I had thought Henrik The Artist's remix of Shawn Wasabi's "Burnt Rice" was the best combination of producers, but Wasabi's remix of Pusher and Mothica might just have upped the game. Pitting artists and tracks against each other is actually the opposite of the ethos of these tracks. These artists share the same taste and often share each others tracks. Most recently I caught Pusher pressing play on Henrik The Artist's "Lose You" during his set at Bestival. In fact my dream lineup would feature those three alongside Mija, Vindata, Mura Masa, Flume, Ryan Hemsworth, Chet Porter, Lido, LH4L, Danny L Harle, Dombresky, SteLouse, and Wave Racer. If only I had to power to bring all these people together; that's the dream. Anyway, get excited for next Friday, as there's sure to be even more exciting remixes of the already incredible "Clear."

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The Best Walk Up Tracks/Entrance Music

Yesterday was my first day in a new baseball 'beer' league, and it's got be thinking about a number of empowering tracks that I'd love to have blasting while I walk to the plate or come out to the mound. Ever since I was young (and dumb enough to think wrestling was real), I would pretend I were coming into a packed arena to a la Rocky, or more recently Floyd Mayweather with boy wonder, Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne rapping at his side. Entrance music or in baseball, walk up tracks, have to be immediately recognizable, hit hard right off the bat and instantly, thrust its atmosphere of intimidation onto the scene. With that in mind, I've compiled a number of my favourite tracks to puff up my chest and peacock my way into the batter's box or onto the mound. The first, and most recently released, Dr. Fresch's "Gangsta Gangsta" exudes strength and intimidation; Baby Eazy-E's vocals only further that threatening atmosphere, of "don't fuck with me." You've heard it in in Budwieser's latest commercial campaign, Baauer's use of infernal horns, makes "Day Ones" one of the best examples of empowering tracks, that makes any entrance epic. While the lyrics may not be the best fit, the first 5 seconds of OG Maco's collaboration with bad boys TWRK, is incredibly powerful and invokes a strut that rivals any wrestler entering the ring. Despite taking a couple seconds to really hit its anthemic stride, Rustie's "Big Catzz" leaves just the right amount of room for one of the Buffer brothers to announce your entrance. Another of the slow burning, building intensity, Black Tiger Sex Machine's collaboration with Lektrique's flows incredibly ominously underneath the unholy warbling, before exploding in a fury. I would be remiss if I didn't include some NGHTMRE on this list, as he's been so influential in my musical enjoyment in the past year or so, and his remix of Slumberjack "The Others" my favourite of his catalog and perhaps the best suited for this category of tracks. Another one of my favourite artists, Henrik The Artist, may not be the most intense, but this mashup with Lethal Bizzle, courtesy Non Stop Pop, combines the genius "On The Moon" and LB's grime laden vocals.

Sunday Hangover Saviours [Free Downloads]

After a weekend of living life to the fullest, my musical appetite focuses on the more light and bright productions than the raucous, hard-hitting bangers of the previous nights' debauchery. And while the majority of my blog posts focus on brand new music (save for Throwback Thursdays), I'm going to share some of my favourite Sunday morning saviour tracks, in no particular order. All available for free.Awesome future vibes abound with this new one from Kayoh. It's easy to get caught up in the sparkling, magic of this production as it bounces along. A little explosive but nothing that's going to make your head throb any more than it likely already is. And of course "Shh" is something that you're probably saying anyway. Another new track, Kidswaste's remix of one of my all time favourite tracks Chet Porter's "tbh ily." Genre tagged Ambient, Kidswaste's version ups the already high cuteness factor, filling out the original with additional vocals and a freeing twist on the percussion. Comforting, calming, and utterly relaxing, the love oozes, filling hearts in this this sublime, laidback Zelda-house affair. Down-tempo haunting beauty comes to the forefront Obeson's 2013 track that's just come to light this week. The wavering, hollow vocals trembling is situated so delicately around the ringing ambiance of the bells and chill trap stylings. Wonderful progression and story-telling in this emotive arc. Warm French, disco house vibes from Le Youth will get your toes tapping and extremities starting to get their feeling back. Energizing and exhilarating, Le Youth live up to their name refreshing listeners with a youthful resilience that inspires the desire to do something, anything, even if your body is still sore. Playful production and light bounciness support Lil Dicky's rap and Fetty Wap's melodic crooning perfectly. The lyrics, like your headache, will have you swearing off drinking and the tremendous expense that comes with it. Musically, you'll be cracking eggs and breaking bacon dancing around the kitchen cooking your favourite hangover meal. Maybe the best example of the kind of track I'm looking for in this particular situation, bright and playful with a great melody that's incredibly infectious but never too boisterous or in your face. Each element in "zZz" is full of emotion and feeling that works either before your nap or as an alarm of sorts. My affinity for Henrik The Artist is well known, and it would be ridiculous to think I wasn't going to include one from his genius. "On The Moon," somehow went generally unnoticed in my playlists until one day coming up in a shuffle, the awesome Henrik The Artist aesthetic blew my mind, as one of his best all around productions. There's not much that I'm capable of with a Sunday hangover, but playing video games is one of the few things, that I can do. The incredible playful and charming production of each of Henrik's tracks make his library perfect for a day like today. His just released Friendship EP is exactly the kind of musical arc that can transform a sleepy Sunday into savory one. Of course beauty is the most desirable aspect in tracks with a Sunday hangover, but I always want playful, energizing tracks not moody, sit-in-a-dark-room, tracks, so this dopamine inducing track absolutely nails that aesthetic. The jamming synthed steel drum overwhelms with love and happiness, cools your heartburn and cleanses your palette with some sweet ear candy.

Photay - Sadie EP

There really is nothing like waking up to new music in your inbox, especially when that music is so bright, sparkling, uplifting and like nothing you've ever heard. That is the case when I opened up Photay's latest release, Sadie, a four track EP on Astro Nautico. Light hearted and full of joy, Sadie's collection of tracks sail smoothly along with vibes reminiscent of SBTRKT, Danny L Harle and Ryan Hemsworth. Just last night, on my way home from Keys N Krates, I found myself clamoring for more midrange music (not downtempo or bangers), so I immediately went to my go to tracks Henrik The Artist's remix of Mark Redito's "So Many Things To Tell You," Y2K's remix of Noonie Bao's "Pyramids," and Tennyson's "Slipperz." It's the immense creativity and playfulness of these tracks, that you find front and centre in Photay's productions.

Each of the tracks has incredible progression and movement, alongside a wide array of instrumentation. While building the tracks in a way that injects familiarity, each track boasts a creative freshness that is incredibly alluring. There are no weak spots, or even ordinary or middling tracks in Sadie; it would be impossible to choose one as my favourite. The lead track "Zeitgebers" performs its function perfectly, building its playful repertoire piece by piece with the utmost intelligence. "Monday," the track featuring himself as vocalist, shows incredible, subdued beauty, so much so that you'll never be able to view Mondays the same way. "Trophy" may be the most boisterous of the bunch, and excels with triumphant synth work, worthy of a victory parade. The final, double track, "Wipe The Sleep From You Eyes," is both the most restrained yet free flowing musical track, finding room for an incredibly funky and playful sax solo. Sadie will find its way into many of my playlists and should quickly become one of my most played albums. SUPPORT PHOTAY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Bump In The Hump: January 13 (Season 3, Episode 2)

Bump In The Hump: January 13 (Season 3, Episode 2) by Bump In The Hump on Mixcloud

Tracklist

• Keys N Krates - Nothing But Space (Feat. Aqui)
• Stream
• Ryan Hemsworth & Lucas - From Grace (Henrik The Artist Remix)
• Free Download
• Lunice - Look Like
• Free Download
• OBESON - Melting Into You (feat. Hartry)
• Free Download
• Skrillex - Stranger (feat. Tennyson & White Sea)
• Free Download
• Frustra - Mother
• Free Download
• Tiga - Don't Break My Heart (Deetron Remix)
• Stream
• Smalltown DJs, Christian Martin & Sabo - Sandia (Smalltown DJs Remix)
• Free Download
• #MashupInTheMiddle
• Hatiras vs Junior - Mama Used To Say
• Free Download
• Project 46 - Signs (feat. Shantee)
• Stream
• Miami Horror - Cellophane (So Cruel) [Syre Remix]
• Free Download
• SNBRN feat. Andrew Wyatt - Beat The Sunrise (Kayliox Remix)
• Free Download
• Torro Torro - Make A Move (Habstrakt Remix)
• Stream
• Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji - Pressure (Alesso x Dropwizz x Savages Remix)
• Free Download
• Snails x LAXX - LZRS
• Stream
• #FireFinale
• Excision - Codename X (Miu Remix)
• Stream

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Ryan Hemsworth & Lucas - From Grace (Henrik The Artist Remix)

With the all Canadian restriction on Radio Humber, it's so far been impossible to get one of my favourite artists, Henrik The Artist's music on Bump In The Hump. But thanks to Ryan Hemsworth's Secret Songs latest release I can finally showcase the saintly sounds of one of the hottest Norwegian acts.

While the original "From Grace" from Hemsworth and Lucas leaves a haunting hollow feeling the remix from Henrik fills the listener with energy and enthusiasm. There is no other artist that I turn to for a sure fire smile and feeling of warmth; Henrik is tremendously successful in making music that the listener can wrap around themselves, like a cozy blanket. You'll be treated to this uplifting remix (which you can pick up free), and more tracks to warm your heart tonight on Bump In The Hump.

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Fan Fiction - NEST HQ Resident Mix 004

NEST HQ co-founder Fan Fiction just dropped the fourth edition of the monthly resident mix series. 

It basically runs the gambit in genres ranging from trance to dubstep to nightcore and everything in between. Lots of the tracks can be picked up for free download including Mat Zo's latest "Don't Say The T Word," Henrik The Artist's flip of Diplo & Liz "Set Me Free," and Tennyson's "Like What?" Stay tuned to Fan Fiction as he's got his finger firmly on the pulse of the industry, with what I believe to be good predictions on what 2016 will sound like: "this year will be a big one for trance, n moombah, n dubstep." Curl up or wil' out in your own personal nest while you pump this 25 minute monster.

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The Best Musical Moment of 2015

Being the last day of 2015, it gives me great pleasure to share my favourite musical moment of the year, one that has followed me through the busiest and craziest years I've experienced. The clip below is from Ryan Hemsworth's valentine day mix for Diplo & Friends. In 7 and half minutes Hemsworth plays at least 10 different tracks, mixed so perfectly it sends the feels up my spine every time I hear them.

Cut right out of his hour long mix, this snippet encapsulates the mix as a whole and does a superb job of establishing the ethos of one of Canada's most treasured commodities, the genius, Ryan Hemsworth. The serene, rising beauty of noclip's "Samantha" sets the mood for the breathtaking ride that Hemsworth has in store. His eclectic style is first established with the incoming Rae Sremmurd "Unlock The Swag" vocals combined with the more powerful and driving Cosmo's Midnight "Trapperkeeper." The back and forth/coming and going nature of his mixing creates a brilliant and dynamic fluidity that you cannot help but be overcome by.

Even his fades (with filtering) is done to perfection as he eases us into each new element; upon each dropping in, each element feels familiar as though it is where it were meant to be. The anthemic yet personal and conversational tone and nature of GFOTY's "Believe" perfectly illustrates the hilariously successful contrast of kawaii music with gangster rapping through the mix. My favourite section come from the end of "Believe" into Henrik The Artist's "Naked" combined with Cash Out's "Hold Up." It has been my default ringtone since early spring, and I can't imagine changing it anytime soon. It was my first exposure to Henrik who has quickly become one of my favourite artists.

Hemsworth's superior mixing rolls right through into INODI's "I Want U," at which point more Sauce Twinz "2 Legited 2 Quited," is seamlessly added to Murlo's "Beatless Selene." The atmospheric feels abound as Hemsworth works his musical magic over us, before ending his sample heavy mix transitioning into Dream Beach's "Missing Peace." When writing these blog posts I sometimes grow tired of listening to the same piece over and over again but I it's nearly as amazing this time nearly a year after original hearing it, and listening to it dozens of times throughout 2015.

The whole hour long mix is my favourite of the year and most certainly my go to option when I need something to get lost in for an hour; it is my musical safe-space. I hope it speaks to you in the same way it did for me, especially as a child of the late 80s/early 90s with its video game inspired sounds and throwback feels. Perhaps you'd be interested in hearing his "Just Rap Mix" that he dropped prior to his tour with Tommy Kruise. Otherwise just keep your ears open for more from Hemsworth, who just seems to have his hand in everything, including his Secret Songs 'label' where you can pick up each release for free, including Henrik The Artist's "Naked." Go forth and share the magic that is Ryan Hemsworth music.
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