Tame Impala - Breathe Deeper (Hoodboi Remix)

Hoodboi is one of many artists putting their time in quarantine to good use. Since Friday alone, he's released two remixes as well as streamed Q & A/production sessions. Friday's remix came in the form of a steamy take on Tame Impala. Seeing it come together on Twitter (here) was a treat, but getting the free download (here) is the cherry on top. Obviously an already gorgeous original, Hoodboi has set the psychedelics of "Breathe Deeper" aside, opting for a brighter, more uplifting and dance-ready approach. Immediately infectious, I knew this was something I wanted in my life mere seconds into five and half minute affair. The glitzy guitar work, pleasing piano and bustling bass groove are all excellent in their own right, especially as they play around the original Impala production, but it is the depths of the disco and joyfulness of this jam that make it such a can't miss. It is the Monday Motivation we all need right now. Get it free via The Artist Union and be sure to follow Hoodboi for more killer quarantine creations.FOLLOW HOODBOI: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Enlightened Listening for March 6

After last week's epic five album edition of Enlightened Listening we were due for a lower output, but that doesn't mean the quality has been cut. This week I've ditched the conventional build from easy, chill grooves in the opening to fire bangers in the finale and flipped the script. We open with the latest futuristic fire from Slooze who continues to build his incredible apocalyptic catalog of originals. He's followed by the debut release on René LaVice's new label DeVice. Our only album of the week comes next in the explosive followup to Doctor P's landmark Animal Vegetable Mineral, Pt. 1.

That closes out the more conventional bangers as we turn to a top notch track from Todd Terry and Alexander Technique in "Jack The Tek." Staying techy, Mason Maynard shows off his incredible knack for groove and bumping beats in Lookin' At Me. Staying hot and heavy, Cloverdale follow that up with a collaborative EP with Tombz on Country Club Disco. The legendary duo of Booka Shade close out the tech-driven records with two superb singles in their standout style.

Finally we get to the last five records, all of which ought to inspire you to dance. First up, Giraffage offers up some wild power in "Workout." Hoodboi and LEFTI then lean into lush grooves and brilliant bass-lines in the fabulous "4ever." Kiesza continues to reign supreme in 2020 with another spine-tingling slice of pop as we move into "All Of The Feelings." My anticipation for TOPS album I Feel Alive keeps growing as we receive its third single "Colder & Closer," and finally we close with Robotaki's second single of the year, the dynamic and divine "Now That We've Been In Love." Enjoy!


Slooze - Rise

René LaVice - Hollywood (ft. S.P.Y)

Doctor P - Animal Vegetable Mineral, Pt. 2

Todd Terry & Alexander Technique - Jack The Tek

Mason Maynard - Lookin' At Me

Cloverdale & Tombz - Hell Yeah

Booka Shade - Red Medina / Acid Brain

Giraffage - Workout

Hoodboi & LEFTI - 4ever

Kiesza - All Of The Feelings

TOPS - Colder & Closer

Robotaki - Now That We've Been In Love (ft. Pell)

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 75-51

Continuation of the list started yesterday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#75: Cloverdale & OSOTYT - Funky Junky
Where disco was the biggest riser in my listening habits in 2017, that title goes to funk in 2018. That said, house is still my bread and butter, so the combination of the two here is an obvious fit. The drops are solid to say the least (with some special stank on the second), but for me it's the sections around the drops that propel this track into the countdown. The funky scratching in the conclusion nails my tastes so much so that I had to include it in my new intro for the 8th season of Bump In The Hump.

#74: Moullinex ft. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Say It Slow (Wild & Free Remix)
A bright and beautifully bouncy number right from the get-go, but once those shimmering synths join the action, I'm hooked. Add in some slick little solos and flourishes and you've got a truly divine disco number. It is fabulously full of life and brilliantly buoyant, and while it's supposedly slow, it hits on all cylinders pumping out one of the more pleasurable pieces you'll hear all year.

#73: Hoodboi - True Colors
Hoodboi showed us a new side of his artistic abilities with Breathing Room, and that title track could very well have been in this spot. However, "True Colors" makes the cut as a result of its restrained, uber smooth roll out. It is like waking up to the world with new eyes, seeing shapes and colours with a renewed, childlike wonder. Full of heart and feeling it may not dazzle with banging bass or an overwrought melody, but rather it kind of floats down into your consciousness like a feather in the wind.

#72: RealMind - Actif (ft. Billboard)
Some tracks leave you speechless, and I knew this one was going to do this to me, but I could not let it go uncovered. So here's my go at it. The levels or acts as "Actif" progresses are incredible, and the fact that these two have tied them together so seamlessly is even more so. The opening build is beautiful, but boy is the punchy push into the second section some kind of special. And really that's the key for me. The way it kind of clicks and stomps and wobbles is stunning, especially as it kicks back in following the obsidian third section. And yes, if you're getting deadmau5 vibes you're not alone.

#71: Chromeo - One Track Mind
With Head Over Heels firmly in the running for album of the year, I think back to the first time hearing it in full and the laughter and joy it brought me as I drove to that night's baseball game. I'll say that this isn't the only album cut on this list, and for a bit this was the one. Actually I still go back and forth, but here we are at forth. Smooth grooves, cool call and response, and one hell of a build towards the triumphant final frame that is sure to send shivers down your spine. I can't help myself, I'm obsessed.

#70: Benny Bridges - Are You Okay?
As a part of Justin Jay's Fantastic Voyage Facebook group I got an early copy of Benny Bridges' EP and this came on in my car without proper attribution. I had to know who it was because it bumped so good. The drums and bass combine brilliantly, but it wouldn't be half as good without the extra little effects further punctuating the already punchy affair. Simple yet strong, there's no denying this delivers.

#69: TroyBoi - Frustrated (ft. Destiny)
No one does it quite like TroyBoi. Sick with strings, wicked with wobbles, vicious with vocals and top notch with twists, he really does it all. And it's all here in perhaps his best work to date. The intro teases perfectly and you know you're in for something special, but like "Do One," his other single released on that very same day, there's no way of predicting the warped genius in store. Scary good stuff.

Enlightened Listening for May 25

It may only be May 25th, but it sure seems summer is in full swing. It's warm, people are busy and music keeps coming fast and furious, at least in its delivery. Sonically however, the music is getting funkier, groovier and more laid-back allowing us to enjoy it more leisurely. That said there are still a handful of more banging, club style tunes, but the majority (even Diplo) falls under the ever growing 'nu-disco' moniker. Enjoy 20 tracks (singles, remixes, EPs and Hoodboi's brilliant Breathing Room), as part of an hour and a half of music in this week's edition of Enlightened Listening. Stream/read below.

David Guetta & Sia - Flames (Aazar Remix)
Holy Flashdance vibes Batman! Sia's voice soars as always and Aazar's groove glows like a polished bar of gold. The final minute makes my heart flutter, if only it ran five times as long. I'm in love.

Louis La Roche & Mylo - Lovers
Definitely nu-disco, but bigger and bolder than most of the others in this list. However that doesn't mean this is without a caring caress. The bright backing that bolsters the bass and the little touches like the loon imbue this paramour with all the power of nature.

Pilo - Relax/Requiem
Twin Turbo continues to conjure up incredible club cuts. "Relax" takes little time to leave you lost in the haze, lurching around like a disembodied spirit. "Requiem" shows off some supremely smart drum work, building the whole track around an onslaught of earth shattering drums, as though emanating directly from the earth's core. Call it a coincidence, but we first heard it around the same time Kilauea started erupting.

Silk City (Diplo & Mark Ronson) - Only Can Get Better (ft. Daniel Merriweather)
Premiered by Annie Mac yesterday, I can think of no more evidence that disco is back than Diplo jumping on the bandwagon. While it's not likely the best you'll hear even in this list, it's a strong pop production, and will likely get a lot of play throughout the summer. It only gets better when you find out that both Alex Metric and Riton helped with additional production. Nice.

Botnek & Aylen - Future Of The Underground
The last time we heard these two (who are perfect for each other) was when Botnek retouched "Quack Attack," one of the wildest tracks you'll ever hear. This one definitely feels underground, especially in that's where all of its sounds seem to stem from; rising from the floor, as you writhe on it.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Sylvia Says (A-Trak Remix)
I like to imagine this being played at the royal wedding reception. There is just such a strong air of European excellence that plays perfectly with the unfettered fun the groove and bounce brings.

Chromeo ft. DRAM & Jesse Johnson - Must've Been (Mercer Remix)
Chromeo's hottest single so far receives yet another remix, with Mercer working his magic this time. Whereas the original was a jam, this is a jam session, adding more elements and a little more oomph for good measure. A genius recasting that is sure to draw people to the dance-floor in droves.

Element - You (ft. Khamari)*
One of my favourite rising stars yet again shows his range. After the unreal banger "Needles," he's gone for a more chill wavy approach, and this one works wonders especially with Khamari's smooth vocals.

Booka Shade - Easy Drifter (Claude VonStroke Remix)
Doesn't get much bigger than this, both in names and sound. Like the single "Night Surfing" this one grows in ebbs and flows, with wonderful finishing flourishes from Claude. Easy yet supremely strong.

Kramder - Funkastic
I absolutely love that CONFESSION is getting more into the French touch and this EP nails it. It's nicely filtered fun, that while oozing with old-school vibes still brings a contemporary kick. The effects and aforementioned filtering remind me of early Louis La Roche and that might be why I feel so strongly about it. If you want to kick your party up a notch throw on some "Pure Gasoline."

Friendly Fires - Love Like Waves (Riton Remix)
Seems as though Riton and Alex Metric have been running in the same circles lately, as the latter has already released his remix and of course they both backed "Only Can Get Better." Friendly Fires almost always offer up excellent tracks for remixing, and this certainly follows suit. The synths will have you head spinning in one direction, while the drums another. You'll be all twisted up on the dance-floor while onlookers stare in awe.

Hoodboi - Breathing Room
In the past five or so years, Hoodboi has released several of my favourite records. That said we haven't heard from him for a while, but that appears to have paid off as this beautiful seven track sensation is pure poise and polish. Right from the opening number Breathing Room is nothing short of stunning, showcasing incredible amounts of instrumentation that is sewn together with mind-blowing mastery. There's sublime songs like "Tip Of My Tongue" and "Drowning," fresh funk in "Long Distance," genius get down in "Tunnel Vision" and one of the most exquisite pieces of electronic music, "True Colors."

* denotes free download

Falcons - Diplo And Friends Mix

Let's cut right to the chase, I fuck with Falcons heavy. His style is strong, yet diverse, and his latest mix for EM Award winning radio show Diplo and Friends is the perfect example of the breadth of his beats and mixing mastery. There's tons of trap, big bass bangers, and some touchy feely groove grinders. And, being a man of so many talents and by no means a newcomer, he's got his hands on a multitude of mashups and onslaught of edits from his friends. Mr. Carmack makes multiple appearances, as well as Juelz and Graves, plus he's pushed the tempo with well over 30 tracks in the hour long mix.

Highlights for me include the always alluring Jesse Slayter mix of Hoodboi and Lido's "Palm Reader" which is magically mixed into Falcons' own "Want Your Body" before bodying us with Jarreau Vandal's "Redbone" flip. The fire hits "Fulltime" courtesy Juelz, ahead of "Aerosol Can" as refixed by Carmack, before becoming Falcons' "All Over Again" (presumably a forthcoming track). The Tony Quattro/Tropkillaz combination is quite the treat too. And then there's the always enjoyable Lazerpiff "Lose My Breath," paired with Carmack's King Kendrick "DNA" flip which then leads into TWO, Graves IDs. The whole thing will leave you saying "Woo" as he ends with his own remix of Rihanna and Travis Scott. Choose your streaming option below or download free here, and follow Falcons for more fire.
UPDATE: Falcons has posted the official tracklist here, indeed showing off several unreleased tracks.

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Hoodboi - Black Money

Los Angeles's Hoodboi may be one of the most versatile producers in the game. Whether he's putting out jersey club bangers, future bass brilliance, or even his own brand of VIP madness (see his Moonrise Mix of "Closer" here) you're sure to find something spectacular in his productions. The latest release, "Black Money" takes the unmistakable ringing lead of the title track from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and reworks into a grind it out club bouncer. There's no questioning the man's ability to produce potent percussion, and this may be his most incredible example. Sure he's borrowing the lead from The Neptunes produced Teriyaki Boys track, but the shuffling grit it's all built on is the real hero here. The teasing of this tune is massive, whether the slow release of the lead ringing or that he's been playing it out for ages without a release, the conclusion is undeniably a resounding success. Perhaps the best bit, is that not only do we have a stream, but that we can download it free, here.

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Hoodboi ft. ASTR - Closer "Moonrise" Mix

Four months and six remixes since the original release of Hoodboi's prolific track "Closer" featuring ASTR, the well rounded producer has reconfigured his own creation, into an super charged, upbeat and retro racing arcade game. The best part of this game is there's no charge to play, it's a free download!

   

The chopped and cut vocals work incredibly well as the track gains steam with an eighties-esque, old school loading screen vibe, before blasting off like a strobe-light. Driving at such a blistering tempo, the track feels like one long blazing drop, whipping your hair back as the synths scream by. "Closer" feels comfortable as ASTR's full lyrics come in, lulling you into a false sense of security before the effects take over, as the vehicle charges in preparation for a final explosive maneuver. The concluding drop is the culmination of all aspects of "Closer." Hoodboi shreds the synth like a savant, weaving his way into our hearts, with his solicitous soundtrack. Magically matching the lyrics, the "Moonrise" mix will have "lightning in you eyes" as you "race the night."

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5 Most Recent Five Star Finds

1🌟: kill me

2🌟🌟: eww, why?
3🌟🌟🌟: meh
4🌟🌟🌟🌟: damn, I wanna hear that again
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟: I want this played at my funeral
— Oggie James (@OggieJames) April 13, 2016

A couple weeks ago I tweeted a little insight into my iTunes star-rating system, and while making soundcloud playlists all weekend I thought it would be fun to make another playlist of the best tracks, not featured on Enlightenment For Your Ears, or Bump In The Hump for that matter. I thought I would start with my five most recent, as a little sample platter of a larger serving to come. Other playlists: Featured Tracks (1/1-5/16, '16), Featured Mixes

Relive BTSM's Church Service with Apashe & Dabin

Last night at The Hoxton was undoubtedly a religious experience as revelers were treated to the thrilling future of Kannibalen artists Apashe, Dabin and label heads, Black Tiger Sex Machine. Dabin was first to take the stage at 11 and were wow right from the get go. When I arrived he had just dropped Flume's remix of Lorde's "Tennis Court" to which the crowd cheered and sang along. Shortly after that Dabin grabbed his guitar and shredded to Queen's "We Will Rock You," only adding to the crowd's sense of awe. Even though he was jumping between DJing and slaying the guitar, he was able to mix smoothly, moving from his "Kyoto" to the Jesse Slayter remix of Hoodboi's "Palm Reader" into Banvox's "Watch Me" and then his "Ghost Hack." While that four track stretch is a highlight in itself, Dabin truly outdid himself when he combined Metallica's "Enter Sandman" on his guitar with some seriously heavy electro drop, absolutely annihilating the ravenous audience. 

Dabin was followed by Apashe who opened his set in full 'Sith Lord' style with a dub remix of Star Wars' 'Imperial March' quite possibly Tujamo's "Darth Theme." Grabbing the crowd by the scruff of the neck he dropped his remix with Oski and Lennon of Backstreet Boys "Everybody." Things were getting pretty intense at this point, bass faces hit their peak when he dropped back to back vomitstep from Snails, in the form of his remix of "Pump This" and the Snails and Ghastly VIP version of "King Is Back." Sprinkling in Torro Torro's "Cashville" Jauz's remix of "Tip Toe Wing In My Jawwdinz," Wiwek's "Riot" the crowd was becoming putty in his hands. Further digging into the Kannibalen crate, Apashe dropped Lektrique & Autodidakt "Shots Fired," Erotic Cafe's "Killed By Humans," Snails "Murda Sound," rounded out with his remix of Excision's "Night Shine" and his originals, "Kannibalen" and "Trap Reqiuem." By the time Black Tiger Sex Machine was ready to take the stage, the crowd had totally bought in a was seemingly ready for anything. The intensity of the BTSM church quickly became a real thing when one of the most hardcore fans I saw the whole night was carried like a corpse and dropped on the couch beside me, clearly having had too much of something. The air was becoming thick and soupy with the temperature rising from the insane amount of movement, with the floors literally bouncing under the weight of the BTSM cultists, jumping up and down. The trio so shrewdly began their set with their track "Religion," while following it with a number of tracks from their new album (which you can stream here) including "Punks," "Blood Moon" and "Numbers." While their own tracks seemed to get the best response from the audience, especially, their "Jack Dat Body," "Stairway," "Rockers" and "Sleep Now In The Fire" remix, they were also able to decimate their followers with Boys Noize's "& Down" and Nom De Strip's "Reward Is Cheese" remix. It was their "Funeral March" that put the cherry on the top for me, book-ending their sacred set. All in all it was an epic night of apocalyptic tracks that simply annihilated the audience, one that I will not soon forget. Be sure to grab Black Tiger Sex Machine's album, Welcome To Our Church, Tuesday and stay tuned to Kannibalen Records for more from dudes Apashe and Dabin.

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Ookay - Rockin' Around (and other EDM Holiday tracks)

Yeah, yeah I know Christmas is still more than a month away but I've literally seen Elf on TV at least a dozen times already, and Home Alone has been making the rounds as per usual. I think it's fair game to make my first holiday inspired post. I basically always have the TV muted in the background, and I've seen both the Wet and Sticky Bandits take a beating multiple times now. I've got to say its much better without their stupid comments but awesome music instead.

Is it just me, or do Harry and Marv look like a trap duo, a la Caked Up?

All of this Home Alone trapped out thought reminded me of Ookay's remix of the  Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." Over the years there have been a whole slew of EDM remixes of holiday tunes, in an effort for labels to capitalize on the excessive number of Ugly Sweater Parties, Secret Santas, and sloppy work holiday blow out bashes. A couple years ago Mad Decent did "A Very Decent Christmas" auto tuning many of their hit tracks to sound like classic Christmas tracks. A year before that Monstercat had done the same thing with slightly more success, having their producers create new and original content that just sounded as though they were holiday material. And just this past year Jersey Club took its turn flipping Christmas, with both Hoodboi and Trippy Turtle creating originals. Even Borgore got in on the action, proving we are in the end of times, giving his "Unicorn Zombie Apocalypse" too much eggnog, turning it into the "Unicorn Christmas Apocalypse."
For a long time now, the Brenda Lee track has been my favourite Christmas track alongside the always awesome "Feliz Navidad." So obviously I jumped at the opportunity to download a remix of Rockin' Around. The reality is no there are really no good EDM holiday tracks, but everyone is going to find one that they can stomach; after all isn't it all about the thought and feeling attached to a gift. And the reality is all of these tracks are gifts, go ahead and download them for free. Lastly, I was watching Stephen Walking on twitch this week work on a couple new tracks, so I thought I'd show off his addition to the Monstercat Christmas Album, "Sleigh Ride."

Keys N Krates - Midnite Mass Tour & U Already Know

If you've been keeping up with Keys N Krates on Facebook/Snapchat/Twitter/etc you've probably already heard this track as a work in progress, but today they've given it a title and full upload on Soundcloud, "U Already Know" (give it a listen after the break). They've had an absolutely massive year literally playing all over the world, releasing an album's worth of music and garnered countless remixes, but today may have been their biggest yet this year. They've just released a new tour schedule seen on the right and you can expect each and every one of the shows to be absolutely fire. The electronic trio from Toronto never disappoint and always bring their infectious energy. The seem to have outdone themselves this time, teaming up with an amazing collections of artists as the travel all over North America. Hermitude has hit it big lately, first gaining the attention of ravers through Flume's groundbreaking remix of "Hyperparadise," but they've really come into their own with their enigmatic original, "The Buzz." Hermitude is not the only duo that will be joining KNK on their epic journey, Stooki Sound will be supporting the boys on a number of stops. Londoners, Stooki Sound are best known for their many collabs with the likes of Mr Carmack, Mura Masa, and massive up man of the moment, Troyboi. After just a few listens it's clear why KNK asked these two to join them on tour. No doubt the crowd will be getting down in epic fashion. The trio is also joined by amazing solo acts Jesse Slayer and GANZ, who was meant to play at their birthday party this summer but had to cancel because of complications at the border. Slayter has been on fire as of late, supporting other Canadian talents Sleepy Tom with his remix of "Pusher," and Jackal's "Chinchilla," but his latest, might be his greatest, a scorching remix of Hoodboi and Lido's "Palm Reader." GANZ has also had a year to remember, first with his debut EP "Dino War," his re-remix of Flume and Hermitude "Hyperparadise," and his amazing work with Alison Wonderland, including his flip of "I Want U."  I've got nothing but high expectations that I'm positive these guys can live up to. Midnite Mass is sure to be a massive success and sure to sell out nearly everywhere. I highly suggest you grab your tickets ASAP.