Party Central Transmission w/ Kane West

Montreal mainstays, the Sontag brothers have been busy in conversation lately. Of course Tiga's acclaimed podcast First/Last Party On Earth is back, with big names Four Tet and Boys Noize kicking off its sophomore season. The second Sontag, Thomas Von Party, has seemingly relaunched his Party Central Transmission series, which was originally meant to be only music and no talk. However just over a year after the lone episode in said format, Von Party has tapped his DJ, Move Your Body collaborator Gus Lobban, aka Kane West, for a conversation.

A combo mix/interview, the two chat about their first interactions, Kane's conspicuous remix of "Let's Go Dancing," the DMT trip that led to "Yes, Exactly," Kane's work with Kero Kero Bonito and PC Music as well as his concept of kitsch in music, and finally, their thoughts about the consequences of COVID-19 on streaming, the entertainment industry and the future at large. While the music can be a bit of a distraction at times, this nearly 40 minute transmission is chock full of enlightening nuggets.FOLLOW THOMAS VON PARTY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Lil Data - Hickory

This past Friday saw the release of Lil Data's four disc, 24 track PC Music mega-package Folder Dot Zip. As futuristic as they come the release is chalk full of mind-bending, electronic manipulations and synthetic sound waves. Some tracks are obviously more listener friendly, while others offer a more experimental, avant-garde genius. Described by the artist himself as, "A live coding musical parable where the initial melody is transformed into something unrecognisable and seemingly non-repeating, but nevertheless kinda catchy," the 24 track extracted epic is undoubtedly a dazzling digital adventure.

Highlighting the fourth disc, "Hickory" does a brilliant job straddling the line between the audio assault of some of the proceeding productions and the pop music underpinnings of PC Music. Its got an undeniable allure through some strong analog feels the only seem to get stronger, and somehow more human, as the track progresses. It's as though its got a direct connection to the collective soul of humanity and is uploading and evolving as it plays though. Perhaps a look into the future, and the
oneness of man and machine, prepare yourself for our robot overlords with Folder Dot Zip, here.FOLLOW LIL DATA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Charli XCX - No Angel (Petticoat Remix)

After a run of five fabulous originals in a row, Petticoat is back on the remix wagon taking on Charli XCX and "No Angel." Always on the pop side of electronic, this turn is his most accessible production to date, and not just because of Charli's charming presence. Whereas his previous productions have been more future bass and trap oriented, "No Angel" takes a more stripped down delivery that oozes with an anthemic rush. Perfectly paired with the original synth-pop structure and the PC Music feel, Petticoat's new bed is incredibly effervescent, effortlessly cool and stunningly shimmering. This contrasts Charli's earnest lyrics, beautifully building a two tiered soundscape, one of vice and virtue. Real and resplendent, I fully expect "No Angel" to draw more eyes to Petticoat, as it's unbelievable that he's below 200 Soundcloud followers. Say hi to Petticoat below and check out the rest of his lush library.FOLLOW PETTICOAT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Danny L Harle - Blue Angel (ft. Clairo)

Want to make your heart feel good while crying at the same time? Well look no further than today's release from Danny L Harle. Featuring the vocals of Clairo, "Blue Angel" will make you love the snow that's falling around you or have you hopping on a plane to join us in this white power wonderland.

I've written at length about my love for Danny L Harle (see here), and yet again I'm absolutely agape at his piquing production quality which always seems to ambush your emotions. There is no escaping his Pop Music prowess; his chord choices and their designs are delightfully domineering, each produced with tremendous tact and the coolest confidence. But musical mastery aside, his productions always seem to elevate the vocal performance. In this case, Clairo comes in as cool and biting as a winter breeze. She is as once airy and ethereal yet capable and compelling. The layering and interplay from the long notes and vocal chops play perfectly with both the tempered and energetic elements. The whole track is a testament to not just Danny L Harle's abilities, but the magical quality of music itself; it flows fantastically, filling you with a flurry of emotions, acting as a kind of audio Rorschach test.

Enjoy the visual video below, stream via Spotify here, and download from your favourite outlet, here.

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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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ABSRDST - Blushy (Ringtone Version)

One day before the official EP gets released, New York based ABSRDST teases us with a VIP, "bubblegum pop version" of "Blushy." Released in celebration of his 20k Soundcloud followers milestone, this "Ringtone Version" screams for PC Music. In fact, he had them in mind when he first made the beat "a few years ago." Perhaps you're even noticing further familiarity, as it was utilized in Shawn Wasabi's viral sensation "Marble Soda," then credited as "Brights."

Whatever its called, it's pure power pop, overflowing with ebullience that takes the more tempered original to new heights. Of course the designs in the original are excellent, especially in their ultra-emotive essence, but this "Ringtone" recasting speaks even more to my soul. While the guitar still shines through, it's the new soaring synths, warped vocals and flourishes of effect-laden fills that bring the rosy blush to your cheeks. However, the cherry on top has got to be ABSRDST's use of the vocals, particularly "I can't wait," whether intentional or not, teases tomorrows release. Pre-order here. FOLLOW ABSRDST: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Charli XCX - ILY2 (Euphoria Edit)

Recently we saw Charli XCX perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with producer AG Cook lying motionless on stage (watch "Bounce" and "After The Afterparty"), and while it was cool to see those two on such a massive platform, it was missing a little something for me. Turns out it was missing Danny L Harle. The founding member of PC Music, has just remixed "ILY2" from Charli's Number 1 Angel mixtape. This new version, dubbed the Euphoria Edit, nails just what I love about both Harle productions and PC Music as a whole. It's incredibly bright, utterly alluring and oh so enchanting. While the original holds the keys to the car as it were, Harle's skill takes it from a Sunday drive to a trip around the Talladega Superspeedway. And while I absolutely love the super shiny, reach for the sky vibes, that's not all that euphoria and this edit are. The cherry on top comes in the second half as Harle sends us celestial revelers plummeting down to earth with a domineering get down (approx 1:29), proving euphoria isn't pure idealism but pragmatic power, connecting us to the reality of our earthbound existence.Get Danny L Harle's Euphoria Edit absolutely free, here.

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Yelle - Ici & Maintenant (Kane West Remix)

This past Thursday, French group Yelle had their track "Ici & Maintenant," Here & Now in english, remixed by Londoner, Kane West. The originally bright, playful movement, has become an acid tinged, techno bump and grinder. Many of you know Kane West from PC Music, and you can hear some that in this mix, but this is a different kind of computerized production. It's both analog and completely inorganic, but that doesn't mean it is liveless and stale. Rather, it is vibrant, bubbling over with playful activity. From the youthful drum fills, snappy samples ("get down"), and spunky scratching, there's countless processes in this program, "Ici & Maintenant," that combine to not only bring it to life, but to give the track a life of its own. Get it via Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Deezer and Google Play, here. FOLLOW KANE WEST: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Easyfun - Monopoly (ft. Noonie Bao)

A.G. Cook's PC Music collective, continually churns out bright, captivating, and delightfully poppy productions. The latest release from this music making community is yet another shining example that, despite a Thump published op ed from Kyle MacNeill Is It Time to Pull the Plug on PC Music?, this record label is here to stay. Easyfun and Noonie Bao's "Monopoly" comes on the heels of GFOTY's Call Him A Doctor, a sensational 9 track EP that runs the gamut of styles and emotions, while maintaining an unmistakable PC Music sound. "Monopoly" however is a more direct and precise, stand alone, single. It can easily be enjoyed by itself, led by sharp synths stabs, wanton, wavering vocals, and magnificent melodies. At first it appears as a straightforward, poppy PC Music production, but Easyfun's creative brilliance shines through in progressive and delightful diversions. The main refrain, "I want it all," plays perfectly with the multitude of melodies and capricious combination of sounds. Play "Monopoly" by yourself or with friends, via Apple Music, Spotify or buy it via iTunes.

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The Genius of Danny L Harle

I really wish I could remember how it was I first came across Danny L Harle, because ever since I heard "Broken Flowers" back in February of this year, I've been enamored with his productions. Incredibly bubbly and so beautifully produced, each track features sounds that send me into a tizzy. I've been struggling to properly quantify what it is that makes Danny's productions so evocative.
Looking back at my iTunes playlist I notice that the first track I properly heard of his was "In My Dreams," and it's clear that what drew me to that track was it's combination of classical rave synths, retro/future vibes and that marimba/vibraphone playing as though its mallets were using my ribcage for its melody. Further peeling back the layers of Danny's mysterious and magical charm, the enchanting "Always Remember," is yet another example of that flourishing playfulness in combining so many different elements seemingly always around those classic rave synths. The ostensibly forever climbing, buoyant nature of his tracks without a doubt injects it's listeners with a lighthearted, jovial perspective. I can always trust Danny's productions to get me out of whatever funk I'm in. Finally the track that spurred me to write this piece, his latest production, "Ashes of Love," may just surpass "Broken Flowers" as my favourite song, not just of his, but overall, certainly in the last few months. Having mentioned my iTunes rating system recently, a look back at the past year shows 301 5 star rated tracks. And while there are probably a hundred that I would never skip, there are very few that I would go to before either "Broken Flowers" or "Ashes Of Love." There's something about his incredible combination of so many seemingly disparate and distinct styles, all as a foundation for two of the more beautiful lyrical compositions. He's able to produce pop music unlike any pop music I've ever heard before, very much so the best pop I could possibly imagine. The world would be a better place if there was more music like this on the radio. So I leave you with his latest, "Ashes Of Love," and highly recommend checking out his work with PC Music label mate, A.G. Cook as Dux Content and further suggest two of his mixes, Broken Flowers EP Minimix and Jungle Survival DJ Challenge.SUPPORT DANNY L HARLE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER