Enlightened Listening for January 15

If this week's edition of Enlightened Listening is any indication, 2021 is sure to be an incredible year for music. Here we have 20 new releases running 3 hr 33 min (repeating of course). But seriously, this playlist is overflowing with quality through its sensational singles and resplendent remixes. While I'm recommending each of these releases, there are a few special ones I need to note.

First, there's the magical compilation from All Day I Dream, then TSHA's tear continues with her remix of KUU. Another rockin' remix follows shortly thereafter as Marsh brings some mayhem to "Eternal Summer." And I guess remixes are the theme of the week as the trio of Metronomy, Autechre and Zach Witness take on Myd, SOPHIE and Armand Van Helden, respectively. Each incredible in their own right, these are three of the most unique and inspired remixes I've come across in months. Enjoy the weekly new music playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Cheers!

Various Artists - A Winter Sampler III

Dezza & Lauren L'aimont - Settle (Remixes)

Japanese Television - Beecage (Gabe Gurnsey Remix)

KUU - We'll Always Have This Dance (TSHA Remix)

Ross From Friends - Burner

Bicep - Sundial

Moullinex ft. GPU Panic - Inner Child (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Logic1000 - Medium

Booka Shade - Forest Of Etta

Dosem - Eternal Summer (Marsh Remix)

The Knocks ft. Foster The People - All About You (Gentle Dom Remix)

Pezzner - Body Language, Vol. 22 (Remixes)

The Magician - One Vibration (ft. CLYPSO)

Myd & Mac DeMarco - Moving Men (Metronomy Remix)

SOPHIE - Bipp (Autechre Mx)

Armand Van Helden & Riva Starr ft. Sharlene Hector - Step It Up (Zach Witness Remix)

Curtiba - High On You

Riton x Nightcrawlers ft. Mufasa & Hypeman - Friday (Dopamine Re-Edit)

Rohaan - Limewire

DJ Danny - On A Mountain

KUU on Diplo & Friends

A new source of optimism arose in the beginning of this month. With little fanfare, KUU first appeared on the scene July 6th with the release of "Twisted Melons Mix Vol. 1." One week later they followed it with a remix of Madonna's "Ray Of Light." Their first proper introduction came a mere three days later as the new grouping of Riton, Shungudzo and Alex Metric (left to right above) released their debut original "How Could I Ever."

For more than a decade Riton and Metric have been making their mark through both solo and collaborative projects and have become staples of the scene, each garnering a Grammy along the way. Now working together with Shungudzo, KUU has the makings of a supergroup and with an appearance on this weekend's Diplo & Friends, we're getting a taste of what they've got in store. The hour long session has more than a handful of new KUU exclusives (originals and otherwise), classics from Happy Mondays, Rocker's Revenge, and Le Knight Club alongside a couple more recent releases.

An obvious fit for Ibiza, as it's where their name comes (KU Club which has since become Privilege Ibiza), KUU have captured the easy-going, warm and eclectic nature of the island, both in their productions and the mix itself. While that might preclude us from predicting just what KUU could do in the future, we can only imagine that it'll be house driven and, considering the quality of its producers, dutifully done. Highly accessible and utterly intoxicating, "How Could I Ever" is a brilliant start, and the other originals in the mix, "Riding In Your Car" and "Voices," seem equally exciting and inspired. Follow KUU at the bottom, find their Diplo & Friends mix via BBC Sounds here or stream via Mixcloud below.FOLLOW KUU: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for November 1

After one of the largest Enlightened Listening playlists last week, we're significantly shorter this week. We focus on a handful of singles, alongside a couple EPs and remixes. Things start poppy with exceptional singles from Kiesza and Dua Lipa who both remind us of their undeniable leading lady status. Kiesza's track shines, while Dua's bristles with funky bass leading us nicely into the delightfully easy dancing TOPS track "Seven Minutes." Diving disco, George Sandler and Justin Jay spin sublime with "Know How," before Fabrikate bring out the brass with the sensational "Love Was Real."

Pete Tong and HER-O find themselves in this list for the third week in a row as "Go Crazy" gets a groovy extension. Staying with remixes, the legendary Marshall Jefferson gives a more human heart to club killer "Turn Me On." Tuff London follows that with another unstoppable house cut that is sure to keep the floor moving. After that we get our first EP of the playlist, a trio of top notch remixes of Lastlings' "Last Breath," with a standout from Adult Art Club who we heard in Lane 8's Halloween mix.

Closing the playlist out is a foursome of house cuts from three of my favourite names. First, Billy Kenny once again captures my attention with incredible sound design and an unwavering rolling groove. Noizu follows that with another inventive cut, showing further range and equally incredible sound design. Finally, Stund delivers two killer cuts. Both roll brilliantly but the real quality comes in the depth and interplay of their drops. Stream the playlist below and find individual links at the bottom. Enjoy!

Kiesza - You're The Best

Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now

TOPS - Seven Minutes

George Sandler & Justin Jay - Know How

Fabrikate - Love Was Real

Pete Tong & HER-O ft. Todd Edwards - Go Crazy (The Life & Soul Project Remix)

Riton & Oliver Heldens ft. Vula - Turn Me On (Marshall Jefferson Anthem Mix)

Tuff London - So Restless

Lastlings - Last Breath (The Remixes)

Billy Kenny - Take Me To Church

Noizu - For Your Soul

Stund - Count That

The Knocks & Kah-Lo - Awa Ni (That's Us)

Nigerian vocalist Kah-Lo seems to be everywhere lately; rising with Riton, delivering with Diplo, now she's bringing the hype to The Knocks new track "Awa Ni" which roughly translates to "That's Us" in her native Yoruba. The saucy summer-tinged track features sax and a number of African flavoured instruments and is sure to have you swaying. As with nearly all of The Knocks' productions this too enjoys an undeniable groove only made possible by the life and love B-Roc and JPatt always bring to their tracks. And it's abundantly clear that the three work well together as "Awa Ni" is an incredibly slick production. Add it to your summer playlist now here and enjoy the Soundcloud stream below.FOLLOW THE KNOCKS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW KAH-LO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for March 15

Right to the point with this week's Enlightened Listening. No descriptions below just a straight shot of more melodic stuff to start moving towards twisted trap at the end. A big beautiful album from Karma Fields kicks things off, CRi and Ben Böhmer's EPs follow, slick singles from Basti Grub, Pete Tong and Carl Cox then round out the techno section. Dr. Fresch and Sinden then link up for a couple killer bass house tracks, and the energy only rises from there with High Contrast taking on Stevie Nicks "Edge Of Seventeen." The final seven selections then bring the bass with a couple top notch trap EPs, but special attention must be paid to Riton's remix of The Chemical Brothers. The more I hear from them, originals and remixes alike, the more baited my breath becomes in waiting for No Geography.

Karma Fields - BODY RUSH

CRi - Initial

Ben Böhmer - Fliederregen / Reflection

Basti Grub - Darling (ft. Crase Johnson)

Pete Tong & Emanuel Satie - Time For Love

Yothu Yindi & Gavin Campbell - Treaty (Carl Cox Remix)

Dr. Fresch & Sinden - No Good

High Contrast - Days Go By

Stanton Warriors, Taiki Nulight & Danny Dearden - What You Got Now

The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On (Riton Remix)

NuKid - Sudden (ft. Moeazy)

Baajewala - Hell Raiden

Hucci & ASADI - Villager

Dabow - CREAMA

Sumthin Sumthin - Gryme

Silk City ft. Dua Lipa - Electricity (The Black Madonna Remix)

Much has been made about the combination of Diplo and Mark Ronson as Silk City, and justifiably so. They're two of the world's most recognized producers, and they've capitalized on a resurgent sound in disco. Starting with "Only Can Get Better" through to their most recent and greatest commercial success "Electricity," they've pulled in some of the hottest talents: behind the scenes (Alex Metric, Nitti Gritti, Riton and others appear in the production credits), behind the mic (with Daniel Merriweather, Desiigner and Dua Lipa leading) and with remixers (Claude VonStroke and Le Sauvage so far).

Today they've added another powerhouse to the legendary list of talents around the super-group that is Silk City, with The Black Madonna taking on the aforementioned "Electricity." Putting a potent piano in the fore and letting Dua Lipa's love soaked vocals sit in this more hardened house pocket, gives an extra gravity to the already groovy production. The spark of "Electricity" still sends shivers down your back, especially so with the crackling hi-hats, as this lateral move from disco to house maintains the magic of the original. Get this re-energized remix from your favourite digital outlet here.FOLLOW THE BLACK MADONNA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

New Mixes from Dr Packer, Erol Alkan, Late Nite Tuff Guy and The Magician

Last week I saw the legendary Late Nite Tuff Guy's name above an hour long track entitled "Soul Mix 3" and got really excited. The recording from 2009, features the likes of Barry White, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye and many more. While it's a super cool insight into the mind of LNTG, its more about selection rather than transitions and easy flowing enjoyment. That said, today's search led me to 3 other mixes that bridge that gap better, so I've decided to showcase these live sets/mixtapes both for selection and mixing quality. They're all on the funky, disco end of the spectrum so if hard hitting stuff is what you're looking for you're out of luck. However you'll surely find some favourites, new and old. So let's get started, working back towards Late Nite Tuff Guy. Stream below and grab free downloads.

The Magician - Magic Tape 82
Finger firmly on the pulse, The Magician always has the hottest commodities in his show. He's got two of the new Disclosure tracks, his own remix of The Chainsmokers and the killer collabs of SG Lewis/AlunaGeorge and A-Trak/Todd Terry. The vibes are very laid back and groovy, before things pick up in the second half with FISHER's smash "Losing It," Riton's raucous "Up & Down" followed by Angelz "Yeah Yeah." While I'm sucker for disco, this deeper darker section may be my favourite.

Dr Packer Live @ Downtown Disco [25.08.18]*
So much great stuff in here. Dr Packer's ear is extraordinary, always finding the best edits and grooves. Strings and bongo stand strong throughout, while bass riffs beckon your feet to the floor. The extended nature of this set allows for longer more subtle transitions, and like the strings these swells are oh so sweet. Of course there's a number of his own productions, while other highlights include Late Nite Tuff Guy's "Startin' Somethin'," Todd Terry's "Love Sensation" and the Deep&Disco rework of "Stomp." If you're looking for pure pleasure look no further than the final half hour.

Erol Alkan (Disco Set) @ Homo Electric [25.08.18]
While only the final hour of Erol's "disco/italo/hi-nrg" set it's better than nothing. Funky, groovy and gritty, it is Erol through and through with his penchant for powerful records. Going for the classic killer "Right On Target" early, sets the stage for more high octane heat. There's a ton of bleepy brilliance in this more electronic-tilted disco mix with the likes of "Remember" and "Cybernetic Love." Hearing this hour gives a greater appreciation for the evolution of electronic from disco to house.

Late Nite Tuff Guy - Soul Mix 3
A considerable cool-down from the above sets, but still sublime. It is the opposite end of Erol's mix, the foundation from which those artists built upon. You don't have to look far to find the love at the core of this mix, as it emanates not just through the lyrics but the music that later inspired the edits used above. It's just so incredibly powerful to hear these tracks together especially after the other mixes. Watch out for the section of Prince, Roberta Flack and Minnie Ripperton: it's too nice.

* asterisk indicates free download

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

Two videos showing why Cosella is so great

My love for Cosella is well established, I've written a number of posts on this blog about his tracks, and DJ sets, as well as premiering his latest production "No Boundaries" with FromDropTillDawn on Bump In The Hump. Last night I caught another set of his, while he opened for AC Slater, and I was also able to capture a couple moments that perfectly encapsulate why I love him and his sets so much. First of all he's a genuine dude, never passing up the opportunity to chat with me before/after his sets, always answering my questions, as to what he played etc. He's warm and funny, even jumping on stage early to do a pre-set stretching routine. Second, as I've mentioned many times before, his networking skills are nearly unparalleled, giving him truly unique tracklists every time he hits the decks. He's got a keen ear, always selecting the perfect tracks to get the crowd going. Whether it's Riton's "Rinse & Repeat," Noise Frenzy's "Pon De Floor" remix, the latest from Chris Lake "Operator (Ring Ring)" or Metroplane's "Bahp" below, he's always able command the crowd like a master.

This next video, I tweeted about at the time, saying I "captured the dopest three minutes of life," which he then followed with his remix of Destructo and Wax Motif's "Catching Plays." For some reason it sounded better than ever, causing me to wonder whether he made a VIP version. He said it was just the original remix, but in any case, it crushed again, making the killer three minutes into a fire five or so. Watch him mix Black Beatles with SwaggleRock's "Next Hellifornia Shake" below, and be sure to check him out next time he's got a set, you won't regret it.

FOLLOW COSELLA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

2017 Grammy Nominations

Every year, when The Grammy nominations come out, I debate whether a post about them is worth my time, or whether I'll just be promoting the garbage pop that does not need, nor deserve, any more promotion. I eventually come to the conclusion that there are enough deserving artists nominated to warrant a post. So here I go, I'll list the nominees from each category relevant to this blog, give my two cents, then write in my own nomination. I'll also place my bets on who should win from those nominations, and who I think will actually win, but I'm almost always wrong, cause you know, I'm obviously not on the same level as those in charge of the Grammys. See last year's predictions post.

Song Of The Year

• Beyonce - Formation
• Adele - Hello
• Mike Posner - I Took A Pill In Ibiza
• Justin Bieber - Love Yourself
• Lukas Graham - 7 Years

Why is "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" on this list? Isn't it too old to be included? I definitely remember Benzi playing it in his Get Right Radio 2015 mix. Anyway, it'd be hard to argue with any of these tracks being nominated for this category. Must say I'm not sure I've ever heard "7 Years," but there's always at least one track per category that I'm clueless about.

Who Should Win: Formation

Who Will Win: Hello

My Write In Nomination: Flume - Never Be Like You

Best New Artist

• Anderson .Paak
• Chance The Rapper
• Maren Morris
• The Chainsmokers
• Kelsea Ballerini

What constitutes a new artist? While I'm not sure who Morris or Ballerini are, the other three have been on my radar for at least at least two years. This is a group of heavy hitters, and perhaps one of the best/most deserving list of nominees, despite my disdain for anything Chainsmokers. But that's why this is the Grammys, and that's why I write a blog about underappreciated art, not pop refuse.

Who Should Win: Anderson .Paak

Who Will Win: The Chainsmokers

My Write In Nomination: Flume

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

• The Chainsmokers - Closer (ft. Halsey)
• Lukas Graham - 7 Years
• Rihanna - Work (ft. Drake)
• Sia - Cheap Thrills (ft. Sean Paul)
• Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out

Best? This is really the best? Or most poppy... How about we call a spade a spade? I've never heard a track more widely hated than "Closer" and "Work," what's with all the mumbling? I can at least stomach, and understand its appeal. No question Sia had a massive year, and I like Sean Paul so I get that.

Who Should Win: Cheap Thrills

Who Will Win: Closer

My Write In Nomination: Flume - Never Be Like You

Best Dance Recording

• Bob Moses - Tearing Me Up
• The Chainsmokers - Don't Let Me Down (ft. Daya)
• Flume - Never Be Like You (ft. Kai)
• Riton - Rinse & Repeat (ft. Kah-Lo)
• Sofi Tukker - Drinkee

Okay, we're really starting to get into the good stuff here. I've got huge love for Bob Moses, and their nomination is perhaps the best thing the Grammys did with this years nomination. Again, with the Chainsmokers though, yet another track that I just don't get; it's rather awful, but not as bad as "Closer." Here's where I'll also address the reasoning behind Flume being my write in for each of the previous categories. I feel Flume is perfectly suited for music award shows, specifically the Grammys. His productions are poppy and easily accessible, yet far from mindless drivel. His near clean sweep of the ARIA Music Awards were well deserved, as Skin is a true work of art. Rounding out the category I'm blown away by the last two nominees, for different reasons. I absolutely love "Rinse & Repeat," but had never heard Drinkee until today.
Who Should Win: Rinse & Repeat
Who Will Win: Never Be Like You
My Write In Nomination: Pusher - Clear (ft. Mothica)

Best Dance/Electronic Album

• Flume - Skin
• Jean-Michel Jarre - Electronica 1: The Time Machine
• Tycho - Epoch
• Underworld - Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future
• Louie Vega - Louie Vega Starring... XXVIII

Why is this category dance/electronic while the above is only dance? The Grammys usually do a good job with the album category, and this year is no exception. That is to say there's usually one odd ball, and it certainly seems to be Louie Vega. There's no questioning Flume's inclusion here, nor the triumphant return of Jean-Michel Jarre and Underworld, but it seems like the Grammys are leaning a little bit too hard on prior accomplishments and name recognition. Apart from the inclusion of Bob Moses above, Tycho's appearance in this category is the Grammys greatest success.

Who Should Win: Tycho

Who Will Win: Flume

My Write In Nomination: Machinedrum - Human Energy

Best Remixed Recording

• Soul Pacific - Cali Coast (Psionics Remix)
• The Silver Lake Chorus - Heavy Star Movin' (staRo Remix)
• Paul McCartney & Wings - Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Five (Timo Maas & James Teej Remix)
• Ry X - Only (Kaskade x Lipless Remix)
• Bob Moses - Tearing Me Up (RAC Remix)
• The Chemical Brothers - Wide Open (Joe Goddard Remix)

This category is almost always way out there. Sometimes it's full of popular mixes and other times it's like this, littered with mixes and artists I've never heard of. Once again we see the Grammys going for name recognition, with the obligatory inclusion of Kaskade and RAC. The Paul McCartney track is really weird, seems like voters just went "Oh that guy was from The Beatles, he can do not wrong," WRONG! The Psionics remix has 159 views on soundcloud, seriously. SERIOUSLY, what is up with this category? At least Bob Moses, Chemical Brothers and Joe Goddard got nods, but I'm basically at a loss for this one.

Who Should Win: Joe Goddard

Who Will Win: RAC

My Write In Nomination: Manila Killa - All That's Left (The M Machine Remix)

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical

• Benny Blanco
• Greg Kurstin
• Max Martin
• Nineteen85
• Ricky Reed

This is always a funny category for me, because it's always a bunch of names basically nobody knows, with the exception of Diplo, who for some reason was not nominated this year, despite being a perennial contender. So now, I'll give a little backstory for each unknown. Blanco's credits this year include "Love Yourself," "Cold Water" among various productions for Vance Joy, Selena Gomez and Passion Pit. Kurstin was responsible for many Adele, Sia, Ellie Goulding, and Tegan & Sara tracks, including "Hello" and "Cheap Thrills." Max Martin may even be more prolific than Kurstin, authoring tracks from Starboy, and Dangerous Woman, as well as the likes of "Can't Feel My Face," "Hands To Myself," "Love Me Like You Do," "Into You" and "Can't Stop The Feeling!" Nineteen85 is best known for his work with Drake, producing "One Dance," "Hotline Bling," and DJ Khaled's "For Free" with of course, Drake. Ricky Reed's credits include productions for Meghan Trainor, Robin Thicke and Twenty One Pilots.

Who Should Win: Max Martin

Who Will Win: Greg Kurstin

My Write In Nomination: Shaun Frank

Winners will be announced February 12th on CBS, but most of these categories will be announced earlier in the day with little to no fanfare, because as is likely obvious by now, The Grammys still have disdain for electronic music and clearly do not consider it that highly. But the question then is, do electronic music fans even care about the Grammys? And therefore does it matter what they do?

Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second at Velvet Underground

From Indoor Recess twitter

Last night locals, Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second all took the stage at Queen Street's Velvet Underground. The party follows the release of Harrison's debut album, Checkpoint Titanium which features both Allie and Clairmont The Second as guest vocalists. Both openers took advantage of The Velvet Underground's small space, injecting the audience with incredible energy. Much like the last time I saw Clairmont The Second (with Tennyson at The Great Hall basement), the energetic performer took to the crowd, literally bringing his vivacity to them first hand. This was one of the themes of the night, the local, community and family feel that was ever present.

It was a special night for Clairmont who was celebrating his 19th birthday, with his crew/family there documenting the whole night, which was also the last of his tour (which saw him play 5 cities in as many nights). Many of the attendees were well versed in Clairmont's songs, singing along while riding along his dynamic delivery and flow. By the time Harrison took the stage, the crowd's energy hit a boiling point as the headliner was joined by a guitarist for a dreamy, illusory intro, at once grabbing the audience's attention and energy. He then proceeded to bring up both Allie and Clairmont for their respective tracks, "Vertigo" and "It's Okay I Promise."

By this time the crowd's energy (and perhaps inebriation) was absolutely overflowing. Dance battles were breaking out with Harrison's tracks making people faint into their friends arms. There was one particular patron whose signature move was miming a trust fall not just into his friends but into random, unsuspecting guests. This boisterous bumping was perhaps commanded by Harrison who at one point took to the mic to tell us "If you're looking at me, you're doing it wrong. Dance! Dance with yourself." This was really taken to heart by the crowd who were absolutely eating up everything Harrison brought to the table.

The who's who of Toronto electronic artists were there in support of these three fast rising talents. Sighted in the crowd were Pusher, Chet Porter, Grandtheft and Ryan Hemsworth, who also took the stage alongside Harrison, first to play their collaborative effort "Vanilla." After that success, the two played what seemed to be an impromptu B2B set which lasted a good 15 minutes until Harrison took the decks back for himself, playing popular tracks such as his remix of Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off The Light," "Right Hook" and album title track "Checkpoint Titanium." Just before the clock struck 2AM, Harrison once again invited Hemsworth to join him on stage where they declared their desire to play until security kicked them off. Despite the now dwindling numbers, the two continued to command the crowds attention dropping the likes of Shiba San's "Okay," Riton's "Rinse & Repeat," and new Mr. Oizo and Siriusmo, "All Wet."

From Ryan Hemsworth's twitter

Overall the night had the distinct feel that these young artists are the future of the Toronto scene. Harrison's combination of sound and style, new and old, and live performance are clearly forward thinking and provide a truly enjoyable experience. Even twitter account @HungoverFromFun addressed this fact, calling the three performers "the future of Toronto." Expect your friends to become familiar with the names Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second as the three continue to strengthen their stranglehold on the Toronto scene and expand into the mainstream consciousness.

FOLLOW HARRISON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW ALLIE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW CLAIRMONT THE SECOND: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER