FIRE FESTIVAL 2019 OFFICIAL RECAP Playlist

This weekend the world was tuned in to the awe-inspiring success that was FIRE FESTIVAL 2019, the spiritual successor to last year's head-turning COALCHELLA. Boasting A.G. Cook, Arty, Hudson Mohawke, Iglooghost, Slumberjack, YOOKiE, and a whole host of others on one incredible bill, the two day extravaganza had everything. Whether you stayed locked in on one stage or took full advantage of the epic Minecraft world, the whole undertaking was an absolute wonder. As early as Saturday night, sets began to get shared to Soundcloud, many of which come complete with download and/or tracklist. While I (obviously) didn't get a chance to hear each set, a few of my favourites that you can find in SLEEPYCATT's official recap playlist are Krysh, Poolboy, and onlytom. Stream/download below.

Enlightened Listening for December 7

Here we are with another fantastic Friday of releases. This week's Enlightened Listening includes the likes of a couple killer EPs from Botnek and Volac, bass brilliance from LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM, and a long awaited collab from Slumberjack and TroyBoi. Listen/read below and enjoy!

Qrion - Pending Matters
The track she was using as an intro to her GAF tour. Beautiful and expansive. Can't help but feel a Jacques Greene vibe and lord knows that's a good thing.

Friendly Fires - Heaven Let Me In (Melé Remix)
Spoiler alert: The original is in my top 100, but this new version make take its spot and send it even higher in the standings. Melé's absolutely nailed the vibe and given us even more to groove to.

Bob Moses - Heaven Only Knows (FaltyDL Remix)
Love the dirty, dark vibes brought in for this mix, especially as they play again the piano chords.

LSDREAM - Shadow Self
Whatever moniker he uses, Sami Diament always puts his heart and soul into his productions. Clearly the case here, this isn't just a brilliant banger but a slice of modern humanity. I feel like LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM are on the same wavelength and the prospect of a collab is something I cannot get out of my head. Hopefully this note is enough for me to speak it into existence.

Slumberjack x TroyBoi - Solid
Speaking of killer collabs, when I first heard this at the TroyBoi/Slumberjack show over a year ago it was clear this was a weapon. Now in full form we're realizing the full force of Slumberjack's dope drum design and TroyBoi's top notch twists and turns.

Botnek - Can't Remember
After nearly calling it quits, Botnek really seem to have found their form with this new deeper house sound. As you would expect the collab with Aylen is all kinds of crazy.

Volac - Funky
Holy huge EP. Both tracks are absolutely massive floor fillers. Tech house quality design with just the right amount of funk and off-kilter groove to keep you entertained.

WHIPPED CREAM - Luv
While she calls this something different, it really feels like we're getting the most genuine WHIPPED CREAM to date. That said, it's almost impossible to pin down this track, but maybe that's what she's getting at.

Yultron - Slave To The Rave
Absolutely jacking stuff. A banger among a list of bangers. If you haven't lost your head yet wait for the second drop.

Wilsonn - Even If I Know

The topic of mental health has become more prevalent lately, with many electronic artists offering up their own insights. The toll of working and traveling, often alone, can be incredibly heavy. This past Friday, Australian artist Wilsonn tackled that emotion and injected it into his track "Even If I Know."

Maybe you're like me and have never heard the name Wilsonn before, however I've unknowingly heard his voice before, as he appears in Attlas' "Batch." Similar to Attlas, Wilsonn has a unique production style that cannot be cornered. And while this is his first proper original release, the combination of sounds and styles in "Even If I Know" ooze with his particular ipseity that includes elements of RnB, soul, ambient, new wave, future bass, trap, chill and downtempo.

Upon first pressing play we're greeted with warm shimmering synths, reminiscent of fellow Aussies What So Not and Slumberjack, however this warmth is opposed by Wilsonn's wounded vocal delivery. While the lyrics are strong and poignant, it is clear that they come from a deeply affected personal place. Myself, I'm struck with the thought that this song is extracted from his innermost core, and serves as a necessary act of release. This idea comes primarily through the growth in the second half of the song: the vocal chops rise as though Wilsonn's demons are escaping, eviscerated as soon as they hit the air and light of day; illustrated brilliantly with the explosive finale (about 2:48). Whether it's meant that way or not, it's certainly a beautiful, overcoming finale, especially for a debut release.

Stream "Even If I Know" through Soundcloud below and Spotify here, courtesy Upside Music.FOLLOW WILSONN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Silva - Escape

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

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

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TroyBoi w/ Louis Futon & Slumberjack at Danforth Music Hall

After the unseasonably warm weather the last week or so, the fall shift has finally come. It's even rained for the first time in what seems like all of September (not a complaint). That being said, festival season and the excellent outdoor events that accompany it are all but over (although I'm sure there's several events for Nuit Blanche tomorrow).  And this can only mean one thing, IT'S CLUB SEASON!

It'll be the first fall without our beloved Hoxton, but that just means more and more people will be turning to Velvet Underground and Danforth Music Hall to fill that gaping hole in our hearts. The first of seemingly dozens of can't miss autumn events comes tomorrow night when TroyBoi is set to tear down The Danforth as a part of his Left Is Right tour, in support of his debut album of the same name. Joining him on this stop are Philadelphian Louis Futon and Aussie duo Slumberjack.

Now you'll certainly be aware of Slumberjack if you follow this blog at all, as is the case with TroyBoi, who I've covered a couple times here, but Louis Futon is someone who's yet to find his way onto EFYE. But boy, is he quality and a fantastic fit for this lineup. Just a quick scan of his Soundcloud page shows serious success with powerful poppy productions like "Rewind" which just broke a million. Then there's his alarmingly awesome flip of THEY.'s "U RITE." But if big is what you desire, look no further than the phantasmagorical and feels ridden, future bass track "Wasted On You." First two are available free.While this is a TroyBoi headlining show, I'm actually most excited to see Slumberjack, who I've been waiting to see for several years, each time missing them for some stupid reason or another. After first discovering them through their brilliant bootleg of What So Not "Touched," I then became even more infatuated as they combined with Sable for "Sprinter," before dropping their sensational self-titled EP. And holy crap is "Horus" still hellaciously good. Then they got deliriously deep and emotional with "Open Fire" (as covered here), while still showing some brain battering bass abilities with their "Scary" good remix of Stormzy (once again covered here). Since then they've really taken off with the fiery EP Fracture. So while I'm not sure what to expect from their set, I cannot wait to take it all in.Now for the main course. As if the 11 tracks above weren't enough, how about an epic 20 track album? Yes, that's right. TroyBoi's debut is that big. I mean the man was able to get Ice Cube on a track, so yeah, it's pretty clear this man is making waves. The lead track even puts it more explicitly, as "Bitch I'm Awesome." So if bass bangin', booty swangin' beats are what you desire then TroyBoi is just for you. And you know what? I could list a dozen or more remixes and originals that would solidify this sentiment, but you might as well just start with the single release that is succinctly his style.At last look, tickets were still available, but are said to be in short supply. There's usually some saved up at the box office for those keeners that show up early, but don't take my word as gospel. I'm just a fan, I serve no official capacity. So if you want to see a spectacular show, and why wouldn't you after all the awesome tunage above, check out the Facebook event here, and get direct link to tickets here.

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Tiber - Good 4 U

I don't know what is it, but there's certainly something going on on the opposite side of the globe. Whether it's Flume, Slumberjack, or Anna Lunoe, there's always some awesome Aussie tunes being cooked up. This fact was something my pal Colin at FUXWITHIT addressed nearly 3 years ago here. While there's no particular essence to Australian electronic productions, there seems to be no shortage of quality content. One of the latest examples of that excellence comes from Geelong's Tiber.

"Good 4 U," the lead single from his upcoming Moments EP, is smooth, sexy and just a little bit dirty. There's elements of the fresh future bass vibes the likes of Wave Racer and What So Not were so well known for, built around some strong vocal production. And while I absolutely love the chords and chops that come together at 0:41, it's his heavier and more violent electronic explosion at 2:17 that takes this track up to an 11. "Good 4 U" is gold with just a hint of grit. Get your copy from Trench Records, here.FOLLOW TIBER: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Grandtheft on Diplo & Friends (Jan 29, 2017)

At the end of January Grandtheft graced Diplo and Friends for another guest mix, just over a year since he made his last appearance on, arguably one of the best mixshows in the world (a set I also covered here). A lot has happened since last year, but we can still count on Grandtheft to deliver a dope mix with a bunch of new and forthcoming records as well as his trademark edits.Just in the first 10 minutes we're treated to a slew of genres and styles, all mixed together not just in a fluid manner, but almost so as to tell a story. From the rap intro of "Pull Up Hop Out" and "Gang With Me" to house with "Prophecy," "Rude Boy," and "Devotion" mixed with the vocals of "House Work," Grandtheft shows off his mixing chops beautifully. But for me the way he goes from his collab with Sleepy Tom to the instant singalong of Mr. Fuzz's "Bel Air" is what really gets me. And that's only the first 10 minutes.

Things then get more clubbed out as he hits up Jersey, before heading back to the 6ix with "Fake Love" followed by his "Heroes x Feel It" edit and Shaun Frank flip of "Easy Go." And while this is a really nice touchy feely section. it quickly devolves into too turnt trap with back to back Slumberjack, followed by Ekali and KRANE then his gritty "Waiting x Keep It 100" smash edit.

As if that weren't enough, we get a glimpse of his remix of "Let You Get Away" (hopefully forthcoming) returning the favour for Shaun Frank. Then it's more of the dudes Keys N Krates and their KRANE collab, followed by two more fire edits. Like really, who doesn't love the vocals to "In For The Kill." But still we're not even close to being done.

One of the things that makes Grandtheft so great is his ear for new talent and willingness to support it. His last Diplo & Friends mix introduced me to Dom Dias, who has become one of the most played artists on Bump In The Hump and made one of the most musically sound sets for My Mixtape. This time I notice Grandtheft has gone to the west coast to feature Juelz and while he's not new to me, I still feel he's incredibly underrated. His "Whine & Kotch" is fire and works perfectly with Grandtheft's set, but it's only one of many dope releases under his belt.

Of course the way the mix is rounded up further shows off Grantheft's expertise. He goes back to back with two of my favourite tracks of 2016 Jackal's "Ice" and San Holo's "Light" before letting us down gently with Francis and The Lights "Friends." Of course having Kanye doesn't hurt, but it is the combination of Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat that really seals it for me. This kind is the kind of quality I've come to expect from Grandtheft, and truly I've never been let down. Both live and pre-recorded the man is something to behold. Enjoy the stream above and check out the tracklist here.

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Benzi - Girl Trapz 10

Benzi's prolific Girl Trapz series has reached a massive milestone, airing the 10th installment on Diplo & Friends earlier in November. Now the extended version is online for streaming and free download. It doesn't take very long for this 40 track mix to get you fired up, kicking things into high gear with one of Benzi's trademark edits, reworking RL Grime, Skrillex and What So Not's massive collab "Waiting" geniously for Girl Trapz. All told, there are four such edits to go along with other exclusive and unreleased tracks from the likes of Vincent, STFU, Doobious, Slumberjack, and TWRK partner, eSenTRIK. This is all in line with a typical Benzi mix, his connections are seemingly endless; producers clamour to get the Benzi stamp of approval. There are very few DJs that can boast the level of tastemaking and flawless mix quality that has made Benzi one of the most trusted names in the game. His ear is always on point, correctly identifying the next big thing before it breaks into mainstream consciousness. Grab the free download and find out which track grabs you, via the tracklist below.

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Stormzy - Scary (Slumberjack Edit)

After writing about Grime and the art of edits in the last three weeks, this mix of Stormzy's "Scary" from Aussie duo Slumberjack is the best of both worlds. It's big bold and heavy beyond belief. They've set up a bed of nails for Stormzy's fire flow to rest on, while upping the intensity with ominous, spooky synths and ungodly percussion. Once again, Slumberjack showcase their incredible sound design in every aspect of this mix, specifically their vocal manipulations (much like their track "Open Fire"). Stormzy already has a dynamic vocal delivery, but the duo has doubled down in that department, adding additional depth for maximum effect. But what I see as the crowning achievement in "Scary" is Slumberjack's use of the background vocals, filling out the track, firmly situating it in an unholy, apocalyptic landscape. Finally, as some kind of Easter Egg, Slumberjack have included their trademark riff from their What So Not, "Touched" edit in multiple places (0:11, 1:37, 3:49). Slumberjack are most certainly on the top of their game, and this production is all the proof you need. As a cherry on top, "Scary" is available for free download in full loseless WAV format via Toneden.

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12 tracks for the last weekend in August

With summer drawing to a close, it seems people are rushing around trying to take advantage of whatever time is left under the empowering and freeing summer sun. This being the last weekend August, I too am feeling the push to post up lakeside and relax. So before my family and I head to the cottage for this last stretch of summer, I've compiled a list of 12 new tracks that will make your time pass that much more enjoyably. Even better, the majority of these tracks are up for free download. The first three or four tracks are rough, raw and hard hitting trap numbers from big names Masayoshi Iimori, Slumberjack, San Holo and Josh Pan. Slumberjack and San Holo are back with new originals, while Iimori and Pan build on their already inimitable styles with two massive remixes. After taking on Kanye West earlier in the week, Josh Pan now takes on Amerie's "1 Thing." Following that is a brilliant bootleg from German producer, Bibo of classic Skylar Grey "Love The Way You Lie." The next four tracks are extremely bright, futuristic tracks from Italian, Mordecai, Frenchman Offramp, Pluto and Ye. and Sweater Beats. The following track from Bonnie and Clyde is somehow able to combine many of the styles from the previous tracks. "Tonight" is part future bass, part house, part trap, part tropical; a blissful balance between pop and bass.  The duo of Los Angelenos, DJCJ and Bloodtone rework Kevin Gates' "Really Really" to perfection, calling me back to Dr. Fresch's "Gangsta Gangsta." Rounding things out in the best way I know how, with UZ's joint remix with MYRNE of his own "Trap Shit 16." It's always awesome when an original artist remixes their own work but the touch of MYRNE takes it to the next level, as a true work of art. Follow through for all of the download links and get your own copy of the tracks above.

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.

Slumberjack - Open Fire (ft. Daniel Johns)

Freshly added to Spotify, the single from Australian duo Slumberjack "Open Fire" with vocals from fellow Aussie, Daniel Johns, is ready for streaming, ahead of it's official release next Friday, the 29th. Perhaps best known for their incredibly powerful 're-fix' of What So Not's "Touched," the duo's original releases "Enigma" with GRRL PAL, "The Others" with KLP and "Horus," showcase their wide range of production skills and musical sensibilities. "Open Fire" feels like their most mature and thoughtful production to date, with its wavering guitar intro accented by Daniel Johns' vocals, through poignant piano chords and simply stunning, soaring drops that slaps your heart silly. Perhaps the most powerful piece of Slumberjack's production in "Open Fire" is their impassioned treatment of Daniel John's already emotive vocals.

Right off the bat, the first line (5 seconds in) shows their delicate touch. The skimming, modulated vocal, immediately before the drop, adds an incredible level of depth, that is only amplified with Johns' effervescent crooning that soars high above the second drop. The cherry on top that confirms "Open Fire" as one of the best all around productions of 2016, is the disconsolate lyrical value Daniel Johns adds, that ought to send a chill down any spine that's ever experienced loss. I can't think of a better example of any track to both cry your heart out but also reignite the passion to achieve such a love again. It shines a spotlight on the sore-spot that is forever wondering where it all went wrong.

The overall production adds to the petrified feeling of being stranded, immobilized and helpless; how one thing leads to another and suddenly you find yourself marooned and utterly disabled. I cannot help but think of my own losses and far too fittingly, the world's loss of Prince, yesterday. I truly cannot get enough of this track, I've had it on repeat for nearly an hour now and it continues to hit my heart in such a profound way. My only hope is that you can experience this same penetrating, heartrending feeling, as 'music makes it all better' (something I saw on Skratch Bastid's shirt during his touching tribute to Prince here).

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2016 Grammy Nominations Revealed, Does Anyone Care?

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

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

Monday Mashed Up Mix #2

Each Monday I post a little mix of less than 30 minutes for your listening pleasure. It contains a variety of electronic music mixed and mashed up to varying degrees. The music is always first and foremost while DJing and mixing skills are meant to take a back seat. It includes some brand new stuff but also some forgotten gems and whatever it was that had entered my consciousness. I'll be hosting them on my Dropbox page for your listening and downloading pleasure, MONDAY MASHED UP MIX VOL 2. You can find the tracklisting and links for each track after the break...