Backstage with Elazion and Odesho

Thursday night marked two firsts for me as I joined Elazion on his podcast. It was both my first podcast and my first time as the guest in an interview. In the nearly hour and a half conversation we touched on several subjects, mostly around my role as a radio host and blogger, but of course we dive deeper into a wider swath. There's a fair amount of insight into my process and history, as well as a ton of recommendations which I'll detail below. Get the episode on iTunes, Stitcher, Castbox & others here.
Recommendations, in the order they arise in the episode...

DJ Flipout/Skratch Bastid/Red Bull 3Style: DJ/MC associated with both Virgin Radio Vancouver and the Red Bull 3Style DJ competition. DJ/Global Ambassador for the Red Bull 3Style DJ competition. Both great Twitter follows.

Repost-Toggle for Soundcloud: An Chrome extension I use to streamline my feed.

Nero - Symphony 2808: My first encounter with electronic music re-imagined in an orchestral/symphonic format.

Pete Tong, Jules Buckley & The Heritage Orchestra - Ibiza Prom: The start of Pete Tong's venture into the orchestral realm, with a studio album of this concert (here) and two more after (below).

Pete Tong Ibiza Classics: A second orchestral album of re-imagined Ibiza classics.

Pete Tong - Chilled Classics: A third orchestral album with a mix of original productions and classic re-imaginings.

Ed Banger 15: Orchestral versions of classic Ed Banger releases celebrating their 15th anniversary. See live concert here.

Yanni: An incredible composer/producer/etc. Countless fantastic tracks and albums, but his live The Concert Event album was the one that hooked me, even better enjoyed if you watch the live videos.

Skratch Bastid & Afiara Quartet - Spin Cycle: A brilliant experiment combining scratching and strings. Also best enjoyed with accompanying video. See full concert at Koerner Hall here.

Skratch Bastid - Kenny Rodgers Tributes: Pretty self explanatory. Turntable tributes to The Gambler. First video here and a followup here.

Porter Robinson Monstercat Showcase: My peak Porter enjoyment. One of my favourite mixes of all-time.

Knife Party Essential Mix: One of the most incredible debut sets/Essential Mixes. Peak Knife Party.

Score: A Film Music Documentary: A fantastic doc on some of the major players in "the world's most widely known music genre" with interviews from John Williams, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, etc.

Queen Of The South: One of my favourite TV shows, scored by Giorgio Moroder.

Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul: Incredible music direction. Particularly in the montage scenes. Two stand out in particular, at least in recent memory, both from Better Call Saul. BADBADNOTGOOD - Can't Leave The Night and Todd Terje - Alfonso Muskedunder.

The Wire: Every time I think back to the month or two it took me to binge it, I'm filled with nostalgia and the desire to relive what is widely considered to be the best TV show ever.

Explained - Music: Incredible, informative and logic-based mini doc on music. Narrated by Carly Rae Jepsen and featuring TOKiMONSTA.

The Nature Of Things - Sonic Magic: The Wonder and Science of Sound: Another incredible documentary, detailing the magic behind music and its multi-sensory qualities.

It's All Gone Pete Tong: The 'true story' of a DJ who goes deaf, but continues to produce through vibrations.

Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, Pharrell, & Stevie Wonder: Perhaps my favourite ever Grammy performance.

The Night: A Nero 'side-project' between Alana Watson and Dan Stephens. Meanwhile Joseph Ray is doing solo work under his own name.

Enlightenment Listening for May 3

May blooms bring a beautiful mixture of disco, house, trance and techno. This week's Enlightened Listening includes many of my favourites. Louis La Roche, Yuksek, Dombresky, warner case and Röyksopp get us started with some warm tunes and intoxicating dance numbers. Next up is the second such compilation from TOKiMONSTA's label Young Art Records with the likes of RYAN Playground, Soul Clap, L-Vis 1990, Robotaki and more. After that comes Nathan Micay's incredible Blue Spring album. Finally we close with two top notch techno EPs from mau5trap and Afterlife. Enjoy below.

Louis La Roche & Mylo - Lovers (Mylo Edit)

Yuksek - Cadenza (ft. Polo & Pan)

Dombresky - Simple Hit

warner case & Vin Damato - right with the groove

Röyksopp - Church (Lost Tapes)

Various Artists - Young Art Sound II

Nathan Micay - Blue Spring

i_o - Death By Techno

ROD - Brighten Up Bunny

2019 Grammy Predictions

In breaking news, I've learned the Grammys are tonight. I kid, but basically that's what this whole post is going to be: a little levity to close out the weekend. I'm gonna do my usual shtick of making predictions for categories I know/care about, and again it'll be my 'who should win' and 'who will win' double pick scenario, because even with two picks per category I'm still out to lunch most times. Oh and one more thing before the predictions, will the dance/electronic categories be in with all the obscure categories? Or will they continue to disregard their impact and treat them as a sideshow not fit for their floundering broadcast? I'd lean towards the latter, but let's just get to the good stuff, shall we?

*** Update: Results noted with ✓ or x ***

BEST DANCE RECORDING

Above & Beyond - Northern Soul (ft. Richard Bedford)
Disclosure - Ultimatum (ft. Fatoumata Diawara)
Fisher - Losing It
Silk City - Electricity (ft. Dua Lipa)
Virtual Self - Ghost Voices

Who Will Win: Silk City ✓
Who Should Win: Silk City ✓
Reasoning: I feel like the Academy is equally likely to go with any of Disclosure, Silk City and Fisher as they are seemingly the most widely-popular productions in the list. My bet is that they will make the 'right' choice with Silk City as they love both Diplo and Mark Ronson, and it is indeed the most accessible and perhaps most successful production of the bunch. That said, I would not be surprised if "Losing It" got the nod, as love it or hate it, it was without a doubt the club track of the year.

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM

Jon Hopkins - Singularity
Justice - Woman Worldwide
Sofi Tukker - Treehouse
SOPHIE - Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
TOKiMONSTA - Lune Rouge

Who Will Win: Justice ✓
Who Should Win: TOKiMONSTA
Reasoning: This was a tough one. Obviously any of these could take the trophy, but I feel like they'll be too scared to go with SOPHIE, who might be the obvious choice in many eyes. The other nom that set itself apart from the group in terms of hype was Singularity, and I think it's got a solid chance. However, due to last year's seemingly unfair Kraftwerk catalog/best of winning, I see them doing the same with Woman Worldwide this year. That said, I've got Lune Rouge as the most enjoyable album through and through.

BEST REMIXED RECORDING

LSD - Audio (CID Remix)
Charlie Puth - How Long (EDX's Dubai Skyline Remix)
Gabriel & Dresden ft. Sub Teal - Only Road (Cosmic Gate Remix)
Kygo ft. Justin Jesso - Stargazing (Kaskade Remix)
HAIM - Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)

Who Will Win: EDX
Who Should Win: Mura Masa ✓
Reasoning: This marks the 5th time Kaskade has been nominated in this category since 2008, and his 4th time in 5 years. Surely this is his year right? But sadly for him, I think not. I put CID and EDX in a near dead heat, with the advantage going to EDX in the kind of dance delivery that seems to get recognized most at The Grammys. My choice is obvious though, as I love both HAIM and Mura Masa, and see "Walking Away" as by far the most adventurous and progressive production in the list.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL

Boi-1da
Larry Klein
Linda Perry
Kanye West
Pharrell Williams

Who Will Win: Kanye West
Who Should Win: Pharrell Williams ✓
Reasoning: I see the Academy going for drama with this pick, and while he's likely deserving after an incredible year, there's no doubt Kanye will have people talking. That said, I believe Pharrell's output is more wide-ranging and because of his contributions to Timberlake and Grande's albums, he ought to become just the 4th person to win this category 3+ times.

***OTHER, MORE UNINFORMED PICKS***

Best Music Video: Childish Gambino - This Is America ✓
Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media: Black Panther ✓
Best Spoken Word Album: Jimmy Carter ✓
Best Americana Album: Brandi Carlile ✓
Best American Roots Song: The Joke ✓
Best American Roots Performance: The Joke ✓
Best Rap Album: Mac Miller x
Best Rap Song: Sicko Mode x
Best Rap/Sung Performance: This Is America ✓
Best Rap Performance: Sicko Mode x
Best Alternative Music Album: Björk x
Song Of The Year: The Joke x
Album Of The Year: Janelle Monae x
Record Of The Year: All The Stars x

Enlightened Listening for November 30

We're gonna need a bigger blog. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening is maybe the most ambitious yet, highlighting 16 releases in and around this date. There's a number of releases we've been waiting patiently for (Haywyre, Krafty Kuts and Apashe) and some incredible surprises (Attlas, Robert Robert and Vessels). As always I've organized this wide ranging collection for maximum flow from more chill groove to heavy hitters in the playlist below. I'm going to get back to the short descriptions following that, but be sure to give each release a chance, they're all of the highest quality.

Tom Morello - A Higher Frequency (ft. Serj Tankian and Attlas)
Still not sure this is real life. Attlas has had one of hell of a year, but this leaves all his previous productions in the dust. Tempered, yet as resplendent as ever and that magical ability is only amplified with Tankian's truly awesome vocals. Oh yeah, and Tom Morello, he's no slouch either. One of the tracks of the year.

George Fitzgerald ft. Lil Silva - Roll Back (TOKiMONSTA Remix)
My favourite George Fitzgerald track and TOKiMONSTA has done it justice. Beautiful chill stuff.

KAYTRANADA - IT WAS MEANT 2 B
I could take or leave the other two tracks on this EP, but man this is the kind of cool Kaytranda production that just leaves me mystified. Groovy and warm, just the way I like it.

Haywyre - Panorama: Discover
This is exactly what I expected when Haywyre's return became immanent. Didn't miss a step despite two years off. Right back to fantastic form. Incredible artistry and musical abilities. Welcome back!

Krafty Kuts - Fresh Ingredients
Everything we've heard from this EP has been fire and the new additions maintain that quality. Surprising retro feels with some of the synths that make even the more chill tracks uncontrollably groovy.

Keys N Krates - Live In Toronto
Rarely is a live album better than a studio one, but this is very much so the case with Keys N Krates who first made the mark as a live band and continue to thrive through their play. They are now masters of their craft and it shows in this release. If you haven't seen them live I cannot recommend it enough.

Robert Robert - Okay Alright Okay
Last year Robert Robert blew me away with "Coolest Place In The Universe" and he's done it again with this brilliant bouncy beat. Fun and funky, and just indie enough not to feel too processed.

Ryan Davis - Obsidian (Vessels Remix)
Big epic build up. Maybe it because I've been listening to the Ed Banger Orchestral album too much, but it certainly feels like this is built the same way. An absolutely killer craftwork.

Cowboy Rhythmbox - Terminal Madness
Wickedly weird techno EP from trusted providers in Phantasy Sound. Think Mr. Oizo, Djedjotronic and Erol Alkan all wrapped in one. "Vodonik" is my favourite of the bunch.

The Reason Y - Almathea (Kevin de Vries Remix)
Another awesome, illusory production from Kevin de Vries. Try not to float off into the afterlife.

Murlo - Evaporate
A little jolt of energy as Murlo once again showcases his sensational club craftsmanship. WILD!

Various Artists - 7Wallace Sampler
As if Idris Elba didn't already have enough on his plate, his label can now boast tracks from GAWP, Golf Clap, Avesie & Cadence and more. Five equally strong tracks all in the house sphere, leaving me hard pressed to pick a favourite, although the middle three seem to be a notch above.

Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) - Hey Pablo
Could I get away with just posting the "I've fallen down and can't get up" meme? An undeniable dream-team and they did not disappoint. Not only is each track awesome but they fit together perfectly too. Not sure what we did to deserve this treat, but boy am I glad we got it.

Smalltown DJs & Dances With White Girls - Bad Behaviour (ft. SkiiTour)
It's most definitely a party. Slick, smooth bounce. The kind that will get you jumping on the floor and flying with whatever dance you feel.

Various Artists - WE ARE DEADBEATS VOL. 3
Since Deadbeats first started, they've been on the leading edge and they've done it once again. um.., Ducky, Holly, Cozway and Rome In Silver all on one release? Weird, wicked stuff all around.

Apashe - Requiem Remixes
Not only did Apashe craft some of the best bass of the year with the original release, but tapping the likes of CloZee, TenGraphs and Chuurch makes for one hell of a remix EP. Plays like a black and white horror film.

Enlightened Listening for October 19

Gotta love the life Fridays bring through all the new music that comes with it. This week's Enlightened Listening sees some new names (C.O.Z, Parametric and more) alongside some old favourites including a handful of fantastic remixes. There's the likes of Tennyson, Hudson Mohawke, Justin Martin, GTA, TroyBoi, Dombresky and more. Stream below, find brief descriptions after the playlist and enjoy!

Tennyson - Face The Night*
Always inspired, Tennyson craft some of the coolest and most unique pop productions. Such a vibe.

Kito - Pamplemousse (ft. Hudson Mohawke)
The night Tennyson were getting us ready for. More potent percussion. Beautiful and mysterious.

Nick Monaco - River (Mija Remix)
Magical breakbeat mystery. Sublime, stunning soundscape. The voices, bass guitar and sax, just wow.

Strafe - Set It Off (Justin Martin Remix)
Cannot stop listening to this genius. The long version is the best of the 3 mixes, and it may be one of the best tracks of the year. Not sure why but I'm reminded of Erol Alkan's "Forever Dolphin Love." Its just got such a unique, undeniable allure.

EDDIE - Spiritual Contraband
The first of two mau5trap EPs in this list. The more typical of the two, in that its progressive, beautifully crafted techno. The whole EP is definitely dance-worthy, but man is the title track ever good.

Antic - Turncoat
An awesome offering from Anjunadeep. Wandering wonderment with a glitchy groove.

C.O.Z - Back & Forth
Expansive, line blurring blend of bass house/techno. Turn up the sub and let it do the dancing for you.

DJ Zinc & Chris Lorenzo - Gammy Elbow (Dnb Mixes)
I've never seen a remix package like this. Both artists offer their own DnB mixes of their collaboration. Really cool to hear Chris' version compared to Zinc's, his bass house background works wonders while Zinc's consistent quality continues to shine strong.

GTA & Tisoki - Botellas (ft. Godwonder)
Need to bring back TWRK's mix series just for this. Unreal energy, cannot help but wile out to this.

Tails & Inverness - Skeleton (ft. Nevve)
TWRK, Girl Trapz or Get Right Radio, this one has that Benzi stamp of approval as the first release on his new label Parametric. One hell of a get down with vocals that lift you back up every time.

ODESZA - Falls Remixes
TroyBoi, TOKiMONSTA, and Photay all in one remix package? Oh and that's without mentioning Kaskade and The Glitch Mob. STACKED. Jaw dropping work from TroyBoi as per usual. TOKiMONSTA applies a pop polish perfectly, and Photay freaks it out in fantastic fashion. Something for everyone.

Dombresky - Futurmastic
There is no version of Dombresky I enjoy more than the melodic, chill, groovy version. This bright bounce number just feels like the perfect finale to any set or playlist. Exceptionally easy listening.

Throwback Thursday: Jessie Ware - Keep On Lying (TOKiMONSTA Remix)

In honour of International Women's Day, that just so happens to be a Thursday, I've decided to celebrate with one of my favourite tracks, from two of my favourite artists: Jessie Ware and TOKiMONSTA. Going back four or five years, I had just come across Jessie Ware and fallen deeply for her voice, particularly through her live performance of "Running" on Conan. This spurred a deep dive into her album Devotion and follow up Tough Love, from which "Keep On Lying" is taken. So while in full fledged infatuation with the wonderful Mrs. Ware, I was floored to see that TOKiMONSTA was part of a fivesome set to remix "Keep On Lying" as part of a Red Bull Music & Culture initiative.

While all the mixes carve their own special space, and the accompanying behind the scenes videos are enlightening, TOKiMONSTA's offers up my favourite take on the track. She straddles the line between leaving Ware's vocals untouched and entirely alienating them. And these tenderly retouched vocals play perfectly with the new "Super ADD" type production. TOKiMONSTA's percussion has such a playful punch and poise that again, pairs perfectly with Ware's polished presence. It is at once epic and bold, while still managing to remaining intimate and personal. And it's that human appeal that "has got to be the the best thing I ever felt." Get wrapped up in the penetrating power via stream below, for added intrigue check out the behind the scenes video here, and follow the artists' socials at the bottom.FOLLOW JESSIE WARE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW TOKIMONSTA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Post Malone - I Fall Apart (Young Bombs Remix)

Just last week I played Benzi's edit of Post Malone's "I Fall Apart" as mixed with Ekali and QUIX's take on Porter Robinson's "Language." This week our own Young Bombs have added their names to the ever growing list of Post Malone remixers with their take on his latest viral sensation. As I said on last week's show these are by far my favourite Post Malone vocals, and I'm glad I get to bring them to you again this week. I've been on the Young Bombs bandwagon after first hearing their remix of Katelyn Tarver, and this may be my new favourite of theirs. They've let the guitar guide the track alongside Malone's crooning, before building a brilliant and emotive future bass drop. The chord choices only further cut to the core, making this one of the most gut churning yet beautiful productions in recent memories. Grab your copy for free via Hive and catch it in the mix on Bump In The Hump tonight.This mix of gut churning beauty is a theme tonight, with new tracks from Miles Away, Bishu, and Vanic, all supplying it in droves. Of course there's also pure bangers and dope grooves from the likes of Hunter Siegel, Hanz Ford, Keys N Krates and Landyn. We've also got a hearty helping of disco as we look ahead to a stacked lineup Friday with Spacedisco's Winter Warmup at One Loft featuring Hatiras, Vincent Caira, LeBaron James and others (RSVP/Tickets). As if that weren't enough, friends of the show Loud Luxury are back in town taking over Factory Fridays at UNIUN (RSVP/Tickets). Rounding out the trio of shows Friday night is TOKiMONSTA who hits Velvet Underground with support from fellow friend, Dom Dias (RSVP/Tickets). Finally, in a fitting end to the fire finale there's a new track from Toast and Motus, the latter of which joins Wraz for the first B2B episode of My Mixtape. Hear my interview with them tonight, ahead of their episode Saturday January 20th at 11 PM EST. All of this and more on Bump In The Hump, Radio Humber, live from 6-8 PM EST here and cataloged after the fact via Mixcloud.

FOLLOW YOUNG BOMBS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER