Enlightened Listening for April 5

It's time to become one with the weekend by enjoying the latest offerings from the wonderful world of electronic music. This week's Enlightened Listening features a strong serving of smooth flowing, electronic ease, a dash of funky fun and a big banging remix EP to close things out. Maxd opens with some cool lofi creativity which bleeds beautifully into bitbird's 3rd Gouldian Finch compilation which houses some supremely slick creations from Knapsack, Rome in Silver, Duskus and more. Next up galen tipton taps into the energetic chiptune side bitbird used to command. The genius of GRiZ comes through with another next level album featuring the likes of Snoop Dogg, Bootsy Collins & Wiz Khalifa, among others. And speaking of next level albums, Jai Wolf would seem to have found his groove as The Cure To Loneliness is not just exceptionally crafted, but incredibly heartfelt and heartening; truly beautiful. And it doesn't get much more beautiful than Goldroom's "Yellow Flowers" which with each and every play has led my jaw to drop to the floor. Staying on the floor but with the feet this time, Myd manages to concoct one of the most intoxicating offerings of the year. Rounding out the singles, Soulwax's remix of "Work It" sparks up some stunningly twisted techno, sure to have your head spinning. Finally BIJOU has brought together one of the better remix packages of the year tapping ANGELZ, YOOKiE, Gerry Gonza and others to take on the malicious "Memories." Enjoy below!

Maxd - wys

Various Artists - Gouldian Finch 3

galen tipton - scream

GRiZ - Ride Waves

Jai Wolf - The Cure To Loneliness

Goldroom - Yellow Flowers (ft. Mereki)

Myd - Superdiscoteca

Marie Davidson - Work It (Soulwax Remix)

BIJOU - Memories (Remixes)

San Holo & James Vincent McMorrow - The Future (Kill Paris Remix)

After already garnering 13 remixes, San Holo's collab with James Vincent McMorrow "The Future" just got one more. Uploaded by bitbird, it seems Kill Paris' remix is also official despite not making it onto the epic package. Its quality makes me think that Kill Paris took his time perfecting the production, thus missing the deadline, but regardless if you can handle just one more remix, give it a spin below.After briefly going by Chill Harris (following the attacks on Paris Nov. 2015), it's this moniker that really describes the sounds of "The Future" perfectly. While production-wise Corey Baker has always been chill, with his laid back, soaring melodies, this remix really exemplifies that funky, feels driven pop proclivity. He's taken the visionary vocals and wrapped them around somber yet sunny synths and oh so shiny steel rhythms. Even further proliferating "The Future" his vocal chops are just that, stylish and state-of-the-art (examples at :44 and 2:22). Re-purposing vocals in this manner is exactly what drew me to future bass in the beginning, and what is so astonishingly absent from so much of the uninspired, copycat stuff that seems omnipresent at the moment. Add to Kill Paris' vivacious vocal chops, some delightful diversions in slapping snares and biting bass, and you've got yourself a radiant remix.

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BeauDamian x ZEKE BEATS - Faux Bourdon

San Holo's label bitbird continues to prove that it's one of the most forward thinking and sonically stunning collectives out there. Their latest boundary pushing production comes from BeauDamian of The Netherlands, who's reached all the way across the globe to connect with Aussie, ZEKE BEATS.

"Faux Bourdon" is a thematic triumph of epic proportions. It is heralded by an orchestral opening, and punctuated by a choral call before dropping into a doomsday aesthetic. The darkness of the collaborative synth work is beyond brilliant, it shows a truly incredible production ability to invoke so much depth and life into an entirely electronic sound. But it's not just about the sound's design, it progresses with a dazzling display as the choir and other orchestral elements return.

It is at this point that I cannot help but hear the much discussed Ramin Djawadi piece "Light Of The Seven" for Game Of Thrones, in part because of the instrumentation, but more so because of the incredible interplay and progression. "Faux Bourdon" has an uncanny ability to add and subtract elements while continually progressing. It never feels jumpy or disjointed; it's a wild ride, that you just don't want to end. And it doesn't have to end, as it's been made available for free download here.
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Araatan - Effervesce

Mongolian brothers and bitbird signees, Araatan are back with the kind of production that actually lives up to the cumbersome genre title, future bass. "Effervesce" is truly a track like no other. Sure it follows your typical arc and construction in the larger sense, but when you're talking about sound design this is an almost entirely unexplored space. The allure for me was almost immediate, with exceptional atmosphere right from the start, but it's the brothers' synth design that's truly captured my attention. I am at a loss for how to describe these sounds, they're kind of scrubby (if that makes sense in a musical context), but they're also built around far eastern flute sounds and some kind of strings. The first drop is more than enough to make your mind melt, while the intensity leading into the second is sure to make your heart explode. Araatan have outdone themselves, once again proving that they are on the leading edge, like their track implies, bubbling to the top of the sea of endless future bass producers.
Enjoy "Effervesce" for free via ToneDen, here.

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Araatan - Dreaming Of Us (ft. Zaya)

Another fresh and free track for your Monday, comes to you via bitbird and Mongolian brother duo, Araatan. The soundcloud description says "Dreaming Of Us" is "a song about God-sent love," and there certainly seems to be no shortage of euphoric and dreamy doting in their track. Zaya's vocals show a careful, loving caress, as the bleepy bitbird production floats along underneath. Araatan have found a direct link to our Creator's bedside, giving us, a never before heard, insight into what the Almighty has on its mind. It is a picture perfect beauty, that reminds us of the aesthetic allure of our world.Reconnect with your Creator and download "Dreaming Of Us" for free via bitbird, here.

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San Holo - Still Looking (Cesqeaux Remix)

Two of the Netherlands greatest exports have cross pollinated their already potent careers. After San Holo jumped on Cesqeaux's #EAUXMYGOD3 with "Who Am I" the Barong Family member returned the favour by remixing the bitbird founder's "Still Looking," now up for free download. I've always been a fan of San Holo's more upbeat, turnt and raucous tracks, which means the addition of Cesqeaux's wylin' style adds a little more oomph to the already brilliant and powerful chords of "Still Looking." It does lose a little bit of that San Holo shine, buffed up by Cesqeaux's buoyant bass, although I believe that is the strength of San Holo's work. Take for example his classic "The Next Episode" remix, its raw chiptune style grips your heart with an unwavering strength, even further "We Rise" follows much of that same tilt, absolutely obliterating eardrums with that sweet, yet somehow sour lead synth in the drops. I believe the combination of Cesqeaux and San Holo is a force to be reckoned with, ever so delicately straddling the line between glittering glory and wacky wildness. After having become addicted to "Who Am I" for more than a week now, it's more than a pleasant surprise to get another 'San Qeauxlo' track, it's a sheer necessity.

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Taska Black - Leave Me

Appearing online mere hours ago, amidst a cloud of smoke like a a magician's marvelous entrance, the second track from the forthcoming Gouldian Finch compilation, on San Holo's bitbird label, Belgian producer Taska Black's "Leave Me" is yet another glimpse into the incredible future of electronic music, as Black's track firmly situates itself in a dimly lit, apocalyptic alley, slowly closing in on itself, narrowly avoiding the dark, unseen dangers lurking ever so ominously in the wings. The perfect combination of live and electronic instrumentation, the initial strings set the mood of a black and white fictional world, where crime and despair run rampant. The soaring leads propel the drop into a further desolate, despondent reality in which the only hope for happiness comes in the ability to escape such melancholy. Whether "Leave Me" is a demand from a disconsolate narrator, who wants to wallow in their sorrow solo, or someone striving to overcome this malaise, by shedding all mortal ties, sending his friends away in defiance of misery's love of company; it excels at injecting emotion into its both organic and electric production. The beauty of the human condition and its contradictory nature is on full display thanks to the genius of Taska Black's production.

If "Leave Me" and the first single from Gouldian Finch, San Holo's "Still Looking," are any indication of what we can expect from this compilation, bitbird and its artists are poised to explode. Stay tuned to the bitbird soundcloud for more info on when the compilation gets its official release, until then grab both the free downloads of "Leave Me" and "Still Looking."

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My Musical March Madness

What I'm going to look like March 26

After a February free of shows, each of my weekends in March is fully booked with events, setting the stage for my craziest month ever. Starting this coming Saturday (5th), I'll finally be back in the club and out of the basement, losing my hearing, enjoying Chet Porter, Sigala and Autograf. If you've ever heard any of my Bump In The Hump episodes it's highly likely that you're familiar with my passion for Chet Porter's productions, so it should be no surprise that my musical hiatus comes to a screeching halt when he returns home to play the Hoxton. Whether it's his originals (Aluko River, Awakening or tbh ily) or his remixes (Over U, It's Strange or Do You Remember) his library is full of simply sparkling magical music that is sure to invoke euphoria. He's easily my most anticipated set of the whole month; what a way to start the madness that is my March. Expect his set to sound something like his mix for Too Future, below. CLICK HERE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT. The fact that Chet isn't the headliner makes the 5th that much more exciting. While I can't say I'm that familiar with Sigala, it's quite clear that love is their main inspiration for their music; 4 of the 5 tracks on their soundcloud account include love in the name. The only track that doesn't, is their forthcoming single with Imani and DJ Fresh, "Say You Do."  The headliner, Autograf, has been on my radar since early 2014, when they began dropping remixes of classics like Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" and Swedish House Mafia's "One." Since then, they've captured worldwide attention with their futuristic productions with massive originals "Dream" and "Running." They've even released the first two tracks from their forthcoming EP, Future Soup.  The following weekend (11th-13th), is the CDJ Show at The Hilton. While I'm still unsure about many of the details. I do know that it will feature seminars, roundtables and VIP style events. It will undoubtedly be a great opportunity to mingle with many of the elite DJs and behind the scenes brains. So far the highlights as I see them include Vekked and Brace's live turntable seminar, a massive exhibit hall with booths from Ableton to GoPro and KRK to zipDJ. CLICK HERE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT.

While the CDJ Show is going to be a busy weekend, it might not be as busy as the double dose of debauchery due for the 18th and 19th. Firstly the Friday night kicks off with Haywyre, San Holo and Grabbitz at the Hoxton. Monstercat's Grabbitz is slated to open up the night in the middle of his spring tour supporting his December album, Better With Time. 

The second part of this three-headed Monstercat beast is San Holo, who will be making his Toronto debut. Expect to hear a full compliment of his now infamous Don't Touch The Classics series, which features "The Next Episode," "Lose Yourself" and "In Da Club." Combined with his swirling and sparkling originals and his bitbird label, there aught to be no shortage of awesomeness in his time on the decks. I can only hope that it somewhat resembles his mix for Annie Nightingale. Finally, the headliner, Haywyre hits the Hoxton stage in support of his masterpiece, Two Fold Pt. 2. Expect his unique live performance to showcase his unbelievable artistic ability. EVENT INFO HERE.While following up that finely curated lineup is incredibly difficult, Hunter Siegel's No Neon night is set to return the following night (19th) complete with locals Booshay, RYME and Autoerotique with the deep and dark Drezo making his No Neon debut. Booshay is quickly making a name for himself with his ever growing list of free downloads, including his latest "Rave Weapon." Veteran duo RYME are always primed and ready to go. Their vast musical knowledge and mixing skill make them some of the best opening acts you could ask for. Expect them to have their set loaded with exclusives from their BADLQQK label. As a matter of fact they just released their own remix to Sinden's "Step Back." There is no one out there that can rival the sheer amount of new bass blasting tracks that Autoerotique is pumping out. It seems like he's been dropping at least one new track per week for months now. Fresh off his Kids Don't Care EP release, you can expect to hear those and more exclusive new content, including his forthcoming collab with Hunter Siegel "On The Floor."  The only out of town DJ, Drezo, has been busting his way into playlists and mixes alike, with remixes of Snails, Jackal, Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre and massive originals "Guap" and "Heaven." Expect the No Neon aesthetic to reach its darkest when Drezo drops his Drowning Pools, "Bodies" remix. Tickets are sure to go fast for this fan favourite, find the link and more on the Facebook event page.  The last weekend, is the one that I've had tickets the longest for. Keys N Krates make their triumphant return to their hometown following the massive Midnite Mass tour. The energy of their live show is incredibly infectious. Each time I've seen them they've impressed me more and more. There's no doubt in my mind that their homecoming performance will amaze. Expect some special surprises in store as the trio have been tight-lipped and have yet to announce any supporting acts. Once again expect tickets to go quickly as the appetite for Keys N Krates always seems to be at an unbelievable level. Tickets and more at the Facebook event here.

San Holo - Can't Forget You (ft. The Nicholas)

The Norwegian music scene has gained tremendous worldwide attention in the past year thanks in large part to the rise of Kygo, Rytmeklubben, Cashmere Cat, Lido and San Holo, who first broke into public consciousness with his "Don't Touch The Classics" remixes, especially when his "Next Episode" remix was featured in TWRK's fifth installment. Holo's inimitable style and sound have catapulted him and his continually growing library into countless mixes and a worldwide tour. SH has his own label, bitbird, but he's also released tonnes of free music, a 3 track EP on Monstercat, an OWSLA single, big names remix credits for Tchami and Porter Robinson, and now he's picked up his very own Spinnin' release: His last release, a collab with Father Dude, was also on Spinnin', and as you might expect with Spinnin', it has marked a move to a slightly more poppy, easily consumable sound and feel for the heavenly, chiptune inspired producer. Both "IMISSU" and "Can't Forget You" lean on sparkling vocals and less on heavily tuned drops or glitchy builds, and what I feel is almost a stripped down, rather confined version of the San Holo I've come to know and love. My only hope is that, because of Spinnin's huge reach, more and more people get into San Holo and he floods us with new music; nothing wrong with that.

SCORE
Composition 2/3
Dynamics 2/2
Improvisation/Progression 2/3
Melody/Harmony 2/3
Originality 1/2
Sonic Quality 2/2
Lyrics 2/3
Vocals 2/2
TOTAL 15/20

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