JRND & VMK - Make Dem (ft. Kédo Rebelle)

Fresh from Soundcloud labels Lowly Palace and FilthyDrops, comes a double Dutch collaboration between JRND and VMK. "Make Dem" features some live instrumentation from plucked strings, to the powerful horns the play at the forefront of the track. I can't help but draw comparisons to NGHTMRE and Boombox Cartel's "Aftershock," and while that might be a lofty resemblance, they both emote incredible energy and emotion. The groove of "Make Dem" is simply striking, following the direction of vocalist Kédo Rebelle's lyrics. I can easily foresee this track as a welcome addition and perhaps secret weapon (though not for long), for dozens of future bass DJs as well as becoming that go-to 'fire me up' track, that racks up play after play in your iTunes. Equal parts energy and feels, this one is fire. You can "Make Dem" yours via Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.

FOLLOW JRND: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW VMK: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW KÉDO REBELLE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

What to expect from Anna Lunoe's Hyperhouse tour stop at The Hoxton

Anna Lunoe's Hyperhouse tour is set to make it's Toronto stop tonight at The Hoxton. The taste maker and Beats 1 host, has Vindata and DJ Sliink by her side for this leg of the tour, adding local talent Cosella for their stop in the 6ix. I've already touted this tour as one of the best of the year, but I'm about to make the case why. First let me start with Cosella, who continues his rise, gaining attention from big names Destructo, NEST HQ, and premieres on Lunoe's own show. He's also a friend of Bump In The Hump, where he premiered his collab with FromDropTillDawn, "No Boundaries." While still relatively fresh on the scene, he can already boast a series of quality releases, to go along with his strong networking skills that give him incredible exclusive and unreleased content for his deep DJ sets.Joining, Cosella as the night moves forward is New Jersey's own DJ Sliink. Previously known as Huglife, he is a master of bootleg remixes transforming the likes of Torey Lanez, D.R.A.M., Flume, Gnarls Barkley, among others, into Jersey Club weapons. Perhaps his most popular booty came in the form of the undeniably awesome Weeknd track "Wicked Games." Don't let this deceive you, Sliink is also a formidable producer of original tracks. His library is almost endless but here's a small sampling. The final opener, is duo Vindata, who despite being veterans of the scene, has absolutely exploded in the last year. Starting with their unbelievable EP, Through Time And Space, their long list of remixes, and their many productions with vocalist Kenzie May, Vindata's future bass vibes have catapulted them into collective consciousness. Of course I'd be remiss if I didn't make mention of their game changing collab with Mija, "Better." Expect these guys to bring an incredible energy, setting the stage for Anna. Of course, the headliner Anna Lunoe is the only way to wrap up this post. Her connections in the industry are nearly unrivaled, except perhaps for Beats 1 head honcho, Zane Lowe. This means that in addition to Anna's quality productions we can expect a unbelievable amount of new music from bootleg mixes, to exclusives and unreleased tracks. She is a DJ extraordinaire, and I expect nothing less than an absolutely off the wall party when she finally gets behind the decks. This truly is going to be one of the most special night's of the year, with what I would argue might be the best 4 DJ lineup The Hoxton has seen in that span. I fully expect it to busy early because of this fact. As of now ticket are still available online, details and such can be found at the facebook event.

FOLLOW ANNA LUNOE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW COSELLA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW DJ SLIINK: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW VINDATA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Ryan Hemsworth - Absolut Night at Velvet Underground

Feels like I talk about Ryan Hemsworth all the time, so it should come as no surprise that I had such a great time last night at Velvet Underground for their special Absolut party. This event had been on my radar since mid September, when the call for RSVP's went out. Oddly the RSVP's didn't seem to play in at all, other than allow Absolut to email us. The initial online list only asked for first names, which they didn't confirm on the way in. This is all fine because it was free entry, which we were reminded of multiple times. "Arrive early to avoid disappointment." And early did people arrive, I've never seen such a long line (in proportion to the venue) 45 minutes after doors. Unfortunately I got there as the same time as everyone else; the line wasn't half as long any other time during the night. Once getting in I was treated to the wonderful surprise of two free drinks. Despite the long wait due to the complexity of the four different Absolut branded drinks, they were well worth it. Velvet was specially made up with installations by Adam Hummell & Shadi Assadin, creating VIP vibes. People were more dressed up than normal, drinking nifty drinks from crafty cups, listening to the coolest mix of music. On the floor the constantly flashing lights in our cups were joined by one of many little artsy touches that made the night so special, some kind of headgear covered in LED lights - a mix of deadmau5 and Rezz.

While I always really enjoy the crowd vibe at Velvet, last night's was extra enticing. People were talking to each other more, having freer fun, all while being warm and respectful. It took me back to the 'good old days,' filled me with nostalgia, and members as though this were South Park. Whether it was the free booze, the extra attention to the visual aesthetic, the incredible curation of the DJs sets, or a combination of all of those, it certainly felt like a night I'll remember fondly. The highlight for me is, as you would have guessed, Ryan Hemsworth's inimitable 'live' mixing style. While technically what he does probably isn't unique, Ryan's multi-track live mashup approach is tremendously enjoyable and well conceived. The constant mixing together of bright, happy, at times kawaii, beats with rap vocals creates an incredible, uplifting cacophony of sounds that shouldn't work, but always does. His sets dart back and forth between solo elements of the two, including many of his own productions, which, if you're like me hits you right in the heart. He mixes so quickly from element to element, you don't have time to get bored let alone shazam it. Not that it'd matter, shazam wouldn't be able to identify much anyway, due to the constant mashing up. Nevertheless, here's a few tracks I did identify last night. FOLLOW RYAN HEMSWORTH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER