It’s been a long time coming (about two and a half years to be precise), but Pretty Lights’ new album A Color Map of the Sun is finally on its way. In anticipation of the release, Derek has uploaded the album’s first single, “Around the Block,” as a free download from his website. In typical Derek Vincent Smith fashion, the track employs psychedelic live instrumentation and some stupefying sub-bass. Throw on the feel-good rhythmic vibes of Talib Kweli and you’ve got a tantalizing first official single. Check out the official video above, and look out for A Color Map of the Sun, dropping July 2nd.
Sub Focus unveiled his latest creation, “Endorphins,” a few weeks back, and now BBC Radio 1 has aired the first preview to the forthcoming Tommy Trash remix. Aside from his ”Monkey See Monkey Do Re-Edit,“ Trash has been a bit quite on the release front. Thankfully, his remix to “Endorphins” does not disappoint. Bustling with familiar, steam engine-like synths, Trash tastefully enhances Alex Clare’s uplifting vocals and delivers what is sure to be a well-received remix. Though no release date was announced on the show, the original “Endorphins” will be released on May 26th, and the Tommy Trash remix can’t be far behind.
Adventure Club burst onto the scene in 2011 and quickly became the heroes of melodic dubstep. Thus it’s only appropriate that their new mix series is entitled “Superheroes Anonymous.” Just as they proved with their Life in Color Mix, Adventure Club’s diverse taste in electronic music spans nearly every tempo and style. From the opening trap remix by Bare, to harder dubstep selections by Pegboard Nerds and DANK, to chilled-out bass music cuts from Jakwob, Active Child and Kastle, Adventure Club’s newest mix never lingers on any mood for too long. Their mixing style is fearless, albeit a bit shaky at times, as they mash multiple tracks together and attempt bold, risky transitions. Download the mix for free from their SoundCloud and click past the break for the tracklist.
After returning to the production front with “Skyclad,” budding OWSLA talent Alvin Risk has teamed up with New York duo Designer Drugs for a ripping dubstep track entitled “Empty Hearted.” While Designer Drugs are known more widely for their harder electro selections, the two have dabbled in dubstep on various occasions, and their newest collaborative effort alongside bass music purveyor Alvin Risk is evidence for their taste in 140 bpm destruction. Just as he did in “Skyclad,” it appears Risk has once again lent his own vocals to the track, albeit with a bit more auto-tuning. “Empty Hearted” is scheduled for release on April 16th on Ultra Records.
Knife Party haven’t given us much with their latest preview, but it’s certainly enough to inspire a rampant excitement for their new Haunted House EP. While “Power Glove” has been floating around the blogosphere for two months and is already being hailed as the follow up to “Internet Friends,” “EDM Death Machine” is our newest glimpse into Knife Party’s impending, hotly-anticipated third EP. With a build up consisting of churning factory noises, “EDM Death Machine” sets a dark precedent that is instantly solidified with an ominous vocal sample and hefty electro drop. Though the preview ends abruptly, the track is already sounding like one of their hardest productions to date.
“EDM Death Machine” will be the fourth single off of the Haunted House EP, with “Power Glove,” “LRAD,” and “Baghdad” preceding it. With Knife Party finally ready to unveil their latest misanthropic creations to the world, you can expect more previews to follow soon.
Los Angeles dubstep producer Sound Remedy’s newest output is a seven minute miniature epic entitled “Liberation.” Opening with some clean chord progressions reminiscent of Deadmau5′s ”Strobe,” the track proceeds to carefully build into the joyful, high-pitched dubstep that has come to define Sound Remedy’s style. Another moving build up and resurgence follow before the track concludes with a final echoing and emotional drop. For a producer who has made a name for himself with evocative remixes, it’s encouraging to see him release a clean, intriguing original.
When most people hear the name Yolanda Be Cool, they immediately think of the international dance hit “We No Speak Americano.” Thus, at first glance, a remix by chilled-out bass music producer Flume appears a little off-kilter. When you consider the fact that both Yolanda Be Cool and Flume are Australian, the scenario makes a little more sense. Flume’s take on Yolanda Be Cool’s ethnic house track “A Baru in New York” is worlds apart from the original. With a three minute build up consisting of wailing voices and orchestric synths, the sudden trap-influenced drop is a gratifying surprise. Flume’s mix will be released alongside the original on April 12th.
Detroit bass music producer Griz has been steadily establishing his niche over the past year as a blend of live instrumentation and dubstep/glitch hop. While his Mad Liberationalbum was an impressive release, Griz’s recent productions have been on a whole new level. “Gettin’ Live” is his latest output, and it’s potentially his best work to date. Sampling legendary rapper Tupac as well as the soundtrack from Tarantino’s latest blockbuster, Django Unchained, Griz crafts a bluesy, cinematic dubstep track worthy of some serious praise. From the live sax to distorted, snaking bass drops, “Gettin’ Live” incorporates the best of Griz’s abilities.
Lightning in a Bottle may be one of the coolest American festivals you’ve yet to hear about. Taking place in Southern California, the multi-day festival is akin to a mix of Burning Man’s community with Boulder, Colorado’s music scene. Known for its glitch-hop and downtempo-driven lineups, countless art exhibits, yoga sessions and theatrical performances, the Do Lab’s full-fledged festival is a one-of-a-kind experience.
This year’s lineup features visionary Nicolas Jaar, bass music champion Rusko, glitch-hop/dubstep star Griz, downtempo/ambient producers Emancipator and Tycho, Paper Diamond, Pantryraid, Eskmo, Kastle, Gigamesh, Goldroom, and many more. The Do Lab always makes a point to highlight upcoming and under-appreciated talent, and this year’s lineup is no exception. If you’re in search of a festival off the beaten path of the larger, house-centric raves, look no further than Lightning in a Bottle, taking place July 11th through July 15th.
House music maestro Maceo Plex has been celebrated exclusively for his deep, disco-tinged tunes, but perhaps that’s a perception he’s trying to change. Maceo’s charting remix to Ali Love’s “Emperor” was dubbed “Maceo Plex Last Disco Remix,” while his latest preview is a sinister house output entitled “Galactic Cinema.” The clacking hi-hats of deep house are still present, but a mean, grumbling bassline drives the track. Maceo says of the remix, “The whole thing is dark and futuristic.” Though his much anticipated DJ-Kicks mix is not due out until April 30th, ”Galactic Cinema” will be be released on a two-track EP alongside “Mind on Fire” on April 15th.
