Officially kicking off his born-again solo career this month, Axwell is finally making way for a production that has been in the works since 2009. Premiered by Pete Tong on last night’s Essential Selection, the remode of “Center of the Universe” remains constructed by the paralleled piano and vocals of the original while offering an all new groove with the percussion. Modernizing his longtime secret weapon, Axwell produces his forthcoming single with stylings similar to his recent remix of Discopolis’ “Falling,” finding a vintage dance vibe through a balance of easygoing and hypnotic rhythm. Due for an Axtone release, the remode of “Center of the Universe” has yet to receive an official release date.
Russian trio Hard Rock Sofa have become regulars for Swedish support, recently remixing Alesso’s “Years.” Dating back to the Axtone release of “Here We Go,” the boys return to Axwell’s imprint for their latest original production. With the big shoes of Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike’s hardstyle “Wakanda” to fill, Hard Rock Sofa bring forth their A-game with “Rasputin,” delivering their signature distorted progression with all new depth. Inspired by the Russian Mad Monk, Grigori Rasputin, the track makes way with a similar power and edge.
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February saw two remixes — “Years” and “Rest of My Life” — from the Hard Rock Sofa boys, but for March they’re delivering an original production so massive that it trumps both remixes combined. “Rasputin” — likely named for Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin — has been floating around in some of Swedish House Mafia’s recent One Last Tour sets and also received playtime from Alesso, and for good reason. The heavy electro house track is full of gritty, grinding synths tailor-made for the dance floor. Expect to hear this tune at least several times during Miami Music Week, from pool parties to festival stages.
Swedish House Mafia have debuted brand new tracks across the globe on their One Last Tour and the first previous-ID has finally hit the release circuit. “Wakanda” is Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s deepest effort in recent history, completely shifting gears after the release of “Madness.” Boasting tribal bass kicks, tribal chants, and a tribal drop, the duo inadvertently travel to an electronic Omaha reservation. Courtesy of Axwell’s Axtone imprint, “Wakanda” has been made available beyond the live experience – one week earlier than expected.
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Axwell’s Electric Zoo set was one of our favorites this year, and one of the previously unknown tracks is finally available today. Tommy Trash hasn’t ‘remixed’ The Aston Shuffle’s “Sunrise (Won’t Get Lost),” but instead gives us his very own version of the track — complete with his signature croaking synths and growing melodies in the background. The song is an absolute banger made for festival-sized speakers, and you’ll want to turn up the volume all the way the first time you listen just to pick up on all the subtleties. Tommy Trash has been impressing us with his awesome releases all year, and we’re excited to continue to watch his growth into 2013 and the future.
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After Swedish House Mafia completes their final go-around and the dust settles on their legacy as a trio, Steve, Axwell, and Sebastian will all have their priorities as solo artists. In a recent interview with the UK’s Daily Record, Axwell opens up about his future and his plans for new talent. In Guetta-fashioin, the Swedes have attached their names to pop-stars like Usher, but Axwell is looking to break away from established celebrity singers to build stars of his own.
Ever since Swedish House Mafia debuted this hard-hitter in the Coachella Valley desert, Hard Rock Sofa and Swanky Tunes’ latest production has been one of the most anticipated releases in progressive house. “Here We Go” is one of those tracks that can find its way into almost any set and stir dance-mayhem time after time. The Russian squad has outdone themselves with savory leads and frenetic progression; their usual tricks that get people jumping to their feet. The wait is finally over, “Here We Go” has been released on Axwell’s Axtone imprint and is now available on Beatport.
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Last night Jordan Suckley took “Here We Go,” the highly anticipated single by Hard Rock Sofa & Swanky Tunes, for a spin on BBC Radio 1. The track isn’t set for official release until July 9th, but at least now we can listen to a high quality and full length version of the song. In the overly saturated dance music market, their releases their collaborations are a breath of fresh air. As individual groups Hard Rock Sofa & Swanky Tunes each have several solid productions, but when they combine their talents they are truly forces to be reckoned with.
Miike Snow’s “Devil’s Work” earned a top spot on DA‘s ‘Top 10 Tracks of April‘ with a remix from Dirty South, and the Swedish pop band may find themselves in a similar position this month as Thomas Gold has received remix duties for their next single, “The Wave.” Miike Snow’s indie vocal once again lends itself to progressive house as the union with Thomas Gold sounds like a match made in heaven. Leaving little trace of the original, Gold’s uplifting and melodic progression takes the lead, producing an instant favorite that translates to all live audiences. Thomas Gold’s remix of “The Wave” is now available on Beatport via Axtone ahead of his compilation to be released May 28th.
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Thomas Gold is preparing to release his debut compilation on Axtone before the end of May, and he’s released a video teaser talking a little bit about how the compilation came together and what’s in store for fans. Thomas calls the album “punchy, energetic, and uplifting,” and talks about some of his new tracks, including “Fanfare” and “The Beginning” — not to mention all the special edits that he’s been playing in livesets for the past few months. The video includes footage from tons of past TG gigs, including this year’s Masquerade Motel Miami and last year’s massive Size Matters takeover on Governors Island. Axtone Presents Thomas Gold is set for release on May 28th.
