In anticipation of Benga‘s forthcoming album Chapter II he has just launched a new website along with an album mini mix. The seven-minute sneak peek gives fans insight into Benga’s followup to Diary of an Afro Warior, set for an April 22 release after multiple push backs. Complete with the dark eerie sounds listeners have grown to associate with the UK producer, he starts out with old school dubstep vibes before moving into a grinding bassline. While many critics are focusing concern over whether Chapter II will be too poppy after recent singles “Pour Your Love” and “Icon,” this mini mix proves the contrary. Head over to Benga’s new website for the free album mix download or click below the break to listen.
The Hitman series of video games has teamed up with UK clothing line, Trapstar, to promote their latest edition of the popular videogame series, Hitman: Absolution, out November 20. The two brands have enlisted dubstep OG, Benga, to produce the game’s soundtrack and have recently debuted the lead single “Hitman” as a free download. The tune comes alongside a music video featuring the iconic Hitman character and Benga, rocking the latest Trapstar apparel. “Hitman” stays true to Benga‘s grimey dubstep roots opening with a mysterious vocal intro before adding shadowy synths and echoing bass wobbles. His production effortlessly creates the haunted vibes the music video portrays, giving us another flawless production for the dubstep heavyweight and a glimpse into Hitman : Absolution. Click below the break to check out the video.
London-born producer, Benga, who recently performed at New York City’s Electric Zoo music festival, is taking his talents to the small screen. The 6-part miniseries, sponsored by Red Bull Studios, will feature an in depth view at the beginnings of this dubstep star. Red Bull Studios intends the “I Am Benga” series to be part of a much larger series of documentaries focused around the career of some of dance music’s biggest names.
Benga had this to say about the series;
“I’m incredibly excited about the series. I can’t wait to show everyone the amazing things I’ve been part of! There’s a great buzz around the show and everyone will get to see what’s next for me!”
The series will debut on November 13th and will undoubtedly build anticipation up for Benga’s third studio album, Chapter II due out in early next year.
Skream’s latest track “Sticky” got a debut on his and Benga’s BBC Radio 1 show last night. The track, which was only previously heard on the Skreamizm tour, goes in with some of his typical dubstep vibes. Things start off with a wonky rippling bassline before the hi-hats chime in to form a production seasoned with Skream flavor. It has been a while since we heard an original production by the dubstep OG and this track stays true to his old school style.
Benga’s “Pour Your Love” has seen new life with its remix package, including the notable rendition from Chuckie. The dubstep production takes a dirty Dutch twist with electro synths as bouncy chords and the vocal from Marlene balance the fresh distortion. The cross between genres has forced a sound that could be referred to as hard dance. Listen to what happens when Chuckie takes melodic dubstep for a ride and purchase his remix of Benga’s “Pour Your Love” on Beatport.
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Benga is credited with being one of the driving forces behind the creation and promotion of dubstep as a musical genre, and he is an artist that we at Dancing Astronaut have immense respect for. “Pour Your Love” features the vocals of Marlene and is a wonderfully crafted example of melodic dubstep. It will be the next release off Benga’s upcoming major label debut Chapter 2 and is available to purchase on August 28th. We’re loving the sound of this and can’t wait to see what else Benga has in store for us on Chapter 2.
Just released on Fool’s Gold Records, A-Trak and DJ Zinc bring us their newest work “Stingray.” A nice variation from the standard progressive tunes that are starting to dominate the EDM landscape, “Stingray” pushes the limits with its unique yet addicting sound. Somewhere between funky house and fidget, DJ Zinc dubs his new sound crack house. For those of you who love EDM but like hearing something a little different from straight progressive once in a while, this is for you.
The dubstep dons, Skream and Benga, are set to takeover BBC Radio 1 tonight on the show, In New DJ’s We Trust. . This weekly event includes small talk with individual DJs and showcases new talent along with old. Last thursday, A-trak sat in with Jaymo and Andy George and talked new remixes along with his new Duck Sauce album plans. This week we expect Skream and Benga to bring the beats, heavy bass, and banter.
In addition to that show, Skream and Benga will be joining Annie Nightingale’s legendary weekly show Thursday afternoon from 6 to 8pm (PST). Annie Nightingale is a legend at BBC Radio 1 with over four decades of work for the radio station, and relationships from groups as the Beatles all the way to new artists. Her weekly show usually showcases dubstep and heavy bass. Do not forget to tune in to either shows as Skream and Benga will definitely be airing some unreleased and exclusives tunes live.
This Monday, for her ‘Free Music Monday‘ giveaway, Annie Mac throws us something from Benga. One third of the rising super group trio known as, Magnetic Man. Possibly the next Swedish House Mafia of dub. Benga’s deep industrial sounds bring the trio that deep basement sound essential for every super group…
Annie Mac is the go to gal for UK dubstep, house, D&B, and pretty much everything that is underground from Pete Tong. So you know when Miss Mac throws up a release, it will be big. And when she gives up a track for download, its worth a listen.
For all the Dubstep fans out there, Skream, Benga and Sub Focus are invading the Bay Area. Vital Sc and Dancing Astronaut are teaming up to give one lucky member of the Dancing Astronaut community a pair of floor tickets to their upcoming concert at the Civic Auditorium in San Jose. Skream and Benga just came off their United States debut as a part of Magnetic Man at Coachella. Sub Focus played a number of sets during Miami Music Week and is currently touring Europe. Do not miss the opportunity to attend this show.
