Russian beat maestros Hard Rock Sofa deliver yet another gritty electro production with the release of “Collapsar.” Their collaboration with Dirty Shade, who also hail from Russia, has been floating around since late February, but was only officially made available for purchase today. “Collapsar” likely won’t be able to compete with the success of their most recent mega hit “Rasputin,” but it will certainly make waves. Its heavy build, pulsing bass line, and grinding synth work are highly palatable to the masses.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Purchase: Beatport
By weekend two, you’re probably looking for any excuse to hit the snooze button. The week of pool parties and late nights at Mansion are starting to catch up, but the festival isn’t stopping for anyone and there is no shortage of exciting acts during the early hours. Yesterday we filled you in on why exactly you should wipe your eyes and hop out of bed early for Ultra Weekend One, and now we present the same for Weekend Two.
(more…)
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.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Purchase: Beatport
Battle of the Beats is a new feature from Dancing Astronaut that pits two tracks that share the same title against one another to determine which production represents the name better. With the dance music community continually growing, producers, mashup artists and DJs alike constantly create new music, often of the same name. Now we are opening it up to our readers to weigh in on who’s rendition takes the proverbial cake.
(more…)
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.
Best of the Rest is a daily feature from Dancing Astronaut that recaps the most important posts of the day as well as the stuff we didn’t get to. With the rapidity that dance music news and releases come out it’s difficult for us to hit everything — we hope BOTR serves as a catch-all. Make sure to check it out at the end of each day to ensure you don’t miss anything!
(more…)
Almost a full year after Alesso previewed what would become one of the biggest tunes of 2012, “Years” has been revived this week with a remix from Hard Rock Sofa. The Russian remix masters swapped synths for scales, building a completely new progressive house sound before inserting the original’s piano nearly three minutes in. Matthew Koma’s emotive vocals take on a new color when layered over the amped up melody, resulting in a sound a little less pretty but far more peppy than the original. Solving the problem of how to drop the track without dropping the energy, Hard Rock Sofa’s remix is sure to get festival play come spring.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Purchase: Beatport
Just yesterday the Hard Rock Sofa boys delivered a gritty remix of Ludacris, Usher, and David Guetta’s “Rest of My Life,” but they’re already back and teasing us with an upcoming remix of “Years.” When Alesso’s original version was released in early August it was heralded as one of the biggest tracks of year. Although the track was released months ago, we imagine fans will be happy to have another way to enjoy “Years.” Hard Rock Sofa works to take the focus away from Matthew Koma’s stellar vocals with the addition of big drums, distorted bass, and grinding synths.
The track is set for release on February 12th via Refune.
To no surprise, David Guetta has once again mastered the airwaves with his production for Ludacris and Usher, “Rest Of My Life.” The pop tune is no longer limited to the subtle touches of electronic energy, as Nicky Romero, Hard Rock Sofa, and Daddy’s Groove have taken their turns for the remix package. Nicky picks up where David left off, giving the track a boost behind the chords, while Hard Rock Sofa make the vocals their own around gritty synth layers. Daddy’s Groove also takes “Rest Of My Life” a step further from the radio, injecting slaps and bass kicks suited for the dance floor.
(more…)
As it approached midnight, I stood in the enormous line for the ladies’ room at Ruby Skye. Girls chattered about their hurting feet, how to get behind the red velvet rope for VIP, and of course when Thomas Gold would be taking the stage. Suddenly the line went silent for a split-second, and squeals of excitement began to echo as Thomas Gold’s first selections burst through the speakers.
(more…)
