When EDC NY’s lineup was initially released, there was an outcry that the lineup didn’t stack up to its Las Vegas cousin. What it may lack in big names (although there are still quite a few) it more than makes up for by providing an experience that is curated for diversity. Bass music is heavily represented this year with Figure and others finding refuge in the Basspod, a hardstyle closing set by Headhunterz is destined to be one of the most talked about experiences of the festival; second only to Saturday’s grand finale – a Carl Cox and Loco Dice b2b set. For something experimental, Art Department’s Jonny White and Kenny Glasgow will be curating a strangely emotive dance experience before The Bloody Beetroots Live unleash a wall of distortion to close the Circuit Grounds. Steve Angello steps up to the plate with a newfound creative freedom, following the launch of his new label and Essential Mix while Maceo Plex, who emerged out of the shadows as a ghost producer to powerful deep house presence, converts a new army of faithfuls. There is no lack of big room presence either, with Eric Prydz, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Thomas Gold and more bringing the the mainstage action EDC is known for.
Chicago house legend Cajmere has teamed up with crackerjack producer Maceo Plex for a new release on Cajual Records, “Calm Under Pressure.” The collaboration may seem to have appeared out of nowhere, but it makes sense — Cajmere is releasing this track within a full compilation Too Underground For The Mainstage that includes work with a slew of other next-generation producers like Pleasurekraft, Dyed Soundorom, and Sonny Fodera. “Calm Under Pressure” has an easily definable Plexian bassline, but a certain polish and finesse more attributed to Cajmere’s familiarity in the studio.
Can Maceo Plex do any wrong? The Barcelona transplant is like a sonic Swamp Thing, lurking in the darkest and deepest recesses of the house genre and emerging unpredictably to save it from itself. As the deep house world eagerly awaits his DJ-Kicks mix on April 30th, the enigmatic producer has finally released “Galactic Cinema,” the dark gem that forms the centerpiece of the “deep and futuristic” sound he claims to have cultivated on the upcoming 18-track release.
“Galactic Cinema” finds the Artist Occasionally Known as Maetrik at his finest, welding classic house high hats with cosmic synthesizers and a sinister throbbing bass. While the vocal line is compelling, it takes a rightful backseat to Plex’s stellar and unpredictable production arrangements. As an otherworldly synth interlude oscillates strangely in what feels like audio outer space, one is reminded that dance music need not have hard and fast rules to be entirely enjoyable. The answer to my initial query remains a resounding “No.”
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.
As the Hot Natured brand becomes progressively stronger in both underground and mainstream realms, vocalist Ali Love releases new single “Emperor” via Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels imprint. First premiered on Pete Tong’s Essential Selection, the deep cut grooves etch over a progressive drumbeat featuring Kali’s alluring vocals. Complete with remixes from our third-ranking underground artist Maceo Plex, indie-dance masters Waze & Odyssey, and a deep house dub, the package represents the exact forward-thinking production quality the label has become known for.
Miami native Danny Daze returns to Maceo Plex’sEllum Audio with the three-track The Calm EP. Fresh off the release of his Jupiter Jazz side project with the label head himself, he continues his onslaught with a deep minimal cut that uses a set of robotic-sounding vocals that are cast over meticulously layered synths — making for a proper club outing. Dexter takes the reins on the remix, transforming it into a peak time techno track with an added burst of energy. On the flip side, “I See You” is a bit darker, equipped with pulsating chord progressions and a dreary set of vocals in tow. Danny Daze has shown that 2013 is his year to come into the spotlight and with an Essential Mix in the works for this summer, we have no doubt that he’ll make that happen.
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.
Danny Daze and Maceo Plex have banded together as Jupiter Jazz and in the release of their first EP Booty Jazz, they’re poised to corner the market for provocative house music. The best collaborations form from a true coalescence of strengths, and in many ways this EP arises from just that. Danny Daze has the rattling big booty Miami bass lines, and Maceo obviously brought along his vocoder and set of trippy top line tools.
The release is a simple one — three original tracks, “Shake It Mama,” “Technology,” and “Good Girl” with no word of remixes. “Shake It Mama” feels like the obvious strength from the EP — it’s a track that’s mature in production and elevated in sound. “Technology” is straightforward and skillfully constructed, but feels slightly out of place (albeit appropriate for a B side) on Jupiter Jazz’s quest for the meaning of booty jazz. “Good Girl” is important because it shows progress. It’s both minimal and deep, both warped and tight — it’s Jupiter Jazz.
Rolling Stone, wising to the increasing demand for purer house sounds, is giving away the final track off Maceo Plex’s impending DJ-Kicks compilation — out in full on April 30. By the looks of the tracklist, Maceo has worked hard to curate a grouping of sounds like none other (including no tracks previously released on digital — almost just to prove he can). In his brief chat with Rolling Stone, he explains this song was written in three hours on while traveling between Manchester and London on New Year’s Day and the inspiration derived from the sensation of his “mind was on fire between the stresses of the road and the ideas [he] had simmering within.”
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.
Butch’s latest Hot Creations release gets the remix treatment from chart-topping producers Miguel Campbell and Maceo Plex. The emotive vocals from Benjamin Franklin lay the groundwork for the deep house heavyweights to rework the tracks, each offering their own unique styling. Campbell — who recently released a full length LP on Hot Creations — returns to the imprint with his deep disco grooves and funky basslines. Ellum label boss Maceo Plex offers a deeper cut, using light percussive tricks and a grizzly, whirling bassline to give it that Barcelona flair.
Butch feat. Benjamin Franklin – Highbeams (Miguel Campbell Remix)
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.
Butch feat. Benjamin Franklin – Highbeams (Maceo Plex Remix)
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.
