There is perhaps no greater challenge for an electronic artist than the creation of a truly inspired full length album. In a scene dominated by one-off singles and anthemic remixes, the full length is often times ignored, replaced instead by assembly line reworks and productions that ooze banality. Releases in dance music seem to be dictated by a generational attention deficit disorder, leaving few producers willing to tackle an LP. In the past year, however, we’ve seen a growing number of dance music’s best and brightest rise to the challenge.
Speed of Life, Dirty South’s recent foray into the world of LPs, is a glowing representation of the possibilities of electronic music. There are very few frills here. The album is devoid of formulaic builds and drops – the calling card of festival “EDM.” In fact, many of the trademarks of “EDM” have been pushed to the wayside, allowing for Dragan Roganović’s artistic vision to take center stage.
The buzz and excitement for Dirty South‘s forthcoming album Speed of Life has finally reached its tipping point. One day before its release, we are honored to bring you the final track preview for the album, “Something Like You.” Showcasing his talent for creating productions that live and breathe, Dragan slowly evolves Rudy’s vocal cut from a heavily vocoded and filter cut growl into an anthemic chorus backed by his signature, ethereal synthwork. The minute-long preview does well to leave us on the edge of our seats, where we will continue to sit until the album’s full release tomorrow on Phazing Records.
Hop past the break to check out the rest of the previews and gain some insight into Dragan’s approach to the album in the “Making Of” video.
Following a series of studio sessions (or hotel sessions), Dirty South and Deniz Koyu have finally released the mastered product of their highly anticipated collaboration. “Halo” is heavily influenced by Dirty South’s signature synth work — eerily similar to the pattern from his Michael Brun collaboration, “Rift.” Rather than backing Dragan’s progression with melodic juxtaposition as Brun did, Koyu throws his own chords in the mix to ensure a vibrant drop. “Halo” is the first release of 2013 for Phazing Records and sets the tone for what should be a stellar year both Dirty South and Deniz Koyu.
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.
The tandem of Dirty South and Michael Brun proved great chemistry and success after Dragan’s edit of “Rise,” and the guys are finally back at it with a massive collaboration. “Rift” features Dirty South’s signature synths that have become so loved and recognizable, while Brun gives the track it’s melodic backbone. Due to be a staple track in the progressive arena — like most Phazing productions — “Rift” will be released November 26th, so your much needed dose of Dirty South is on its way.
Last week, John Dahlback teased us with previews of the productions that he has on deck for 2012, and today he has released the first of eight. Dirty South breathes fresh air into his remix of Dahlback’s “Embrace Me,” adding another uplifting effort to his repertoire. The Aussie uses his progressive house mold to fit the euphoric vocal, much like he has on tracks like “Devil’s Work,” “Invisible,” and countless others. We’ve seen this drop work well in Dirty South’s recent sets, most notably as it stood out at his EDC NY main stage showing. Translatable from your iPod to the festivals, grab the remix of John Dahlback’s “Embrace Me” on Beatport via Dirty South’s Phazing imprint.
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.
Michael Brun and Special Features’ “Synergy” is officially available after a cool, trippy preview was released last week. The track has a distinctly big-room feel to it, but as we mentioned last week it also bears some resemblance to Afrojack & David Guetta’s “Lunar.” There’s a long escalating progression until it hits the drop, at which point you’re presented with banging synths that aren’t too overbearing but are still big. Brun’s last single “Rise” got a lot of airplay from some big name DJs, and we have a feeling that “Synergy” could see similar success.
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.
Dancing Astronaut recently posted the original mix of “Phazing” (if you missed the post get it here). This Tiesto remix is fabulous and is sure to be a summer banger. A little more progressive than we usually see from Tiesto, but you can still spot out some of Tiesto’s standard sounds. Hope you N-JOY!
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.
Big release today from Dirty South. This song has been called one of the sure hits of summer ever since Pete Tong dropped it in his weekly set on BBC Radio 1. Listen to this outside and at high volume and I guarantee you’ll get that summer feeling. And you gotta love the “Starry Eyed Surprise” sample.
