It’s tough being a Canadian sometimes. While bustling with fresh talent, our producers are frequently mistaken for our neighbours to the south. Of course, we are often too polite to cause a scene but it’s due time that we shine a light on our accomplished artists and let the world know we hamper more musical scope than just the Biebs. Canada has a vast EDM scene comparable, if not better, to metropolitans in the US, and we are mighty proud of it.
As opposed to beach or desert festivals, we have outdoor blizzard raves fit with ice sculptures and snow huts, like Igloofest in Montreal and Brrrrr! Winter Music Festival in Toronto. Frankly, if you’re not putting on neon snowpants and toques to go rave in the snow, you’re doing it wrong. We also enjoy getting lost in dense Canadian forests at Shambhala and celebrating our Nation’s birthday at Escapade. Our clubs like Flames Central in Calgary are named after hockey teams, and we are home to the one and only EDMonton. The Guvernment Toronto is constantly hailed by DJs for having the best crowds, while Celebrities Vancouver is in one of the best cities in the world. We grew up on MuchDance compilation albums and Rick Campanelli interviews. Last but not least, we have developed a fair amount of respected producers, the frontrunners listed below.
Project 46 is having one hell of a 2013, releasing their latest original “No One” just weeks after their collaboration, “Higher” with dance music legend Paul Oakenfold. Featuring the vocals of Matthew Steeper, Project 46 deliver another vocal-focused progressive anthem. Subtle, yet crisp, chord play and a soaring vocal line meld together to create a beautiful and enchanting production built for main stage sing-a-longs and radio airplay alike.
Over the past seven weeks, Avicii has gathered fan submissions for what is set to be the largest scale musical collaboration ever. In an attempt to involve as many of his fans as possible, the world-renowned producer allowed anyone to submit their own piece of production giving out a chord progression melody to start back in January. With over 13,000 submissions from 140 different countries, Avicii selected weekly semi-finalists and gave fans the power to choose which beats made the final cut.
After name dropping the likes of Eve and Cee Lo Green as artists featured on his upcoming album, Paul Oakenfold, this week, teamed up with stars of a different sort. The legendary producer has looked to up-and-coming Canadian duo Project 46 for his latest release, “Higher.” The progressive house tune showcases the soaring vocal of Daphne, whose unwavering pipes lay nicely over the uplifting chord progressions Project 46 are known for. Though the vocal is reminiscent of a more classic sound, the builds that rise between the lyrics keep the track current, resulting in a blend that could only be found in 2013.
We’ve always enjoyed house music that incorporates the Killers. Whether it be Pierce Fulton’s blissful take on “Runaways,” or Hardwell’s mashup of Alesso’s “Silenced By the Night” and “Mr. Brightside,” Brandon Flower’s voice is more than ideal for progressive house productions. Taking on the second single off the Killers’ recent Battle Born LP, Project 46 provide a deliciously dark remix of “Miss Atomic Bomb.” Straying from their usual blend of uplifting, chord-driven drops, Project 46 deliver a bulkier progressive house output. It might just be our favorite work from the Canadian duo yet. If you enjoy the remix, pick it up for free from SoundCloud.
Bonus: Felix Cartal dropped a free remix of “Miss Atomic Bomb” about a week ago. Click past the break to hear his rendition.
The Canadian duo known as Project 46 continues to make a name for themselves after releasing “You & I” with Dubvision in September. “Feel the Fire” is an emotional track with soulful lyrics that blend into the beat, creating uplifting progressive house. The entire song has a pop feel to it as the lyrics drive the song forward, but would fit well with many progressive artists. “Feel the Fire” is now available on Beatport from Zouk Recordings.
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Dubvision is slowly but surely making a name for itself with uplifting, highly-musical tracks, and the latest release with Project 46 is no exception. “You & I” boasts the gentle, soothing vocals of Donna Lewis that you will probably find yourself singing along to after just a few listens. The big-room synths are easy to listen to, but there’s still enough oomph in the track to make it a proven festival banger.
Thomas Gold included it in his Governors Island set back in August, and that’s usually a good sign for any unreleased track. Between this new offering and DubVision’s ID remix played by Axwell at Electric Zoo, don’t be surprised if you start hearing this name more and more. Just remember who told you first, okay?
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We knew that Usher had been working with electronic producers like Swedish House Mafia on his new album, Looking 4 Myself, and ”Scream” is the third single off of the album. A slew of housier remixes from various different electronic artists has begun to surface. R3hab, Pierce Fulton, Project 46, and Wax Motif, have all taken their turns turning the R&B electropop track into progressive house and electro bangers. Check below the break to listen, and check back for official release dates.
