Electric brethren of the internet, welcome to Yacht. Exalting themselves as more than just a band, Yacht is a lifestyle, belief system and musical phenomenon, but as they exclaim in their live shows, “Yacht is not a cult.” Formulating electronic rhythms on top of traditional instruments, these Portland electronic rockers are certainly pushing the limits of musical production and style. Here is a newly released remix of their hit Dystopia by “Whatever Whatever”, which has added a solid four to the floor beat and super funky driving baseline. I have hard time not grooving to this one, even when I’m seated.
Gigamesh just dropped his newest single “When You’re Dancing,” a nu-disco composition full of funky synths, snappy horns and uplifting lyrics. Apart of the release is a package of remixes, most notably Cassian’s, who has added another soulful layer of keyboards and jazzy guitar.
The new movie Drive is creating quite a lot of buzz. I have read multiple articles and received many recommendations from my cinefile friends that this motion picture is a must see. A story of stunt driver that begins to take jobs as a getaway specialist for thiefs, gets unintentionally caught up in some shady business, and in the end transcends from his role as a simple driver to a Real Hero. Headlining the movie’s soundtrack, the synth master College of french electronic label Valerie composed a very eloquent track featuring Electric Youth entitled “Real Hero,” exemplifying the intrepid actions of the protagonist of the film played by Ryan Gosling. After watching the trailer and listening to the song, I was extremely moved by how well they complimented each other and very compelled by the story being told in both the film and the song.
When two artists come together that were meant be, great things happen. When you add a third that compliments it even more, you have something amazing. The Magician has teamed up with popular singer Jeppe to make an original track, “I Don’t Know What To Do,” in his signature 80′s nu-dance style. To take this track to even higher disco heights, up and coming Los Angeles DJ/producer Plastic Plates has given his groovy synth rendition of the song making for one solid track.
In a week where the electronic music world has been shocked by the abrupt death of universally loved DJ Mehdi, the Magician has released a special version of his monthly disco/funk/house mixtape to honor him. From hip hop roots, DJ Mehdi’s unparalleled style of mixing new house and electro tracks has inspired and influenced so many. One night in the summer of 2007 I was wandering around the streets of Shoreditch in East London with one my buddies, and we popped into a bar with a dancefloor in the basement. As we walk down into a space no larger than a studio apartment, I experienced a packed house of revelers enthralled by the groovin’ tunes coming off the turntables. The DJ behind the decks was dancing and smiling, emoting an energy I’ve never seen before, fueling the whole room. I quickly asked someone who it was, and they said “DJ Mehdi.” It wasn’t until after the fact that I realized I had stumbled upon one of the greatest (if not most fun) electronic DJ’s of our time, and had an experience that will influence my passion for great electronic music forever. RIP DJ Mehdi, we all seek to have the same love and energy for music as you did.
The Talking Heads defined an era of 1980′s pop rock, and have begun to inspire a new generation electronic artists and DJ’s trying to obtain that timeless funky sound. Described as “tucked away in their remote cosmic forest studio,” Psychemagik has produced an amazingly tasteful edit of the track “This Must Be The Place.” [TNUC]
Considered one of the pioneers of the current electronic indie rock trend, M83′s epic electronic dream pop ballads inspired in part by the shoegaze movement of the early 1990′s, are arguably the influence for recent popular bands following the same genre such as Passion Pit, MGMT, Naked and Famous, and Empire of the Sun. M83′s first new track in 3 years “Midnight City” combines a melange of synths sticking true to their style, yet still progressing their music with new variations of sounds and effects. [TheFoxIsBlack]
Kanye West and Jay Z’s new video for their track Otis is an amalgamation of so many amazing things that it couldn’t go un-posted. Their post-apocalyptic retrofit of a $350,000 Maybach may be the greatest version of the car I’ve ever seen. So much so, I petition that Maybach should really consider releasing this as the Mad Max model. Aside from that, the music itself is tasteful blend of old school and new school featuring the sounds of Otis Redding. And to boot, the inclusion of Aziz Ansari as a backup dancer is one of those fantastic acts of randomness.
Native’s of Ohio and currently based out of Brooklyn, the very deep and refreshingly off kilter sound of the National is sending shockwaves through the music world. My favorite track, “All The Wine,” starts out with this powerful and passionate verse: “I’m put together beautifully, big wet bottle in my fists, big wet rose in my teeth, I’m a perfect piece of ass like every Californian, So tall I take over the street with high-beams shining on my back, A wingspan unbelievable, I’m a festival, I’m a parade.”
Leader of the world of modern disco, Disco Texas has released the newest EP from their bright young artist Justin Faust. The highlight track “Girl Talk” is jam a packed nu-disco affair, full of big beats, slammin’ bass lines and groovy synths. Give the track above a listen, and head over to Beatport if you are keen on purchasing.
Tennis Champion or Disco Champion? Steffi Graf has released their debut mix full of some of hottest disco and house tracks of today. The duo of Latane Hughes and Antone Proler are setting themselves apart from other DJ’s by added in live synths and percussion to give it their own flavor. Give their Club Classic mix a listen and you’ll be grooving to cow bells and funky keyboards all night.
Disco DJ/producer extraordinaire Plastic Plates has created a remix of the track “Sky” from Human League’s newest album “Credo. The exalted 1980′s British pop group is still going strong with the release of a new album earlier this year and getting a lot of attention from new school disco guys like Plastic Plates. Listen to the track and you will agree that this is a match made in heaven 30 years in the making.
