Sometimes it’s frustrating when an artist teases his fans like Derwin Schlecker aka Gold Panda is doing right now. It’s been almost two years since the Panda’s last full length, Lucky Shiner, and while we’ve received several EP’s and 12″, nothing quite as revelatory as the album has surfaced. Nonetheless, when Schlecker drops bombs like his most recent remix of Minotaur Shock’s “Saundersfoot”, there’s not much to complain about. Apparently recorded through an old 1960′s German mixer, the remix maintains the raw analogue feel that Schlecker has maintained throughout his career. The simple yet beautiful chord progression allows the syncopated percussion to drive the track, reminiscent of Four Tet and Burial’s “Nova”. Sometimes frustration is misplaced. Stream the remix below and get it for free over at XLR8R.
The fantastically whimsical UK-based Gold Panda has graced us with a brand new single called “Mountain,” backed with a great track titled “Financial District.” These two tracks include familiar elements from previous Gold Panda material, such as Middle Eastern and Asian-influenced instruments and samples, paired with noisy percussion and head-bobbing beats. At about two and a half minutes in, “Mountain” morphs almost entirely from an ethereal, low-key musing to a full-on glitchy celebration. The B-side, “Financial District,” balances upon warped horns and chopped-up vocal samples, sounding like something shiny swimming around at the bottom of the ocean. Listen below.
I’m just gonna let Derwin Schlecker take it away on this one.
a track I made on a korg es-1 in about 10mins and jammed out for my mate called “Infinite Livez” to freestyle on at a last minute gig/dj set thing in Berlin a while back and I hadn’t eaten much and also had to dj and I’m a shit dj but I just played a bunch of records anyway and Inf’ helped me out by freestyling for me. He’s a nice bloke and a great artist. I just made a cup of tea. Maybe I’ll invite him over.
Yeah yeah yeah, we get it. You’re supremely talented. You can make incredible tunes on a whim outside of your comfort zone. You’re a friendly guy who likes tea. I get it. Now please be my friend.
Sorry folks, it’s been a little quiet over here recently and Robin Pecknold has been at the top of the page for far too long.
Ghostly International rep Gold Panda released a new track to his Soundcloud a few hours ago and while most likely not an album or EP cut, it’s always a treat to get new Panda tunes. “Thailand Chord Droner” starts with a crunchy bassline and builds over the tracks two minutes into a nice dance riddim. Gold Panda has been slowly releasing tunes over the last year or so, but what we really need is a followup to 2010′s Lucky Shiner. If you haven’t been ensnared by his the music yet, please see him live. I have never seen a DJ so masterfully build on his own tracks into a cacophony of sound before smoothing everything out and creating pure bliss. Stream “Thailand Chord Droner” below and be sure to look out for live dates in your city.
In the year 2012, it is apparent that most record labels have, are in the process of, or will change their business models to stay competitive in the internet era. 360 deals, social media campaigns, and other non-traditional methods have become the norm and real artistic value has by and large fallen by the wayside. Independent record labels have been hit especially hard and have been force to slash budgets, retain less artists, and produce less music than ever before. One label though, has managed to stay above the fray. Stones Throw Records, headed by Peanut Butter Wolf, celebrated their 15th anniversary on December 22, and have continued to put out quality records. Some of my favorite albums of all time, Madvillainy, Donuts and Champion Sound, were released on Stones Throw and the label has maintained a venerable and diverse roster to this day, including Aloe Blacc, Dam-Funk, Guilty Simpson, Mayor Hawthorne, and the man I’m featuring today, Jonti.
Like many other Stones Throw artists, Jonti does a little bit of everything. He sings, plays multiple instruments, and produces all of his music. The Sydney native makes playful, yet complex, genre-bending tunes, and has worked with Mark Ronson, Santigold and Jonwayne. Jonti’s first album, Twirligig, combines the classic dusty vinyl feel of most Stones Throw releases with vibrant arrangements and scattered vocals. The album is far from perfect, coming off as scattered at times, but showcases the diversity of Jonti’s influences, and his pure musical talent. I personally overlooked Jonti until I saw him open for Gold Panda at the Echoplex in October. Manning numerous instruments, Jonti improvised much of his material into fun, dancey beats in a short, but sweet set.
A few months ago, Jonti created the “Sine & Moon” mix for the Stones Throw Podcast on his 4-track. Today, Stones Throw is releasing the individual tracks in the podcast as the Sine & Moon album. Like his previous efforts, Sine & Moon, is far from cohesive, but offers a more laid back, less hectic version of Jonti. Whether he’s playing the role of hip hop producer (“Red On Green”), singer-songwriter (“Saturday Night Songs”), or striving for a Madlib-esque sound (“Young Wildebeest”), the young Aussie impresses and has produced another impressive release. Furthermore, Stones Throw has posted the album as a free download, and Jonti’s next album, Tokorats, is set for a first quarter release.
