Archive

Mixes

(Further) Introduction to Austin Beat Scene, Applied Pressure, Exploded Drawing and (iN)Sect Records (With Hobo D Interview)

By
March 26, 2012
2012, Interviews, Live, Mixes, New Music, Remixes, Uncategorizable, Videos
1 Comment

A few weeks ago, we gave a brief introduction to the Austin beat scene and the two incredible events, Applied Pressure and Exploded Drawing, it centers around, promising a more comprehensive feature in the future. In the weeks since, the scene took South By Southwest by storm, bringing in Jonti (Stones Throw), Jonwayne (Stones Throw), Jeremiah Jae (Brainfeeder), Robert Koch (Mooncircle) and more. A group of University of Texas students also finally attained funding via Kickstarter for their film (Beat)En Senseless: Austin Beat Culture, a comprehensive look into Applied Pressure, Exploded Drawing and the artists involved. The cherry on top was last week’s announcement that Applied Pressure will host Com Truise in April. The scene is on the up and up and this guide should serve as a nice overview of the people involved. I spoke with Applied Pressure founder and resident DJ/Producer Hobo D for some background (you can find the full interview after the jump) and got some excellent first hand insights into the scene.

Download: Exploded Drawing SXSW Compilation

Hobo D

Before delving in further, I’ll give an overview of Applied Pressure and Exploded Drawing. Applied Pressure is a monthly event held at Barcelona in the heart of Austin’s live music district. Hobo D (DJ/Producer), 4th Wall (Visuals/Producer), Kid Slyce (DJ) and BoomBaptist (Producer) are the residents, although the club night regularly brings in guests from across the world, ranging from Samiyam to Dam Funk to Lazer Sword. Beyond the monthly event, Applied Pressure is a collective/crew/family aiming to further the cause of electronic/experimental music in Austin. Applied Pressure was started a little over a year ago as an obscure collective, but has grown into a venerable purveyor of all things beat, not just in Austin, but across the entire state of Texas (and soon the United States). Kid Slyce is the resident mixing maestro, possessing transcendent skills behind the decks. Hobo D is the crate digger, searching out anything and everything from global psych music to old school IDM. BoomBaptist is the studio genius, and in my opinion, most likely to break out. 4th Wall handles all of the visuals and is one of the most talented VJ’s (?) in the game. It’s hard not to draw out the comparisons to Low End Theory, and while the Los Angeles (and now San Francisco and Japan scene has gained worldwide notoriety, it also began as a distinctly regional phenomenon.

Stream/Download: Hobo D Chinsplitters Vol. 1

Exploded Drawing is similar in style to Applied Pressure, but takes on a significantly different form. Semi-monthly, six” electronic composers, sound collectors and beat makers” take to the stage for 20 minutes apiece to perform all original works. Unlike Applied Pressure, no DJ sets are allowed and originality is paramount to the event’s success. Explode Drawing is hosted by Butcher Bear (who also runs (iN)Sect Records, more on that later) and soundfounder with visuals provided by Nait Ntropy. The name Exploded Drawing is derived from the similar, and now extinct, Sketchbook night in LA hosted by Kutmah. While both Applied Pressure and Exploded Drawing are unique live experiences in the “live music capital of the world,” Hobo D feels that the scene operates pretty exclusively from the rest of the city, instead focusing on 100% originality.

I mention (iN)Sect Records above and for good reason. The record label, started by Butcher Bear, is home to all three Exploded Drawing residents (as well as their respective side projects), BoomBaptist and numerous other Austin stalwarts. The label has also hosted releases from national icons Guilty Simpson, Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow. The label partakes in self-described “Earth Shattering Soul” and releases music both digitally and via limited vinyl runs. Lo Phi, Ntropy and Kinder are just a few of the immense talents who make their home at (iN)Sect.

It’s hard to get a good grasp on such a green scene, but Hobo D should help out a little bit in that arena. Here is a brief list of artists/tracks/mixes/EP’s/albums that should serve as a brief overview of the scene and its diverse range of talents:

Corduroi – Future Adventures (Mush Records)

Lo Phi – Slamma Jamma (Insect Records)

Outlaw Producer – Ninjas EP (Elevator Action)

Soundfounder – Complete Dream Home (Insect Records)

Guilty Simpson – Close Curtains Boom Baptist Remix (Insect Records)

Ntropy – Dither (Insect Records)

Anna Love

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list defining the mix. Instead, it should function as a brief and accessible look into some of the most talented artists coming out of Austin and mere jumpstart into your appreciation of the scene. In the coming weeks, we should have an exclusive mix from Hobo D that will shine some more light into the roots of the Austin scene. Hit the jump to read the entire interview as he can tell the story far better than I can. Also, be on the lookout for the release of (Beat)En Senseless, what is sure to be one of the better music documentaries of the year.

Read More

Meet Alby Daniels aka the “D’Angelo of Dubstep”

By
March 22, 2012
Mixes, New Music, Remixes
1 Comment

Alby Daniels is a 22 year old singer/producer from either Brighton or London. Last month, The Guardian called him the “D’Angelo of dubstep.” He released his debut EP, This Dawn, on Black Acre Records, who are releasing Dark Sky’s upcoming Black Rainbows EP, and is also the home of Fantastic Mr Fox. In The Guardian’s feature on Daniels, they lament the lack of open-hearted British R&B singers in the vein of D’Angelo and predict that Daniels might be able to fill that role, albeit not as a pop singer. Daniels is white and lacks the narcissistic self awareness that The Weeknd or R. Kelly embody. Still, he has quite a voice and a production style that is akin to a stripped down Mount Kimbie. You can buy This Dawn at Boomkat and also be sure to check out the mix he did for ClashMusic. If you aren’t feeling Daniels’ vocal performances, check out his remix of the late Amy Winehouse’s “Stronger Than Me” below.

Stream/Download: Amy Winehouse – “Stronger Than Me (Alby Daniels Remix)”

Senzu Collective Specializes In Experimental Hip Hop, Releases Volume Six of Compilation Series

By
March 21, 2012
Mixes, New Music, Remixes
Leave a comment

Since we started this blog back in January, there have been several artists that have caught our eye and really stuck with us. Pennsylvania producer Lytesho is one of the brightest of those. Lytesho makes scuzzy hip hop beats that are often accompanied by the droning vocals that “witch house” artists like Salem have become known before. They are as hazy and psychedelic as they are boom bap-y. Like most talented artists, Lytesho has associated himself with other talented artists. Senzu Collective is a group of experimental hip hop producers and MC’s from across the United Sates pushing the boundaries of the genre. Like so many other crews/collectives of our time they love their symbols, ∆∆∆ in this case, and while that imagery is overwrought at this point, it is more of a sign of their internet savvy than their youthful naiveté. In October 2011, Senzu began a monthly compilation series featuring members of collective as well as artists from elsewhere. Knxwledge, Giraffage and RL Grime have all been featured in the past as have other members of wedidit, Dropping Gems, Resonate and other highly touted labels/collectives. A few days ago, the sixth edition of the compilation was released, and like usual, it includes a truly unique blend of disparate elements of hip hop. UK bass music and the LA beat scene are prevalent on numerous tracks as are the recent alternative R&B explorations of The Weeknd, Jamie Woon and Miguel. The tape is inconsistent as a cohesive product, but compilations, especially monthly ones, aren’t necessarily meant to be cohesive. Instead, it serves as an update containing what Senzu and friends are working on and the direction their sound is moving. Find past compilation tapes at the collective’s Tumblr.

#based Mix From DJ Darwin and Keyboard Kid

By
March 20, 2012
Live, Mixes
1 Comment

#based martian Keyboard Kid and DJ Darwin, member of Seattle party rap crew Mad Rad, got together to deliver a mix in anticipation of their upcoming show at the New Museum in Brooklyn. The mix covers several of contemporary bass takes on hip hop anthems (Jaw Jamz “Mr. Me Too,” Obey City’s “Fuck That Wobble”) before delving into Keyboard Kid and Darwin originals. The Phoenix sampling “BURN ONE, PASS IT” shows up as does “God Devil.” Overall, the mix has impeccable song choice and the two artists more than adequately handle themselves behind the decks. Here’s what they have to say about the mix.

808’s & Space is a handful of original productions, remixes and tunes me and my lil broKeyboard Kid have been feeling of late. Its also a small chunk of the live mix/set will be performing at The New Museum this Friday in NYC. Hyped to also be playing an after party at Santos Party House to wrap the night up. FREE Download below.

If you’re around NYC on Friday, you would be remiss to miss (see what I did there?) out on this great event.

Martyn Featured In This Week’s BBC Essential Mix

By
March 17, 2012
Mixes
Leave a comment

Happy St. Patty’s Day everyone. While most of you are probably out getting into all sorts of illicit shenanigans, we’ve got a quick tidbit for you. Dutch artist Martyn, who released his latest album (Ghost People) on Brainfeeder, is featured in this week’s BBC Essential Mix. Pete Tong has managed to bring in quite a few impressive names to the show including Azari & III, L-Vis 1990 and Scuba, but this is by far my favorite of the bunch. The mix features exclusive cuts from Jacques Greene, Trevino and Jon Convex, who all happen to be on Martyn’s own 3024 label. The mix also features the new Four Tet/Burial track (“Nova”), some L-Vis 1990 and Boddika, transitioning from between techno and slower bass cuts with ease. Stream the mix below and check out the full track list after the jump.

Read More

Mixmag Features Machinedrum In “Mix of the Week” Series

By
March 7, 2012
Mixes
Leave a comment

Travis Stewart never ceases to amaze me. The man known to most as Machinedrum just doesn’t stop. We’ve already written about Stewart several times, so I’ll let you do some independent research into what we think of him. This time, he’s back with an hour long mix for Mixmag’s “Mix of the Week” series. Jumping between genre’s and musical styling’s as effortlessly as he does in his various projects (Sepalcure, Dream Continuum, etc.), this mix is impeccable. I’ve already spent the majority of my morning scouring the web for several of the tracks. Stream and download below.

Intro To Austin Beat Scene + Exploded Drawing SXSW Compilation

By
March 7, 2012
Festivals, Live, Mixes, New Music
2 Comments


The Los Angeles beat music scene has a resonant notoriety surrounding it throughout the world. Anyone “in the know” has at least heard of the Flying Lotus’s, Daedelus’s and Gaslamp Kiler’s of the world and Low End Theory has become a household name as well. The scene churns out talented new artists from a multitude of different backgrounds like hotcakes. These artists are represented on labels like Brainfeeder, Alpha Pup and more and routinely play shows in Los Angeles and up and down the West Coast. The scene’s sound has permeated other genres and is only growing in popularity. It is no surprise then that similar scenes, centered around a regular or semi-regular gathering of heads, have began to pop up across the country over the last five years or so. One of the most engrossing of those scenes happens to be in Austin, Texas, the setting for next week’s South By Southwest festival. Hopefully in the near future, we will provide a longer feature on the Austin beat scene, but for now, this will serve as an introduction.

Austin has not one, but two Low End Theory-styled events. The first, Applied Pressure, is a monthly event held at the Barcelona club in the heart of Austin’s live music district. Applied Pressure has four resident DJ’s, Hobo D, Kid Slyce, Boombaptist and 4th Wall. Like Low End, guests are routinely featured, ranging from Jonwayne to Eprom. Look out for more on Applied Pressure on The Astal Plane  in the near future.

The second Low End-styled night in Austin is called Exploded Drawing and they do things a little differently. Unlike Applied Drawing and Low End, DJ sets are not allowed at Exploded Drawing meaning artists play only their own music. Six “beat makers, sound collectors, and electronic composers” perform a 20 minute set every night at the semi-monthly event. Exploded Drawing stresses creativity and attempts to stimulate creativity through a multimedia experience at every show. As an introduction to Exploded Drawing, host Butcher Bear has offered up a 17-track compilation in anticipation of SXSW. The compilation features tunes from artists who routinely play at both Applied Pressure and Exploded Drawing as well as Astal Plane favorite Corduroi. The compilation is a great introduction into the Austin beat scene and all of the artists involved. Mad Zach’s “Plundering Shmaster” is my personal favorite. Stream and download the compilation below.

Portals Music Compiles Excellent Mixtape In Anticipation of SXSW Showcase

By
March 5, 2012
Festivals, Mixes, New Music
Leave a comment

There are dozens of incredible Showcases across Austin, TX during the week of South By Southwest. It feels like every label, collective, crew, blog, magazine, etc. etc. has there own showcase populated by some of the most talented names across the musical spectrum. If I was going to SXSW (one can dream), I would be the PORTALSXSW party. Located a few miles away from the chaos of 6th Street, the showcase is taking place in a wooded area and features two stages and over 20 artists. The lineup is electronic-centered, but is really all over the map. The two names that initially stood out to me were Astral Plane favorites Corduroi and Galapagos, but after looking into several other artists, the lineup looked even more enticing. Lucky for you, Portals has gone ahead and compiled tunes from all of the artists involved in the third installment of their Portals mixtape series. “Chant” by Men in Burka, “Put Your Love” by Young Pharaohs and “Shark Attack” by Triptides are the highlights, but the tape is excellent across the board. Big ups to the peeps over at Portal for this one. Stream and download the mixtape below and be sure to check out the PORTALSXSW party if you’re at the festival.

Massive Redbull Music Academy Compilation From Madrid

By
February 29, 2012
Mixes, New Music
Leave a comment

The Red Bull Music Academy was founded in 1998 with the goal of presenting and highlighting up and coming DJ’s from across the globe. 14 years later, the event has grown to encompass not just DJ’s and instrumental/electronic music, but also bands, singers, etc. and music from across the spectrum. Last year, the Academy’s largest showing took place in Madrid, and the results were extraordinary. Lectures from the likes of Erykah Badu and and John Talabot highlighted the educational features of the event, while Om Unit, Brenmar, Jesse Boykins III and more were all featured. RBMA is unique in that any musician can enter to take part in the Academy. Past participants have included Flying Lotus, Jake One and Benga. Lucky for those us of us who couldn’t make it out to Madrid, RBMA has released a massive 35 track compilation made up of music made at the Academy. I haven’t had a chance to delve into the massive tape, but based on the names involved, it should be an expansive look at the artists involved. Download/stream the tape below.

Spaceghostpurrp Compiles Screwed R&B Mix

By
February 27, 2012
Mixes
1 Comment

I gotta say, the first time I listened to Spaceghostpurrp, I was far from impressed. The Miami MC/producer entered my conscious around the same time as Odd Future and appeared to possess the most obnoxious facets  of the LA collective. I recognized that Spaceghost obviously has the production skills and the charisma to be a successful artist, but something was missing. Since then, I’ve come around and now place Spaceghost somewhere in the realm inhabited by the likes of ASAP Rocky, Cities Aviv and Main Attrakionz. An impressive production acumen and improving lyrical ability  should help push him into the spotlight in 2012. As we saw with Rocky, it only takes one focused, well-rounded mixtape to launch an artist from blog afterthought to the spotlight.

Spaceghost dropped his latest release, a 30-minute mix of syruppy R&B tunes, on his Youtube account on Valentines Day, and while it does function as a perfectly fine love making mix, it’s more proper for a lazy Sunday. The hazy mix gives some insight into his influences outside of the hip hop world, and if nothing else, gives you 30-minutes of promethazine-laced madness. In the infamous words of a certain Rusko-collaborating group, roll it up, light it up, smoke it up.