In a recent interview/feature in LA Weekly, Frite Nite boss and BBC Radio One DJ Salva opined that “It was only last year when I realized that I’m a hip-hop DJ and producer who likes dance music, not the other way around.” The difference between the two approaches might seem like semantics to some people, but the results are drastically different. Take the difference between a guy like Bird Peterson and, say, Ryan Hemsworth. They both purportedly make hip hop-informed dance music, or the other way around if you prefer, but the results are dramatically different. Hemsworth is part of the Green Ova click (Main Attrakionz, Shady Blaze) and has been producing for hip hop artists for years. On the other hand, Peterson essentially makes synth-heavy house music with hip hop samples. Two different approaches, two entirely different outcomes. On February 12, Salva will release the Odd Furniture EP on FoF Music and important step for a producer/curator who has opened huge new pathways for himself and his cohorts over the past few months. “Drop That B” is the first taste from the EP and, like Salva’s recent collaboration with Brenmar, borrows heavily from the ghetto/bass club music varieties of the late 80’s/early 90’s. The track is definitely a departure from the house-informed tones of 2011’s Complex Housing LP, but is also far more subtle than the “Mercy” remix that has become synonymous with his name. We’ll let you decide which approach he took on it. Stream below and cop Odd Furniture on February 12.
Astronomar Is The Untrapper
According to Sir Issac Newton’s laws of physics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In the world of overblown dance/rap hybrids, this is especially true. With the whole trap bidness jumping the shark a long time ago, an equal and opposite response appears to be simmering below the surface. The response won’t come in the form of stodgy remarks about the trend’s viability, but in a reversal and re-appropriation of its best elements. Seattle-resident Astronomar has taken the first stab at this task via a series of three “Untrapped” edits. Astronomar takes on track’s by Baauer, UZ and Etc! Etc! & Brillz and removes them from their dubstep approximation roots. UZ’s “V6” is transformed into a piece of rollicking techno while Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” falls into the as-of-yet-to-be-defined category of North American club music championed by Body High. The elements of each track will be familiar to revelers at college parties and rave festivals, but Astronomar adds some much needed flair and innovation to each edit. Stream and download below.
Karenn (Blawan & Pariah) Remixes Kowton’s “TFB”
Are you down with “TFB”? Well you should be. The prevailing trend in techno over the past few months has been to go as big, chunky and dark as possible, but few can pull off the analogue sound quite like Kowton…. Well expect for Karenn, the collaboration between Blawan and Pariah. All three of them on the same cut is kind of like Hannukah come early (l’chaim). For now, we’re stuck with short previews of the original and remix, but there’s something to be said for allowing anticipation to bubble up. These cuts are not for the weak of heart so stay away if you don’t think you can stomach them. Stream Kowton’s “TFB” and Karenn’s remix below.
New Dauwd – “And”
Dauwd has inexplicably flown under our radar for quite some time now, but with the Heat Division EP upcoming on Ghostly International (in conjunction with Pictures Music), it’s time to give the man some well-deserved praise. “And” is the first offering from the aforementioned EP and represents the best of moody garage while still managing some heavy nod-ery. Most artists become heavy-handed when they make attempts at moodiness, but Dauwd handles the task with aplomb, weaving acid warped acid tones into some fairly standard garage percussion. Stream below and cop Heat Division on March 12.
Boddika & Joy Orbison Collaborate On “&Fate”
Just in case you needed some reassurance (you shouldn’t) that Boddika and Joy Orbison are masters of the universe (or at least my universe), Boddika lets loose the “Mercy VIP” and now the pair get together for “&Fate”. Like the “Mercy VIP”, “&Fate” will appear on Nonplus Records’ upcoming Think & Change compilation. Like the “Mercy VIP”, “&Fate” is a meticulously constructed groover that is sure to get both hips and thighs moving at the same damn time. Unlike the “Mercy VIP”, “&Fate” falls on the deeper side of the house/techno spectrum and is certainly less of a peak time anthem. Think & Change drops on March 11. Don’t sleep.
New Jacques Greene – “Quicksand”
In proper form, Jacques Greene let loose “Quicksand”, one of the standout exclusives from his recent FADER Mix. Greene finds a suitable middle ground between his impossibly smooth work (usually released on his own label Vase) and his more hard-edged productions (often released on Martyn’s 3024) on “Quicksand” and the result is as indulgent as ever. Like the best house music, the kickdrum is the heartbeat of the song and Greene’s masterfully yearning sample leads the listener along the path to ultimate fulfillment. “Quicksand” doesn’t have a release date yet, but we’re waiting on the edge of our seat for a clearer glimpse of this gem. Stream below.
Baauer & Just Blaze Collaborate On “Higher”
When great minds meet, the results are often cataclysmic, but when great minds with equally bombastic impulse meet, the fireworks are really set off. A collaboration between Just Blaze and Baauer would have seemed farfetched six months ago, but we survived the apocalypse last month so anything is possible. “Higher” is not for the weak of heart, and while the Hova samples might be a little, let’s say outdated, the lights shine especially bright on these two impresarios. Burn this motherfucker down. Or something like that. Stream below.
Monolithium Is Billie Jean
Remixing a classic is always risky business, but when done right, the results can often be spectacular. Astral Plane interviewee Monolithium recently took on Jacko’s megahit “Billie Jean” and essentially abstracted the fuck out of it. The result is a syrupy slow jam worthy of only the dirtiest of dirty late night escapades. Think a zip and a double cup but with more Quincy Jones. The Victoria resident is giving away the retwerk for free.99 so hop on the vibe train below.
New Ifan Dafydd – “Celwydd”
Ifan Dafydd has maintained a low profile since emerging out of the UK with the Amy Winehouse sampling “No Good” back in 2011, but that doesn’t mean he’s been resting on his laurels. Last week, Dafydd reentered the music world’s collective conscious with the sublime “Celwydd”. It might not be the most innovative jawn you’ll hear this week, but it’s one of the more beautiful post-“Hyph Mngo” attempts you’ll come across this side of James Blake. Pitter patter percussion and chopped beyond recognition vocals are propelled by those silky smooth synths. The bassline adds some indulgent funk, but are mostly extraneous in the grand scheme of “Celwydd”. The track will appear on an upcoming compilation from Recordiau Lliwgar, out March of this year.
TEED aka Young Midas
I had the pleasure of seeing Teed perform his full live set in December at the Fonda Theatre, and it was a mind-bending, immensely pleasurable experience. Orlando’s musical stylings are deeply nuanced, technically perfect and huge, but also accessible as pop songs. This quality shines through on a healthy snippet of a remix of Foals’ “My Number” (available to stream below, the only release info given being “Out Soon x”). I really like talking about songs, but I feel I don’t need to on this joint; its worth is rather self evident. Enjoy, and maybe get up and dance a little 😉










