Smoody Groovez 'Slow Down'

Autumn is iminent, Winter will follow and music is food for the mood.  Smoody Groovez certainly know how to help you ‘chillout’ and reassure you that whatever the time of year, experiences or smoody mood, sometimes we all need to listen to our body and soul, take it easy, ‘Slow Down’ and pay no attention to the ‘Manic Street Preachers‘!

I love how artists of any persuasion are ready and willing to bare their souls and share their innermost feelings with the world. This as we all know, leaves them vulnerable and open to all kinds of misinterpretation, but none the less, like the weather, they pay no attention to criticism and continue to express themselves regardless.

I have the utmost respect for all artistic expression and yesterday was delighted when logging on to Soundcloud I noticed this absolutely stunning song which appeared in my dashboard. I listened to it once and my first reaction was a simple WoW! I listened to it again and again and was completely absorbed in Sofie Van Vugt’s amazing vocal expressions, combined with the delicate and sensual sounds from Smoody Groovez producers Stefan Van Baeten (aka DJ Zohm) and  Alex Pattersun. The song is mature in its production, completely captivating and most reassuring in its storyline. The song invites us all to ‘Slow Down‘ and take it easy.

Slowdown - Smoody Groovez ft. Sofie Van Vugt by SmoodyGroovez 2

Smoody Groovez, from Antwerp, Belgium, first hit the scene as Stefan Van Baeten who has a very long musical history, which began in his childhood when his Grandfather gave him a harmonica shortly after his 7th Birthday, where Stefan played his very first melody at the end of that very same day. After more than 40 Years, his Grandfathers gift inspired his musical interests, even as a DJ, musician and producer, he is known for his development in a wide range of high quality music productions in a variety of genres. His partner Alexis Paternottre (A.K.A. Alexis Pattersun), has been spinning records for more than a decade, having a huge record collection which Smoody Groovez are confident even top DJ’s would dream about.  Stefan’s humour informed me that the musical synergie between how he describes himself and Alex as ‘musical freaks’ once united, Smoody Groovez became a fact and they never looked back. Recently, they have created their own record label Lush Lounge Records.

When they were fortunate enough to meet Sofie van Vugt, who also has a very long history of singing experiences and influences from many legendary female Jazz singers, Smoody Groovez was finally complete.  Her breathtaking warm voice can be only be described as extremely heart warming and with every song she sings, she manages to create an element of surprise. Her vocals will definitely mesmerise and elevate the listener.

Smoody Groovez is a combination of all kind of influences, ranging from Latin Grooves, Electronic NuJazz, Ambient Lounge, TripHop and Ethnic World Music.

Smoody Groovez on Soundcloud

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud

Magda, Marc Houle, Troy Pierce

Troy Pierce, Marc Houle & Magda team up to present their first ever trio release on Items & Things, “Down & Out Vol 1” – which takes its name from their newly created party series – events that are based around the dark & intimate, off the radar, and under the ground.

Troy Pierce starts things off with ‘Majikal,’ introducing the EP’s dark magic with a climbing bassline, scattering, almost anxious percussion and buoyant sound effects panned throughout. Ominous atmospheres and weighted textures produce a cinematic accompaniment to surveyors of uncharted terrain. Building a continual tension-and-release cycle, the track is a lucid whirlwind of sonic imagery and trickery, balancing visceral sounds with the otherworldly.

Magda teams up with Suade, a producer & friend from Newcastle that we’re sure to see more of, together they bring forth a true builder, a creeper; the type of track that reveals itself more with each layering sequence. A masterclass in dynamics, ‘Fixation’ is a dark groove that’s haunted by a chilling vocal, wavering synth vibrato, unexpected melodies, and juxtaposes of funk. Angular drums hit alongside swells of percussive echoes but, the focus of the track revolves around the bassline’s movement. As catchy as it is esoteric.

Marc Houle’s ‘Slowpe’ ends the EP with a slightly slower pace, but in a disconcerting way: taking it down a few notches this one that transports the listener to the strangest dimension yet. Filtered melodies start the track’s ascent, sounding like a trumpet that’s been bent out of shape and played from the void. With dark textures compactly knit into a condensed wall of sound, a low-slung bassline trades places with eerie chords and sparse percussion.

Magda, Marc Houle, Troy Pierce release Down & Out Vol 1 on the Items & Things label on vinyl & digital download on September 19, 2011.

A1: Troy Pierce “Majikal”
B1: Magda + Suade “Fixation”
B2: Marc Houle “Slowpe”

Husband make wonderful electro synth pop music fusing Giorgio Moroder with Suicide.

Robot Elephant Records considers themselves lucky to release the debut release of this talented duo featuring the equally amazing Love Song and Slow Motion, together with an illustrious host of remixes from the likes of Italo House DJ Wolther Goes Stranger and the Portland / Oregon based purveyors of fine Giorgo Moroder-infused synth pop, Soft Metals, among others.

Husband – Love Song / Slow Motion 12″ tracklisting:
Love Song
Slow Motion
Slow Motion (Wolther Goes Stranger Remix)
Love Song (Soft Metals Remix)
Love Song (Mascara Remix)
Love Song (Sifaka Kong Remix)

For more information visit Robot Elephant Records.

Great Tech House single Millipede / Flaccid Tabard from Focus Puller

Focus Puller release the Tech House single Millipede / Flaccid Tabard on the Evasive Digital label.

For those not in the know, Focus Puller is the new alias for Mike Healey, and this metamorphosis signals a transition in his approach to producing and performing. Mike now prefers to concentrate on creating live sets of his new material, rather than the conventional conveyor belt procedure of completing a track and moving on to the next one.

This new live material has then been arranged for release, and two tracks ‘Breathe Easy’ and ‘The Grinch’ have already been brought out on Roomba and Cubism respectively, winning support from people such as Funk D’void, Paul Woolford, Reset Robot and Nelski amongst many others. This then brings us to this release, featuring two mighty tracks which have been shaking the foundations of Evasive HQ.

Quirkily entitled Millipede and Flaccid Tabard, both tracks on this release bear all the hallmarks of Mike Healey’s uniquely bold and twisted production style. Mercilessly heavyweight Tech House grooves, bass-driven and laced with atmospheric pads, synths and vocal samples, both tunes have already been road tested as part of Mike’s live sets, receiving a rapturous applause on the dancefloor at Source Bar in Maidstone where Mike is resident. This is hardly surprising as listening to these tracks can be likened to the Fruit Pastille challenge…can you resist the urge to dance!

(EVAD024) Focus Puller 'Millipede' by evasivemusic

Millipede by Focus Puller has received initial support from many  DJ’s including Terry Francis, Nic Fanciulli, Hijacker, Jota Wagner, Nathan Coles, Tyler Stadius, Nils Hess, Al Bradley, Robert Owens, Gee Moore, Prinz, Nik Feral, Anderson Noise, BERNY, Denis A, Denney, Dima Fly, Feodor AllRight & Elena Mechta (AMDJ’s), Justin Steel, Mark Gwinnett, Nick & Danny Chatelain, Ornette C Waite, Ray Colclough, Richard ‘Merlyn’ Martin, Tim Andresen, Robin Ball, and Lucas Hulan.

Focus Puller release the Tech House single Millipede / Flaccid Tabard on the Evasive Digital label on 16th May 2011 (Beatport Exclusive) and genersal release on 30th May 2011.

Wordbomb

Crimson Death & Moonshot detonate this exceptionally powerful track ‘Wordbomb’ on Brighton based EML Recordings label out now on Juno. London based Moonshot (Daniel Kent and Richard Wolfe) combine dark, urban beats with pop melodies to create songs that are challenging yet accessible.

Crimson Death is a Toronto-based Jungle DJ, whose music is influenced by the sounds and imagery of Black Metal. Known for his extreme studio creations, unique covers and high energy remixes, he seamlessly blends elements of opposing genres into dynamic dance-floor anthems.

‘Wordbomb’ features the amazonian vocals of Thanet based Nikki Booth. Her powerful tribal vocals are a perfect match for the dominant beats of the track. Although released in April, I heard this track only days ago and felt the urgent need to write and spread the ‘Wordbomb’. The powerful images of the video are reminiscent of the current forest fires spreading across the country. I am sure the vocals of Nikki Booth could be deployed to extinguish the flames, as if blowing out a candle!

Moonshot’s influences include bands such as Pet Shop Boys, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode and Portishead as well as artists as diverse as Pink Floyd and Tori Amos.

Crimson Death can be categorized as technically complex drum and bass reinforced through “wall of sound” drum programming.  Dark, distorted bass lines and layers of cold ambience are accompanied by haunting, demonic vocals delivering otherworldly lyrics which, focus on all aspects of perceived reality and experienced emotion within the collective sub-conscious.

It is without doubt that  Crimson Death & Moonshot occupy a unique and relevant space within the current music scene.

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud

DARDIGITAL003_artwork

The third release from the Moscow DJ/Producer Denis A’s DAR Label offshoot DAR DIGITAL features the track Original Sun in three very different remixed guises, edging towards minimal techno and exotic electronica.

Original Sun is brimful of electronic mysticism with mysterious chords, tight grooves and a progressive attitude. The remix from Ukranian producer Oleg Tovkach (Tenderheart), eases back the throttle and takes a more atmospheric route, bringing even more melodic elements to the track. Radar moves towards atmospheric melodic techno with a clear vision of the future.

German Shahnov (Madeira) says of his inspiration… “I associate this track with military radar, which operates continuously, without stopping once, periodically picking up unknown objects.” Bold and beautiful, Madeira is another strong addition to the DARDIGITAL roster.

German Shakhnov, DJ and sound producer, is another rising star of the new Russian electronic music scene. He is the presenter of his own radio show, “Mady Mady”, which is broadcast every Thursday at 00:00 on Garage FM based in Moscow.

German became interested DJing in the late 90’s. Aged 14, he began playing in nightclubs, which belonged to friends of his father. For several years, tried his hand and experimented with many styles: progressive house, electro, breakbeat, drum & bass and even hip-hop.

As a producer, he made his debut in 2010 on the Californian label Red Session Records with the track “Holla!” Then in August of that year, he released the tracks “Riqueless” on the French label High Seven Record, which belongs to the famous French producer, Stephane Deschezeaux (Gino). That same summer, the Italian label B79 Music released Madeira’s “Glass Ball”, which also included a remix from Russian musician – Sinistro. In autumn 2010, German released “Aylo” on the Russian label ITech, which became a bestseller, and “Dogs in Space” on GSS Records.

In late 2010, Madeira started his collaboration with Denis A and his DAR label, which is rapidly gaining respect as one of the best Russian labels. The first fruits of this new relationship are “Original Sun” and “Radar”.

The beautiful remix of “Original Sun” from the Ukrainian sound producer Tenderheart, aka Oleg Tovkach, another rising star to watch out for in 2011 as the new Eastern European electronic music scene develops apace.

Madeira – Original Sun
01. Madeira – Original Sun (Original Mix) – 6:44min
02. Madeira – Original Sun (Tenderheart Remix) – 4:12min
03. Madeira – Radar (Original Mix) – 6:28min
(DAR DIGITAL) DARDIGITAL003
Available Now
Made in Russia

Waterson - When You Tell Me That You Love Me

Scottish Electronica artist Waterson has recently released his excellent new single ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me’ exclusive to Beatport, including remixes from UK house legend Ashley Beedle, remistress-in-demand Rachel Ellktra and club kid done good Kris Di Angelis.

Already playlisted on Capital FM, Rinse & Push, Kiss FM, Ministry of Sound Radio & SiriusXM (NYC), the track has featured on EQ, Peenko, CD Pool, Playgirl, Jockrock, The Love of House, Gaydar & Freersounds, Hype Machine, Mark Knight’s ‘Miami 2011 Special’ and Jodie Harsh’s March Podcasts.

The UK single launch of ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me’ paves the way for the full international outing of his underground club hit ‘Fa Fa Feel’. After wowing London’s east end electro scene, the song was snapped up by Oxyd Records in Italy and now sees release through Universal in the summer. The single will also appear with amazing remixes from a number of artists X-Press 2, Shield, dOP, Sgt Slick and Olene Kadar.

Both tracks come ahead of Waterson’s forthcoming third album, which is appropriately called ‘Glasgow Boy’. It will be chock full of authentic electro flavour, old skool house vibes, eccentronica and blue-eyed soul. The new cut will feature the talents of Louise Quinn from Glasgow four-piece, A Band Called Quinn (who Waterson recently remixed) alongside Soul II Soul diva Victoria Wilson James.

I first heard Waterson’s single ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Radio Edit) on Soundcloud and can recall how I was instantly impressed by the beauty and clarity of his vocal. Being a huge fan of the male vocal, I was immediately hooked into the story of the track, which is rich in seductive and sensual harmonies and the beats and synth sounds will be sure to delight any Electronic music fan.

When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Radio Edit) by waterson

Being a House fan, I adore the ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me’ (Ashley Beedle’s Act of Love Mix). It has all the glorious synth bassline ingredient necessary for that all important happy House Music vibrancy. 

Championed by Mark Knight on his ‘Miami Special’ radio show, the song was the subject of features in QX, Tillate & EQ and has just been snapped up by uber-cool compiler Sean Brosnan of ‘Future Disco’.

When You Tell Me That You Love Me (Ashley Beedle's Act of Love Mix) by waterson

Waterson was recently called “a one-man electronic band” by quirky movie star Alan Cumming. And as featured singer for electro band Detroit Starrzz his co-written song ‘Halo’ reached number 6 on Hype Machine’s Twitter Chart.

He is published by 23rd Precinct/Notting Hill Music where his credits as either writer, remixer or producer include legendary queen of electronic soul Billie Ray Martin, cooler-than-cool Glasgwegian band A Band Called Quinn (Number 6 in the UK Indie Chart) as well as a blinding, upcoming collaboration with UK house innovator Ashley Beedle on K7! Records.

He has performed all over the globe in venues such as Crobar, Ministry of Sound, Les Bains Douches, Vega and Sub Club. The Scotsman newspaper said quite simply “Waterson brings the house down”. Future performances include SOS, Meat and London’s favourite festival, Lovebox.

Radio airplay has taken in BBC Radio 1 & 2, 6 Music, BBC Radio Scotland, XFM, Virgin, Kiss, Choice FM, Capital FM, Push FM, Galaxy, Global Ibiza House Radio, House Nation France, Radio Beach FM and many, many more from Tokyo to Toronto and everywhere in between. TV credits include BBC,ITV, Channel Four, MTV, MTV2 and The Box.

Previous solo hits include the Pete Tong discovery and top ten download, ‘I Love Linda’ (Kinky Malinki), after-hours anthem ‘Strip Down’ (Junior Boys Own) with Smokin’ Jo and not forgetting the underground electronic club smash ‘Fa Fa Feel’ which Beatport called “innovative and eclectic” .

Heres is a preview of the mighty powerful, daring you to dance ‘Fa Fa Feel’ (Sgt Slick Remix)

Waterson - Fa Fa Feel (Sgt Slick Remix ) PREVIEW by Sgt Slick

There are no surprises to hear that ‘When You Tell Me That You Love Me’ having only been released since 4th April, has reached number 1 on the Axis Trax Beatport chart, number 3 on the Media2 Radio chart & “single of the week” on Freersounds.  Buzzin Media are without doubt that Waterson will be a name you will be hearing more of in the world of electronic dance.

Waterson on Soundcloud:http://soundcloud.com/waterson

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud:http://soundcloud.com/buzzin-media

Hiatus – real name Cyrus Shahrad – has long been fascinated by the events of April 1981, a violent retaliation against years of joblessness, segregation and police intimidation among Brixton’s black community, and which shook Thatcher’s Britain to the core.

“It seems a potent time to release Insurrection,” says Hiatus, “partly because of the anniversary, but also because we’re once again staring into the cold eyes of a Conservative government oblivious to the dangers of racial and social profiling.

“We’re facing financial meltdown and mass unemployment, we’re having our libraries closed and our forests sold, and we’re seeing disabled protesters ripped from their wheelchairs when they try to sound the alarm on the streets of London. If there was ever a time to reflect on the UK’s largest outpouring of community anger in recent centuries, this is it.”

Like the punk movement that flowered amid uncollected rubbish in 1979’s ‘Winter of Discontent’, Insurrection is the sort of urgent protest music that can only be born of disenchantment: part warning, part clarion call to action, and a sharp contrast to the strings-driven nostalgia of Save Yourself, the sweeping debut single released to widespread acclaim last December.

The track opens with distorted dub organs and Linton’s smoke smothered drawl, before bottoming out with a speaker-shaking bassline and a building sense of menace lent a melancholy edge by a distant piano. It’s a tune both brutal and unexpectedly beautiful, and one paired with a video compiled from archive footage of the riots by Hiatus himself.

“Not that I want to paint Brixton as a war zone,” he adds. “I’ve lived here for years, and can honestly say that it’s one of the most peaceful and culturally harmonious places imaginable. But some injustices are hard to forget, and now more than ever it seems important to remember the dangers of ignoring people under intense pressure.”

The new single from Hiatus, Insurrection (featuring Linton Kwesi Johnson) is due for release as a digital download on 11th April 2011.

Billie Ray Martin - Sweet Suburban Disco

Billie Ray Martin’s long awaited follow-up to her 2008 international club hit Undisco Me is finally released.

Reinventing Italo Disco was the goal, but with a unique sound. Billie and co-producer Mike Vamp of Maertini Broes deliver an almost laid back yet dancefloor-bound pop fest with Sweet Suburban Disco.

Angst on the Suburban Dancefloor is the theme, as only Billie Ray Martin, ‘the Nico of the rave generation‘, as one magazine called her, can deliver it.

Enhanced by mixes from Yazoo maestro Vince Clarke and Horse Meat Disco giant Severino, as well as mixes by Luke Solomon and Ray Grant, this package delivers the BRM goodies once again.

This is the first in a string of releases for Billie Ray Martin in 2011, which will include a collaboration with darlings of the underground Hard Ton and the long awaited album by The Opiates.

Sweet Suburban Disco - radio edit by billie ray martin

Billie Ray Martin – Sweet Suburban Disco  Tracklist:

Sweet suburban disco radio edit
Sweet suburban disco original version
Sweet suburban disco Vince Clarke remix
Sweet suburban disco Severino remix
Sweet suburban disco Severino less vocal mix
Sweet suburban disco Ray Grant lights glow disco
Sweet suburban disco Ray Grant neon disco dub
Sweet suburban disco Luke Solomon dub
Sweet suburban disco original version instrumental

For more information visit www.billieraymartin.com

Billie Ray Martin releases Sweet Suburban Disco as a digital release on 28 February 2011 on Disco Activisto Records.

Drugg debut release, Shackled

Experimental duo, Drugg release their debut 12″ vinyl and digital download, Shackled on through Less Music label.

In a London garage, long time collaborators and childhood friends Tom Hanley (Vox/Sounds) and Max Whatley (Drums), collude to create electronic duo Drugg, who are set to release their debut EP Shackled in March 2011, through independent label Less Music. The esoteric imprint from the trio of This Is Music, More Music & Less Music, Less Music’s debut release came by way of dubstep innovator Shackleton, with his ‘Wizards In Dub’.

Drugg - Shackled by This Is Music

Drugg, bestowed with a background in experimental noise create multi-layered electronica, moving effortlessly from dance, to glitchy minimalism and soundscape beats. The addition of vocals and live drums lift the music beyond other electronica, with nods to both new wave and new pop vocal stylings, and the original post-rock innovators, such as Disco Inferno and Bark Psychosis. The EP has already been championed by Berlin based minimalist dub DJ and producer Pole, aka Stefan Betke. Upon hearing the record, he instantly offered up his services to remix In Those Found Times and to master the whole EP.

Conjointly in a side project called Thanks with Joni from Visions of Trees, who provide the second remix, Hanley was initially influenced by a juvenile passion to emulate DJ Premier and DJ Shadow, before growing tired of creating instrumental music and began experimenting with vocals. Further influences include Group Inerane, Group Doueh, Steve Reich, Phillip Glass, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr and newer beat artists such as Flying Lotus and MF Doom.

With a few live shows under their belt, that were mostly improvised and more reminiscent of Hanley’s early work in Thanks, Drugg aim to further develop a live set up for 2011 that will combine both compositions and live improvisation.

Shackled by Drugg is due for release on 7th March 2011.