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Vinyl Revivalists, Discos Nutabe, Releases “Dijon Triathalon – Pandemia 12″ EP”

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In the midst of the EDM culture take-over, leaving traditional vinyl mixing in the shadows, a unique Columbian record label keeps the art of vinyl grooves alive. “Today in Discos Nutabe, direct from the city of Medellin, to the east in the valley where the Nutabe fought and died, we fight for music and the format we love.” Discos Nutabe fosters the history and art of mixing on vinyl mediums by creating a coalition of artists that hold a deep appreciation for the classic feel of having to switch disc sides, readjusting the needle, and manipulating the RPM meticulously. This is a truly unique label to emerge during a musical era that is dominated by digital music production. They’re just lovers of house and dedicated to the medium.

As for the EP, it is a skillfully mixed three track album that beautifully showcases the seamless mixing of Camilo Naranjo and JosĂ© SantamarĂ­a. This EP, unlike their first release, DCM – Origenes 12″ EP, which was groovier and had lush house undertones, Dijon Triathalon is much more minimalistic. It features soft synth loops and are complimented by steady, traditional house beats. Vinyl is such a delicate and difficult medium to work with, so their exhibition of steadily mixing in and out the synths was incredibly impressive. Track B1 perfectly demonstrates their mixing abilities with synths slowly creeping in and suddenly taking over the entire track. My personal recommendation is Track B2, it’s less minimalism and a dash more groove/funk – I may have found myself awkwardly bobbing about. 

Dijon Triathalon – Pandermia 12″ EP is out now on Discos Nutabe. Stay up to date with Discos Nutabe below.

Discos Nutabe: Facebook | Soundcloud | Website

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Preview: Justin Jay “Mom I Graduated” EP

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Congratulations to Los Angeles native Justin Jay on his recent graduation from USC – no stranger to the local dance scene, he has risen to international superstar status at the young age of 22. In 2013, Pete Tong named Justin Jay up-and-coming artist of the year, and he has had major support from some of the industry’s heaviest hitters, including Justin Martin and Claude von Stroke of dirtyBird

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The story of Justin Jay’s rise to success is incredibly inspiring, considering that he accomplished all of this while attending USC as a full-time student. To celebrate the graduation, he will be dropping his Mom I Graduated EP, which includes “Hit It,” a dark tech house track reminiscent of the old-school, and “Make It Rain,” a bass-heavy banger garnished with classic drum machine grooves.

Last year, he sat down with the Nest for an in-depth video interview in which the dance community got a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a producer who wows us more with every release, and a DJ who creates nothing but unforgettable nights. He’s been making some serious moves in the industry, and now that he’s done with school, we can only imagine what kind of new projects he has in the works. Justin Jay’s upcoming “Mom I Graduated” EP on dirtyBird will be available in September at the following sites.

Release Information

Beatport Release: September 14th
iTunes: September 25th
Spotify: September 25th

Justin Jay: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Resident Advisor | Beatport

dirtyBird: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Resident Advisor | Beatport

Kane West’s Expenses Paid EP on Turbo Recordings

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Fresh like a cup of drum machine punch, Kane West’s Expenses Paid EP will be released in full on Turbo Recordings August 14. The catchy combination of horn riffs and funky percussion lines in the first track Mexicans is something of a throwback musical interpretation of all things kitschy. The track embodies a super fun vibe with some familiar sounds extracted from sources like old school video games, vaporwave, and house basslines. The Expenses Paid track on the other hand is darker and sexier, creating an organic and mechanical contrast similar to those trippy desert tech jams that are so popular nowadays. Don’t Stop takes on an 8bit ravey vibe with poly stabs, leftfield noises, and a very robotic arrangement, but contrasts nicely against the two other tracks on the EP.

London-based Kane West is the solo project of Kero Kero Bonito’s co-producer, Gus Lobban. The indie-pop group derives heavy influence from Japanese culture and aesthetic, so it comes as no surprise that Kane West brings a colorful palette of noise to his forthcoming four-track EP. Lobban is part of the PC Music record label, which launched back in 2013 and is taking the electronic music scene by storm.

Release Information

Release Date: August 14th, 2015

Kane West: Official Site | Facebook | Soundcloud
PC Music: Official Site | Facebook | Soundcloud Read more

Dance Spirit Releases Four-Track EP on Kindisch

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Dance Spirit Reflections

After releasing a full length album and various EP’s on imprints such as Motek and Superfreq this year, Dance Spirit steps up again with an ethereal four-track EP on Kindisch. Reflections features four original tracks, two of which are collaborations with artists Mia Lucci and Jon Charnis, and follows through on the sound that Dance Spirit has come to know so well.

Reflections achieves a cohesive theme comprised of organic tones and textures, and moves steadily at a comfortable and hypnotic pace. The title track, Reflection, starts the EP in between a balance of synthetic and natural ambiance. Flowing easily from the droning percussions and space within the mix, Reflection strikes a satisfying sonic feeling leading into the next few tracks.

Affirmation is up next where Dance Spirit has collaborated with Jon Charnis for a distant yet groovy tech affair. Piano and string hits capture ones attention while the drum programming keeps things in place allowing the track to evolve and grow throughout the journey.

Contemplation sounds like a dance-able track that could appear on a movie score. Thought provoking ambiance and tension is a dominant theme, but like Affirmation the track stays in it’s groove due to precise drums throughout the arrangement.

Release Information

Release Date: August 4th, 2015
Available on: Beatport

Dance Spirit on: Facebook | Resident Advisor | Soundcloud | Beatport

Maceo Plex’s Forthcoming Solar Sampler EP on Ellum

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Maceo Plex guides us with a trippy, airy techno soundscape with a forthcoming release titled Solar Sampler on his own label Ellum. The EP features two songs; Wash Away My Tears is ethereally orchestrated and will likely grace the sets of upcoming desert parties like Burning Man. Solar Detroit is a more invigorating blend of techno and trance elements, its namesake alludes to the Motor City’s distinct impact on the music scene. Solar Sampler will be released in full on July 27 via Soundcloud.

Maceo Plex: Resident Advisor | Facebook | Soundcloud

DJ Shu-ma: What You Feel [Bass Works]

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Sugiurumn has established a phenomenal outlet for releasing underground dance music through his label, Bass Works Recordings. Making it’s home in Japan, Bass Works Recordings has put out over 100 releases, and counting, while releasing an array of talented artists such as: Satoshi Otsuki, Hito, Satoshi Fumi, Ken Ishii, and many more.

The label has brought in DJ Shu-ma for the 105th release on Bass Works Recordings, and he delivers two slabs of optimal hypnotic and Balearic techno.

What You Feel is a two track EP that brings you in to full on terrace vibes. The original mix utilizes chopped up vocal samples and carries through with a deep FM sine wave groove, while playful drums and pads act as the foundation of the break. Lush chord stabs are soon to follow propelling this one right to the heart of clubbers on the dance floor.

The Ibiza mix of What You Feel is where DJ Shu-ma’s Balearic roots really shine through. The track remains relatively unchanged, but it’s with the inclusion of an underlying piano melody that gives it an airy atmosphere and one perfectly suited for early mornings on the White Isle.

What You Feel EP is currently out on all major music retail outlets. You can preview the tracks below, and make sure to stay up to date with DJ Shu-ma and Bass Works Recordings for more music.

Release Information

Release Date: July 15th, 2015
Available on: Beatport | Juno Download

DJ Shu-ma: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
Bass Works Recordings: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport

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Art Department “Kisses For Roses” Remixes Out Now

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Art Department has continued to gain momentum the past year, despite the surprising departure of Jonny White’s musical partner, Lenny Glasgow. The Canadian duo split several months ago when Kenny Glasgow left to pursue other musical and business goals, although Jonny White has continued to keep the Art Department project going. Following the success of Natural Selection, he has solidified Art Department’s position at the forefront of the dance scene through a number of releases on his No. 19 Records. Most recently, this came via a remix pack for Kisses for Roses, a solid vocal track from Natural Selection (No. 19, Ultra).

The Kisses for Roses remix pack includes a re-release of the original, along with 3 remixes from heavy hitters The Martinez Brothers and Soul Clap (the latter contributed both a vocal remix and a dub mix). The Martinez Brothers deliver the upbeat jackin’ energy they are so loved for, stripping the song back and adding some thumping drums.

Soul Clap, on the other hand, puts a more mellow touch on both of their remixes, creating funky jams perfectly suited for any pool party or after hours dance floor.

In addition to this killer release, No. 19 record label in and of itself has been having an incredibly strong year; Jonny White has curated some of the finest talent, the likes of which can be heard on the label’s recent Spring Sampler compilation, including tracks from Kenny Glasgow and many more.

To purchase: iTunes | Spotify | Beatport

Art Department: Facebook | Twitter  |  Soundcloud | Resident Advisor

Preview: taMe – Karma EP

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taMe is at it again with dance floor ready bombs on their new EP, Karma. For the sixth release on taMe Music they’ve pulled no punches, and bring forth three tracks with excellent variety while still adhering to a distinct sound. With early support from the likes of Carl Craig, Joseph Capriati, Stacy Pullen, and Tom Novy, the Karma EP will be making it’s rounds across many dance floors in the future. Take a listen to the previews below, and stay tuned for the official release in June.

taMe: Facebook | Soundcloud
taMe Music: Soundcloud | Beatport 

Beatport Exclusive Release: 06/15/2015
Release on All Other Outlets: 06/29/2015

taMe – Yah (Original Mix)


The EP kicks things off with the pulsating roller that is Yah. Whether you’re already in the peak of the party or you’re about to take it to the next level, Yah has all the ingredients to make it a go to track. The low end dominates while a gritty and resonate tone sits in the perfect range to make a serious impact on the dance floor. And in true taMe fashion there’s just enough sounds from left field to give it a cerebral touch.

taMe – Positive Vibes (Original Mix)

Positive Vibes is similar to Yah in the sense that it is direct and hard-hitting. But there’s something about Positive Vibes that gives it an air of subtlety. Chugging along at a steady and comfortable pace, the arrangement is embellished with various textures and percussions that keep things interesting. The break is an appropriate length and allows for DJ’s to have some fun before bringing it back into the immense groove.

taMe – Sonix (Original Mix)

taMe finishes the EP with Sonix, a track that fully embodies their sound and vision. With a definite main room vibe to it, the track takes a turn towards epicness with a huge break filled with the sounds of echoing chords and synthetic qualities. However, the break is short lived and it’s back to the action relatively quickly with active percussions and melodic arrangements.

Preview: Jozif – Waikiki Pt. 2

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Travel 2,500 miles west of Los Angeles and you’ll find yourself in Waikiki, Honolulu. Judging from the title of Jozif’s new EP on Culprit LA, I think it’s a safe assumption in saying that the beautiful island had a strong influence on this release.

Waikiki Pt. 2 is the follow up release from the original Waikiki release back in September of last year, and where Pt. 1 was mostly made up of nu-disco flavors and elements, Waikiki Pt. 2 seems to suit the vibe of the island much better. Jozif’s Waikiki Pt. 2 EP features two original tracks, with Eric Volta and Hanfry Martinez turning in their interpretations of the opening track, Soonar.

Culprit LA will be the home for the Waikiki Pt. 2 EP, with the EP being available Monday, May 4th. You can preview the EP below, and be on the lookout Monday for the official release.

Jozif: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport
Culprit LA: Facebook | Soundcloud | Beatport

Soonar is a slow paced burner complete with drums that place you in the heart of a rain forest, as orchestral strings and a tempting low groove pull you deeper into the mix. First up on remix duty is Hanfry Martinez bringing a serious tropical rework to Soonar. Not much is changed from the strings found in the original, but the overall atmosphere on Hanfry’s remix is clearly more suited for the energetic dance floors.

To complete the remix package No. 19 mastermind, Eric Volta, steps up with his “Dig You A Deeper Grave Remix”. And the remix title says it all. Consistent with the slow pace of the original, the track then takes a complete dive 6 feet under with synthetic percs floating all around you. The EP is complete with Rondevouz, the second original track from Jozif. With an autotuned vocal and classic deep house bassline the track isn’t exactly ground breaking, but it’s enough to round off the Waikiki Pt. 2 EP

Stream: Hidden Resort – Pathways EP on Soundz

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Pathway EPEarlier this year we caught up with HOBO to discuss the revival of his label Soundz. Around the time of the interview X Volume 1 was released featuring a variety of intriguing sounds and textures from various artists, and this past week Soundz has followed up with an EP release from Hidden Resort.

“Pathways has been a really integral part of my DJ sets for months now. It took a while to get the whole release together, and during the process it drew a couple signing offers from respected labels, so I’m very proud to be able to have it coming out on Soundz.” – Hidden Resort

Pathways is a five track EP with three originals from Hidden Resort and two remixes from HOBO and JPLS, respectively. Adhering to the vision of the label, each track stands alone as a fine piece of electronic material, but is still capable of doing serious work on the right dance floor. Hidden Resort didn’t crank out typical groovers for this release; quite the contrary actually. Precise sound design and emotive musical rhythms are the name of the game here, and are perfect for the dance floor and the living room alike.

You can stream Pathways below, with the full release being available on Beatport. Read more