Author: VMan
Submit tracks to VMan
Posts by VMan
Electronic | Cold Weather Company’s ‘Will Tomorrow Ever Come’ Boasts Experimental, Chill Electronic Vibes
Posted by VMan on August 11, 2023
Cold Weather Company emerges represents a beacon glowing brighter with each passing moment. The trio’s ascent, punctuated by their newest single “Will Tomorrow Ever Come,” reads like an open-ended, circuitous narrative with a serendipitous beginning on at Rutgers University.
The combined styles of Steve Shimchick, Jeff Petescia, and Brian Curry manifests in an assortment of sonic colors across a deep discography. This artistic medley culminates in “Will Tomorrow Ever Come” – a harmonious blend of the old and the new, with subtle nods to their collaboration with Mathame.
“Will Tomorrow Ever Come” is a carefully constructed narrative set to music, an electronic work supplemented by the rhythms of Riley Byrne and Shane Luckenbaugh. Masterfully mixed and mastered, the track is a prelude to the forthcoming fifth album, adding yet another chapter to Cold Weather Company’s ever-evolving story.
Albums | BLENDIN’ERA’s ‘This Love’ Promises a Bright Future for the Collective
Posted by VMan on August 10, 2023
In the sprawling terrain of modern music, the arrival of BLENDIN’ERA’s “This Love” is reminiscent of those moments when a fresh sound rises, with footprints from the past but eyes on the future. The consortium of Rick T., Castor Troy, Rob Fischer, and the likes of SaDBoY and LauRAW is nothing short of a wining combo in the dance-pop domain. Their German roots are telling, but what’s more vital is the narrative they weave.
This debut single, accented by SaDBoY’s ethereal voice, is like a confluence of rivers. The presence of SaDBoY is not just a strategic collaboration but also the seeming glue that holds it all together. With a history stretching across genres, from R&B to electro, his association with Nike and his impact at the New York Brooklyn Fashion Week – SaDBoY’s touch is palpable.
Interestingly, there’s a lore in how Castor met Rick in the early ’90s, an epoch when music was transitioning in its own right. The birth of their dance label ‘Energized’ and the successes of it are chapters on a book that’s yet to be fully written. BLENDIN’ERA seems to be their answer to a question: What happens when seasoned veterans meet the dynamism of the current era?
The music video, lush and evocative, fits perfectly with the sound. It feels as though BLENDIN’ERA isn’t just here to make music; they’re here to sculpt stories. And as they ready their next release with LauRAW, one can only wait in excited anticipation.
House | ‘The Back Beat’ EP Showcases alice.km’s Epic Techno Skill In Full Swing
Posted by VMan on August 8, 2023
On July 21st, the world will once again be reminded of the artistic prowess of the exceptional techno artist alice.km. With the impending release of her new EP, The Back Beat, on Eclipse Red label, she’s showcasing a variation in her sound by crafting up techno singles that she’s ready to show to the world.
Her two new tracks, “The Back Beat” and “Talk To Me,” are veritable auditory expeditions. The former is a plunge into a dystopian soundscape, characterized by pounding basslines and careful vocal placements. The latter, in contrast, retains the techno essence but infuses it with bare, seductive melodies that balance the relentless intensity.
alice.km’s journey is an inspiring one – from her early DJ days in Brooklyn, New York, to her illustrious EP that is now upon us – with over 120,000 Spotify streams, there’s clearly a demand for her music that can’t be denied. She had the opportunity to open for Drumcode’s Tempe tour, showcasing her skills and gaining exposure to a wider audience. alice.km also had the privilege of performing at prestigious events such as Dusk Music Festival and Arrival Festival by Move For Sol. On top of this, alice.km had the honor of providing direct support for renowned artists Marsh and Sacha Robotti.
The Back Beat EP is more than just a new release. It represents the journey of a human going through an evolution – who crafted sound into stories, and who doesn’t forget that it’s not about the goal, it’s about the journey.
Interviews | Slowboy Talks Virality, Success, & The Future After ‘Brazilian Funk Mano’ [Interview]
Posted by VMan on August 7, 2023
With the fury of a revolutionary, Slowboy has etched his mark in the Phonk universe. The hard-hitting Norwegian maestro has defied expectations and birthed a new sound with “Brazilian Phonk Mano.” The track resonates with the very heart of the genre, imbuing it with a raw, untamed vibrancy.
The Phonk genre, much like rock ‘n’ roll in its early days, has been a bastion for experimentation and audaciousness. Slowboy, Crazy Mano, and lucaf. have taken this malleable form and poured their unique personas into it. The resulting sonic concoction is as electrifying as the raucous punk anthems of yore.
Slowboy’s rapid rise has been marked by serendipity and hard work. His sound emerged just as the world began to recognize the allure of Brazilian Phonk. From Brazil’s clubs to worldwide streams, Slowboy’s take on the genre arrived at the perfect time.
One can draw parallels between Slowboy’s approach and that of the legendary Bob Dylan. Dylan pushed folk beyond its boundaries, and Slowboy, with his dynamic collaborators, is doing the same with Phonk. He’s not only creating music, he’s creating culture.
“Brazilian Phonk Mano” is more than just a track; it’s a cultural shift, an emblem of an era. It’s the sound of a genre that refuses to be pinned down, the soundtrack to a million TikTok videos, and a testament to the power of collaboration. Like Dylan’s anthems, Slowboy’s “Brazilian Phonk Mano” captures the zeitgeist, reflecting the world back to us in a form we’ve never heard before.
We couldn’t help but want to get inside Slowboy’s head, see the interview below where we discuss the sound of Phonk, TikTok virality, label releases, and more.
Exclusive Interview
As a pioneer of the Brazilian Phonk sound, what inspired you to explore this genre?
What inspired me was the general sound and feeling it gave me. It had this really rough, raw and bouncy sound to it which I liked. I love exploring new genres and sounds, which made me try fuse elements of Phonk with Brazilian Funk.
Do you prefer making music with others or on your own?
At the moment I am doing a lot of collaborations which I enjoy, but personally I prefer working on my own from time to time so I can focus on my own personal projects.
Do you prefer being in the studio or on stage?
I’m not really used to being on stage much, so I would say I’m more of a studio type of person. But this may change in the future.
Could you discuss your involvement with labels such as Aurorian Records, Void of Phonk, Black 17 Media, and B1 Recordings?
I witnessed the creation of Aurorian Records and they were the first label team believe in my sound as I was friends with the owner, the same too with Void of Phonk. Other than production, I’m involved with doing some A&R work for them. With the success of Brazilian Phonk Mano came the ability to work more with artists that frequently release under Black 17 Media, so I have released through there a few times too. As for B1 Recordings, they’re a popular label under Sony and got given the opportunity to remix two viral songs under them including ‘Push Up’ by Creeds so it was great working with them for that!
How has your music resonated with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube?
Scrolling through TikTok with my music showing up a lot of the time, with tracks like ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, ‘Life in Rio’ and my recently viral track ‘Oppa’, I like to look at the comments sometimes and people seem to love the songs. The amount of video usage with my tracks and the views across YouTube, TikTok and the dm’s I get on instagram has been incredible. It’s overwhelming the amount of messages and support, but I love it and hope it continues.
How much can your success be attributed to being at the ‘right place at the right time’ in your opinion?
It depends. I think with ‘Brazilian Phonk Mano’, that was a track that was at the right place at the right time. Putting out a track like that which became popular amongst edits and gym-goers before anyone else really shaped its success. That to me was a major ‘right place at the right time’ moment and ultimately kicked things off a lot for me.
What can listeners expect from Slowboy beyond “Brazilian Phonk Mano” in terms of his contribution to the Phonk genre?
I’m still making a lot of Brazilian Phonk/Funk music but also experimenting with other sub-genres of Phonk and EDM as always. I began in the bass music scene and creating other EDM styles, so I’ve got upcoming music with some talented artists mixing these styles with Phonk.
Albums | 1tbsp drops “Best of Me”
Posted by VMan on August 5, 2023
1tbsp is a side-project by Australian Grammy Award Nominated artist Maxwell Byrne (aka Golden Vessel) which has a sound that can be likened to a mix between Daphni (aka Caribou), Four Tet and DJ Koze. Check out his new single “Best of Me” above now and get ready for his debut album, coming out soon on August 17th.
House | Damo Cox Puts His Vision Of Minimal House On Display With ‘Wub Me’ EP
Posted by VMan on August 2, 2023
As I look at the rich tapestry of music, it reminds me of the ebbs and flows of life, mirroring the artistic landscape painted by emotions. In this sprawling canvas, Damo Cox emerges as a painter, but of the underrated genre, minimal house. With his new EP, Wub Me, it feels like a blissful dance beneath a sunlit sky. The two tracks it offers are like two facets of the night – “Get With Me” evokes the exhilarating spirit of late night club dances, while “Deep Wubs” is a mellower, contemplative serenade, reminiscent of a sunrise set.
The journey of Damo Cox, coming from Australia, resonates deeply. He’s not just an artist but a phoenix, rising from a painful setback in wakeboarding to redefining his dreams in the world of electronic music. As he stitches together intricate sound designs, one can sense his embrace of house music’s essence while also keeping his sound’s distinctiveness.
His ties with the land down under run deep, with performances resonating at festivals like Splendour in the Grass. But it’s not just the festivals; his music, echoing in various corners of Australia, speaks volumes of his versatility. Sharing the stage with artists like Phil Smart and Dena Amy, and running his own radio show, what Damo has manifested is something hundreds of other artists crave. His journey, much like my own, is a symbol to the resilience of the human spirit, of the courage to reinvent, and the passion to create.
He took the time out to do an interview as well, check it out in full below.
Exclusive Interview
What inspired you to create the ‘Wub Me EP’ and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
I wrote both at a point when I was going through a tough time with my mental health. It was a bit of a roller coaster! There would be some dark days, but on the other hand, with the good people I had around me, the light would shine through, and there would be some really good days. I wanted the EP to showcase the light and dark, so ‘Deep Wubs’ has those darker undertones and a deeper vibe, whereas ‘Get With Me’ is on the lighter side, especially with the bouncy bass line. The overall message is that even in those dark times, there is always some light around the corner.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind the tracks on the EP? Any unique elements or influences that you incorporated?
I really draw inspiration from so many different places. Artists like Chris Lake, Michael Bibi, Wongo, and Kyle Watson have been ones that I regularly draw inspiration from. Also, my good friend Craig Roberts, with whom I have a side project called GrooveJak, has been a really big influence on the way I produce. I also really love the way Liam Howlett from The Prodigy uses samples to create something that sounds new and original. That was definitely an inspiration for the use of the samples in “Get With Me”. I had been listening to a lot of Paul Kalkbrenner at the time too, so his deeper vibes were a bit of an inspiration for “Deep Wubs” and the synth on the track was inspired by “The XX – Intro”.
How do you feel your previous experiences as a DJ, producer, and audio engineer have shaped the sound and direction of the ‘Wub Me EP’?
Starting out as a DJ gave me a feel for what gets people moving in the club, so that plays a big part in the way I write and how I’ve shaped my sound. Some of my first productions lacked energy when I tested them out in the clubs, and so I learned a hard lesson early on and always to maintain good energy in my tracks. As a kid, I played the drums, so that helps me when I want to add a bit more energy to the groove. Doing my Bachelor of Audio at SAE in Byron Bay gave me a whole new appreciation for producing music, Mixing, and Mastering. It changed how I approached my projects creatively; it really gave me the tools to both know the rules and then think about how to bend them to make something different and define a sound that is mine. Starting “Sorta Kinda Music” has also played a big part in shaping my sound. Ky, who is the other half of the label, has eclectic taste in music and has introduced me to heaps of new sounds. I learn something new every time I work on a track with amazing artists from around Australia and overseas.
‘Day For It’ achieved great success, reaching #1 on the Traxsource Electro House Chart. What do you think sets this track apart and resonates with listeners?
It’s funny because that track really just started out as a bit of an in-house joke between myself and some of the artists on the label because it just had become the catchphrase of that particular Summer. I was tinkering around with another unfinished track one night, and thought it had a fun vibe but was missing something. Next thing I know, I’m recording myself saying the hook, ‘It’s a f***cken day for it’. When Heizer (Aus) and Just.Jax heard it, they wanted to make remixes. Then we had this whole package sitting there, so we released it under Sorta Kinda Music without any real expectations. We were all pretty surprised at the positive response to it. I think it just came down to having an authentic Aussie Summer vibe—a track that a few mates kinda cooked up over a few beers (back when I was still drinking) – and it doesn’t get much more authentic and Aussie than that.
With your extensive experience in the music industry, what do you see ‘Wub Me EP’ contributing to the greater house music community?
Everything is a learning opportunity, and with every release, I take something new away from it. This EP was created during a tough time in my life, which is also an experience that I have learned so much from. I’m a big believer in collaboration and supporting others in the community, so anything I learn, I’m always willing to share with others, whether they are artists that we sign to the label, artists I am lucky enough to collab with, or artists I mentor. Music also has a very special way of making people happy and connecting people, so my hope with this EP is that it resonates with the community and makes people feel good! Maybe it will help someone through one of those darker moments in their life and help them get back to a happier place. That would be nice.
Albums | Movada & BAMY collab for “Closer”
Posted by VMan on August 2, 2023
Breaking producer talent Movada has teamed up with Croydon-based rapper BAMY for the
release of ‘Closer’, released 28th July on leading indie imprint, Perfect Havoc. ‘Closer’ is a
driving, dance floor filler, complete with bouncy bassline, BAMY’s speedy vocal delivery and
euphoric drops to keep the crowds dancing. Following Movada’s previous singles ‘Level Up’ and
‘Push It’ which received 13 consecutive plays on BBC Radio 1 plus BAMY’s ‘Future Next
Wave Artist’ accolade from Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, this new single has big shoes to fill, and
boy does it deliver.
Movada (aka Noel Wayne / Ekko City) is a bona fide one to watch following his thumping tech
house re-imagination of Akon’s 2005 hit ‘Bananza (Belly Dancer)’. With current views of
around 27M on TikTok, its success is testament to Movada’s ingenious composition skills.
The young artist has released a string of successful singles – all streamed in their millions –
including his 2020 debut single ‘Stay’ on TYM Recordings, his debut on Perfect Havoc ‘High
Off Me’ in collaboration with Mahalo, and the mighty ‘Level Up’ and ‘Push It’ with DJ Yuki,
both playlisted on KISS Dance and featured on ITV’s Love Island UK. With further co-writing
and production credits for Matoma and The Vamps, and remixes for MØ, Martin Solveig
and Kodaline, it’s fair to say Movada is making quite an impression. Also keep an eye out in
June when Movada drops even more new material on Spinnin’.
Joining Movada on ‘Closer’ is the unstoppable songwriter, BAMY. He’s quietly been amassing a
huge following across social media with his tongue in cheek and geezer-esque content coupled
with some crazy freestyles and song previews.
BAMY was personally scouted by the acclaimed Jax Jones before even releasing his first
single ‘Set You Free’ which went on to see release on Jax’s WUGD Polydor Imprint. It gained
impressive support from Radio 1’s Jack Saunders who donned BAMY as a ‘Future Next
Wave’ Artist, while it saw strong support across multiple Spotify playlists. After spending time
perfecting his sound, BAMY is finally ready to take the scene by storm, and from the looks of it,
it’s not gonna take him too long.
‘Closer’ is another quality release for Perfect Havoc. Shortlisted for Best Independent Record
Label at the 2023 Music Week Awards, Perfect Havoc’s niche of crossover dance alongside
club-focused sounds has accumulated over 10 billion global streams and given rise to six UK
Top 20 singles and multiple platinum, gold, and silver awards.