Albums | Mysterious producer Modapit unveils “Falling In Love,” the second single off the artist’s forthcoming debut LP
Posted by VMan on March 13, 2023
| Newly-minted producer Modapit is a project of contradictions. The enigmatic artist has emerged from the shadows of underground dance music, boasting a gothic, edgy streetwear look that contrasts their euphoric, swirling pop-electronic sounds. They project individualized emotion and meaning in their art, while remaining shrouded in anonymity underneath their signature fishnet veil. And they stay silent behind the highly expressive sounds of their music, which leads to fervent discourse and chatter from within their ever-growing Internet community. The art speaks for itself, and by removing the ‘ego’ of the artist, fans fully immerse themselves into Modapit’s disparate, fashion-forward multiverse. Modapit is revving up towards their debut album, a full-length project that promises to further spotlight the producer’s uplifting, goth-techno aura. The music is complemented by a stark-visual aesthetic developed by filmmakers David Borges and Carlos Perez. All together, they’ve crafted a funeral-rave vibe – a defining artistic ethos representing Modapit’s out-of-the-box approach and propensity for creating unlikely pairs. Listeners got their first taste of the forthcoming LP with lead single “Dancing,” a jubilant yet brooding track that translates the emotion of The Weeknd’s latest album, Dawn FM, into a dance-fueled rave experience. “Dancing” released alongside a stunning music video directed by Borges with cinematography from Perez. The second part of a four-part short film, the “Dancing” music video follows a woman navigating her way through a troubling past trauma, finding reprieve and catharsis after an encounter with a group of dancers. The video concludes with Modapit standing mysteriously behind our main character, leaving questions about their unfolding relationship. Last week, Modapit unveiled “Falling In Love,” a continuation of the producer’s ongoing thematic and narrative journey. Releasing alongside the story’s third video, this new chapter sees the same unnamed character (played by Gabriela Garcia) with a changed demeanor; while once fragile and burdened by her past, she is now confident and fierce. The video begins with our main character riding her motorcycle down a desert highway, the camera eloquently capturing the wide scenic vistas around her. She then comes across a group of mystics dancing to choreography designed by Tiffany De Alba, with the ritualistic movements once again summoning the Modapit entity. After providing a piece of the Modapit garment to the mystics, she then gets absorbed into the mysterious object above, traveling towards the final step in her emotional and psychological transformation. The music of “Falling In Love” complements the video by evoking similarly overwhelming yet triumphant feelings – a consistent emotional tightrope of the Modapit project. Contrasting dark, heavy techno chords and droning basslines with uplifting melodies and lyrics, “Falling In Love” presents a sonic arc that reflects the difficult yet rewarding process of unleashing vulnerability – a maturation that allows you to love yourself and those around you. “Falling In Love” kicks off with an ascending, ethereal atmosphere that underlies the song’s angelic central vocals. The song then builds before dropping into the thumping, pop-electronic bombast characteristic of Modapit’s sound. Filling out the rest of its composition with lush, nostalgic piano chords that transition into a second drop filled with blazing, extra-terrestrial synth lines, “Falling In Love” is simultaneously emotional, immersive, and pulsating with motion. Buried under a hood of secrecy, Modapit is a metaphor as much as it is a musical project: their blank face reflects back at you the person you want to be, while providing the steps to get there through the power of dance. |
Albums | Tobtok returns to Perfect Havoc with the mammoth sounding ‘Dreamer’ feat. betty bloom
Posted by VMan on March 11, 2023
Swedish sensation Tobtok delivers his second release of the year with the anthemic ‘Dreamer’
featuring vocals from the in-demand Betty Bloom who delivers a luxurious and dreamy performance
mixed with Tobtok’s powerful production. Having generated over 700 million streams globally and with
a double platinum hit under his belt in Australia with ‘Fast Car’, plus consistent international radio
support, Tobtok continues to evolve showing depths of creativity in this latest release.
Tobtok aka Tobias Karlsson (1million Spotify listeners), remains one of the most talented artists leading
the new wave of Swedish electronic music DJ / producers. His original work, remixes and productions
for Joel Corry, Robin Schulz and Karen Harding to name a few, have been signed to such illustrious
labels as Ministry of Sound, Kitsuné and of course, his home at Perfect Havoc.
Tobtok’s highlight outings include flexing his DJ skills on Toolroom Records’ ‘Miami Poolside’
compilation and the 2020 release ‘New Levels’ which as well as being made ‘Tune of the Week’ on BBC
Radio 1, picked up key DJ support from Sam Feldt, Sigala, Tiësto and many more. Over the past year, his sound has evolved to showcase a more complex, dance floor-ready side to his production which seems to be doing the trick with signings to credible labels such as Selected and Soave.
‘Dreamer’ is the perfect example of the evolving Tobtok sound. The track starts with an ethereal build,
wrapped in Bloom’s vocals with stabbing synths that kick on into a pumping house tune. Fitting of a
deep house set, a progressive house opener, or for big room and festival style stages, this versatile track will no doubt make it into the boxes of a diverse selection of tastemaker DJs.
Joining Tobtok on ‘Dreamer’ is the Glasgow-based vocal powerhouse, Betty Bloom. Bloom’s writing,
creativity, and gorgeous ethereal vocals saw her debut dance release come in collaboration with trance
mainstay, Ummet Ozcan. Since then, the newcomer’s single ‘Satisfy Me’ with Alex Hobson, featured on
the Love Island UK Finale in 2022 and further props came with airplay on Kiss FM. With releases with
Conor Ross and Tom Ferry still to come, Betty Bloom is one to watch.
‘Dreamer’ is yet another creative move for Perfect Havoc, co-founded by Robert Davies and Adam
Griffin in 2016. Shortlisted for Best Independent Record Label at the 2022 Music Week Awards, Perfect
Havoc’s niche of commercial dance with a smattering of the more club-focused sounds has given rise to six UK Top 20 singles including ‘Fake Friends’ by PS1 feat. Alex Hosking, and the No.1 single ‘Head &
Heart’ by Joel Corry & MNEK.
Now having generated over 10 billion streams, the London-based Perfect Havoc is one of the most
consistently successful indies in recent years. Keep an ear out for more releases in 2023 with cuts also
from CHANEY, Freejak, Ben Pearce, Varski and much more lined up.
Albums | TikTok Viral Hit ‘Bloody Mary’ gets official release on Perfect Havoc
Posted by VMan on March 10, 2023
Polish vocalist, Naja and UK producers Alfie Cridland and Adam Griffin, unleash a
charged-up version of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bloody Mary’. The original of ‘Bloody Mary’ went viral
following the TikTok craze of users, including Madonna and Gaga herself, recreating the dance
scene by Jennifer Ortega in the Tim Burton Netflix hit series, Wednesday. It’s out now on
Griffin’s chart-topping record label, Perfect Havoc.
Born out the viral TikTok edit of ‘Bloody Mary’ by Naja and the multi-platinum UK producer,
Harrison, this new version by Cridland and Griffin notches up the bpm’s into a hypnotic,
dancefloor stomper. While the Gaga version wasn’t actually used in the now famous scene of
Wednesday – it was soundtracked by ‘Goo Goo Muck’ by The Cramps – ‘Bloody Mary’ has
captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide and this latest version is set to follow suit.
For the producers at work here, breaking talent Alfie Cridland has already had a taste of
success with his 2020 release of ‘New Levels’ with Tobtok, Milwin and Mia Falls. It has
streamed over 20 million times, synced on numerous primetime TV shows including Love
Island UK, and was made Tune Of The Week on BBC Radio 1 and subsequently spun 49
times on air.
Producer and A&R at Perfect Havoc (co-founded with Robert Davies), Adam Griffin, has been
having his own success in recent years with releases in collaboration with the Swedish
sensation, Tobtok, US-house legend, Todd Terry, Anton Powers, James Hurr and more. Over
25 million streams have been generated by this versatile label head alongside accolades that
include a ‘Future Anthem’ from Radio 1, several spins across Party Anthems and Dance
Anthems, and further certifying playlist adds on Capital Dance and KISS Dance.
‘Bloody Mary’ is yet another creative move for Perfect Havoc. Shortlisted for Best
Independent Record Label at the 2022 Music Week Awards, Perfect Havoc’s niche of
commercial dance with a smattering of the more club-focused sounds has given rise to six UK
Top 20 singles including ‘Fake Friends’ by PS1 feat. Alex Hosking, and the No.1 single ‘Head
& Heart’ by Joel Corry & MNEK.
Now having generated over 10 billion streams, the London-based Perfect Havoc is one of the
most consistently successful indies in recent years. Keep an ear out for more releases in 2023
with cuts also from Tobtok, CHANEY, Freejak, Ben Pearce, Varski and much more is lined up.
Albums | Juuku Drops “Without U” ahead of new EP
Posted by VMan on March 7, 2023
“Without U” is the 2nd drop off of L.A. based DJ and producer Juuku’s new project. The high energy release is one of the artists heavier songs to date, and I am thoroughly enjoying it’s vibe. Juuku is currently on the road with Steve Aoki, so if you get a chance to catch him on one of the last dates on this specific tour in NYC, be sure to do so. It also looks like he’ll be performing at Dim Mak’s Miami Music Week event later this month right around Ultra, so keep an eye out to see him live sooner or later! Check it out about now and keep an eye out for Juuku’s EP coming out soon on Dim Mak.
Albums | London Rapper Not3s drops “Naked”
Posted by VMan on March 7, 2023
East London born and bred rapper Not3s put all his time and effort into developing his career since 2017 and has been gradually elevating ever since. Drawing inspiration not only from his underground grime scene, but also his Nigerian heritage, his eclectic style has been turning heads for years and the release of his new single “Naked” will continue to do just that. His new 3-track EP ‘Kiss Don’t Tell’ is out now and the aforementioned focus track of the project is the pop infused record “Naked”. Tune in above now!
Albums | Electro-soul guitarist/producer Phyphr unveils debut LP Catalyst
Posted by VMan on March 2, 2023
Guitarist/producer Phyphr is one of Denver’s most hotly-tipped talents, making waves with his electro-soul stylings and funky, electronic songwriting. Dedicated to inspiring his listeners, the artist has a DIY, self-produced ethos that’s intrinsic to his artistic expression and messaging: for Phyphr, everyone should be empowered to find their passion and make positive change for themselves and the world.
Phyphr’s own hard work and focus have led to a unique performance style that blends live guitar playing with immaculate electronic production – a vibrant mix that’s earned him opportunities to perform alongside acts like The Floozies, Daily Bread, Manic Focus, SoDown, and Maddy O’Neal.
Now, the dynamic maestro releases his debut album, Catalyst – a genre-hopping, full-length LP that’s brimming with raucous beats, textural grooves, and indelible hooks. Chronicling Phyphr’s ongoing journey as an artist, Catalyst is designed to spark creative inspiration in his listeners through vivid, relatable storytelling and honest reflection.
Fans got their first tastes of Catalyst with the blues-inflected “Seven Days,” featuring fellow Denver-based producer Kaptain; the boisterous, bass-fueled “Down The Street”; “Still Turnin’,” a bouncy homage to the glory of used record stores and finding musical gems in their dusty bins; and “Reaction,” a hip-hop-infused electronic cut that stays true to the LP’s central message.
The creative versatility and motivational spirit of Catalyst is perfectly encapsulated in the track “In The Clouds,” an amorphous collaboration with fellow-Denver genre-bender Manic Focus. Filled to the brim with summery guitar licks, infectious bass wubs, trumpet samples, and expertly chopped-up vocal samples, “In The Clouds” is a jubilant and vivacious sonic experience that sets a free-spirited vibe for the rest of the LP.
There’s also tracks like “Connection,” a 70s-funk pastiche recontextualized through a modern electronic lens. With groovy basslines, synth melodies, and vocoder-inflected vocals mixed with propulsive drum patterns, deep bass, and twangy blues guitar parts, “Connection” is a masterful genre-traversing track that brings its vintage aesthetic into a futuristic setting.
Catalyst is rounded out by tracks such as the hazy, laid back “Long Way Out,” the space-age dubstep track “The 80’s,” and the anthemic “Where You Are,” a collaboration with vocalist Kanika Moore and electronic music keyboardist Jason Leech (who’s opened for Galantis, GRiZ, and Big Gigantic).
With intricately concocted electronic bangers and soundscapes complemented by a contagious aura of positivity, Catalyst acutely introduces listeners to Phyphr’s sonic and philosophical sensibilities – a combination that is sure to charm any fans new or old and inspire them to chase their dreams.
This spring, fans can catch Phyphr’s live performance prowess at shows across Colorado in support of jamtronica band Sunsquabi before his headlining slot at Denver’s art experience space Meow Wolf Denver in April. This summer, the producer will head to Illinois for Summer Camp Music Festival before returning to Colorado again for Sonic Bloom.
Albums | MXSY Makes Statement With Trap Monster “Calentura”
Posted by VMan on March 1, 2023
FUXWITHIT is always on the hunt for the next wave of artists taking bass music to new heights. The never-ending quest has taken the label to Dublin, Ireland with the discovery of 15-year-old production sensation MXSY. Don’t let his age or follower count fool you, MXSY is up next. A slew of incredible self-releases have been building his catalog and hype. Add in a single on the always impressive dumb collective and a remix of Gurf’s ‘Big Gurl’ and it’s clear that MXSY is gearing up to take over the electronic trap scene. With the release of ‘Calentura’ on FUXWITHIT, MXSY is about to put everyone on notice.
“Calentura” is one of the year’s stand-out trap bangers. The opening melody and atmospherics set the tone with an alluring and addictive sound. The feverish vocal drives things forward as it’s bent and chopped over the course of the track, giving the song its namesake. The drops are devastating and riddled with bass, finding a pocket that’s true trap perfection. What makes ‘Calentura’ so exciting is the progression. Even within the drops, MXSY is constantly keeping listeners on their toes, whether it’s feaking the bass, twisting the melodies, or mixing up the percussion. “Calentura” proves MXSY should be everyone’s artists to watch list for 2023 and sets the bar for trap bangers this year.
“My goal when creating ‘Calentura’ was to create a strange, atmospheric kind of landscape, and then switch it up completely for the drop, with a groovy beat and a weird bass sound to catch listeners off guard. I wanted listeners to always be on their toes, not knowing what is coming next. For example, they are waiting for the drop, just for it to be teased for 4 bars, then all of a sudden have it smacked in their faces!” -MXSY