Albums | 44 ardent drops new 14-track album, ‘leo’
Posted by VMan on December 15, 2023
44 Ardent is an indie-dance/house project from Australian artist Callan Alexander (aka cln), which has a sound that could be likened to a mix between Caribou, Tourist and Odesza.
When creating the 44 Ardent project back in 2018, Callan had decided to keep his real identity under wraps. The initial intention for project was simply for him to have an outlet to continue releasing the more electronic/dance focused music he was creating while his other main project, cln, began moving into a more alternative indie/pop kinda realm.
Since then, however, 44 Ardent has taken on a life of its own, and Callan is excited to reveal this project to his entire network of friends and fans, giving it the recognition it deserves.
“44 Ardent was initially supposed to be a secret/anonymous side project, but I’m not very good at keeping secrets. Quite a few people have figured out that it’s me/cln, so I’ve now decided to let the cat out of the bag. I created this project as more of an electronic outlet as cln has shifted a little bit more into the indie world. Electronic music has always been my favourite type of music to make, as you have total creative freedom. I was making so many songs that couldn’t really be released under cln, and I needed to find a place to put them. 44 Ardent is that place.” ~ Callan Alexander
Throughout 2023 Callan has given us six exceptional 44 Ardent singles, but there is still so much more to come from him this week as he shares a very generous 14-track album titled “leo”, which as he reveals below is a culmination of various genres & styles of electronic music that he has spent a lot of time exploring this year.
“leo is the culmination of all of the 44 Ardent music that I’ve made over the last year or so. I have noticed that a lot of the best producers have an approach where they focus on pumping out lots of quick ideas, and then refine the best ones. I’ve tried to follow that to an extent, making heaps of music very quickly and then only finishing the ideas that I really like. This album is the end product of that. There is a real mix of genres and styles, as I’ve tried not to corner myself into any particular sound.
I hope to keep releasing lots of music under this alias and am very grateful to my manager Jez for believing in the project and pushing it forward. Thank you for listening xx.” ~ Callan Alexander
Albums | Fox Stevenson returns with infectious new single “Love The Day”
Posted by VMan on December 13, 2023
Fox Stevenson, the maestro behind the fusion of Drum & Bass-Pop magic, is back with a bang, presenting his latest single, ‘Love The Day.’ The brainchild of Stanley Stevenson-Byrne, Fox Stevenson has carved out a niche for himself as a masterful craftsman in the realm of sonic exploration, effortlessly blending club-centric beats with heartfelt singer-songwriting.
‘Love The Day’ showcases Fox’s ability to transcend genre boundaries, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences. The track weaves together modulated guitars, swelling sub bass, and a pulsating drum & bass beat, creating a euphoric sense of joy under Stevenson’s soulful, silky lead vocals. It’s a prime example of Fox’s work—catchy, commercially viable, and explosive, with an infectious energy that’s guaranteed to get you moving.
Albums | Producer/multi-instrumentalist Bass Physics taps vocalist Micah Martin for rock-infused bass track “WHERE I’VE BEEN”
Posted by VMan on December 13, 2023
Through his distinct sonic and visual language, producer/multi-instrumentalist Bass Physics skillfully transports listeners to alternate realms and gives them reprieve from their earthly struggles.
The Denver-based artist has built a career around a dazzling array of impactful bass aesthetics and electrifying live sets— a vibrant performance style that sees him oscillate between electronic hardware, piano, and guitar. As a result, he’s gained a fervent audience enamored by his creative sensibilities, leading to performance slots at some of Denver’s most storied music institutions, including Red Rocks (5x), Decadence (3x), and a sold-out show at Bluebird Theatre – not to mention three performances at Cancun’s electronic music destination event Ember Shores. This year, he also remixed the Illenium, Grabbitz, and Wooli collaboration “You Were Right.”
Now, Bass Physics is gearing up towards the release of his debut album, Lost In Space, an ambitious project that promises to flex the producer’s penchant for cinematic, mind-expanding soundscapes. Brimming with melodic compositions, immersive sound design, and, of course, extraterrestrial bass production, Lost In Space will be a holistic artist statement – an embodiment of Bass Physics’ creative persona and a time capsule of his evolution thus far.
Last month, Bass Physics unveiled the LP’s lead single “FLY AWAY feat. CASS” – a melodic bass banger that fuses heart-thumping bass, angelic vocals, and intricate production flourishes all wrapped in a lush, other-wordly presentation.
Today, the artist unveils the LP’s second single “WHERE I’VE BEEN,” a collaboration with vocalist Micah Martin, who has gained traction in the electronic dance scene for his vocal performances in tracks with Kayzo, Spag Heddy, Zomboy, ARMNHMR, TVBOO and more. Melding hard-hitting bass with a heavier-rock influence, “WHERE I’VE BEEN” showcases the beauty of overcoming internal conflict.
Bass Physics first discovered Martin from a TVLKS with TVBOO podcast, where the artist was instantly enamored with his work and charisma. He knew Martin would be perfect for this narrative of “WHERE I’VE BEEN”- a story about how the challenges we face externally in life often seem insignificant when compared to the internal struggles we impose upon ourselves. The end result of their creative partnership is an emotionally poignant song with intricate sound design, hard-hitting live elements, and potent, rock-inspired vocals.
“WHERE I’VE BEEN” kicks off with Bass Physics’ signature guitar playing – an immersive arp chord progression that sets the tone of the track before introducing Martin’s vocals over a pulsating, driving drum section. Then, the track builds with Martin’s powerful lyrics before bursting into a thunderous, cacophonous bass drop that’s weaved with a heavily distorted and glitched guitar lead, creating an atmosphere that oozes with infectious vibrations. The second drop then imbues the track with even more raucous, headbanging catharsis before realigning with the relatively calm and melodic tone of the first drop – an allusion to the natural, circular structure of pushing through life’s struggles.
“The dynamic range of sound in this track makes it one of my all time favorites, and Micah’s vocals just take it to another level. It embodies all the aspects of bass music that I cherish the most. There is no hardship anyone can give me that I haven’t given myself. I’ve lived through my own struggles in my head and nothing external can break me down at this point. I know ‘Where I’ve Been,’ do you?” – Bass Physics
Albums | Gusted Debuts Official Remix of Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”
Posted by VMan on December 8, 2023
Boulder-based rising talent Gusted debuts an official remix of Dead or Alive’s hit single “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record),” out now via Ultra Records.
Gusted’s hardgroove techno-infused take on the iconic track marks a significant milestone for the Colorado upstart, as his “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” is authorized by the estate of Dead or Alive. His unique four-on-the-floor spin features pulsating synths, a funky bassline, and energetic kicks that promise to captivate audiences and invigorate dance floors, all the while breathing new life into the legendary 80s hit.
“The original Dead or Alive song was on my first little iPod. I remember listening to it countless times, as I had only a few songs downloaded,” Gusted reminisces. “I made the remix without overthinking it, simply sending it around, and to my surprise, it resonated with people. It reaffirms that my best tracks emerge when I’m in a carefree, exploratory state of mind, not fixated on the final outcome.”
Listen the remix below.
Albums | One-to-watch artist SANJAY serves up deep electronic vibes on new single “Dive2”
Posted by VMan on December 8, 2023
Multi-instrumentalist and electronic producer, SANJAY, wraps up the year with the
release of ‘Dive2’ – the third single taken from his forthcoming debut album,
‘Ancestral Visions’. It’s a sublime showcase of the Joshua Tree-based breaking
talent, packed with spiritual song writing, deep electronic grooves and juxtaposed
with SANJAY’s trademark injection of indie dance.
From headlining on the Playa at the legendary Burning Man to touring the world
with members of the Gypsy Kings, to the release of his ‘Initiation’ EP in 2021,
SANJAY has been quietly gathering a cult following. His guiding principle, Music is
Medicine, has attracted fans in ViVA label head Steve Lawler and the Grammy-
nominated Zoo Brazil. Whether flexing his skills as a dexterous DJ, engineer,
guitarist or singer, SANJAY is an adept all-rounder making music with a purpose
that fires the imagination.
The release of this latest single, ‘Dive2’ follows the stripped-back, minimal remix
by LA-residing, Davi, best known as a key label associate at Crosstown Rebels
and All Day I Dream. It’s a special track for SANJAY on many levels and follows, in
narrative fashion, the release of ‘Dive’ from his 2021 EP. Sanjay explains,
“I was going through a tough time in my twenties and my spiritual teacher told me,
“Dive in deep to the darkness” when he was teaching me meditation – a mantra
which became the main lyric in ‘Dive’. Yet I always felt like there was another part
to that song… I’d fallen out with my oldest friend, there was a lot of betrayal, and
we weren’t speaking – it was a tough time. I wrote the second part of the lyric when
I was on a beach in Hawaii; ‘Dive in deep to the darkness AND be the light’, for
him. Even though I couldn’t speak to him, this was my anthem to him to get to a
more ascended, better place. I think it’s relatable to anyone going through a tough
period.”
Dive2 is instantly hypnotic with its opening sequence of heavy electronic drums.
SANJAY’s profound vocal refrain ‘dive in deep to the darkness and be the light’
comes in, set to epic sonics with deep emotion. Further deep synths contrast with
acoustic guitar and the ceremonial chanting of the Huni Kuin (the indigenous tribe
from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest who featured in the original recording of
Dive), altogether create an atmosphere that evokes visions of life and rebirth.
SANJAY’s debut album ‘Ancestral Visions’ will arrive in early 2024, combining
pop culture and spirituality, drawing diverse inspiration from Nine Inch Nails,
Prince, Tame Impala, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Neil Young and Kanye West.
The genesis of ‘Ancestral Visions’ took shape during SANJAY’s expedition into
the depths of the Peruvian Amazon. Upon returning, he embarked on a
personal journey performing, recording, mixing and producing at ARC Studios in
Nebraska (owned by Bright Eyes). Sanjay offered his heart and soul to his album,
showcasing the powerful force within each of us, weaving transcendent musical and
lyrical elements with the belief that music is medicine.
Albums | re:abel drops “Concentrate”
Posted by VMan on December 6, 2023
re:abel is a project from Melbourne newcomer Ryan Gasparini who is crafting a unique blend of Future/UK Garage electronica, which has a sound that can be likened to a mix between Overmono, Burial and Joy Orbison. Just last month Ryan teamed up with Mammal Sounds Records for an uplifting atmospheric release called ‘Carbonceramics’, which also came with news of a three-track ep coming our way soon. This week he is giving us the second taste of that EP with the subtly darker and explorative sounds. “Concentrate” by re:abel is available everywhere now via Mammal Sounds Records, tune in above now and read a quote from him on the release below!
“‘Concentrate’, the second single from this release, assumes a much darker, brooding presence than the single ‘Carbonceramics’ that came before. Building with broken UKG style drums and echoes of reverb drenched vocals, before dropping into hard-hitting sub bass and dub-inspired chords, that transport you to rainy city streets and neon-lit underground bass music clubs.”
Albums | Summon Luke? Drops new track, “Conjure”
Posted by VMan on December 5, 2023
Columbus, OH has birthed its fair share of musical talents, and among them stands Summon Luke—a visionary artist who, with each release, propels himself further into uncharted territory. His latest single, “Conjure” is a testament to his evolution, showcasing a seamless fusion of alternative pop, rock, and electronic industrial influences that resonate with an otherworldly charm.
As 2023 draws to a close, Summon Luke punctuates the year with an epic release that solidifies his status as a singular force in the music scene. “Conjure” has a haunting vibe to it at times, hinting at the artist’s willingness to explore darker dimensions within the realm of alternative rock. The result is a transcendent indie rock opus that captures the very essence of Summon Luke’s artistic identity.