Exclusive, Featured, Interviews | Andrew Bayer talks past and future with “If It Were You, We’d Never Leave”, producing with Above & Beyond, future works and more

Posted by on April 15, 2013

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American producer (we can’t even try to put him in one genre), Andrew Bayer may seem like a new name to many of you, but this veteran has been in the dance music industry for 10 years now and finally getting the credit he deserves. Starting back in 2003 when he was just a teen in the now on hiatus group, the Signalrunners with Alan Nimmo, before striking out on his own in 2008. An alum on Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Massachusetts (we are all pulling for you guys), he is one of the few DJ / producers with a professional music degree, an experience he calls “amazing for my growth as a producer”.

Andrew Bayer’s music crosses genres and styles. His 2011 artist album, “It’s Artificial” made waves with its wide variety of styles, from glitch-hop to silky smooth techno to eclectic electronica and progressive, that made the whole experience very cerebral. The experimental 8 track debut artist album signaled his arrival as a solo artist and put the world on notice that he was to be reckoned with. His upcoming album “If It Were You, We’d Never Leave” is a beautiful piece of work. Set to release April 22nd, it may be my favorite album since “Group Therapy”, I am willing to go that far. The subtle layers and samples that create the soothing emotions and sounds are unparalleled to what other producers are putting out right now. You can download “It’s Going To Be Fine” for free here on XLR8R, but to be honest it would be a disservice to the track because this album needs to be heard as one contiguous piece of music, just as it was originally constructed, and each single by themselves will not make as much sense without the context of the album.

We had the chance to get him on the phone today, to talk everything from, working and producing with Above & Beyond, the Signalrunners, the album and more. Pre-order and preview the album below and then click the jump to read the interview.

Pre-order album on iTunes

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Electro | Pretty Lights feat. Talib Kweli – Around The Block

Posted by on April 15, 2013

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Derek Vincent Smith aka Pretty Lights has been quiet on the release front lately, but only because he is getting set to release his 4th artist album “A Color Map of the Sun” on July 2nd. One of the hardest working and most generous guys in the industry, he has made a name for himself with a stunning live show and a compliment of free downloads that always puts all of his music directly into the hands of his fans free of charge.

His unique blend of funk, soul, electro, and hip hop has made him a favorite of fans across genres. Tonight, free of charge of course, he released the first single off of the album “Around the Block”, featuring Talib Kweli. The track has the gritty soul that you expect from a PL track and mixed with Talib Kweli’s smooth bars, it is an outstanding first look at what we can expect July 2nd. You can pre-order the album now in physical copy on his website in packages of other merchandise, which costs money, but if there is anyone who you should pick up the CD from, it would be Pretty Lights. If your finances are not in order, then in true Pretty Light fashion, it will be available for free download on release day. After the jump, check out the teaser for the full documentary of the making of the album.

Free Download: Pretty Lights feat. Talib Kweli – Around The Block

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Preview, Videos | Daft Punk tease “Get Lucky” at Coachella

Posted by on April 13, 2013

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
I know you may be getting a little tired of the Columbia Records driven Daft Punk hype / tease machine that is in full effect right now, but last night at Coachella an artist that did not even perform stole the headlines and the show. All Daft Punk had to do was tease a little more of the track first heard on SNL, bringing in contributions from Niles Rogers, Julian Casablancas of the Strokes and vocals from Pharrell to help complete the picture on this epic track. The unique robotic Daft Punk sound is so great to hear again and combined with the funky riff we have heard countless times, it is sure to be something huge. Listen for yourself and don’t forget to pre-order the album. Updated with SNL Ad clip.

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DJ-Set, Progressive House | Avicii – Promo Mix 2013

Posted by on April 10, 2013

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On the heels of his very controversial Ultra MainStage set where he premiered a lot of the new material from his new album and there was a kazoo, Avicii gives us a further glimpse into the future with this hour long promo mix that features several of those aforementioned country-house tracks. He starts in the mix with some upcoming more traditional Avicii tracks, including the massive collab between him and Lana del Ray, before launching into some of his more experimental material that put the world on notice at UMF. To be honest I was one of the people who hated on the stuff at the time because mainly I just did not know how to process what was going on and rejected it outright for the moment. But, after listening to it on some nice speakers in a calm setting, it is growing on me and I think it will grow on most Avicii fans as well because I would like to think that his fans are open minded enough to give it a second chance. Maybe that is naive, but I would like to think that is case.

Contests, Events | Win Tickets to See Armin van Buuren in New York City on May 2

Posted by on April 9, 2013

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Calling all Armin van Buuren fans: the undisputed King of Trance will be back in the city that never sleeps on May 2nd to promote his upcoming album, and you could join him at a live taping of The Wendy Williams Show. Check out the scoop from his management team and sign up for tickets! This is an awesome opportunity to be on the sidelines as Armin talks trance, “Intense,” and his plans for the coming year — definitely a memorable experience by any stretch of the imagination.

World’s “#1 DJ” according to DJ MAGAZINE’s “Top 100 DJs” poll, Armin van Buuren is going to be on The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday May 2, 2013! We would like to give you the opportunity to be in the audience for this special interview in support of his new album, Intense from Armada Music.

For those of you interested in attending the show, please click the following link: Wendy Williams Show – Get Tickets.

PLEASE be sure to mention “Armin van Buuren” in the comments box!

So there you have it. Happy ticket hunting, Trance Fam.

Cover, Hip-Hop | PropaneLv – F*ck For The Road (Tyga & Chris Brown Cover)

Posted by on April 8, 2013

“When I hit the stage you don’t ever stare, you just tell me ‘break a leg baby’, Kevin Ware.”

PropaneLv just so happens to cover the recent Tyga single featuring Chris Brown on the eve of Tyga’s new album, Hotel California. It seems Lv can’t decide if he likes RnB ballads or urban bangers more, seeing as his cover series jumps back and forth between the two regularly. Not mad about it.

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Download: PropaneLv – F*ck For The Road (Tyga & Chris Brown Cover) (via Lv’s Facebook)

Albums, Electro | Bass Physics – Lose Your Mind Album

Posted by on April 8, 2013

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One of my favorite up-and-coming artists, Bass Physics, is back with a massive album release. This duo has been releasing great funky-electro that I’ve been in love with for the past few months. This new album is on a completely new level and features 11 great tracks. What I like most about these guys is their ability to crush live performances. Bass Physics doesn’t only DJ, they also shred on live instruments which is quickly separating them from other DJs. After being booked at top venues all over Colorado, I’m sure Bass Physics is going to have a huge summer so get ready to Lose Your Mind! 

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