Electro | Pretty Lights feat. Talib Kweli – Around The Block
Posted by Middy on April 15, 2013
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
Electro | Pretty Lights NYE Recap – The Day Is Gone
Posted by Middy on March 15, 2013
It might be a little on the late side for a NYE recap, but when it comes to previewing a new song from Pretty Lights, you are always right on time. Pretty Lights takes the opportunity to show off the madness of what went down those two nights at Roseland Ballroom during his marathon sets and uses a vintage Pretty Lights track as a soundtrack for the entire thing. No word on when it will be released since he made it for his NYE shows, but you know one thing is for certain, it will be free.
House | Mimada’s Top 12 for 2012
Posted by mimada on January 5, 2013
With the renaissance of music festivals and growing popularity of electronic music, it’s safe to say my attendance to live shows grew exponentially in 2012 (not that I had that many years under my belt to begin with). However, this really changed my perception of music and how I listened to it. Before, I would see an artist based on my familiarity with them and listen to their songs on repeat in the parking lot until moments leading up to the show. Now, it’s more so that I attend a concert based on the artist’s live talent and/or how much fun the performance will be. When I hear their songs in the future, I get sentiments of that first time I heard it sitting outside in a grassy field surrounded by flag holders or squished up against girls in moonboots rather than it’s premier on SiriXM radio. For me, music in 2012 was not about what would get me out of bed in the morning or play in the background at the gym while I worked out: it was what I could dive into and take me away from any known reality. I guess it’s always kind of been that way, but once you get a peek at my top 12, I think you’ll understand what I mean.
Dubstep | Pretty Lights – Halloween Funtime REMIXMONSTRousMASHup
Posted by Mach on October 29, 2012
Halloween is not too far and of course artists have been releasing a hell-storm of tracks to suit the dark holiday. To my complete surprise, Pretty Lights jumped in on the festivities this year. With his album looming over our heads, I seriously did not expect him to release something for halloween. In this ‘mashup’ of his, he samples some good old Michael Myers. Using that day old piano repetition that can be recognized by all, but also breaking into some bass, Pretty Lights shows that even halloween can be consumed by his talents. While there is no date yet for his upcoming album, it is coming, and I can’t wait.
Events | Pretty Lights Announces 2 NYE shows in NYC at Roseland Ballroom
Posted by Middy on October 16, 2012
As hinted at the end of his Electric Zoo set, when he said barely audibly over the pleas for one more song “See you on New Years”, Pretty Lights has delivered on his closing set promise and comes back to the big apple in style playing not one, but two New Years shows on the 30th and 31st, making this a must attend event. You could go see Tiesto down in Atlantic City for $125 and be possibly wowed or let down by the performance, you could see Afrojack at his yet to be determined location in the tristate area or you could see the funky, soulful beats of Pretty Lights. The choice is yours, but Pretty Lights when it is all said and done may be the best option of the three, especially with his setup blending very well with the space of Roseland Ballroom. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am EST.
Update: Tickets sold out in 10 minutes for NYE, but there are still tickets for 12/30
Dubstep | Pretty Lights – So Bright
Posted by Mach on October 2, 2012
This may be the first time ever that Pretty Lights is making us buy a new single of his. This is a huge step in the artist’s career seeing as he has prided himself on the ability to release all of his music for free despite their availability on iTunes and Beatport. “So Bright” actually has little bit of Dark Soul style to it, mainly having to do with Pretty Lights’ way of infusing Dubstep with Soul and Hip-Hop. Not including his usual vocal sampling, the unnamed guy that comes in to drop a few verses is a nice touch. Pretty Lights is still a pioneer in EDM, it has been some time since he has released a big project. I wonder if this is the beginning to one?
UPDATE!!!!!: So Pretty Lights has stated this was not supposed to release yet so he has released it for free on his site. He has stuck with his original idea of everything free, true class.
Glitch | Mord Fustang – Champloo
Posted by Spice on September 25, 2012
Calling all fans of KOAN Sound and Pretty Lights: this is a must listen. Estonian producer extraordinaire Mord Fustang test drives a new sound in his latest release, “Champloo,” which delivers the funked-out vibe that comes from dropping the tempo to 100 BPM but doesn’t dial down the synthwork. Mord is known for his lush, dazzling soundscapes, and they’re on full display here — and work surprisingly well with that groovy glitch-hop sound. This track definitely has a clear KOAN Sound vibe, but I think that Mord’s distinctive space-disco touch sets it apart from the rest. Overall? Awesome and a must download.