Hip-Hop | Mike Champoux — One
Posted by jeffwbaird on March 10, 2013
It’s a rare moment these days when I come across a new emcee whose sound truly transfixes me. Rapping has become such a major fad in our college culture, and as more nontraditional hip-hop acts gain prestige in this community, it continues to saturate this work and turn a genre that once exclusively documented the struggles of urban life into one accessible to all. I’m very proud of the progression of hip-hop and I believe that it’s an adaptive genre by nature, but simultaneously—as an advocate of hip-hop’s finesse and literary qualities—it has made me loathe checking my inbox and staying on top of the trends. There’s a definite lack of awareness and a presence of ignorance in those who self-identify as artists of hip-hop that I can tell upon first listen. These are artists who’ve been drawn to hip-hop because of the perceived ease of constructing a strong where no message or originality is necessary. Tracks have become defined by punchlines and producer’s remakes of industry singles, rarely detailed and rarely bearing any sign of lyrical prowess. I digress, but this morning a Seattle artist named Mike Champoux was brought to my attention, and has provided me with a temporary sense of trust. He’s a multitalented producer and rapper, and is a few weeks away from releasing his first full-length, L.I.F.E., which highlights the introspective qualities of his work. “One” is a beautiful homage and response to a friend of Champoux’s who took his own life, with a melodic and gripping instrumental that has that characteristic Seattle sound that Ryan Lewis has brought to global attention. Enjoy.
Albums, Progressive House, Review | Dirty South – Speed Of Life (Album Review)
Posted by Middy on March 6, 2013
Serbian born, Australian native Dragan Roganovic, better known to the world for the past decade as Dirty South has finally released his debut artist album “Speed Of Life” after countless singles, EPs, collaborations and remixes. The album is where his sound is at this present moment, but it is also a culmination of everything he has done to this point and how he has evolved and grown as an artist. There is no doubt that if he had written this 2 or 5 years ago, the album would have sounded totally different, and we are grateful that he took the time to wait and mature to venture into the difficult, arduous, yet rewarding process of creating an album. The 45 minutes containing “Speed Of Life” have no wasted second, every bit has a purpose and there is no song that seems to be a filler. This carefully crafted album may leave you wishing there was more at the end, but isn’t that a good thing, or at least a whole lot better then you wishing there was less.
Moombahton | La’Reda – Guns Drawn [FNT Exclusive]
Posted by Sev on March 1, 2013
La’Reda is back at again with another exclusive for you guys. These guys have just been cranking out track after track for their fans and they’re all amazing! This track is probably one of my favorites from them, because of the different genres and styles they incorporated into this one track all work so well. They took their heavy trance and electro background and fuzed them into this crushing Moombahton track. The melodies and chord progressions are outstanding alongside the 110BPm tempo and four-to-the-floor kick, which becomes a moombah kick-snare later on changing the whole feel of the track and giving it more swing. These guys have big things in store later on this year so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Grab your free download from below, because this is a must have for everyones weekend and upcoming Spring Break.
Interviews | Norin & Rad Interview (FNT Exclusive)
Posted by Middy on March 1, 2013
Bruce Karlsson (Norin) & Nick Sember (Rad) better known as Norin & Rad to most of you have become one of the brightest stars in the American trance scene. The two Northern California natives met several years back through mutual friends and since their first single “The Gift”, their career trajectory has only been upward. After releases on Tritonal’s Air Up There label, Enhanced and Coldharbour, they were taken under the guise of Above & Beyond and signed to Anjunabeats. Their single “Bloom” announced their arrival to the trance community that they were a name that needed to be watched.
They have a unique and varied sound that is the archetype of the new blend of trance and house that pervades the trance genre now. The duo have gone from being college students to playing festivals like Tomorrowland, Electric Zoo and EDC in a few short years. Coming off of a strong 2012 with a slew of releases on Anjunabeats, they are set for an even bigger year in 2013 with an album in the works that they say has some “really interesting material” and a single “Aldo” coming this Monday on the Anjunabeats Volume 10. We had the chance to ask them about being a part of the Anjunabeats family, their album and their working relationship. Check out their recent free track “Snap” below and the interview after the jump.
Free Download: Norin & Rad – Aldo
Chill, Dubstep | River Styx – Evolve
Posted by Mach on February 25, 2013
This is one of the best Garage tracks I have heard in a while. Fun fact, River Styx is the other alias of filthy Dubstep producer, Poseidon. This track is very laid back, but the melody is something else entirely. The kicks and snare give off a Drum & Bass feel but it is the occasional blips that really add character to this great listen. After a long day at work on this Monday, River Styx provides the best way to transition to the end of your day.
Free Download: River Styx – Evolve
Progressive House | First State feat. Sarah Howells – Seeing Stars
Posted by Mel on February 18, 2013
Dutch producer Sander van Dien, also known as First State, is a new name to me, but did he ever make a good first impression. “Seeing Stars” is the debut single off his upcoming album and it’s a good one. Sarah Howells provides superb vocals that are accompanied by beautiful piano work and atmospheric strings, leading to a build up composed of outstanding arps and claps and then climaxing into an uplifting drop. You won’t see me posting many Beatport tracks, but this one is too good not to share.
Dubstep | Draper – Night Rider Ft. Phoebe Ray (Dub Scout Remix)
Posted by Mach on February 14, 2013
This is one of those remixes that you can play over and over and it still carries you off. I love the progression of this, Dub Scout must have had a killer layout before starting. I can only imagine how great it felt to finally listen to his completed work. Phoebe Ray’s vocals are addicting, perfect fit for a remix.