kill me curious.

Siriusmo

2010-11-30T01:45:00.000-08:00

Siriusmo, one of my favourite electronic producers, once said he will not DJ or perform live due to conflicting interests. Obviously these interests no longer conflict as Siriusmo has fled the safety of his bedroom studio and taken his ten or so years worth of production to the ever inviting club culture. This decision to branch out and perform live has influenced his production with his latest splurge of remixes sounding more dance floor oriented than much of his previous work.

Both his remixes for Clare Maguire's 'Ain't Nobody', and 'Stay The Same' by The Shoes are more 'clubby' than anything off 'The Plasterer Of Love EP' even utilising the concept of 'the drop' - something almost unheard of throughout his back catalogue. Despite the change, his production remains near faultless - such an appreciation for groove, attention to detail and an understanding of 'less is more' aligns Siriusmo with the likes of electro luminaries Tiga and Zombie Nation - his latest offerings could almost be compared to a hybrid of the two.

Check out the remixes below and get hold of a rare 320kbps gem of 'Stay The Same.' Then head to hypem, type in Siriusmo and bask in the beauty of his sometimes quirky, often experimental, but always creative production.

The Shoes - Stay The Same (Siriusmo & Jan Driver Remix) - DOWNLOAD

Clare Maguire - Aint Nobody (Siriusmo Remix) - DOWNLOAD

Siriusmo Live @ Conne Island

Wolf Gang - Lions In Cages

2010-10-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Wolf Gang first tickled my ear buds almost a year ago now with his first single 'The King & All Of His Men', so my attention was immediately drawn to the email in my inbox adorned with the most simplistic of subject lines - 'Wolf Gang'.

Needless to say I was excited to discover the email contained the brand spanking new Wolf Gang single entitled 'Lions In Cages' and after thrashing it on repeat for the last few days I am confident in declaring it is an absolute indie-pop gem. It's grooving and dancey without being spoiled by overindulgent synthesizers and features one of the hookiest choruses of 2010. Wolf Gang has captured a fresh energy from a severely exploited sound and has channeled it into creating something only just shy of pop perfection. 'Lions In Cages' comes out on November 22 on Atlantic Records - just in time to make your summer that little bit brighter.

Take a sneak peek at the track, and check out a suave live performance.

Wolf Gang - Lions In Cages

Gemini Club Remixes

2010-10-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

I posted on Gemini Club all the way back here and I've been keeping an eye on their progress thanks in part to one of my most regularly visited blogs Too Many Sebastians (check these guys out!). In the time between posts Gemini Club have released their debut single 'Ghost', but have most notably been busy making their mark in the remix department having remixed The Vanish, Housse De Racket, Shinichi Osawa, and most recently fellow Chicago electro-poppers Hey Champ.

Rather than just churning out a 'club' version of an original track Gemini Club reinvent songs to be performed live. Incorporating raw guitars into the mix injects the dose of rock n roll energy that Gemini Club are becoming known for. They are one of the most exciting electro acts you haven't heard of, but we're doing our part to make sure you do.

Their latest remix of 'Cold Dust Girl' by Hey Champ has been on repeat allllll day. Check it out!

Hey Champ - Cold Dust Girl (Gemini Club Remix) - DOWNLOAD

Check out the rest of their remixes here.

The Naked & Famous CHIDDY BANG'D!

2010-10-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Naked & Famous are one of our favourite New Zealand bands. They recently won the prestigious Silver Scroll award for their chart-topping single 'Young Blood' and just completed a tour with another kiwi favourite of ours, Kids Of 88.

Continuing in their stride of musical domination they have had 'Young Blood' remixed and given some hip-hop treatment by international superstars Chiddy Bang. The hip-hop / rap / electro duo played in Auckland last week with 'bup bup Americano' Yolanda Be Cool and a bit of old-fashioned networking must have gone down to arrange the remix.

The remix is electro-fied by Xaphoon Jones and embellished with some tasty rhymes courtesy of Chiddy. It retains the original, hypnotizing chorus but aside from that it's an entirely fresh invention that's sure to propel The Naked & Famous onto the radar of a whole new demographic of music lovers.

The Naked & Famous - Young Blood (Chiddy Bang Remix)

Check out the latest single from Chiddy Bang - 'The Good Life'

LexiconDon - Student Body

2010-10-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

LA electro-pop / new kids on the block LexiconDon have released their first music video for the single 'Student Body.' It's is a blatant feel-good pop track and the video reflects this through its pink / blue tint (a clever little branding strategy to tie in with the album aptly titled 'Pink + Blue'). Check out the video below and get hold of the Bit Funk remix - it's packed with happy vibes and summery goodness.

LexiconDon - Student Body (Bit Funk Remix) - DOWNLOAD

BIG DAY OUT 2011 - OFFICIAL FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

2010-09-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

The first announcement for the Big Day Out 2011 was released today via a melodramatic video blog by eccentric party hard king Andrew W.K (who also happens to be playing the festival). While the headliners don't appeal to my tastes tooooo much, I am quite impressed by the variety and calibre of artists they've hoarded so far. And remember... this is just the first announcement - still two more to go!

Andrew W.K Video Announcement

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT:

TOOL, RAMMSTEIN, IGGY AND THE STOOGES, M.I.A, JOHN BUTLER TRIO, GRINDERMAN, WOLFMOTHER, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, BLOODY BEETROOTS DEATH CREW 77, CRYSTAL CASTLES, LUPE FIASCO, PRIMAL SCREAM SCREAMADELICA LIVE, THE BLACK KEYS, DEFTONES, BLISS N ESO, ANGUS & JULIA STONE, PLAN B, PNAU, DIE ANTWOORD, EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS, BOOKA SHADE DJs, ANDREW W.K., THE JIM JONES REVUE, BIRDS OF TOKYO, LITTLE RED, GYROSCOPE, VITALIC, CSS, RATATAT, AIRBOURNE, DEAD LETTER CIRCUS, BLUE KING BROWN, THE NAKED & FAMOUS, OPERATOR PLEASE, CHILDREN COLLIDE, GYPSY AND THE CAT, WILL STYLES, LOWRIDER, SAMPOLOGY, KIDS OF 88, KID KENOBI & MC SHURESHOCK.

(the ones in bold get me excited)

Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77 LIVE

Crystal Castles - Baptism LIVE @ Glastonbury

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 8TH OF OCTOBER

WWW.BIGDAYOUT.COM

~~LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls - DOWNLOAD (Removed By Request)~~

~~Andrew W.K - Party Hard - DOWNLOAD (Removed By Request)~~

Kids Of 88 - Sugarpills

2010-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

When the kids seductively flirted - "I wanna take you back to my house" last year, who would have thought this one-night-stand would blossom into a scandalous, polygamous relationship?

The response to their debut single 'My House' - a song written in their bedroom with no serious intentions - was so overwhelming that their fate (or destiny?) as Kids Of 88 was sealed. Now with a Sony international record deal, a trifecta of top 40 singles, and a swanky new album, the duo look poised to venture forth from their bedroom studio and take on the world.

Kids Of 88 released their debut album 'Sugarpills' in August - a highly addictive dose of bubblegum pop and electro-dance wizardry. The album kicks off with UK-single 'Ribbons Of Lights', a dreamy new-wave track that works well as an intro. What follows is an 80's school disco playlist of Kids Of 88 pop-hits. Second single 'Just A Little Bit', the bop-a-long 'Cotton Mouth', marching chant 'Everybody Knows', the sexy super-hit 'My House', and the slightly darker 'Apart Of You' should keep any sweet-toothed fan moaning with sugary fulfillment.

The flow is temporarily interrupted by my personal favourite track 'San Fran' - a more toned down, mature track providing a tasteful reprieve from the pop onslaught. The reference to 80's TV Show 'Full House' also provides some heartwarming nostalgia - "I can play uncle Jesse, you can play Mary-Kate." The latest single 'Downtown' dethrones Black Eyed Peas 'I Got a Feeling' as the new 'going out, getting messy, hitting town' anthem with the catchphrase "We're getting dressed up from the waist down" - the KO88 guide to partying on a budget. The album is rounded off nicely with another personal favourite 'Feed The Birds' and the evolving lullaby to club-banger 'SQRL.'

Sugarpills lives up to its name as a candy-coated indulgence of infectious electro-pop. Sam McCarthy and Jordan Arts have cemented themselves as the leading whiz-kids of the New Zealand music scene and have plenty of libido left to thrust their pelvises at an unsuspecting international audience.

Kids Of 88 - San Fran (Personal Favourite)

Kids Of 88 - Ribbons Of Light - DOWNLOAD (Removed By Request)

Swedish House Mafia + Pharrell + Foals

2010-09-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Swedish House Mafia's 'One' has been given new life thanks to the smooth grooving vocal addition courtesy of N*E*R*D front-man Pharrell Williams. What is considered one of the biggest house tracks of 2010 has now been made-over for a pop audience, but fans of the original should appreciate it's reincarnation. It's more sonically stimulating with the vocal "I wanna know your name" building the track and increasing the tension before the anthemic climax that has been sending dance festivals across the world into uncontrollable spasms. It's also one of the most incredible videos I have seen for a while... This track is gonna blow up... again!

Swedish House Mafia feat. Pharrell Williams - One (Your Name) - ~~DOWNLOAD (Removed)~~

And for something a little different - UK indie maestro's Foals have performed a cover of the song introducing guitars, a more frantic drum beat and an overall more raw interpretation of the original. It's surprisingly fun to hear a blatant club banger transformed by five guys using real instruments.

Foals - One (Cover)

ZOWIE - Broken Machine

2010-09-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

The music video for ZOWIE's cutesy debut single 'Broken Machine' has been released for the masses and it is quite fantastic. The video is full of stimulating candy colours that make me want to reach inside my computer screen and gobble it up. It also incites nostalgia of those 'I SPY' books I trawled over as a kid... all those pretty pictures.

ZOWIE - Broken Machine

'I SPY' book...

Surf City - Kudos

2010-09-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

I have yet to jump aboard the 'surf pop' band wagon. I never really got it... A sport inspired genre played by skinny white boys with a nostalgic affection for the Beach Boys. I do like the style though. It's refreshing and relaxed like a hot summers day on the coast, and New Zealand surf-poppers Surf City are riding the sickest swell from Mt. Roskill to well... everywhere really with the release of their debut album 'Kudos.'

To be fair Surf City (originally called Kill Surf City) shouldn't be pigeon-holed as 'surf pop' as this is merely a label given to a recent extension of indie music attributed to the likes of The Drums and Surfer Blood. Surf City have been around since 2004 and define themselves as 'shoewave' (shoe-gaze / dream wave?). They play what I would describe as sometimes dreamy, sometimes frantic, sometimes buoyant, sometimes gloomy guitar pop. Like the wind blowing sand into your sunburned face as you walk hand in hand with your beach-bronzed summer lover... It's bittersweet, but mostly sweet.

Surf City - Dickshakers Union (From Debut EP)

'Kudos' is the soundtrack for summer. Eleven tracks of feel-good, soul fulfilling pop that make you want to buy a combi van, a surfboard and an acoustic guitar and road-trip down the coast making love and peace with mother nature herself. Saturated in reverb and hooky guitar licks, 'Kudos' has that vintage feel so absent on studio embellished recordings. It sounds like four guys jamming their hearts out in an echoing beach house with a 4-track and a couple of mics.

You can buy 'Kudos' here or head over to Arch Hill Recordings to order a hard copy of the album.

Surf City - See How The Sun - DOWNLOAD

Chromeo feat. Ezra Koenig

2010-09-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

The iTunes version of the latest Chromeo album 'Business Casual' features a quirky collaboration with Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig.

Ezra's charming vocals weave a tasteful melody through the retro electro resulting in an unlikely, but likable pop track.

Chromeo feat. Ezra Koenig - I Could Be Wrong - DOWNLOAD

It's not the first time Chromeo and Vampire Weekend have worked together. Chromeo did a remix of 'The Kids Don't Stand A Chance' last year, and the two groups performed a re-interpretation of the track together at the MTVU Woodie Awards.

Vampire Weekend & Chromeo - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance LIVE

Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Chromeo Remix) - DOWNLOAD

The Mould

2010-09-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

So, The Proxy has started a record label - Mako Records - and yes, you would be right to assume they are releasing some morbid shit!

The Mould is a young Russian producer creating tunes that sound like a 'Revenge of the Power Tools' b-grade horror, where everything from your garage - drills, chainsaws, lawnmowers - become possessed by evil forces and reign murderous terror upon their owners. It's raw, nasty, fist-pumping electro quite similar to... well, The Proxy really.

If you're the type that likes to head-bang on the dance floor and have a fetish for filth then The Mould is essential listening. Fans of The Proxy, Bloody Beetroots and Housemeister will feel right at home with this heavy hitter.

The deubt EP aptly titled 'Mad Soldier Take A Rifle' is out now - Get it here.

The Mould - Ghetto - DOWNLOAD

Over The Atlantic

2010-09-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Over The Atlantic is the collaborative entity of New Zealand musicians Nik Brinkman and Bevan Smith. It began as a solo-project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brinkman, before Smith, who has previously performed under the Aspen, Signer, and Skallander monikers was invited on board to assist with production.

They play graceful dream-pop... the kind where you can close your eyes and melt into your surroundings. It's subtle, yet engaging - a soothing blend of instrumental storytelling that gently strokes the heartstrings. The latest single 'Drama' sounds like a slow dance at an early 80's high school prom. It took me literally 8 seconds before I knew I loved it... The retro synth bells and lethargic vocals are so hypnotic that that one has to suspect the use of subliminal messages embedded within the recording. When you play 'Drama' in reverse I would not be surprised to hear the devil groan - "This is your new favourite song."

Over The Atlantic - Drama

Over The Atlantic are signed to international label 'Carpark Records' (Beach House, Toro Y Moi) and New Zealand label 'A Low Hum' (Diasteradio, Mount Pleasant), through which they have successfully released two albums - 'Junica' in 2006, and 'Dimensions' in 2008. You can purchase all or any of their tracks here.

Over The Atlantic - Celia

Houses - Soak It Up

2010-09-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

Houses are a 'bliss-pop' group from Chicago and 'Soak It Up' is the second track from their forthcoming debut album All Night.

It is the perfect chill track for those early mornings or lazy evenings - so delicate and ethereal you can literally soak your soul in its peaceful embrace.

Houses - Soak It Up

The first track these guys released was 'Endless Spring' - a spacious dreamscape of wafty vocals and echoing percussion. So fitting for the season... being 'spring' and all.

Houses - Endless Spring - DOWNLOAD

All Night is due out October 16.

Leno Lovecraft September Mix

2010-09-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

Leno Lovecraft has just released his latest mix - a 12-track voyage through obscure weird-pop and sexy electro. It is an utterly delicious selection of tracks that will transport your mind to mysterious worlds without the aid of any superfluous substances.

He has also just completed an up-tempo space disco remix for Golden Axe, which features in the mix - a sure hit for any retro-junkie.

Check out the mix here (it's totally worth indulging in the entire 40 minute experience), and grab a couple of free tracks for ze iTunes.

Tracklist:

Aeroplane - We Can't Fly
Chris & Cosey - Exotica
Jimmy Edgar - Hot Raw Sex
Housse De Racket - Dan's La Avion (Leno Lovecraft remix) - DOWNLOAD
Lio - Sage Comme Une Image (Bottin Remix)
Gorgio Moroder - Chase
Donovans - Sharkness
Leno Lovecraft - Alien Sex Juice
Casco - Cybernetic Love
Alexander Robotnick - Problems D'Amour (Leno Lovecraft Edit)
Golden Axe - Freetime (Leno Lovecraft remix) - DOWNLOAD
Frank Zappa - Peaches En Regalia

Leno Lovecraft - September mix by lenolovecraft

Kimbra live @ 'Sing Sing'

2010-09-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough Kimbra right now. She just released two live videos recorded at 'Sing Sing Studios' in Melbourne and they are completely captivating. From her impassioned hand flailing, to her effortless vocal improvisation - a near perfect performance. Jaws will drop.

Kimbra - Settle Down Live @ 'Sing Sing Studios'

Kimbra - Plain Gold Ring (Nina Simone Cover) Live @ 'Sing Sing Studios'

You can download 'Settle Down' for FREE over at Perez Hilton's blog - Click here.

ZOWIE

2010-09-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

ZOWIE is the reincarnation of gritty thrash-pop fem-bot Bionic Pixie.

I, for one, mourned the hiatus of Bionic Pixie and assumed that she had accomplished her mission on earth and embarked on an intergalactic adventure in search of a new, extra-terrestrial audience to enrapture. Needless to say, I was rather excited when I noticed ZOWIE popping up all over the place looking and sounding hotter than ever.

ZOWIE says, "Bionic Pixie is the toaster, and ZOWIE is the terminator", oozing confidence that her transformation is a vast improvement. Embracing her musical evolution ZOWIE has adapted into a new species, while still retaining the dominant traits of Bionic Pixie. It's still raw pop music infused with a post-punk attitude, it's still futuristic and sonically diverse, and her style is still tilted towards wearable art, if not slightly more sexy. But, ZOWIE is undefinably different.

Her latest track 'Broken Machine' tiptoes a thin line between bubblegum pop and well... conventional pop. It's like nothing we've heard from her work as Pixie, and transports you back to when Cyndi Lauper was the disco queen. It's not an insult - I love pop! But, fans of the old may not be so down with new. However, don't base your judgment on 'Broken Machine' alone. The teaser video below features ZOWIE's forthcoming single and it is f.r.e.s.h.

RAC (Remix Artist Collective) did quite a delicious remix of 'Broken Machine' morphing it into a club-ready nu-disco time machine.

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Pikachunes

2010-09-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

Pikachunes is the solo project of ex Tiny Paper Daggers, new Tiger Tones member - Miles McDougall. Currently residing in quake-shaken Christchurch, Pikachunes has been shaking booties across the country with his minimal, moody concoction of electro-pop for close to a year now playing some of New Zealand's top venues, and hottest club nights.

There's something charming about a weedy white guy occupying a stage with nothing more than his drum-machine and a synthesizer, but Pikachunes more than compensates for his physical presence (or lack thereof) with the grooving hypnotism of his music. Stripped back to bare essentials a typical track features one or two synths, a 70's analog bass line and a reverberated, sometimes auto-tuned, vocal track - no unnecessary frills.

It's this honest simplicity that makes Pikachunes so appealing. Tracks like 'Just a Boy' tells the story of a blossoming romance, and 'Nervous' describes the fear of a musician rising to fame and fading into obscurity. McDougall's Brandon Flowers/Bernard Sumner-esque vocals make Pikachunes all the more easy on the ears and glide tastefully amongst their new-wave surroundings.

You can download the debut Pikachunes EP for FREE right here.

Pikachunes - Shout It Out (Music Video)

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Invisible Light Boys Noize Remix

2010-09-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

If it's not already obvious, Boys Noize is one of my favourite producers. I lap his shit up like a fat chick at an ice-cream store.

He recently did an epic remix for 'Invisible Light' by the Scissor Sisters who are now signed to Boys Noize Records. The original track is actually quite decent, reminiscent of over-dramatic 70's synth gods Depeche Mode. However, Noize squeezes out any leftover camp-juice creating a darker interpretation that sounds like the theme music to an inter-galactic, apocalyptic battle. You half expect Rammstein to start growling 'Du - Du Hast - Du Hast Mich' over the top. Despite its other-worldly qualities at 3:52 you are shaken back to earth as the relentless build escalates into a trademark Boys Noize drop. Get a hold of a tasty 320 below.

Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light (Boys Noize Remix) - DOWNLOAD

Tiiiggggaaa

2010-09-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

The illustrious and eloquent Tiga has been getting stuck into remixing following the release of his sophomore album 'Ciao!' last year. This year we have seen remixes for Boys Noize, Jamie Lidell, LCD Soundsystem, and most recently The XX - all of which magically deconstruct and revive the original into a perplexing avant-garde / dance-floor machine. Tiga has always been somewhat experimental in his approach to production and his latest works are tilting further into the realm of weird-pop. It's definitely not a bad thing... it's actually quite amazing. His more minimal anti-banger approach is mind stimulating and soul searching, teasing your body into motion... But, not the 'hands-in-the-air' all out rave... more of an individual groove... your own, slightly off-kilter rhythm amidst the bleeps and *doof doof's* of Tiga magic.

Check out a selection of his latest remixes.

Jamie Lidell - Telephone (Tiga Party Like It's 19909 Remix) - DOWNLOAD

LCD Soundsystem - I Can Change (Tiga Remix)

The XX - Shelter (Tiga Remix)

Knives At Noon - Violins & Violence

2010-08-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

Knives At Noon are one of those rare finds - a radiant gemstone among the piles of musical garbage that litter the bustling streets of the inter-web. They reside in the depths of Dunedin churning out what they call 'Doom Pop' - an ever so slightly darker interpretation of conventional pop with an indie / post-rock twist. They inevitably draw comparisons with fellow South Island dance-punk maestro's Bang Bang Eche!, with their synth heavy riffs, infectious melodies and white-boy aggression.

Their latest single 'Violins & Violence' off the forthcoming debut EP Glitter Guts is a hooky dance track driven by a 4-to-the-floor beat, raw lo-fi guitars, burping synth and tongue-twisting vocals. And despite my failure to adequately encapsulate the song in words, it is one of the best New Zealand releases I've heard in a good wee while... The breakdown towards the end is undeniably 'Doom Pop'!

Keep an eye on these guys, they opened for Vampire Weekend a few months back and are slowly stamping their mark on the NZ music scene... I foresee a prosperous future for these Dunedin doom-poppers!

Glitter Guts, the debut EP from 'Knives At Noon' is due out in September.

knivesatnoon.com

facebook.com/knivesatnoon

BOYS NOIZE - NEW TRACKS!

2010-08-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

Literally 8 minutes ago on Facebook BOYS NOIZE announced the release of two new 'preview' tracks to his soundcloud. While they are obviously still works in progress they are nonetheless brilliant as Alex Ridha effortlessly flaunts his electro wizardry. Although the two sneak peeks are trademark 'Noize' they thump with more authority than anything off the more experimental 'Power!' Perhaps a bangin' 12" in the making?

Let's hope we get a taste of the new stuff live @ Rhythm & Vines 2010/2011!

Boys Noize "1010" Preview by Boys Noize

Boys Noize "YEAH" Preview by Boys Noize

Miami Horror - I Look To You MUSIC VIDEO

2010-08-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

I only posted on Illumination, the debut album from Miami Horror a few days ago, but today the they released the music video for the disco-funk album favourite 'I Look To You' featuring our most enchanting New Zealand lass Kimbra.

LexiconDon - Pink + Blue

2010-08-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

LexiconDon unleash their debut album, 'Pink + Blue' today on Binary - a feat that has been two years in the making. These guys caught my attention a few months back with their first single 'December Sunset', a no frills disco track that magically envelops emotion in a singular revolving chord progression. There is a sense of less is more with LexiconDon as they strip back to the bare essentials serving up infectious, unadulterated synth-pop. Admittedly, they are a slightly guilty pleasure with tracks like pop-heavy 'Student Body' that wouldn't sound astray on any 'top 40' countdown, but it's not worth holding it against them - pop is great. However, Pink + Blue is not a one trick pony. LexiconDon delve into banging electro, sexy R&B, and 70's inspired nu-disco creating an eclectic, well rounded album that will be enjoyed by an extensive audience.

Check out the tunes below, and if you like what you hear pick up a copy of 'Pink + Blue' on iTunes today - they even encourage you to burn copies for all your friends!

LexiconDon - December Sunset

LexiconDon - Student Body

LexiconDon - December Sunset (U-Tern Remix) - DOWNLOAD

The Earlybirds - Favourite Fears

2010-08-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

New Zealand indie-pop young guns, The Earlybirds, released their debut album 'Favourite Fears' yesterday. Their first three singles 'Runaway', 'I Killed the DJ', and 'I Can't Live Without You' generated significant TV and radio exposure due to their accessible 'can't-get-you-out-of-my-head' melodies, and have propelled The Earlybirds onto the centre stage of the New Zealand music scene.

The Earlybirds take the raw rock & roll attitude of The Strokes and early KOL and sprinkle a spoonful of sugar in the mix to help the medicine go down for a more mainstream audience. The songs are well crafted and breathe originality due in part to lead singer, Filip Kostovich' suave European tinged vocals. It's hard not to like The Earlybirds... even the most pretentious 'alt-buff' is likely to catch themselves humming along to their infectious indie-pop anthems. The debut album, 'Favourite Fears', is a top-notch release boasting a musical maturity well beyond their years, so at the risk of my plug sounding like a closet 'uber-fan' outburst - runaway now, runaway now, runaway and grab yourself a copy today.

myspace.com/earlybirds

facebook.com/theearlybirds

theearlybirds.co.nz (download a free acoustic track here!)

Late Of The Pier - Best In The Class

2010-08-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Late Of The Pier released a double A-side single, Best In The Class / Blueberry, in March on limited edition vinyl and digital download on Erol Alkan's Phantasy Sound label. It is their first release since the full-length 'Fantasy Black Channel' in 2008, which set an unprecedented standard for indie / electro crossover bands by defying era and genre with the help of visionary producer Erol Alkan.

Best In Class / Blueberry expands on the experimental tendency of Late Of The Pier. 'Best In Class' is definitely the 'pop-ier' of the two, but you couldn't exactly classify it as conventional pop. The melody is hooky, but the modulated vocals after the first chorus and the unexpected thrashy breakdown outro is on a par with 'weird-rock' maestros The Mars Volta. 'Blueberry' tilts even further into the experimental beginning with a noisy, frantic intro before dropping into an MGMT-meets-Beatles strum-a-long and once again evolving into a spastic distorted guitar finale. What some will consider genius, others will label noise-pollution - whatever you're opinion, everyone should agree that Late Of The Pier are relentlessly innovative.

The Naked & Famous - The Sun

2010-08-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this video a while ago and had every intention of posting it, but for reasons unknown, it slipped my mind.

I stumbled across it again today during a routine youtube click-a-thon and was once again enthralled by its magnificence. 'The Sun' is a song from the forthcoming debut album by The Naked & Famous, which was filmed for the C4 Live Sessions and recorded at York Street Studios.

It's not likely to be a single, but it's such an intelligently executed track. The gradually building female / male vocals over a melancholy Radiohead-esque chord progression, scattered with distorted guitar feed-back builds the tension to the brink of climax... and then leaves you hanging, thrusting for more, but still - strangely satisfied by the overall experience.

The debut album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, is due out September 6.

The Chemical Brothers - Swoon

2010-08-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Chemical Brothers catapulted dance music into the mainstream with the anthemic 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl' in 1999 and changed the world forever. While today they may be overshadowed by some more 'popular' pioneers of the dance music renaissance, they remain the champions of consistency, endurance and quality having produced seven cutting-edge albums since 1995.

Their latest album, Further, is no exception - sonically superb - building, dropping and guiding you through an experience of no bullshit 'do-it-for-the-love-of-it' electro. I'll spare you an extensive review, but check out the first single, and standout track from Further - 'Swoon' - then indulge yourself in some classic Chemical Brothers and pay homage to the ones who paved the way for the popularisation of modern electronic music.

The Chemical Brothers - Swoon

Miami Horror - Illumination

2010-08-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

'Illumination', the much anticipated debut album from Australian dance-floor killers 'Miami Horror' is out today!

Illumination is everything we've come to expect from Miami Horror only amplified and improved. The soundscape's are expansive and each arrangement is dynamically stimulating leaving no purpose for the 'skip' button on your iPod. Unlike many single-oriented full-lengths, the hits 'Sometimes' and 'Moon Theory' are not the only nuggets of Miami Horror gold - in fact, to abuse the metaphor, Illumination is a gold-miners wet dream. Songs such as 'I Look To You' (the forthcoming single) featuring Kimbra, feel-good summer jam 'Holidays' (chorus melody magic!), and the "Justice goes to disco" title track 'Illumination' all ooze with the charming disco-funk spirit Miami Horror are renowned for.

Illumination will transport your mind to the road trips, the romance, the beauty and the festivities of summer - it is the soundtrack for the season.

Don't forget you can catch Miami Horror live this summer at Rhythm & Vines 2010/2011!

Chilly Gonzales - Ivory Tower

2010-08-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Chilly Gonzales - you have a lot of catching up to do. An extensive wikipedia session should get you up to date, but here's a few fast facts. Chilly Gonzales is an eccentric Canadian musician who has dipped his finger in the pie of pop, electro, rap, piano, music production and songwriting. He has collaborated with Peaches and Feist, broken the world record for the longest solo-artist performance (27 hours, 3 minutes & 44 seconds), but is perhaps most renowned for challenging "party hard" rockstar Andrew W.K to a piano battle, which he questionably 'won'. He is a master of his craft and has recently been garnered with attention for his piano re-works of contemporary artists such as Boys Noize & Erol Alkan, Daft Punk, Marina & The Diamonds and 50 Cent.

Gonzales most recently signed to Boys Noize Records and his new album Ivory Tower is produced by Boys Noize himself. The first two singles from Ivory Tower 'I am Europe' and 'Bittersuite' are what you'd expect from this unusual collaboration - engrossing piano arrangements decorated with Alex Ridha's electronic pizazz. 'I am Europe' - a quirky dance-floor filler, which parodies stereotypical European culture is a stark contrast to the sombre, revolving refrains of 'Bittersuite'.

The Gonzales-Noize combo is a refreshing reprieve for those who are a little queasy from riding the band-wagon too long. Ivory Tower looks set to be one of the most genre-defying, intriguing releases of the year.

Ivory Tower is out in Germany today! The rest of the world will have to wait a few days.

Erol Alkan & Boys Noize - Waves (Chilly Gonzales Piano Remake) - DOWNLOAD

The Naked & Famous - Punching In A Dream

2010-08-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hot on the heels of their chart-topping anthem 'Young Blood' New Zealand indie-pop virtuoso's The Naked & Famous have released their follow up single 'Punching In A Dream'.

'Punching In A Dream' uses the same essential ingredients as 'Young Blood' - big reverberated drums, excessively distorted guitar, tasteful synth licks and a charming mix of male / female vocals. However, upon first listen it doesn't capture you the same as its predecessor. It doesn't incite instant desires to run free through a meadow chanting "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!" . But, give it time. After three or four listens - letting the melodies marinate through your mind - the song really comes to life as you uncover the delicate intricacies that make The Naked & Famous so enchanting. I'm going to go as far as saying 'Punching In A Dream' is more dynamically stimulating than 'Young Blood' - it's a grower, but those are always the best kind. Now excuse me as I go skipping barefoot through the snow singing "Way-ay-ay-ay-aye!"

thenakedandfamous.com

myspace.com/thenakedandfamous

facebook.com/tnafofficial

Azari & III

2010-08-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

Azari & III caught my attention in the latest edition of MixMag with the caption 'All about retro disco and house beats'. I was hooked.

'Azari & Third' are a production duo from Toronto conjuring up an eclectic concoction of nu-disco with roots in old-school Chicago and Detroit house. Their latest 12" 'Reckless With Your Love' is a fluid house track with minimal musical variation. 'Reckless' is given life by the sexy gliding vocals courtesy of Cedric Gasaida who does for this track what Ms. Dynamite did for Zinc's 'Blunt Edge'. These guys are blowing up right now - get on the buzz!

Azari & III - Reckless With Your Love

RUBY FRÖST & LENO LOVECRAFT

2010-08-15T01:11:00.000-07:00

*Exclusive*

RUBY FRÖST is the rather mysterious, sequin loving, space exploring songstress from New Zealand. Relatively under-the-radar still, Ruby (and band) have been building a reputation on the Auckland scene as the emerging 'it' group of 2010. Ruby Frost play unconventional pop - that quirky, cute kind, enhanced by Ruby's exotic voice and her atypical approach to melody.

It was only fitting for her track 'Moonlight' to be taken for a joyride by emerging electro whiz Leno Lovecraft. As the original is yet to be released I can't really draw comparisons with the remix. But, if Leno's previous works are anything to go by I can assume he sexed it up with his smooth grooving extra terrestrial love juice. Needless to say, it is sexy. Staying true to Lovecraft's signature futuristic space sound the rework tastefully compliments Ruby's melodies in a pop hit / dance-floor crossover of an international calibre.

Download 'Ruby Frost - Moonlight (Leno Lovecraft Remix)' *Exclusively* HERE

Check out this extra treat from Leno Lovecraft off his debut album.

Leno Lovecraft - Amulet Princess

It is exciting to see collaborations of this quality coming out of New Zealand and needless to say, I am eagerly anticipating any future releases from these two rising talents. *Watch this space!*

myspace.com/rubyfrost

facebook.com/rubyfrost

myspace.com/lenolovecraft

facebook.com/lenolovecraft

Kimbra - Settle Down

2010-08-14T03:15:00.000-07:00

Kimbra, the delightful New Zealand (now based in Melbourne) songstress, has released her debut single 'Settle Down', a cutesy soul-pop track about a clucky young chick yearning to get knocked up and well... settle down - "I wanna raise a child / Won't you raise a child with me? / Raise a child / We'll call her Nebraska / Nebraska Jones / She'll have your nose".

The theme is remarkably mature compared with bubblegum top 40 love ballads that whine on about superficial teenage (... even pre-pubescent) romance. This is the real deal - let's get married, buy a house, have a family, and happiness shall ensue. However, the quirky instrumentation (primarily drums, hand claps and "boom buh boom bah's") contrast with the serious nature of the lyrics. The music is playful, almost child-like - genre-defying to say the least.

Kimbra - Settle Down

One thing that strikes you about 'Settle Down', and Kimbra's unique style is the use of voice as an instrument. Vocal 'ooo's and aaa's', 'boom's and bah's' and 'hey, oh ohh's' are layered throughout; clever little intricacies that showcase Kimbra's natural flair for melody, harmony and dynamics.

Kimbra - Settle Down (Live @ The Workers Club)
Note the looping vocals and improvisation.

www.myspace.com/kimbramusic

www.facebook.com/kimbramusic

www.twitter.com/kimbramusic

forum5.com.au/artist/4/kimbra

Hans Zimmer is Inceptional!

2010-08-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

This deviates slightly from what I would usually post on, but this video sent sexy little shivers all over my skin. Hans Zimmer is the master of film music having composed soundtracks for Rain Man, The Lion King, Gladiator, Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Dark Knight, and most recently - Inception. His work integrates modern electronic sounds with classical orchestration and this track 'Time' (from the tension building "what the f*** is happening" final scene of Inception) demonstrates this with Zimmer on piano and Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The Cribs, Modest Mouse) on the electric guitar accompanied by a heart smoldering orchestra. This score compliments the film to perfection.

Hans Zimmer - Time (Live at the Inception Premiere)

Rhythm & Vines 2010 / 2011

2010-08-13T19:56:00.001-07:00

Massive MASSIVE news! The first line-up for Rhythm & Vines 2010 / 2011 has just been announced and it is huuuuuggggeeee! This is definitely the #1 new years party in New Zealand... Hands down! Mad respect to the R&V crew for securing artists of this calibre while managing to keep hip hop, electro, dnb/dubstep and indie fans happy. Justice in New Zealand... phwoar!

International Artists:

N*E*R*D

JUSTICE

BOYS NOIZE

CHROMEO

TINIE TEMPAH

MYSTERY JETS

HIGH CONTRAST

MIAMI HORROR

New Zealand Artists:

SHIHAD
HOLLIE SMITH

OPTIMUS GRYME

BARB

ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE

OUR:HOUSE

N*E*R*D - Hot N Fun ft. Nelly Furtado

JUSTICE LIVE @ Rock Werchter

Needless to say, I am quite excited. Don't miss out, get your tickets early. Head to www.rhythmandvines.co.nz for all the details.

I Am Alive.

2010-08-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

After a six month hiatus I have decided to kick this self-indulgent, prejudiced propaganda machine back into action. During my time off I have moved to a new city, held down a job for a good four weeks, completed some Uni papers and spent far too much money. I have far too much spare time and so to appease my guilty conscience I am returning to the 'blogosphere' in an effort to do something... anything... productive.

I have saturated myself in music over the last six months to the point that my appreciation for it is hanging by a string. However, here are a few tracks that have restored my faith of late.

Flight Facilities - Crave You ft. Giselle

LexiconDon - December Sunset (Download)

Washed Out - New Theory

This is WHACK!

2010-02-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

...and I'm not talking about the image above.

I don't understand how they did this, it blows my mind. But, somehow you can control what you see in this video by clicking and dragging the camera to the angle you want. Check it out and be mesmerized!..

360 Degree Festival Experience

Kids Of 88 - Just A Little Bit

2010-02-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

Kids Of 88 have a new single and it's just a little bit sexy, a little bit clever, and a whole lot amazing. 'Just A Little Bit' deviates ever so slightly from unashamed pop hit 'My House' and swings the door ajar for Kids Of 88 to pursue different avenues both musically and stylistically. McCarthy's vocal delivery and melody work exerts the quirky confidence of a Karen-O meets Justin Timberlake indie-pop hit making machine - moody, clever, and catchy as hell. Electronic programming and production has also improved sounding as slick as a multi-million dollar Gaga record rather than a bedroom D.I.Y affair. Already at #13 on the NZ Charts, 'Just A Little Bit' looks set to propel Kids Of 88 to the top with even more swagger and swoon than before.

Kids Of 88 - Just A Little Bit

Grind Your Bones To Make My Beats

2010-02-23T04:45:00.000-08:00

I made my first mini-mix this week, and thought I'd share it here. It doesn't feature anything overly 'new' or 'exclusive' - it's just ten tracks that I've been digging lately.

Track List:

1. Crookers feat. Soulwax & Mixhell - We Love Animals

2. Noob & Brodinski - Peanuts Club (BeatauCue Remix)

3. D.I.M & TAI - Lyposuct (Original Mix)

4. Diplo feat. Afrojack - How I Like It / Pon De Floor (Laidback Luke vs. Auri Ps)

5. Congorock & Crookers - Sbombers (Original Mix)

6. Djedjotronic - Gum Attack (Original Mix)

7. Sound Of Stereo - Zipper (Original Mix)

8. Wolfgang Gartner - Undertaker (Original Mix)

9. Afrojack & The Partysquad - Check Die Beat (Original Mix)

10. Gorillaz - Stylo (Alex Metric Remix)

Grind Your Bones To Make My Beats by killmecurious

Kollektiv Turmstrasse

2010-02-22T00:20:00.000-08:00

Kollectiv Turmstrasse is Nico Plagemann and Christian Hilscher - a German electronic duo producing mind-altering minimal tech-house, accompanied by equally mind-altering animated music videos.

All I can say is... If your mind is already 'altered' for one reason or another, this music could potentially lead you down one demented rabbit hole.

Kollectiv Turmstrasse - Tristesse

Kollectiv Turmstrasse - Holunderbaum (Rumpel Mix)

Jonathan Boulet - A Community Service Announcement

2010-02-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Boulet is the latest member of the 'Modular' family - an Australian skate-rat turned indie-pop dream kid. Boulet wrote, recorded and played almost every instrument on his self-titled debut album in his pokey little garage studio, and has managed to create a refreshing sound of feel-good folk-infused pop. His first single 'A Community Service Announcement' is just that, and you can check out the video below.

Jonathan Boulet - A Community Service Announcement

Cheryl Cole - 3 Words

2010-02-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

I caught this song on C4 the other day and was drawn into the avant-garde video and its musical and dynamic qualities - a rare discovery on mainstream networks. Cheryl Cole is an English pop-star who rose to fame via one of those cringe-worthy 'let's make a pop band' reality TV series. However, she teams up with pop genius Will.I.Am for '3 Words', and I have to admit I am mildly impressed.

Cheryl Cole feat. Will.I.Am - 3 Words

Boy Crisis

2010-02-14T04:11:00.000-08:00

Boy Crisis, from Brooklyn, New York, are a 'weird pop' band in the same vein as MGMT and Empire Of The Sun. Initially their music didn't strike me as anything remarkable, it was different... quite fun, but came across as though they were trying too hard to be 'alternative'. However, upon reading their bio I became a convert (oh... it's supposed to be alllll about the music?) - Cut them some slack, the music is good, it just takes a little crafty convincing to realise it.

"Boy Crisis are one part funk, two parts electro funk and ten parts electrosexfunk... Here to make sure all your parts feel like grooving, whether they want to or not... Each song is a 3-minute ritual to the Gods of Pop".

Read the bio in its elaborate entirety here

Boy Crisis - The Fountain Of Youth

Boy Crisis - Dressed To Digress

Breakbot

2010-02-10T00:11:00.000-08:00

I just had to post on this guy... Breakbot is the latest poster boy for 'Ed Banger Records' (Justice, SebastiAn, Uffie, Mr. Oizo etc) producing the most sexed-up electro that would provide even Marvin Gaye, the king of music-to-make-love-to, with all the healing he could ever need.

Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours

Breakbot has been bantered about the blogs like the latest gossip about Paris Hilton, and I wouldn't be entirely surprised if his music turns up in her next [home] 'movie'. His brand of slow-jam funk, with tasty analog bass and dreamy synths is genuine 70's - 80's disco at its peak.

Breakbot Live in Amsterdam

Breakbot is rumored to have just finished an album due for release later in the year. Ed Banger are going to be pushing this guy hard, and like Justice were the 'next' Daft Punk... perhaps Breakbot is the next Justice?...

Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours (Download)

Jónsi - Go Do

2010-02-09T18:49:00.002-08:00

Sigur Ros front-man Jón Þór Birgisson has been working away on his solo project, and recently released the first single from his upcoming album 'Go' - 'Go Do'. This man is incredibly gifted, consistently pushing the boundaries of music production and craft. While 'Go Do' is ever so slightly 'pop', and more structured than anything Sigur Ros, it is nonetheless beautiful.

Jónsi - Go Do (Official Music Video)

Savoy EP

2010-02-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

I received a press release in my inbox today promoting a new EP by US electro-rock group Savoy. I raved (perhaps overzealously?) about these guys way back here when they released their debut album 'Automatic' for free. Once again they're on the 'giveaway buzz' and are distributing the EP for free online, which includes two new originals 'Rich and Famous' and 'Buttonhook' and a remix of David Guetta's 'It's The Way You Love Me'.

The EP is a digression from the aggressive rock sound of 'Automatic' to a more pop influenced style comparable with mainstream crossover producer David Guetta (the fact that they remixed him also suggests they are heading in this direction). 'Rich and Famous' even goes as far to sample a (what sounds like Britney Spears) vocal line over a typical ducking and diving bass line.

Savoy on recTV

Despite the change this EP still boasts quality production and catchy tracks that are sure to be lapped up by club junkies and pop music fans alike. And, the fact that it's free makes it all the more appealing.

Download the new EP HERE

And if you haven't already got the album 'Automatic' you can also get that with one simple click of your mouse.

Boys Noize in Auckland!

2010-02-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

German electro-extraordinaire Boys Noize is dropping in on Auckland's 'Studio' next month for a one off show of mind-numbing dance mayhem.

Aside from being one of the leading forces in dance music production, Boys Noize also runs his own label 'Boys Noize Records' through which he promotes and releases his own material and has also recruited a highly reputable roster including the likes of D.I.M, Djedjotronic, Strip Steve and Siriusmo.

Boys Noize - Live in Paris

This is going to be pretty special... Despite the calibre of DJ's that are visiting New Zealand on the regular these days, do not become nonchalant in regards to Boys Noize. This show is not worth missing...

The Deetz

Boys Noize (Germany)

+ massive local lineup TBA

5th of March 2010

@ The Studio

340 K'RD

AUCKLAND

Tickets from Real Groovy / Route 66

or online at www.iticket.co.nz

First Release - $39.90

Second Release - $44.90

Four Tet / Keiran Hebden

2010-02-04T05:13:00.000-08:00

Four Tet is an experimental, electronic solo project by Keiran Hebden the guitarist from UK post-rock band Fridge (don't worry... I hadn't heard of them either). Four Tet caught my attention this week with the track 'She Just Likes To Fight' - a melodic instrumental with guitar reminiscent of Explosions In The Sky, driven by busy percussion. It's the kind of song best served in the morning, or late evening to truly appreciate it's soothing qualities.

Four Tet - She Just Likes To Fight

Four Tet recently released a new album 'There Is Love In You', which I have yet to hear in its entirety. But, from the snippets I have heard online and the hype it has received I'm convinced it is something special.

Four Tet - Angel Echoes

You can get 'There Is Love In You' on iTunes, and every other decent online music outlet. And while you're at it, check out the rest of his discography. His first EP titled 'Thirty Six Twenty Five' is a single song 36 minutes and 25 seconds long... That's even longer than early Metallica tracks!

Pantha Du Prince - Stick To My Side (Four Tet Remix) - DOWNLOAD

DAMN! You's-a Sexy Widge

2010-01-26T04:16:00.000-08:00

I just came across this genius piece of 'widget' software where you can create your own version of David Guetta & Akon's 'Sexy Chick' using all of the original parts, record it, save it, and share it with the world, and all that's required is your keyboard and a little bit of creativity.

WARNING: Be prepared for precious hours of your life to be wasted.

Check it out.

Danger - 4h30

2010-01-25T05:34:00.000-08:00

Danger recently dropped '4h30', the first track off his upcoming EP '09/17/ 2007' - the followup to his 2007 EP '09/14/ 2007'. This track has become my latest 'fav' and Danger may have just become my latest obsession.

Danger - 09/17/ 2007 16 bit Teaser

Inspired by video games, animation, film music and everything 80's Danger is furthering his position as one of the most exciting electro producers on the scene right now. Expect big things from the EP due out digitally on the 1st of Feb.

Danger - 4h30 (Unofficial 'Terminator' Video)

Vampire Weekend - Juan's Basement

2010-01-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

I can't get enough Vampire Weekend right now... Their sophomore album 'Contra' just dropped, and it's amazing. I'll spare you from an extended review despite how tempting it is...

However, this live video / interview courtesy of Pitchfork is too good to miss. Filmed in a basement and accompanied by a string quartet they bust out Cousins, White Sky, Horchata and California Language.

Vampire Weekend @ Juan's Basement

Get ahold of Contra now! It just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts - only the 12th independently distributed album to do so since 1991.

Memory Tapes - Seek Magic

2010-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Twenty-six year old New Jersey resident and stay-at-home-recording-at-night-dad Dayve Hawk is Memory Tapes. Set aside your preconceptions of the 'one man band' formed by watching Mary Poppins as a child, because just as a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, so to will Memory Tapes help sooth your soul and brighten your day.

I first discovered Memory Tapes via a remix he did of Yeasayer's 'Ambling Alp'. He has been releasing music under the pseudonym's Memory Cassette and Weird Tapes for a while now and released his debut album under the name Memory Tapes (a combination of his previous two ventures) at the end of 2009 - hence why he didn't pop up on any 'best of' 2009 lists...

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp (Memory Tapes Remix) - DOWNLOAD

'Seek Magic' has been categorized as dreamwave - electro-pop with a more ethereal, atmospheric condition. Combining guitars with electronic drums and layers of buoyant synths and pads, along with Hawk's soothing vocals, 'Seek Magic' takes you on a delicate journey from the comfort of your preferred resting position (... down memory lane perhaps?).

Check out the single 'Bicycle' that exploded on the blog scene last year creating a viable platform upon which to release 'Seek Magic'.

Memory Tapes - Bicycle - DOWNLOAD

You can get ahold of 'Seek Magic' at every major online outlet, but I'd say you'll probably have to order it from you local record shop (... do these still exist) if you're keen on a hard copy.

Rhythm & Vines 2009 / 2010

2010-01-10T01:36:00.001-08:00

Finally...

I've just returned from an epic two week summer holiday... The highlight, of course, being Gisborne's New Years Party - Rhythm & Vines. A three-night bender of the best partying I have ever experienced. Here's a brief dear diary of time well spent...

29.12.09

- Me and my crew arrive at R&V just in time for UK post-punk / rock band Editors. It was still light (about 7pm), and the crowd hadn't reached its full capacity, but this show was real quality. Front of house mix was delicious, the band performed like they were stoked to be there (I always appreciate it when international acts appear genuinely stoked to play in little ol' New Zealand), and being the only non-DJ act I saw throughout the three days made me appreciate it all the more.

- Missed Bag Raiders due to unforeseen circumstances.

- Major Lazer completely tore apart the 'Vines Stage' with his entourage of Jamaican MC's / Dancers / Hype Crew. When he dropped 'Pon De Floor' everybody lost their shit and it became the 'it' song of Rhythm 09 (every single DJ I saw dropped this track... no exaggeration).

Major Lazer - Live Highlights @ Rhythm & Vines 09

- I actually caught the very end of Bag Raiders at the 'Cellar Stage' before Ajax took over and rocked one of the most slammin' / memorable mixes of the festival. Pure bliss!

30.10.09

- Really wanted to make it in time for Bionic Pixie... Didn't.

- Caught half of The Juan Maclean (US - DJ Set) which was utterly boring and littered with mediocre mixing. Lets just say I didn't feel toooo much sympathy when the crowd started chanting "Proxy! Proxy! Proxy!" towards the end of his set.

- Proxy (Russia) was incredible! Such creative, tight, explosive mixing, and he dropped all the hits - Raven, Dance In The Dark, Who Are You and more!

- Left Proxy a little early... but with good reason. 2manyDj's were scheduled to begin on the main stage. These guys are next level, league of their own, genius kinda dudes - potentially the best live show I have ever seen. The tuxedos, the playlist, the mixing, the zany album art visual production and the light dusting of rain made for one of the best nights of my life.

2manydj's Live @ Rhythm & Vines
...this mix between proxy - raven, tiga - shoes, sidney samson - riverside & crookers - we love animals is pure genius!

31.12.09

- MayaVanya are the sexiest sister DJ-duo ever! Maya was ridiculously intoxicated and treated the crowd to an extra special stage show while Vanya took control of the decks. It was entertaining, but I've seen them perform better technically. Still, they proved they are New Zealand's #1 party girls.

- Cool Kids Club followed. It seemed they had put a lot of thought into their Rhythm set, and it really paid off. It was creative, extremely tight, and really brought the party to the Cellar Stage. New Zealand's #1 party boys?... Probably, yes?...

- Caught a little bit of Midnight Youth as we sat on a hill, enjoyed some refreshments, and re-energized for 'New Year' celebrations. I heard lots of f-words... But it sounded good.

- New Year Party... some dudes dancing, flashing lights, fire etc. Nothing 'spectacular'... then the fireworks began. Some were fairly mediocre, but they had these really cool ones that felt like they were falling down onto you like some kind of mythical fire-rain. I was buzzing!

- Krafty Kuts kicked out the jams for the New Year party and he kicked them out hard. Incredibly 'crafty' mixing, remixing on the fly, scratching, sweet tracks - Loved it!

- Caught some of Aural Trash at the Cellar Stage before my overly tired friends decided they had had enough... I bought myself 15 more minutes of raging via txt before submitting to the majority and packed it in... Goodbye Rhythm & Vines, Hello 2010.

Rhythm & Vines 'Top Tracks'
a.k.a the tracks that every DJ played... pretty much.

#1 Major Lazer - Pon De Floor - DOWNLOAD

#2 Sidney Samson - Riverside

#3 D.I.M & T.A.I - Lyposuct

#4 Proxy - Raven

#5 Crookers feat. Soulwax & Mixhell - We Love Animals

#6 Fake Blood - Fix Your Accent

Joy to the world!...

2009-12-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

"Christmas is the disneyfication of Christianity..." -- Don Cupitt

And, in respect of this 'glass half empty' take on Christmas I give to you the 'Best Christmas Song'... EVER!

Blink 182 - Happy Holidays, You Bastard

But seriously, Merry Christmas to you all! Have an amazing party season... party hard, have fun, be safe, and don't get too caught up in this consumerism bullshit... even though we all inevitably will / already have.

I'll be back in the new year with more treats than a lolly scramble at the Santa Parade!

Vampire Weekend - White Sky

2009-12-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

Arrrrrrgggghhhhhh! Yet another new song from Vampire Weekend off their forthcoming album 'Contra'. It is my favourite yet... so dainty and fun. This is exactly what every summer day needs.

Vampire Weekend - White Sky

'Contra' is out January 12.

Soulwax - Most Of The Other Remixes

2009-12-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

This is way way way behind the times... I knew Soulwax had surplus 'unreleased' remixes from their first remixes album in 2007 that had made their way onto the net. But, never realised they had in fact officially released a second collection of remixes aptly titled 'Most Of The Other Remixes...'

Pretty much everything Soulwax does excites me, and this is no exception. They are one of the most innovative forces in electronic music in the world today and consistently release nothing but quality. Check out this inside scoop from the BBC to get a deeper appreciation for the art of Soulwax... especially if you're an analog gear noob - their studio in Ghent will get you off!

Soulwax Interview On BBC's The Culture Show

'Most Of The Other Remixes...' is a brave feat with remixes of some musics true classics including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Prince. They also dismantle The Chemical Brothers 90's hit 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl' and reconstruct it as an angry robot intent on destroying humanity and dance floors alike.

The Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy, Hey Girl (Soulwax Remix) (Download)

The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want (Soulwax Remix) (Download)

Get this on iTunes or Beatport, or wherever else you get music these days... I can't wait to see these guys at Rhythm & Vines '09!

Remix Your Summer...

2009-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

I've got so much new music that if remixes = water, and my itunes = a single molecular cell, that cell would be considered biologically 'turgid' by a process called 'osmosis' (?). Anyway, I've decided to share some of the best remixes I've discovered over the last little while that (I think) would be particularly suited for the up-coming summer party season.

Miami Horror - Make You Mine (Cassian Remix) (Download)

Friendly Fires - On Board (Joakim Remix) (Download)

Chromeo - Night By Night (Siriusmo Remix) (Download)

...this would be the sexiest end to a DJ set.

The Virgins - Rich Girls (Le Castle Vania's Spring Break No Parents Remix) (Download)

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp (Memory Tapes Remix) (Download)

MSTRKRFT - Heartbreaker (Laidback Luke Remix) (Download)

For those of us sick of hearing the Wolfgang Gartner version...

Phoenix - Lisztomania (Classixx Remix) (Download)

The best, most chilled out, summer remix of '09.

Party hard! Enjoy the summer... Hopefully a little more so with these tasty tunes :)

Delphic

2009-12-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

I am genuinely miffed that Delphic succeeded in slipping under my radar for the best part of this year. These guys are something special, and although I don't want to jump to any brash conclusions, they may just rank as one of my favourite bands of 2009...

Delphic on all accounts appear to be a 3-piece that perform live as a 4-piece. They produce a dreamscape of electro/indie with delicately layered guitar parts (my favourite!), airy synthesizers, and disco beats. Their first single, 'Counterpoint', was released in April this year, followed by 'This Momentary' in August (which was released by scene trend-setter Kitsune) in August, and is probably my favourite song by them.. so far.

Delphic - This Momentary

Their debut album 'Acolyte' is being released on the 11th of January (sooooo many good albums are coming out in January!). I personally cannot wait to hear what else these guys have up their sleeves. They've got to be one of the most underrated bands of 2009... However, I have an inkling this all may change come 2010.

Delphic - Doubt (Live On Later Live... With Jools Holland

They're currently giving away four free tracks on their myspace - they're free, go get 'em! Grab the album in January, tell all your friends... actually don't tell all your friends that way you can be cooler than your friends by being a 'Delphic fan since aaaggeees ago' by the time everyone else catches on. Whatever you do, don't let these guys slip under your radar any longer...

Delphic - This Momentary (Algeronics Remix) - DOWNLOAD

Yeasayer - Odd Blood Leak

2009-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

It's unfortunate, but Yeasayer's 'Odd Blood', which was scheduled for a February 9 release, has been leaked. On their facebook the band posted a passive-aggressive "Presents are always spoiled for those who open them before they are supposed to". But really, presents are good any time and all the time. It's disappointing for the band to have something they've worked so hard for over the last year to be handed this kind of fate, but can they really expect fans to resist indulging for two months until the official release... I think not.

I am in no way encouraging piracy, and if you can wait... then wait.

Here's a little something that may just appease your Yeasayer appetite for the time being... 'Odd Blood' is getting more magical by the day. How psychedelic is that album artwork!

Yeasayer - Madder Red

2009... The Best Of - Part II

2009-12-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how many 'parts' will be required for this 'Best Of' collection... 2009 has been such a fruitful year, let's just see how we go.

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

The Temper Trap seemed to appear from nowhere. The theme song for '500 Days Of Summer', and one of the biggest tracks from down under this year.

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

Great band, great album, great song... very weird video.

Boys Noize - Jeffer

Boys Noize dominated electro in 2009 and this is one of the hottest tracks from his sophomore album 'Power!'

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

No one can deny the pop-takeover by Black Eyed Peas this year... As much as this song has been thrashed to death it was 'the' hottest track of 2009... bit of a shame really.

Peter, Bjorn & John - Lay It Down

I love the overly happy sound of this song despite it's underlying badass attitude, such a fun video too. Many memories of my old workplace associated with this track.

Djedjotronic - Gum Attack

Djedjotronic, One of the Boys Noize Records proteges, dropped this monster of a track early in the year and is still one of my favourite electro releases of 2009.

Weezer - Can't Stop Partying

The ultimate f-u to everything pop has ironically become Weezer's greatest 'pop' hit... go figure. This live video features Chamillionaire taking the reigns on the second verse.

Phoenix - 1901

Potentially my favourite song of 2009. This live performance on Letterman sounds so good and is a lot more exciting than the music video they released for this track.

Matt & Kim - Daylight

Best morning wake up song of 2009 by the happiest indie-pop duo in history?... I think so.

Michael Jackson - This Is It

The King of Pop's final offering... R.I.P.

There will definitely be a 'Part III'... Check out 'Part I' here.

I Can Talk - Remixes

2009-12-12T17:16:00.001-08:00

I was genuinely (and pleasantly) surprised to find a fresh remix of Two Door Cinema Club's 'I Can Talk' in my inbox this morning (I posted on these guys a while ago here).

The mix is by Moulinex, a producer from Munich, Germany who has remixed the likes of Sebastien Tellier and Cut Copy. His makeover of 'I Can Talk' starts off pretty run of the mill, with the dirty bass line driving the song forward. However, once it hits the 3:00 mark things improve drastically. It features on the Kitsune Maison Compilation 8, which basically means this track is 'hot', and if you want to be 'in' you need this in your iTunes... Check it out.

Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk (Moulinex Remix) (Download)

And, here's another remix by Crystal Fighters.

Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk (Crystal Fighters Remix) (Download)

Yeasayer - Love Me Girl

2009-12-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

If I'm being completely honest, it's Saturday night / Sunday morning and I'm completely jaded... I've just got home from a night on the town in my city of birth, Wanganui, New Zealand. I was threatened by oversized brutes (but saved by karate cousins), and had the worst clubbing experience of my life. But, I'm glad to have made it out alive and to have new music to soothe me into the security of sleep...

Yeasayer have released (perhaps unintentionally?) the second track from their forthcoming album into the blogosphere. The track is called 'Love Me Girl'... It's freakin' rad... it's dancey and experimental, and the vocal melody is surprisingly pop slightly reminiscent of the late MJ. It's everything you could wish for in this moment of pergatory between sobriety and intoxication...

Yeasayer - Love Me Girl (Download)

'Odd Blood' is shaping up to be one of my most anticipated releases of 2010.

Best enjoyed in a similar state... or whatever... Just enjoy it.

2009... The Best Of - Part I

2009-12-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, I know, everyone's doing it and if you must know why... It's simply because we music lovers get a kick out of browsing through our iTunes library, compiling the best tracks of the past 365 days into a list, and then subjecting them to American Idol-esque scrutiny until we well and truly separate the wheat from the chaff. We get off on it... it makes us feel warm inside. It's nostalgic in the most self indulgent sense of the word, and it's therapy for our souls. There... now you know.

Two thousand and nine has been an excellent year for music. The collapse of the music industry has seen bands and artists that wouldn't normally be given a chance, rise to fame through blogs, internet radio, and relentless self-promotion. This 'Best Of...' is a list of my favourite songs of 2009, as well as songs that were remarkably successful regardless of whether I personally like them or not

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

New album, 'It's Blitz', and a new direction for indie-rock veterans Yeah Yeah Yeahs saw them infiltrate the mainstream like never before.

MSTRKRFT - Bounce feat. N.O.R.E

All I do is party! Ha-ha-ha-ha... MSTRKRFT dominated the party scene with this anthemic banger.

Eminem - We Made You

Eminem had one of the most under-rated albums of 2009. In an age of electro-fied rap/hip-hop he took it back to the roots with one of his most brutal offerings to date.

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

One of the most talked about bands of 2009... One of the best songs from their debut album 'Manners'.

Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers feat. Armand Van Helden

Arguably 'the' biggest dance track of 2009. It dominated the mainstream but had the Armand Van Helden 'cred'.

Tiga - Shoes

Quirky, sexy dance track from underground electro king Tiga. Such a creepy video...

Miike Snow - Animal

I've been extremely skeptical of Swedish music ever since Abba tarnished it forever and ever, but Miike Snow were definitely one of my favourite bands of 2009.

Brand New - Daisy

One of my favourite bands of all time released yet another emotionally charged, musically dynamic album.

Phoenix - Lisztomania

Another of 2009's most talked about bands, and this has to be one of the hottest tracks of their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone

The golden boy of electro pop completely dominated the UK and Europe this year. This live clip of 'I'm Not Alone' is rediculously epic!

That's it for 'Part I'... More to come!

Crookers, Soulwax & Mixhell - We Love Animals

2009-12-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Crookers have teamed up with one of my favourite production teams Soulwax and Mixhell for their latest release 'We Love Animals', the first track from their forthcoming debut album 'Tons Of Friends'.

Crookers ft. Soulwax & Mixhell - We Love Animals (Download)

'We Love Animals' is everything you'd expect from a collaboration of this calibre - pure genius. If this track is anything to go by my expectations for 'Tons Of Friends' just quadrupled.

The Bloody Beetroots - Christmas Vendetta... Spares of Romborama

2009-12-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

The Bloody Beetroots are back again with a new release just in time for Christmas... and just because they can. They recently released a preview of 'Warp 1977', an edit of their acclaimed 'Warp 1.9', and have now decided to cash in on it by releasing a whole new EP. Most producers would share an edit for free... but when you're the most hyped DJ duo in the world, I guess you can do whatever the hell you want.

I personally thought the twenty tracks on their debut album Romborama was too much, so I don't have high expectations for these so called 'spares'. Although, I must admit, 'Warp 1977' is one hell of a bone cruncher... Here's the track listing.

1. Warp 1977 ft. Steve Aoki & Bobermann

2. Talkin' In My Sleep (Bloody Beetroots Remix)

3. All Leather - Mystery Meat (Bloody Beetroots Remix)

4. Romborama Music Video

The Bloody Beetroots - Romborama (Music Video)

The Twelves

2009-12-10T04:46:00.000-08:00

The Twelves, from Rio De Janeiro Brazil, are a blog success story. They released their remix of MIA's 'Boys' in July 2007, and it became one of the most talked about tracks within the online electro community, ultimately resulting in being played and plugged by some of the industry's best - most notably Kissy Sell Out who included the track on their BBC's 'In New DJ's We Trust' series.

They have continued to churn out remixes for the likes of Radiohead, La Roux, Fever Ray, The Black Kids and Groove Armada, and have also released a couple of original tooons in the mix.

The Twelves - Works For Me (Bicardi B-Live Video)

What sets The Twelves apart from the masses is that, although they are considered a 'DJ Duo', they remix and improvise their tracks on the fly using a bunch of synthesizers, samplers, loop-machines, triggers and a trusty macbook. It adds an essence of spontaneity to their live show, and showcases true musicianship - something many commoners are skeptical of when it comes to DJ/producers.

The Twelves - When You Talk (Bicardi B-Live Video)

The Twelves are rapidly rising stars in the dance music underworld. Their debut EP is expected for an early 2010 release and is already receiving hype on some of the leading electro blogs. The Twelves are a testament to the increasing influence of the 'blog' in this evolution of the music industry. But, these guys deserve all the credit they get... their songs are sex on fire.

Fever Ray - Seven (The Twelves Remix) (Download)

La Roux - In For The Kill (The Twelves Remix) (Download)

Van She - (Don't Fear) The Reaper

2009-12-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

Van She are one of my favourite Australian bands. I was lucky enough to see them live (albeit a Van She Technologic DJ Set) at Ink & Coherent earlier this year, it was a good night. My friend Tony would be able to tell you allllll about it... Oh no, wait... He wouldn't.

Anyway, back to the point. Van She (the band) were recently commissioned by Bacardi to record a cover of the 1976 Blue Oyster Cult classic 'Don't Fear The Reaper' (you know this song, even if you think you don't. I think that's what 'classic' means).

Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper (Live)

Van She have taken the original for a swim, purposefully drowned it, dragged it back to shore, performed elaborate (verging on indecent assault) C.P.R, and revived the 70's hit kicking and screaming for 2009. It is one of the most impressive covers I have ever heard. Van She have successfully taken a classic rock & roll song, dropped the tempo, sexed it up and created an airy electro reinterpretation staying true to their own sound.

Van She - (Don't Fear) The Reaper

Van She - (Don't Fear) The Reaper - DOWNLOAD

Leno Lovecraft - Alien Sex Juice

2009-12-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say I was the first to post on the mystery New Zealand electro producer Leno Lovecraft, but sadly I am not. I can say however, that I do in fact know the secret identity of this space explorer, but n - o spells no I shall not be disclosing such confidential information... If I did I would most likely be abducted, probed in sacred places, and covered in Alien Sex Juice until I die a slow and painful death by over-exposure to extra-terrestrial reproductive fluids... and you wouldn't wish that upon anyone, would you?

Leno Lovecraft is the pseudonym of an unnamed eighteen year old New Zealand producer who is drawing attention from some of the biggest names in the business - including Erol Alkan (worked with some little known artists such as Daft Punk, Justice & Boys Noize, and has produced albums for Mystery Jets and Late Of The Pier) and Thomas Von Party of 'Turbo Recordings'.

Lovecraft has launched himself (:O it's a he?) into the blogosphere with 'Space Fighter', an absolute monster of a track that literally cannot be 'pigeon holed'. It is dreamy, yet heavy and frantic with plenty of groove to keep the dance floor jiving. 'Space Fighter' is ambitious at just over 7 minutes, but not one second is there without purpose, and there is no 'window of opportunity' for the listener to disengage.

The single was accompanied by whispers of an up-coming 'Alien Sex Juice EP', which is expected for an early 2010 release, and a delicious December Mix Tape showcasing Lovecraft's impeccable taste in music.

Leno Lovecraft - December Mix Tape

Leno Lovecraft is a promising producer and is creating some of the most innovative electro I have heard in a long time. Young, composed, and full of talent, this whizz kid is set and ready for take off.

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Leno Lovecraft - Space Fighter (Download)

Steve Aoki Takes On Hip-Hop

2009-12-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

Steve Aoki, the founder of Dim Mak Records, and all-round music industry GC has just released two new remixes by two of hip-hop's rising stars - Kid Cudi - Pursuit Of Happiness, and Drake - Forever. I think he's done a commendable job of retaining the standout aspects of the original tracks and then completely reinventing them for the dance floor. Check it...

Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & Ratatat - The Pursuit Of Happiness (Steve Aoki remix)

Drake - Forever feat. Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & Eminem - Forever (Steve Aoki Remix)

Also, check out the remix Travis Barker whipped up for this track - he's embellished the original with his trademark distorted guitar and ballsy beats squeezing out every little drop of attitude and aggression.

Drake - Forever (Travis Barker Remix)

There's no download link for the Kid Cudi track, it seems as though labels are are being extra stingy with this one. It's easy enough to find a low bit-rate mp3 by doing a quick 'google' search though.

Drake - Forever feat. Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & Eminem - Forever (Steve Aoki Remix)

Drake - Forever feat. Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & Eminem - Forever (Travis Barker Remix)

Fear Of Tigers - Cossus Snufsigalonica

2009-12-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

I've been sitting on this one for a week or so... I wasn't entirely convinced to start with. But, this is a grower, so let it simmer for a while before you jump to any conclusions.

Fear Of Tigers is the alter-ego of Japanese / British producer Benjamin Barry. He creates a brand of dream-wave disco pop with ethereal soundscapes and house danceability. It's borderline cheesy in an 80's-movie-background-music kind of way, but retro is cool and disco is back!

Fear Of Tigers - Friday Night At Geek Club

What initially drew my attention to Fear Of Tigers is that he was giving away his debut album 'Cossus Snufsigalonica' for free. I always admire an artist who, despite producing 'should be signed to a major record label' quality music, are not too caught up in 'making it' to risk this kind of counter-logical investment.

Fear Of Tigers - The Adventures Of Pippi Longstrump

If you like what you hear then download the entire album, 'Cossus Snufsigalonica' (geez, that's a mouthful), by following the link below. And yes, it's even in 320kbps quality for all of us bit-rate noobs out there :)

The Fear Of Tigers - Cossus Snufsigalonica - ALBUM DOWNLOAD

The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1977

2009-12-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

The Bloody Beetroots completely ripped it to shreds when they released the original 'Warp 1.9'. It became an international rave anthem, with packed out clubs and festivals across the world screaming the "1, 2, woop, woop!" vocal. They've just released a reinterpretation of the original - 'Warp 1977'. If you thought Warp had done its dash, you thought wrong. '1977' is even more of an ear-drum bursting head-slammer than '1.9' and further cements The Bloody Beetroots as one of the biggest, baddest DJ duos in the world today.

The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1977 (Live @ I Love Techno 2009)

You can download a clean copy here, but if you're after 320 quality (like I am) you're gonna have to hold out a little longer, or go buy it on iTunes or Beatport.

The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1977 feat. Steve Aoki - DOWNLOAD

AC Slater - Tough As Sh*t

2009-12-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know what came first... shitty rave music, or the drugs? - AC Slater, Play The Record Again

AC Slater is named after a character from the 90's high school comedy 'Saved By The Bell', an unexpected pseudonym for a producer renowned for his hard-hitting bass line brutality - he's anything but a preppy pretty boy.

AC Slater has been on the scene since 2001. He emerged from the UK-inspired 'rave scene', was one of the biggest American hardcore and freeform DJ's, and fronted his own record label 'Pitched Up Records'. He got bored and bailed on his original direction to pursue what he calls "rave meets house meets hip-hop". Check out the interview below for more of the low-down.

Scion Radio Interview - AC Slater

Slater only came on my radar earlier this year following the release of his aptly-titled 'Banger', and has consistently continued to impress me with his brand of 'tough-as-sh*t' electro-rave-house, or whatever you want to call it. Today, he struck my attention, and my funny bone, with his track 'Play The Record Again' - A track that uses an excerpt from a Henry Rollins monologue, which effectively takes the piss out of electronic music. This bass-line is slammin'!

AC Slater - Play The Record Again

He is most well-known for his club-slammer 'Jack Got Jacked', which was released in September, 2008 and marked his triumphant return to the scene. Even though he never really left, this track cemented his place as one of the most dangerous players in the electro business. It was remixed to death, resurrected on the third day, and still lives as one of the most face-melting tracks of the last few years. This remix by Jack Beats is epic, featuring a little more wobble, and a little more pork sword and beans (... if that is even possible).

AC Slater - Jack Got Jacked (Jack Beats Remix)

AC Slater will definitely not be liked by everybody... his music reminds me of a bad-ass British gangster from a movie like 'Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels'. It's heavy, it's got attitude, and you feel intimated and uncomfortable when you're in the same room together. However, dropping an AC Slater track at the right time at the right place is going to send any club or party into a mind-numbing frenzy.

AC Slater - Play The Record Again

AC Slater - Jack Got Jacked (Original Mix)

Sleeptalkers - Demos

2009-12-03T06:09:00.000-08:00

Sleeptalkers is a band formed from the ashes of some of New Zealand's greatest local talent (... can I say that?), Arms Reach, Tales and Small Town Heroics. They are also some of my best friends in the whole entire world. They have just released three tracks (modestly defined as 'demos'... they sound pretty damn good) on their myspace myspace.com/sleeptalkersmusic and they have even been generous enough to let you download them for free.

'Where The Sun Hides', 'Lonely Bones', and 'Weekend Never Dies' are piano driven pop songs with enough swagger and testosterone to engage the listener in involuntary foot-tapping and head-bobbing action. You will be humming these melodies like a childhood nursery rhyme in no time...

Sleeptalkers are touring the North Island over the next two weeks, check their myspace for the details. Download the tracks, check out the live show, support local music... you know the drill.

R&V 2009 - Major Lazer

2009-12-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

I have decided to return to my series on Rhythm & Vines 2009 - a.k.a why you need to attend Rhythm & Vines 2009. Reason #6 : Major Lazer. Major Lazer is a collaboration between two leading electro producers/djs Diplo and Switch. The pseudonym 'Major Lazer' is the name of a fictional animated character who (according to press releases) fought as a Jamaican commando and lost his arm in a secret zombie war, fights vampires and other monsters, parties hard, and has a rocket-powered hover board... he's pretty much a Jamaican version of Rambo modified for the 21st Century with impeccable taste in music.

They released their first album, 'Guns don't kill people... Lazers do', earlier this year to rave reviews by fans and industry peers alike. Their track 'Pon De Floor' (if you haven't heard this yet you are either deaf, or living a life of self-neglect) has been every DJ's BFF since its release and has had more reincarnations (remixes) than a Hindu cow.

Major Lazer - Pon De Floor (Music Video)

Fusing Jamaican dancehall culture and percussion with innovative electro Major Lazer have crafted a quirky concoction of dance music. Their latest single 'Keep It Goin' Louder' will likely see them break into the mainstream with a more hip-pop sound, T-Pain-esque vocals, and a melody catchier than an STD in a brothel (hmm what is with my borderline inappropriate metaphors tonight... it must be late).

Major Lazer - Keep It Goin' Louder feat. Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze - DOWNLOAD

Major Lazer are going to tear it up at Rhythm & Vines - two top DJ's at the top of their game. It's going to be sweaty, sexy, and a whole lot of other adjectives beginning with 's' and ending with 'y'. Do. Not. Miss.

Just A Band & Just A Band

2009-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's 3:08 am. My mind is delicate and susceptible to confusion. This is potentially the worst time to discover Just A Band. You see, there are two Just A Band(s). They sound vaguely similar. They both sound nice. At 3:08 am you would lean towards the conclusion that they are in fact one band. However, upon closer inspection, a little more musical research, and a whole lot more confusion I was able to decipher the following... Just A Band is a disco-funk-house band from Kenya (geez, that's a first!), AND an electro-house dj/producer duo from France (typical!). So, I decided, with all of the decision making power I have left, it's only fair to post on both of them...

Just A Band from Kenya deserve mega respect. First of all - they're from Kenya! Has anyone ever heard of another band from Kenya that has achieved any amount of mainstream success? And also - their D.I.Y approach. These guys write, record and engineer their own music, create their own music videos, packaging and promotional paraphernalia + online promotion. Check out the video for 'Usinibore', If you know anything about Kenyan history you will understand the passion behind this song... these guys have soul, it's more than Just A song...

Just A Band - Usinibore (Music Video)

French Just A Band are a dj/producer duo signed to Homework Records, getting all 'buddy-buddy' with the likes of Boys Noize, and getting compared to a Justice vs. Bloody Beetroots hybrid machine. They recently dropped the EP 'To Hell With Gravity', which is likely to see them climb the tattered ladder of electro fame pretty damn soon. Check out the title track from 'To Hell With Gravity', it's loud, it's funky-ish, it's banging!

Just A Band - To Hell With Gravity

Miami Horror - Sometimes

2009-11-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when all that's lost remains, drink from the fountain of youth and never age again...

Yeah, this track is almost past its blog-by-date, but it's just too damn sexy to ignore. Miami Horror is Australian disco-pop producer Benjamin Plant a self-confessed fan of 80's and 90's pop including my most despised Swedish stars - Abba. Thankfully, this influence is not overtly obvious in the latest single Sometimes, a disco ballad with an 80's synth hook, airy pads, and a delicate vocal delivery. The music video is rad too, an unorthodox 'short film' approach by director Rhett Wade-Ferrell. Miami Horror are yet another Australian band completely nailing this new-age disco sound, check out their 2008 EP 'Bravado' and expect an album to drop early in 2010 - the year of the disco... again.

Miami Horror - Sometimes (Music Video)

Paramore - Brick By Boring Brick

2009-11-29T02:42:00.000-08:00

I've calculated the risk of losing valuable "scene-points" by posting on a 'popular' band, but to be honest, I really don't give a shit. Paramore are a band who have consistently released quality music and the video for their latest single 'Brick By Boring Brick' is worth sharing entirely of its own merit. It's a haunting dreamscape that follows the narrative of the lyrics in an Alice In Wonderland-esque fairy tale.

Paramore - Brick By Boring Brick (Music Video)

'Brick By Boring Brick' was one of my favourite tracks off 'Brand New Eyes', a near-perfect execution of pop/rock with more balls than a rhino on heat. The video has reignited my crushcrushcrush on singer Hayley Williams... Oh, and of course - my fluctuating love for Paramore.

Pre-sale tickets for their New Zealand tour go on sale this Friday. They play Auckland's Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Thursday March 4th, and Christchurch's Westpac Arena, Friday March 5th. This is pretty much a guaranteed sell-out, so don't risk missing out.

Tim & Jean - Come Around

2009-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Tim & Jean (I assume it's pronounced 'Jean' as in Jean Claude Van Damme) are a duo from Australia producing... yes, you guessed it and I'm getting rather tired of typing the words - 'electro-pop'. I wasn't terribly impressed with their debut track 'Come Around' until I discovered it's only a rough demo and that these lads are aged just 15 and 18 (step aside Jonas Brothers). 'Come Around' is very Passion Pit sounding due mostly to the buoyant synth stabs and falsetto vocals to rival the Bee Gee's. I'm posting these guys more as a *watch this space* kind of deal, Tim & Jean show promise and are already causing a stir in Australia, recently supporting US electro whizz-kid The Secret Handshake on his latest stint down-under. I'm sure it won't be long until the rest of the world catch on, or 'come around' to Tim & Jean.

Tim & Jean - Come Around (Rough Version Mix) SAMPLE

Tim & Jean - Come Around (Rough Version Mix) FULL DOWNLOAD

Wolfgang vs. Britney

2009-11-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say I have a historical affection for Britney Spears. I mean what pre/mid pubescent teenager didn't froth over the hottest school girl in life requesting our gutter dwelling minds to "Hit [her] baby one more time?" Britney Spears is hot... Ok, maybe she was hot, but one thing that is unquestionably 'hot' is this remix of her latest single '3' by producer extraordinaire Wolfgang Gartner.

Britney Spears - 3 (Wolfgang Gartner Extended Mix)

Wolfgang Gartner is the 'it' producer in dance music right now, everything he touches turns to gold. In regards to the Britney remix he said, "It was a challenge to make not cheesesy as fuck, but I think I nailed it". He produces out of Austin, Texas and has been dropping killer tracks under the pseudonym since 2007 including an epic remix of Beethoven's 5th (who knew classical could be converted to club?)

Wolfgang Gartner - Wolfgang's 5th Symphony (Original Mix)

His Britney remix still retains the classic Wolfgang sporadic synth attack and is held together nicely by the hell-a-catchy pop melody. It's a guaranteed club banger that is destined to be thrashed to death... enjoy it while you can.

Britney Spears - 3 (Wolfgang Gartner Extended Mix)

Wolfgang Gartner - Wolfgang's 5th Symphony (Original Mix)

ps. Thanks Theo for the tip ;)

Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk

2009-11-27T04:13:00.000-08:00

I first heard this track a few weeks ago and it didn't do anything for me. However, tonight at work I had a melody stuck on repeat in my head and I couldn't for the life of me think who it was. Then I realised... it was none other than the song I had disregarded as mediocre returning to haunt me, and upon re-listening I must admit - first impressions don't always last.

Two Door Cinema Club are a three piece indie / electro band from Ireland of all places. Their debut single 'I Can Talk' has just been released by Kitsune accompanied by a rather erratic video clip. 'I Can Talk' is an upbeat dance-a-thon that reminds me of 'A Weekend In The City' era Bloc Party with vocals reminiscent of a less melancholy Death Cab For Cutie. It's simple, it's fun, and it's catchy. But remember - be prepared to give it a second chance if the first listen doesn't tickle you in that special place.

Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk (Music Video)

Owl City + New Zealand

2009-11-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

My friends at Coup De Main Magazine announced last night that Owl City will play support for Cobra Starship at their Auckland show on the 12th of March next year. New Zealand only recently embraced Owl City, but their debut single 'Fireflies' already holds the #3 position on the charts (Cobra Starships latest single 'Hot Mess' doesn't feature in our top 50 at all). It seems we have an affection for this cute (for lack of a better word), quirky golden boy of electro-pop. Adam Young has taken what Benjamin Gibbard took underground with The Postal Service and re-packaged it, with the most colourful of wrapping paper and a bow to decorate. Owl City is an absolute delight and if you were umm-ing and ahh-ing about attending the Cobra headline show you best not need any further convincing.

Owl City - Fireflies (Music Video)

Get your tickets here... they're gonna sell out!

Details:

Cobra Starship with support from Owl City

Friday, 12th of March, 7:30pm

Town Hall

Auckland

Cobra Starship (sorry South Island, no Owl City for you)

Sunday, 14th of March, 7:30pm

Town Hall

Christchurch

Strip Steve - Delta Disco EP

2009-11-24T04:40:00.000-08:00

'Delta Disco' is the second extended-play release by French house producer Strip Steve. His style is noobishly defined as "new school disco-filter house" but for those of us that are uneducated in the various technicalities associated with electronic music genres (myself included) I will provide my own simple-minded interpretation of Strip Steve and his 'Delta Disco' using a few key words - upfront electro-house with distinct funk/disco undertones. Geez, that was no better was it. Perhaps there is just no easy way to put Strip Steve in a box... Have a listen to his EP teaser and make up your own mind.

Strip Steve - Delta Disco EP (Teaser)

He's signed to Boys Noize Records and is hailed as a "visionary" producer creating a new appreciation for old-school house music by delivering it in a fresh and decidedly 'new school' way. From balls out banging Breakin' to the more funky Dancin', 'Delta Disco' is the essential ingredient to be dropping at parties this summer.

Check out a couple of his funkilicious remixes...

Das Glow - Lite Brite (Strip Steve Remix)

Shadow Dancer - Cowbois (Strip Steve Remix)

Savoy - Automatic

2009-11-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

Forgive me as I catch my breath! I just stumbled across these guys completely by chance and it would be no exaggeration to say Savoy are creating some of the most exciting electro to hit the scene this year. The 3-piece (two DJ's and live drummer) are a hybrid of the dirty distorted, bass-driven Justice and the raw creativity of Soulwax. Add a sprinkle of fidget-electro to garnish and 'voila' - there you have it - Savoy.

Savoy - Live at The Fox Theatre

You would expect these guys to be from some obscure European country due to their exceptional taste in dance music, but in fact, they hail from Colorado. They released their debut album 'Automatic' in October, but what's more, they're giving it away for free! Head to their website www.savoyband.com, one click of the mouse and 'Automatic' is yours. They don't even ask you to sign up to a mailing list or anything.

Savoy are just about ready to explode. With international DJ's starting to take notice and dropping Savoy tracks in their sets, record labels and dance music fans alike will soon embrace their magic.

Head to www.savoyband.com now to download their debut album 'Automatic'.

Or if you would like to sample before you download the whole thing, check out one of my favourite tracks...

Savoy - Rhubarb (Download)

Detachments - Circles

2009-11-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

Detachments deliver a darker vibe of indie-dance music that help set them apart from the rest of the pack. With obvious 70's post-punk influences (Joy Division, New Order) their first single 'Circles' is an original fusion of the old, with the new - unique, reverb saturated vocal delivery, disco synth, and the trademark 'same beat throughout the entire song' drums. Initially 'Circles' sounds as though it's going nowhere, but wait until the 2:12 mark and you're in for something special.

Detachments - Circles (Music Video)

'Circles' is released on the 30th of November. Search hypem for a pretty suave remix by Mighty Mouse. Also check out their myspace for more tracks / videos / information.

Kids Of 88 - Uno Dos Tres

2009-11-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

Kids Of 88 dropped three fresh tracks on their Myspace (www.myspace.com/kidsof88) this week - 'Ribbons Of Light', 'Cotton Mouth', and 'Sugar Pills'. Since the release of their debut single 'My House' earlier this year KO88 have wreaked havoc on the New Zealand charts and been thrashed ( ... definitely not to death) on every FM frequency across the country. Now, with a remix of the 'bad girl' of pop, Ke$ha, under their belts, whispers of a looming international record deal, and three new kick-ass tracks, Kids Of 88 look set to continue their onslaught of the music industry and dance floors alike.

Ke$ha - Tik Tok (Kids Of 88 Remix)

'Sugar Pills' is expected to be the follow-up single to 'My House' as they received NZ On Air Music Video funding for this track back in June. In my opinion it is the strongest of the three - a sexy slow-jam slightly tilted towards a more experimental sound compared with the blatantly pop 'My House'. There is even a sprinkle of hip-hop in the pre-chorus with McCarthy spittin' some Kanye-esque rhymes, "never get bored of ya christian dior, never get bored of the head you're givin', the life I'm livin". The chorus (if you can call it that?) is a layered vocal soundscape, atmospheric and delicate yet still curiously catchy. How do they do that?

Check the tracks out on their Myspace - www.myspace.com/kidsof88 and prepare yourself for the takeover. Kids Of 88 have got the goods, sugar pills included.

Vampire Weekend - Cousins

2009-11-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

Ever since Vampire Weekend kindly gifted us with 'Horchata' I have been closely following the progress of their much anticipated sophomore 'Contra'. They released the second song off Contra online this week - Cousins, supported by a music video, which leads me to assume this is the first official single.

Vampire Weekend - Cousins (Music Video)

They've notched up the BPM, and with it, the energy. But, I'm not totally convinced this is a good thing. It's more manic than anything off their self-titled debut mainly thanks to the unorthodox drum beat and the walking (more like a fast-jogging) bass line. It's still good, don't get me wrong, but it's not a track I would sit down and listen to. To me, it sounds like the theme music to those god-awful dreams where you're trying to run away from impending danger, but your body is moving in slow motion. It's frighteningly frantic, but that just might be what gets you off.

Designer Drugs

2009-11-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Designer Drugs have been pumping out uncompromising bangers on the regular over the last couple of years, remixing everyone from Flo Rida and Nelly Furtado to Little Boots and The Toxic Avenger. They have also released a few originals dropping the Zombies / Back Up In This EP earlier this year, and have most recently released their Riot / Drop Down EP.

They are currently signed to indie label 'I Heart Comix' and are in the middle of their North American 'Riot' Tour.

Designer Drugs (Live @ Webster Hall 20/11/09)

(wait for them to drop the second track 'Riot' - it is nothing short of epic!)

I don't rate Designer Drugs like I do some of their heavyweight counterparts such as The Bloody Beetroots, but they hold their own against the influx of 2nd-gen 'rockstar' DJ's to hit the scene recently. Their mixes are consistent, yet predictable... But, at least with Designer Drugs you know what you're going to get, and most of the time what you get is one helluva party.

Check out one of my favourite remixes and an original.

HEARTSREVOLUTION - Switchblade (Designer Drugs Remix)

Designer Drugs - Drop Down (Original Mix)

Gemini Club

2009-11-21T04:39:00.000-08:00

Gemini Club sound like they should have emerged from the UK underground as they possess that 'credible' indie raditude, and the UK is the most fertile breeding ground for this indie/electro sound. However, these synth junkies hail from Chicago where they are still relatively under the radar. But, then again, they did only surface in July.

Gemini Club - Show Me A Showdown

From their Myspace - "Starting with a traditional writing and recording process Gemini Club competes a song and then asks the computer to destroy it, chopping, looping and rearranging at its own discretion. With these cuts the members return to the rubble of their material and rebuild it and so create a sound no traditional rock band could ever achieve. This music is science fiction, guided as much by technology as the will of the bands members."

It's an interesting idea. I don't know how true it is, but it's interesting all the same. And Gemini Club are good... just as good if not better than many of those happy-clappy followers of the dance music revival. I doubt they will remain 'under the radar' for much longer.

Gemini Club - Ghost (Live)

Gemini Club - Show Me A Showdown - DOWNLOAD

Gemini Club - Mary's Day - DOWNLOAD