1..2..3..HIT IT! – 34 Dance Tracks of the Present>Past>Future

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For those of you that don’t feel like reading and just want to get straight to the music (I completely understand, I do the same thing):

And here’s the Spotify playlist, but keep in mind less than half are on it:

 

It’s February…which means 2 things: 1 month till Miami Music Week & new songs that will become 2013 dance anthems come out soon. It’s about that time again to go through what’s been ringing in my ears since the last post (which was…end of November). So here’s some of the best of the best from 12/1-2/8: (stay tuned at the end for some jewels of the past and some future bangers)

Let’s start with some feel-good house music…you know those melodic, steady beat, HUGE crescendo, strong vocal mixes that keep you feeling like you’re on top of the world. First up we’ve got another Miike Snow Remix from Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman, the same guys that brought you “Roll the Dice” and “Pieces of Light”:

Miike Snow – Bavarian #1 (Say You Will) (Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman Remix)

And now I bring you 2 tracks from a new guy by the name of Moiez. Slowly making some headway with remixes and collaborations, this guy produces a powerful sound that really gets you moving. In the first track Moiez takes on Hardwell’s already impressive “Apollo ft. Ambra Shepard”, but I have to be honest…I really think he out did Hardwell on this one, take a listen:

Hardwell – Apollo (ft. Ambra Shepard) (Moiez Remix)

Next is an original by Moiez with vocals from Brenton Mattheus. Stumbled upon this on another music blog and now I just can’t stop listening. It’s pretty epic so take a listen:

Moiez – The Vision feat. Brenton Mattheus [free download]

And now a remix from Ivan Gough, name should sound familiar from Axwell’s remix of Ivan and Feenixpawl’s “In My Mind”. So with that last sentence I don’t think there’s any questioning Ivan’s talent, not to mention this next track was featured as Pete Tong’s 1st song on his February 8th Essential Mix. A must have:

Vincenzo Callea vs. William Naraine – Turn Off the Lights (Ivan Gough Remix)

Next I have some killer remixes for you. First, when Nicky Romero & NERVO released “Like Home” it was already making big waves at Tomorrowland, but of course like every other hit EDM single everyone else wants to take a stab at it. So of the many remixes, this one from Dannic is my favorite:

Nicky Romero & NERVO – Like Home (Dannic Remix)

Here’s an extra from Dannic as well:

Kid Massive & Alex Sayz ft. Miella – Strong (Dannic Remix)

Zedd’s “Clarity ft. Foxes” has been taking over the music scene in recent months after Zedd made an acoustic performance on Letterman and the music video was released. And now a “Clarity Remixes” EP is set to be released soon featuring re-works from the likes of Felix Cartal, Brillz, and Funkagenda. However, I think I wouldn’t be the only one to say that the best remix has already been released by Starkillers (and it’s a free download). He has literally completely re-worked the entire track, extended it, and transformed it leaving the only the backbone Zedd gave the track and Foxes’ vocals, check it:

Zedd – Clarity ft. Foxes (Starkillers Remix)

And now a remix of Arty’s “When I See You” by Alesso. An absolutely amazing original track by Arty, but when Alesso brings that progressive house feel to this classic trance track, it BLOWS UP:

Arty – When I See You (Alesso Remix)

I think it’s time for some dirty, grimey, big bass, house (BIG SPEAKERS NEEDED!). First, we have a single from Qulinez off of Steve Angello‘s Size Records. Qulinez is also the same duo to bring you the EPIC, “Troll” from 2012. This track was first debuted at EDC New York along with it’s twin brother “Dynamic”.

Qulinez – BAMF …. (I think the title is appropriate)

Next is a multi-collaboration off of Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s Smash the House label. Yves V has been a partner for Felguk‘s “WOW” and DV & LM’s “Loops & Things”, where as Loopers you’ll see later in the blog post. Check out the big bass “AMOK”:

Yves V, Loopers, & Jacob van Hage – AMOK

Next is fast rising W&W Music. Been around a while and in the trance game for a long time, but just recently making huge strides with their now #1 Beatport single with Ummet Ozcan. First, featured on Armin Van Buuren‘s ASOT and now released on Hardwell’s Revealed Recordings it’s “The Code”:

W&W & Ummet Ozcan – The Code

And now a track that a lot of people have been waiting patiently for. The long anticipated “Wakanda” from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Played across the globe in Swedish House Mafia’s “One Last Tour” sets since November 2012. Out now on Axwell’s Axtone Records. The heavy, heavy bass will take over any dance crowd. Get it:

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike – Wakanda

You can always hear the bouncy imprint Tommy Trash leaves on a track when he adds his flavor to it and I have to say that A-Trak & Tommy’s “Tuna Melt” sure does taste good:

A-Trak & Tommy Trash – Tuna Melt

Also, check out A-Trak’s “Jumbo” from the same EP.

Next I bring you to some dirty, dirty progressive house music. I honestly have no clue who these two HIIO & John Dish are, but this track is amazing. Featured by Deniz Koyu and Pete Tong, this track is a killer:

HIIO & John Dish – Cubic

We’re closing in on the rest of the “Present-time” now. From my favorite Aussie, Dirty South, comes a collaboration his devoted fans have literally been begging to have for months. First debuted on his City of Dreams tour he releases “Halo” with Deniz Koyu:

Dirty South & Deniz Koyu – Halo

Keep an eye out for Dirty South‘s new album “Speed of Life” to be released March 5th!

From Steve Aoki we have probably one of his best tracks since “Ladi Dadi”. I don’t know how this got past me, but it’s a great track with Rune RK:

Steve Aoki ft. Rune RK – Transcend

From Laidback Luke‘s MixMash Records we have a follow up to “Home” by Tom Staar. His new “Kingdom” will trick you with it’s melodic and strong vocal beginning, but just wait… (go to :49):

Tom Staar – Kingdom

This next one sounds like a Daft Punk resurgence from Oliver on Fool’s Gold Records:

Oliver – MYB

And now it’s time for my FAVORITE TRACK RIGHT NOW. I cannot get this one out of my head. It’s absolute musical genius!! Mord Fustang is no newbie to the EDM scene, but he has never quite garnered the following to make it “Big” per say (not that it hasn’t been big for him… ex. playing Electric Zoo 2012). He reminds me so much of Deadmau5 with the tracks like “We Are Connected” and “Champaloo”. Now he brings “Taito” to the table, take a listen, I promise you’ll be impressed:

Mord Fustang – Taito

And now the “Best of the Rest”: … (don’t forget to scroll down for some Future, Past, and MASHUPS)



BLAST FROM THE PAST




TOP MASHUPS (Alesso, Dirty South, Chuckie, Deniz Koyu, Calvin Harris, Axwell, Dada Life)



THE FUTURE SOUNDS – (and waiting patiently…)

“Years ft. Matthew Koma” by Alesso is probably my favorite banger from 2012. It’s a great combination of feel-good house and huge sound. I really didn’t think you could make it much better than it was already. However, whenever Hard Rock Sofa adds their touch to something it pretty much EXPLODES. Which is why I’m so excited to hear the full version of this one:

Alesso – Years ft. Matthew Koma (Hard Rock Sofa Remix)

Debuted by Steve Angello at “Size in the Park” this past summer, people have been waiting for this one a long while too. A collaboration between up and coming GTA, Henrix, and Digital Lab on Size Records:

GTA, Henrix & Digital Lab – Hit It!

And now the one I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a while for. It’s been played in combination with Supermode‘s “Tell Me Why” at the Swedish House Mafia‘s “One Last Tour”, but has yet to see the light of day from it’s creator Deniz Koyu. Another 4 letter banger, “RAGE” is a for sure hit and will likely be a 2013 anthem when released. Check out the best quality clip I can find and YouTube video (so you can see the crowd’s reaction) from SHM’s show at Friends Arena in Stockholm:

Deniz Koyu – Rage

And last but, not least I leave you with a new single from the mysterious duo, Disclosure. Certainly, not in line with the type of music in this blog post, but nonetheless it’s a very catchy track with Disclosure‘s underlying tech house beat and AlunaGeorge‘s great vocals. It will most definitely be a #1 chart topper in the UK and will make it’s way to the US soon enough: (Also make sure to check out their “Latch” with Sam Smith)

Disclosure – White Noise ft. AlunaGeorge

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed it! Till next time.

[TWO FACED] Top 24 Indie/AltRock – Top 24 EDM/House (*including Spotify Playlists)


Instead of typing out every single detail about these songs like I usually do I decided that it would be easier for you and me to just simplify things a little….

I’ve put together two TOP 24 track lists of both Indie/AltRock/Chillwave and EDM/House.

They are set up in SoundCloud sets so it’s all in one music player, and some will have down arrows for downloading. AND…I made Spotify playlists for those of you that use Spotify (keep in mind not all of the songs are on Spotify yet).

Since it’s been a while I’m trying to give you what I think is great music by being super selective. I took each list from about 50 tracks (from the last 2 months) to 24 each, sooo in my opinion these are the best of the best.

After each list I picked ONE track that I think is the best, so don’t forget to check those out! And I have a little surprise for you at the very end…

FIRST UP: Indie/AltRock/Chillwave – TOP TRACKS

#1 Track: KO KO – Float

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

NEXT: EDM/House/Dance – TOP TRACKS

#1 Track: CAZZETTE – Beam Me Up (Kill Mode)

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

BONUS:
So this little nugget is from the last 15 minutes of Swedish House Mafia’s legendary set in Creamfields 2010. The entire set is amazing, but this mix gives me the ultimate goosebumps.

Swedish House Mafia – 2 Million Ways [Axwell Remix] vs. Bittersweet Symphony vs. Tell Me Why

[CHECK OUT THIS ONE THE BEAT IS DROPPIN] My Top Block Rockin Beats of September

(SHM’s Last Show in Ibiza at USHUAIA)

I know it’s been a while since my last post so I took special care in bringing you all some unique sounds. Carefully handpicked from the now massive EDM world. I don’t bother to try to keep up with the Dancing Astronaut and Beat My Day bloggers, because I just don’t have the time to do that, but I filter through what they and others post and try to give you my version of the best. Ready let’s go:

This one is a release from Tiesto’s label Musical Freedom. Albin Myers hasn’t had a whole lot, but he has done some remixes and released this KILLER single. BEAST MODE!

The Beast – Albin Myers

Okay now that you’ve settled down from that one let’s take it down a notch with one that’s a little more chill (and by chill I mean only 250 BPM…). Tom Starr is the one that is responsible for bringing you the amazing mix of “African Drop” which I posted last time. The song has been played in Ingrosso, Alesso, and Dirty South’s sets. Here’s a new one from Tom in which he associates himself with Deadmau5 on Mau5trap Records. It was played on Dirty South’s Phazing Radio in August.

Home – Tom Staar

Mentioning Dirty South let’s take a look at his new record with Michael Brun. Dirty South has done tracks with this guy a couple times and Michael Brun has also mixed Those Usual Suspects’ “Burn Forever” which is on Dirty South’s Phazing Records. This one is going to be yet another mind blowing single fresh off City of Dreams!

Rift – Michael Brun & Dirty South

Here’s a bonus from Michael Brun for you too. This was popular around Ultra time period:

Rise – Michael Brun

Now for a big funky bass line and huge drops. This one is from Felguk and Yves V. Both have produced some pretty sick remixes, but this collaboration will blow you out of the water.

WOW – Yves V & Felguk

Next up is Dada Life. These two crazy swedes are touring around the world with Tiesto right now as their opening act (or “were” until Tiesto broke his back). Known for some very different singles, they very rarely do collaborations and tend to stick to themselves, but they have one hell of a cult following (i.e the bananas). This one certainly lives up to their reputation:

Feed the Dada – Dada Life

BONUS REMIX:
Feed the Dada (Dyro Remix) – Dada Life    (might be better than the original…)

Sander Van Doorn brings the heat! This track was #1 on Dancing Astronaut in August. It encompasses all aspects of EDM and moves from Progressive to Electro to Dubstep’yy. It’s an amazing track.

Kangaroo – Sander Van Doorn & Julian Jordan

These next two guys are known for producing some huge house anthems. They produced “Roll the Dice” together back in early 2012. It was a huge dance anthem across Europe and was played by heavy hitters in Miami. They haven’t had a whole lot since then, but this one (along with vocals) is sure to hit anthem status again. Check it out:

Pieces of Light – Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman ft. Jonny Rose

And now I’ll leave the rest of the post to the Swedish House Mafia circle. In the last year or so the SHM boys have really built up their own individual labels; Size, Refune, and Axtone. They surround themselves with the best in progressive house and now they are literally the Swedish House Mafia. They’re like the mob of EDM. No need for an explanation on these tracks, their reputation precedes them. I’ve ranked them for you though!

1. Sunrise (Won’t Get Lost Again) – Tommy Trash vs. The Aston Shuffle (Axtone Records)

2. Lights – Steve Angello & Third Party (Size Records)

3. Lies (Otto Knows Remix) (Refune Records)

4. Reload – Tommy Trash & Sebastian Ingrosso (Refune Records)

5. Pretender (Deniz Koyu Remix) – Miike Snow (Refune Records) MY FAVORITE

And now I’ll finish with a preview of a killer remix of the chart topper “Don’t You Worry Child”:

Don’t You Worry Child (Tom Staar & Kryder Remix) – Swedish House Mafia

That’s all folks! Enjoy! till next time.

[HAPPY ‘MERICA DAY!] July.4th.#NEWNOISE.OVERLOAD: Dada Life, Arty, Major Lazer, Wale, Dirty South, Bingo Players, Bloody Beetroots, The xx, and MORE!


So what if the 4th is on a Wednesday this year! Doesn’t give you the right to deny our great country a day of drinking and celebration! You’ve got the beer, the American flag button down, the jorts, the fireworks, and the friends. Now let’s make your 4th of July week complete with some NEW TUNES! Today I bring you some classics with a new twist and some brand spankin new stuff, so listen up and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

The first set of wavelengths I bring you is the classic Kanye West record, American Boy ft. Estelle, re-booted by Kill the Noise. The second is a re-boot from LAZRtag. Not a bad way to start:

American Boy ft. Estelle (Kill the Noise Remix) – Kanye West

American Boy ft. Estelle (LAZRtag Remix) – Kanye West **(one of my favorites)

The next ones are from a guy named Kastra out of New Jersey. He’s doing some original mixes, mash-ups, and re-boots. The first is one of my favorites, One Illmerica, taking SHM’s ‘One’ and Wolfgang Gartner’s ‘Illmerica’ together. They work perfect together. Second is an original mix called ‘American Sex’….thought that was fitting for this post.

One Illmerica – Swedish House Mafia/Wolfgang Gartner (Kastra Mashup)

American Sex – Kastra & Nick James

Okay enough with the American themed songs. Here’s some fresh new stuff:

Tounge Tied (Gigamesh Remix) – Grouplove

**Perfect song for a chill boat ride on the lake***:
Floats My Boat – Aer

!!BRAND SPANKIN NEW EDM FIIIIRRREE!!:
Kick Out the Epic Motherf*cker (Otto Knows Remix) – Dada Life

(Fun Fact!: Otto Knows is Alesso’s little brother)

Open Space – Arty

Burning (Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl Remix) – Adrian Lux ft. Dante

Just Can’t Stay Away – Hard Rock Sofa & Squire (these russians are killlliing it)

Here We Go – Hard Rock Sofa & Swanky Tunes (and again!!!)

Don’t Blame the Party (Firebeatz Remix) – Bingo Players

Rocksteady – The Bloody Beetroots (woop woop!)

NOW chilllll…..:

(NEW from Major Lazer):

Oui Got It Wrong (Madeon vs. St. Lucia) – Xaphoon Jones

(FUN FACT!: Xaphoon Jones is 1/2 of Chiddy Bang duo)

Take A Walk (The Highweights Remix) – Passion Pit

(may favorite remix of this new Passion Pit song…Passion Pit may be the most over remixed band of all time)

Why You Wanna – Poolside

Relief – Coastal Cities

Do You Mind (Derek Walin Remix) – The Xx

Third Wave – Summer Heart (this is what we call ‘Chillwave’)

Don’t Owe You A Thang – Gary Clark Jr.

(this guy’s been opening for DMB this summer)

And here we have your ONE hip-hop/rap record:

My Moment ft. 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Jeremih – DJ Drama

I lied….:
Nightchain – Wale x Kavinsky (The Hood Internet) killa!!

Hope you enjoyed the tunes! Remember if you don’t know how to download for free you can get that information here!

Also, here are a few pre-mixed July 4th sets from some of my favorites:

The Hood Internet Mixtape Series

(my favorites are: Mixtape 5, Great American Mixtape, vs. Chicago)

From my favorite DJ out there, DIRTY SOUTH!!:
This is his live set from EDC New York on Phazing Radio – June:

And if you’re really looking to RAGE RAGE PARTY PARTY listen to some of the best SHM in honor of their sad news:
Masquerade Motel 2011 (Miami) – Swedish House Mafia (the best 2 hour party on the beach)

Keep it real kids and enjoy the tunes and this holiday week!!!