There are probably a million ways to mess up a remix of Usher’s euphoric chart-topping ballad “Climax” but NY based producers aOkej and stijl got it right by tweaking the lead synth and vocals of the original and adding some stripped down, spaced-out, reverb-drenched instrumentation of their own.

It’s one of the better chill tracks to surface recently.

Listen to it enough times and you’ll start to float.

Show aOkej & stijl some love on their soundcloud pages.

File under “most anticipated track of the year so far.” BK producer, Baauer‘s “Harlem Shake” is my personal “Barbra Streisand” of 2012, meaning it’s an amazing tune with no sign of release in the near future.

It’s a massive tropical banger and I need it in my life asap.

Listen above and check Baauer’s twitter and soundcloud pages for future updates.

Newark based producer Rahshon Bright aka Nadus is making some of the smoothest juke you’ll ever hear, made with his signature blend of fast paced percussion, soulful synths and vocal hooks.

His unique style and alignment with Brick Bandits and Mad Decent has garnered him attention from some of the worlds best hip-hop and dance producers with names like Diplo, Sinden, Munchi, Dave Nada and Flosstradamus all flying the Nadus flag.

His remix of the Isley Brother’s “Between the Sheets” was recently featured in Brodinski‘s 2-hour mix for Diplo & Friends. Download the track bellow and hit up Nadus on soundcloud for additional streams and downloads.

The Isley Brothers – Between the Sheets (Nadus Remix)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The luminescent blue album art above has been dominating my recent soundcloud incoming page as a result of a new compilation from Parisian imprint, Moveltraxx.

Da Movelt Posse Episode 5 features an eclectic gathering of sounds and faces. It’s like all the best modern disco, juke, bass and house producers are hanging out at the same party and taking turns playing out their new material.

Hilights from the album include a new floor filler by The Phantom’s Revenge titled “Death By Chillwave,” a mind numbing tech-house remix of Roby Howler‘s “Do It” by Hostage, the much hyped “Drop Ur Ass” single from Ezekiel (dubbed the ‘biggest tune out there right now‘ by Buraka Som Sistema), a gorgeous and haunting new remix from Sinjin Hawke of Bolyn’s “High Lite” and a gritty new burst of energy from Fire Flowerz called “Gun!”

Stream the 22-track release in full bellow and grab the Sinjin Hawke remix over at XLR8R.

Moveltraxx’ Da Movelt Posse Episode 5 is out now on itunes and beatport.

I’m starting to wonder if “Climax” will ever not be stuck in my head. This gorgeous Diplo x Flosstradamus remix isn’t helping.

For more trapped-out anthems, check Floss’ 2-hour set in the latest broadcast of Diplo & Friends, streaming for a limited time at BBC.

Oh there’s also this. WUUUTTTTTTTT

At first I thought it was strange for the M Machine to split their debut album into two parts, but now I’m thinking it’s a smart move considering how much entertainment we consume on a daily basis. Breaking up the album offers more time for the individual tracks to sink in and leaves the listener hungry for the next installment.

The tone of Metropolis Pt. I is set by the futuristic night club sounds of “Immigrants,” whose dark and stylish intro is quickly met with a burst of electronic energy, which rises and falls around gentle melodic waves. It’s a great start to the record, establishing the trio’s sound while displaying their dynamic writing abilities.

“Deep Search” is the standout single of this set and showcases one of the best euphoric breakdowns in M Machine history as part of a gorgeous back-and-forth between the group’s sonic visualization of travel and discovery.

“A King Alone” has vocalist Eric Luttrell channeling what sounds like lonely android blues alongside a host of ethereal instruments and a crisp beat.

“Faces” features Ben Swardlick on vocals, making use of obscure yet beautiful harmonies layered over pulsing and exotic synth textures.

If the album were a soundtrack, “Black” would play during a chase scene; another example of the group’s ability to seamlessly transition between whimsical melodies and gritty basslines. The industrial sounds at the beginning recall images of Ripley’s big yellow mech.

In “Shadow in the Rose Garden,” the haunting vocals of Kelly Koval are back, this time supported by a grittier anthemic instrumental, begging to be played out in a festival setting.

So far, the album is a refreshing open-to-interpretation narrative within the group’s modern electronic sound, rich with 80s sci-fi nostalgia.

Metropolis Pt. I adds to the group’s already stacked arsenal of songs which are sure to shine through the their live performances with the help of their brilliant light-rig branding technique.

The M Machine – Metropolis Pt. I is available now at itunes and beatport.

Read WIRED‘s piece on the M Machine’s studio space and DIY light structure here and stream the release in full bellow:

Identity Festival is back for another run, touring the states this summer with a brand new gorgeous mixture of electronic artists.

This year, Eric Prydz will make the trek out to the US in conjunction with the release of his upcoming album Eric Prydz Presents Pryda (out May 22).

Electro godfather Wolfgang Gartner will also be joining the 2012 lineup alongside rising talents Porter Robinson and Madeon, as well as low-end face-melters like Nero, Excision and Doctor P.

$25 Early Bird tickets go on sale today for a limited time.

Check the announcement video and dates bellow:
Continue Reading »

The Aussi born Anna Lunoe first caught my eyes and ears with her 2011 collaboration with Wax Motif on, “Love Ting.” From there I did a background check and found she’d been making waves within the dance community for a while, gigging internationally at big name festivals in support of electronic giants like Diplo, Daft Punk, Switch, Calvin Harris, A-trak and Soulwax as well as directing music for major fashion shows like Chanel, Fendi, Prada, Louis Vuiton, Hugo Boss and Sass N Bide.

Since my initial discovery of Lunoe, she’s built up a strong catalog of mixes, remixes and collaboration work with various artists including Them Jeans (VooDoo), Diamond Lights (Stronger) and Wordlife (Tom’s Diner Cover), lending her unique vocals and production sense to each.

As far as female producers and djs go, she seemed like the ideal candidate, which is why I asked her to do a feature post on women making an impact on a music community mainly run by male artists.

From here on out, the lovely and talented Anna Lunoe will be your guide, so pay attention and get ready to hear some awesome lady-tunes.

- Joseph

Continue Reading »

Rustie‘s essential mix is really good, so good that Pitchfork reviewed it like an album and gave it an 8.1. That’s like 10/10 by regular standards.

In other news, an updated version of “Surph,” featuring vocals from Nightwave has been all over BBC Radio1 airwaves.

The single is out now and can be bought at itunes or Amazon MP3.

Rustie – Surph ft. Nightwave

Rustie’s also planning to hit the states with a few live shows.

Check bellow to see if he’s playing your city and listen to the essential mix stream here.

Continue Reading »