At my first electronic show, Daft Punk’s “Alive 2007”, I witnessed SebastiAn and Kavinsky of Ed Banger Records perform a dual dj set. I didn’t who they were at the time, but I was hearing a rare collaboration. Both are key members of Busy P’s label, which is directly connected to Daft Punk (Busy P managed the duo for most of their career). Awareness of Kavinsky’s music was significantly increased after he contributed “Nightcall” to the “Drive” soundtrack. His past releases can be found onBandcamp. Also, there’s a rad mix he did for Dazed & Confused last year. A new album is set to release in 2012, with SebastiAn (possibly) assisting in some form. Enjoy!
Tame Impala’s “Innerspeaker” album is distinct to music made in modern times. On first listen I was instantly floating in a psychedelic space, created by this Australian group. Don’t have much else to say, except they are now my favorite band.
Every time I listen through Surkin’s “USA” album, I feel like it’s been overlooked. Maybe it’s from living in the U.S., but this album is one of the strongest releases I’ve come across recently, and I want to take time to profile it. The tracks “White Knight Two” and “Fan Out”, which have been floating around for a while, are sat inside a confident, colorful album that instantly transports you into Surkin’s dreams of 80’s US nostalgia. Although it draws inspiration from the past, Surkin is innovative with his presentation of old grooves in a new, modern environment. This producer has consistently delivered stellar art; from his solo work, to his collaboration with Bobmo as High Powered Boys (hear “Udon/Work” via Juno), to his work as co-label head for Marble. Do yourself a favor and pick up “USA” throughBoomkat. Just when I thought this marvelous album was enough, Surkin has released the USA Club Mixes featuring reworks by Bok Bok & L-Vis 1990, Strip Steve, Para One, Djedjotronic and Noob + the RIDICULOUS Rustie remix of “Lose Yourself”.
I’ve got quite the crush on this guy, Surkin if you’re reading this you’ve got a friend in Seattle ;]
Interviews with Surkin on this release can be read at Nashville NightsandPulse Radio+ get a rad look into his studio techniques below.
Read a wonderful interview with Girl Unit; discussing his patient methods producing the “Club Rez” follow-up double EP, and how the Night Slugs crew keeps him hyped (viaCluster Mag). The new 6-track collection was released on May 7th, 2012 and can be heard/purchased through Boomkat. A teaser video for the title track can be viewed above; Animation bySina Taherkhani, Art-direction by Girl Unit & Sushon.org
2 members of Pendulum (Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen) are currently taking no prisoners with the Knife Party alias. A friend just showed me this mix, a recording from their first ever show, headlining BBC Radio 1’s “Come Together” event at Space, Ibiza in August 2011 (download it here). This marked the first time anyone,including their manager had heard their music. Pretty fucking impressive. Soon after, their track “Internet Friends” popped off, gaining huge support and a rabid fan base. Knife Party has toured with Skrillex for his ‘Mothership’ Tour of North America, and has remixed Nero, Swedish House Mafia and Porter Robinson. Their first EP, “100% No Modern Talking” was released on December 12, 2011 via Pendulum’s label, EarStorm (download it here). Their follow-up EP, “Rage Valley” will be released any day now. The duo is set to demolish USC Events ‘Paradiso Festival’, next month at The Gorge (6.23.12, buy tix). Other headliners include Afrojack, Chris Lake, Dillon Francis, Avicii and Michael Woods.
Here’s a message from Knife Party on the new release, posted yesterday..
“Hey peeps
We’ve missed a couple deadlines on the EP, but we’re delivering the masters on FRIDAY and it will be out shortly after that. Lateness is due to having lots of shows booked in recently, and also the unfortunate combination of being lazy perfectionists. Putting the final tweaks on everything right now and DESPITE the leaked versions roaming about…the new ones are much, much better ;]
dd 