Weekly Round-Up #3

Each week our contributors shed some light upon their favorite goings-on in the music realm. Here’s what we like to call our “Weekly Round-Up”:

Will:

El_Txef_A’s set at U Hall July 13 was mind bending and beautiful. His mix in advance of his set was also a real treat.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100310720″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The new Blond:ish ep on Kompakt, Inward Visions, is pretty dope. Def be on the look out for that. I also recommend what Groundislava is up to.

 

Harry:

This week seems to be about technology for me, first with the release of an iOS app called Scratch Remote, which you can use to control their Scratch and DJ software. I have played around with TouchOSC, which takes a bit of work to set up. I’m still not sure if I’ll pick it up to try out. I have played around with the Traktor DJ app, and Native Instruments has released the Kontrol Z1 mixer, which works with the iOS versions and I found out can work as a soundcard for other iOS apps (e.g. synth apps like the Korg, Waldorf and Moog stuff), which makes me more likely to pick it up eventually. What really got me was Apple’s sudden announcement about Logic X yesterday, and that it was immediately for sale. I use Logic, it’s the DAW I am more familiar and comfortable with, and I will make the upgrade, I just might be waiting a little bit.

Other than that, worked on some mixes over the weekend, was going through lots of music in my library, had to include this Martyn tune on a deeper dubstep mix I put together:

It was released this year on his ‘Newspeak’ EP on Dolly Dubs, and it’s a style and sound I love hearing. Reminds me of some of his earlier 3024 singles, and the releases by F on 7EVEN Recordings. I also heard this recent 2-step tune yesterday, and want to explore that style more:

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/92314282″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Caleb:

My favorite track has been a steady tie between FKJ’s “Between Moods” and “I Will Change You” by Jack Steadman. FKJ released his second EP Time For A Change this week, and it’s an easy winner. “Between Moods” is an instant standout that sounds somewhere between nu disco and hip hop, relying on funk bass and vocal chops to make one of the most addicting tracks of the summer. The Jack Steadman track is from about two years ago. He is the singer of indie band Bombay Bicycle Club and just happens to make killer electronic music on the side. It’s pretty standard as bass music goes, feeling like an old Hackman demo, but it’s pretty close to perfect.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/11533270″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Elyse:

I have two new releases on repeat this week. The first, “Hurt Me” featuring Lola Cola, comes from the Turn it Around EP by Billon. I actually felt ambivalent about this one at first but the catchy vocal arrangement quickly grew on me. I suspect that whatever set of remixes is released for “Hurt Me” will be massive.

The title track from Gui Boratto’s Too Late EP has an equally spellbinding effect. The production is crisp yet bubbly, and the vocals give some attitude to what would otherwise be just a decently enjoyable track. The alternate version of “Too Late” has a bit more bite and is just as lovely.

 

Tara:

It’s pretty crazy now a days how accessible DJjing has become as well as production. We have seen the progression of tools in equipment like MIDI controllers, software programs like Traktor, Ableton, and of course Serato. DJing from a computer and even an iPod has become more comfortable for a lot of disc jockeys. So whats next? Well of course, an iPad app. First, with the announcement of Traktor’s free iPad app, Serato follows up with an app that functions as a remote control that helps to add cues, loops, BPMs, even load tracks onto your turntables. Check out this Youtube video on Resident Advisor to see this touchscreen release. As a technologically demanding world grows, hopefully the art of turntablism won’t be diminished in the future.

Also, new SBTRKT remix just released. Man is on fire! Check it out here and don’t miss him at MAD DECENT’S Block Party at Merriweather.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101502536″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Charles: 

I’d like to say I haven’t been listening to the new Paul Woolford track over and over again and that I have indeed been listening to other things, but then I would be lying. Big time. This track has been on repeat for me since its release, and I can honestly say it’s easily going to be the soundtrack to my summer.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100145167″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Other than that, still reminiscing about Justin Martin’s fantastic set at U Hall last weekend. Man is in a league of his own. Also looking forward to all of the releases forthcoming this autumn on Swamp 81, a handful of which you can hear on their recent Rinse show.