Our longtime mate, Th' Mole, has a new album out. Do Not Be Afraid is a high-energy trip into a fantastical electro-rap world of magical unicorns, explosive bass, and psychedelic hilarity.
We hear a lot of "mental" and "ill" tracks here, but the recent Magical Bass releases have led us to worrying a bit about the psychological well-being of the artists. From DJ 0.000001's 19-minute long remix of Freebird to Th' Mole's On The Couch podcast (documenting an actual meeting with a psychiatrist), to this latest release, a troubled albeit entertaining picture is being pieced together.
The free maxi-single for DJ 0.000001's cover of the classic Suicidal Tendencies track "Institutionalized" seems to be in response to recent accusations of mental instability within the Magical Bass camp, and it makes a powerful statement. DJ 0.000001's breathtakingly honest vocal delivery adds new depth to the brilliant lyrics, while the driving and catchy instrumental keeps you locked in from start to finish, making for a completely different and arguably harder-hitting song than the original itself. The 7-track single also includes another exclusive track, featuring sampled Saul Williams vocals, as well as several stellar remixes by DJ 0.000001 and GDS (AKA Goddamn Sam of Vankmen).
It's all change up on here, we'll be back in a couple of months but we're still active on our Facebook Groups, If you haven't joined any of them then this is the kind of thing you've been missing recently.
WE ARE 3 AND WE HAVE SOME FRIENDS AND FAMILY COMING OVER FOR A CELEBRATION!
STAGGA & MONKY Undoubtedly the leading force of Bass music in Wales and a killer combo since their Optimas Prime days. Also both card carrying members of the Chrome Kids family.
LANDSLIDE Been a little quiet for a while but now based here in Cardiff, the original Fwd>> Resident is back with a stunning new soulful, bass heavy album called ‘Peak’ which drops very soon.
ITAL LION One of the founding fathers of the dance music scene in Cardiff especially for the Dubstep / 2Step generation. Ever evolving and ever progressing, he’s still one of the best in the city.
RATCATCHER Since riding solo from the CRST crew, the artist formerly known as Rodski has pursued his premier love of House to great achievement, with some of the best sets / tunes we’ve heard.
MR HEALAN Not necessarily a newcomer to the scene but definitely making a lot of noise right now after reinventing himself using updated, forward thinking Electronic parts, like a Cyber(bad)man.
Massive shout out to my boy CJ Beatz, who recently gave the chance to put together a guest mix for his R&B Mix show on BBC 1Xtra.
For those not in the know, he does a weekly feature called "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life", which showcases some of the best DJ-ing talent around the UK.
My mix comprises of recent Hip Hop, along with some R&B classics, Grime, and some remixes from the likes of Rustie & Hudson Mohawke. It was recorded in one take using 1200s and Serato Scratch Live.
01. Big Boi Feat. Yelawolf - You Ain't No DJ 02. Tweet - Call Me 03. Rustie - Keesha Resmak 04. Hudson Mohawke - Ooops 05. Usher - U Make Me Wanna 06. Tyler The Creator - Yonkers 07. Juelz Santana - Dipset (Santana's Town) 08. Chris Brown Feat. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne - Look At Me Now 09. Fused Forces & DJ Cable - Flocka Riddim 10. YC Feat. Future - Racks 11. Redlight Feat. Ms. Dynamite - What You Talking About!? (Acapella)
The guys over at Mallabel Music just hit us with this beastly exclusive, a big chunk-stomping Glitch-hop remix of NOX's 'Gimme My Focken Diamonds' by Oregon beat muncher Konekta. Grab it now and head over to their site for a more indepth excursion into the Konekta sound.
01. Hudson Mohawke – All Your Love 02. Ifan Dafydd – No Good 03. iO – You/Me (Listen) 04. The Phantom - Arctic (Buy) 05. Dev79 + Thrills + Skamma – Off In A Minute (Buy) 06. D33J – Reever’s Edge (Download) 07. Venice Calypso – Tunguska (Buy) 08. Falcon Lake – Fortune & Game 09. Son Of A Glitch ft. Adam Rowdyman - Together (Buy) 10. Landslide & Kate Tempest – Parables 11. Josh Osho - Redemption Days (Mensah Remix) 12. Lotek - Rebel Hi Fi (Buy) 13. Paul White feat. Danny Brown - One Of Life's Pleasures 14. Benito – New Planets (Listen)
Here's a proper THUGSTEP mix from the architect, Disc Jockey Nappy - not just a grip of Hip-Hop acapellas over Dubstep tracks, but the mindset that comes across when you hear "Tupac Back" mixed into some Eddie K, or the debauchery that commences when UFO! refixes some haunting Tyler the Creator tracks.
Loads of anthems thrown in here, with dubstep refixers/producers including Spinstyles, Dioxin and DJ Fusion bringing these tracks to new heights, alongside bits from DJ Drama, Young Jeezy, Curly Castro and more.
Tracklist:
01 - Meek Mill - Tupac Back ft. Rick Ross 02 - Ed Solo - Lo Rider ft. Deekline, Kidd Money, Yo Majesty (Eddie K Remix) 03 - Niki Minaj - Girls Fall Like Dominos (Distance Remix) 04 - Starkey - Holodeck ft. Curly Castro, Zilla Rocca (Three Dollar Pistol Remix) 05 - Total Recall - Get Off Your Knees ft. Ludacris 06 - Youngman - I Warned Ya (Produced by Benga) 07 - Tyler, The Creator vs. Adroa - 666 For Bastard ft. Adroa (UFO! Refix) 08 - DJ Drama - Oh My Watch Out (Doctor P vs. DJ Fusion Refix) 09 - Stylust Beats - Wanna Ride 10 - Young Jeezy - Ballin' (Spinstyles Remix) 11 - Pill - Big Bank ft. Meek Mill, Torch, Rick Ross, French Montana 12 - Loud G - Tryna Make A Special Request 13 - Dead Prez - It's Bigger Than Hip Hop UK (WTF? Edit) 14 - Mike Jones - My 64 ft. Bun B, Snoop Dogg (Dioxin Thugstep Remix) 15 - Curly Castro - Nu Guinea ft. Zilla Rocca 16 - Dream McLean - Coke and Vodka ft. Siris (Produced by S-X)
P.S. Nappy has even set up a THUGSTEP Facebook page. Go check it out now.
I recently made this Frank Ocean remix, and upon gaining 2,000 followers on Twitter, I decided to give it away for free. The original version was awesome, but I felt it could have been beefed up a little bit, you know?
Oh, it's a .wav file too, so all you DJs/audiophiles will be happy :)
After a long hiatus, DJ 0.000001, Th' Mole and new cast member DJ 1 Billionth (the DJ'ing cat) are back with another blast of the devastating beats and daft antics we've grown to love.
1. Th' Mole - Magical Bass Theme #7
2. BBC - Ngyuta Dance (DJ 0.000001 Remix)
3. Th' Mole - Bouncy Ball
4. Th' Mole - Easter Boy Theme Song
5. Hi-C - Leave My Curl Alone (DJ 0.000001 Remix)
6. Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine - Conga (DJ 0.000001 Remix)
7. Th' Mole - Jump Jack ft. Warrior Queen (Barely Legal Beats Remix)
8. Kenny Loggins - This Is It (DJ 0.000001 Remix)
9. Th' Mole - Sansa Song
10. Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone (DJ 0.000001 Remix)
11. Johnny Cage - Down In A Hole (DJ 0.000001 Remix) (Instrumental)
12. Slick Rick - Venus (Remaster)
13. Biz Markie - Check It Out (Remaster)
14. Young Stroke AKA Young Muscle - Surf & Turf
15. Themselves - Guess Who's Back
16. Fischerspooner - Infidels Of The World Unite (Th' Mole Remix)
I've always been intrigued by the relationship between man and computer technology, infact I'd say on one base level, Chrome Kids is largely about that interaction and the constant shift in control one has over the other, particularly in relationship to music. So it's no suprise I've been loving 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' on BBC2 so far, which argues that we have been' colonised by the machines we have built.' Definitely worth a watch whilst it's still on iPlayer (click on the name to watch it, not sure how well iPlayer works outside of the UK but sure it can be found elsewhere if you're unable to watch it on there).
The artist formerly known as 8Bitch from her forthcoming EP on Svetlana Industries. Before this drops they also have a release from BNJMN which is out tomorrow, if you can't wait til then however you can pre-ordr a copy from here now and recieve 2 of the tracks straight away. We also have a track that was bumped from the EP due to the master recording getting lost but which still stands alone as a great track.
BBC Radio 1 linchpin and fellow Welshman, Huw Stephens has teamed up with our current headquaters, Cardiff Arts Institute, to bring a fantastic selection of Bass friendly DJs and producers over the Severn Bridge to The Lock Tavern in Camden. Alongside two of Northern England’s rising stars, is a heavy representation of our native city’s talent. The event runs from 3pm to 11pm on Sunday 19th June and it's completely free, so come and say hello if you're in the area.
Fantastic Mr Fox (Live) With James Blake and Pariah hailing him as the next big thing, The XX taking him away on tour with them and all the hype backed up by some stunning releases on seminal labels Black Acre and Hemlock, it’s suprising we’ve heard little from Manchester producer Fantastic Mr Fox recently, but seems like he’s been hard at work in the den working on his live sets, which he shall be heading up proceedings with for you here.
Jamie Grind Leeds rising don of skittering electronic riddims has made a big impression on the scene with his first 2 fantastic EPs on respected labels: Infrasonics (Spatial, XXXY, Hot City) and Fortified Audio (Submerse, XXXY, KingThing) and his forthcoming releases on Wicked Bass and Chicago Juke label Ghettophiles prove he is definitely one to keep watching.
Ratcatcher After cutting his teeth on the Cardiff clubland as part of Skinny White Boys and C.R.S.T. – Ratcatcher (formerly Rodski) is now riding solo and has returned to his first love, House Music! His residencies at Cardiff Arts Institute and Dalston’s popular underground Rhythm Talk parties have shown him to be one of the most astute DJs on the scene and remixes for the likes of Crystal Fighters, Lokiboi have shown him as a more than worthy producer on the rise.
Didz + Chico Despite their early Grime background, Didz (aka Diddy aka Ill Diddy) + Chico have always hinted at deeper more uplifting side in their DJ Sets and productions. Stalwarts of Cardiff’s music scene, Chico was better known as an MC and Diddy remained largely in the shadows until their anthemic garage track ‘Something New’ on Doc Daneeka’s ‘Ten Thousand Yen’ label, which was rinsed by the likes of Marcus Nasty, Seb Chew, Julio Bashmore, TRG, and Mosca.
Kaptin Holding it down for the Welsh massive for years as a DJ, MC and Promoter, Kaptin heads up the Chrome Kids family alongside Stagga and Monky, recording mixes for the likes of BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio Wales and Knowledge Magazine and playing firing sets at Glastonbury, Bestival and Swn amongst others. He is also part of the Big Swing Soundsystem (alongside DJ Moneyshot + Matt The Hat) and is in charge of bookings at Cardiff Arts Institute.
Mr Healan Definitely showcasing a more Hip-hop approach to future music, Mr Healan has been making a strong name for himself on the Welsh scene supporting acts such as Daedelus, Bullion and James Blake, whilst his productions have received play on BBC Radio 1, Radio Wales and 1Xtra and being picked up by the likes of Distance, Starkey and Darkhouse Family. PUT EM' ON BLAST! MR HEALAN by Mr Healan
Ifan Dafydd After handing some of his own productions to BBC Wales’ presenter Adam Walton, the keyboard player to Wales’ fantastic festival band Derwyddon Dr Gonzo bounced round some of the Beeb big dogs until his unofficial (and unfinished) Amy Winehouse remix ‘No Good’ aired on Gilles Peterson’s show and he caused an instant blog / forum blast. With an obvious ear for great music, we look forwards to hearing what Sunday afternoon delights arise from this exclusive DJ set.
Right people, hopefully you've been following the trail of clues on our bredren blogs and are now ready for the final clincher to win yo asses some tickets to Exit Festival in Serbia along with flight from London and accommodation... here it is:
'Their latest album won the 2011 Grammy Award for ‘Album Of the Year’
We've just been sent some more finalised line ups for the Festival (which runs from 7th - 10th July) and for us it's all about the Happy Novi Sad Stage, which is worth going for by itself: Pleasurekraft, KiNK, Cosmin TRG, Loefah, Boddika, Oneman, MC Chunky, Ben UFO, Bok Bok, Jam City, Nosaj Thing (AV Live Show), Photek and Scanone.. phew!
Hours of fun... or perhaps frustration, courtesy of Vato Gonzalez and Foreign Beggars, whose 'Badman Riddim' tune I heard on Chris Moyles' show the other day! Thought I'd woken up in an alternative universe... maybe i did, but I'm definitely staying put.
Kastle is fast becoming one of our favourite producers and Seclusiasis have proven themselves once again to be the perfect link between the street, the club and the chin stroking anorak massive with their latest release, strutting around 6 tracks deep, with a completeness that is commendable considering it's contrasts. We have excess love for the title track which is classic UKG 2-Step stretched between a modern Glitch coating and stabs of rave influence and also 'Bring Me Back', which marches around powerfully around the Grime, Broken Beat, Dubstep and Garage territories. I think a favourite though may possibly be found in 'Walking Away', which ventures confidently into the realms of daytime radio, with a sweetly sung hook and rapper Armanni Reign effortlessly and skillfully tripping rhymes over a Summertime sanctioned crisp half-step beat.
The fellas have given us a copy of 'I Know' to give out from the EP, it's a clean purple tinted rave outing that sways around with it's hands in the air before jumping into a 2-step demon that is guaranteed to decimate a dancefloor.
Although the Faith SFX mixtape 'All From The Mouth' promised much, it never quite felt like it delivered properly. With the album 'Man Or Machine' though it seems that the talented Beatboxer's finally struck gold. With even more of an all star line up that includes a cross section of rappers such as Skibadee, Stig Of The Dump, Mystro, Wretch 32, P-Money, Ghetts and Lowkey (who features alongside John McClure on the excellent 'Revolution' that's been floating round a while and was on our 'Hulk hop Vs Crunk Rock Mixtape') , this would be a fantastic selection of Hip-hop/ Grime tracks without having to rely on novelty factors, but of course the fact that SFX has laid down some tight beats and basslines using (possibly just) his mouth certainly is an added bonus.
Been a while since we heard from Dead Geoff and MisterThumbs from the Purple Bird family but Geoff just sent over a couple of their new 'Post-Thug' Glitch hop style excursions which we're now banging hard. They sound a little like something their West Coast cousin's might cook up but this doesn't prove a bad thing, these are certainly killer cuts indeed.
No download on these as yet but Geoff also sent us a remix he did for Kuxxan SUUM, a tough Glitchy take on the rest of the EP, which is a mellow slice of downbeat electronica that "deals with Language and foreign voices as its primary melodic, textural & conceptual source."
Loving the Hail Mary Mallon album right now (Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and Big Whiz for those that don't know). Props to Rhymesayers, such a strong label at the moment. Also been jamming the Face Candy album, a fantastic freestyle experiment between rappers Micheal 'Eyedea' Larsen and Kristoff Krane, bassist Casey O’Brien and drummer JT Bates. This was sadly the final record Eyedea was able to complete before his tragic passing in October of 2010, but a strong testament to his talent nevertheless.
The rest of the week sees some fantastic artists launching various releases down there in London. Starting at Alphabet Bar (61- 63 Beak Street in Soho) tonight (Wednesday 1st June) with The Harder They Fall EP Launch Party from Foreign Beggars. The EP itself which drops on Never Say Die Records on 6th June 2011 is the first instalment from a three part series and features; Alix Perez, Black Sun Empire, Lazer Sword, Skrillex, Mensah, Medison and Ruckspin.
Next up is Starkey's 'Space Traitor 2' Launch Party over at Old Blue Last on Thursday (2nd June). Joining the man himself is a fine host of guests: Monky, Starlings (Live + DJ Set), Om Unit and The Elementz, all for absolutely free. You may well catch me down there for that one so holler if you're heading over.
Also on Thursday is an album listening party at Soho's LAVA gallery for Jehsts new album 'The Dragon Of An Ordinary Family'. Contact Zayn@AllYoungKings.com if you want to go (from 6pm-11pm). Space is limited so names will be taken on a first come first served basis.
On Friday our bredren Baobinga will be dropping an album of collaborations called 'Joint Ventures' on his own BUILD label. The release features such fellow luminaries as Hyetal, Scratcha DVA, Geiom and I.D. all of whom shall be joining him for the big launch party in Room 3 of Fabric. The other rooms are also taken up with the kind of big bill line up one might expect from the super club (see flyer).
Back in Cardiff we shall be having a launch of our own as Crack Magazine join us to take over the Cardiff Arts Institute on Friday to welcome the city's own edition of the Bristolian paper. They shall be bringing one of the new leading lights of UK Garage, XXXY as well as fellow Brizzle resident Kowton who has fast been gaining a strong reputation for his off key, genre hopping productions.
The guys over at Jus Like Music gave us the heads up on a great compilation called 'Untold Songs: Volume One' which they've put together with London based singer, Belle, who has curated a selection of talented female artists from across the globe to raise awareness and money for Amnesty International's 'Stop Violence Against Women' campaign.
Amongst the 23-tracks are many artists to have graced our pages such as Ursula Rucker, Vula, Shuanise, Ahu, Eva Lazarus and Yarah Bravo and from first listen it sounds like the rest are well suited to such esteemed company.
There will also be a free remix EP dropping beforehand on 6 June 2011, which will feature remixes courtesy of BUG, Quest, Silkie and Jett Letts. Keep an eye out for more info on that.
The launch party for 'Untold Songs: Volume One' is happening at Rich Mix in the heart of Shoreditch on 11 June 2011, featuring live art from Sri McKinnon and cup cakes by Esme Bakes. Purchase tickets for just £5 from the Rich Mix website. Check full details for the amazing event on Facebook. Launches in Bristol and Leeds are to follow.
No recording for this weeks show people but here's some of the tracks that were played along with links for free downloads and streaming. Don't forget you can tune in live every Monday from 9pm - 10pm (GMT) on Radio Cardiff 98.7fm or online plus you can listen to some previous shows up on Mixcloud.
Tracklisting:
DOK feat Terror Danjah - West Coast (forthcoming on Hyperdub) The Weeknd - What You Need (Lemi Vice's Let's Make Luv Remix) (Download) Hovatron - Gypsy Trader (Listen) Mr Phormula - No Wonder (Exclusive) Didz and Chico – Unknown Title (Ratcatcher Remix) (Exclusive) Magnum - Juracan (Randomer Remix) (Listen) Malente & Jay Robinson feat Yo! Majesty - Cherry Pop (Raffertie Remix) (Download) Graphics - OK Rainbow (Listen) Semtek -TBC (Download) Buck UK – Once (Download) The Widdler - Flexstar (Porkchop Remix) (Out Today on MalLabel Music) SDUK - YouNyt (Listen) Rob Zombie - Sick Bubblegum (Riot 87 Dubstep Remix) (Download) Kid606 & Jesse Quattro - Outside (Kid606 Fuzzstep Mix) (Listen) Vaetxh - List Of Lists (Listen)
Just a heads up to you all on a competition we're involved with to win 2 tickets to EXIT Festival including Flights (from London) + Accommodation. As avid festival goers it's been on our radar for a while but never managed to make it over, so don't you lot make the same mistake. The setting looks amazing in a Serbian Fortress and the line up ain't half bad with the likes of Loefah, Boddika, Oneman, Girl Unit, Bok Bok, Jam City, Nosaj Thing and Photek up there with headliners MIA, Santigold, Groove Armada, Portishead and Magnetic Man.
The competition is simple between May 30th & June 8th a collection of blogs (including us) will give out daily clues to reveal info about a certain artist set to appear at EXIT 2011 , then all you need to do is work out the answer– Once you think you’ve got it, enter your personal details and answer in the competition entry form. Our clue will be coming up on Wednesday!
The winner will be drawn at random on Thursday 9th June and notified via email
To fin out more info and which other blogs are involved visit http://competition.exitfest.org/ and keep up to date with EXIT on Facebook & Twitter.
Tracklisting: Shaodow ft. Ghetts - Get Stronger Manni Dee - Antidote NDV – Night + Day Hail Mary Mallon – Mailbox Baseball STD – Monsanto Monky - Shirley Temples Maxx Roach - Halt Didz - I Think It's 4am M8 Mr Healan – Youngstar’s Dai Verse - L.E.D. Home Crystal Fighters - At Home (Ratcatcher Repercussion) Discord - Sunday Dub O Children - Fault Line (Canblaster remix) Jakwob feat Smiler - Right Beside You ( V.I.P. Mix) Chrissy Murderbot - Heavy Butt Ms Dynamite - Neva Sofft
Here's the Canblaster remix for free download too.
Good Monday people, hopefully you will have recovered from this Weekend's festivities in tine for the coming Bank Holdiay weekend, as we are programming an event at Cardiff Arts Institute from Friday to Sunday. Many of the acts playing will be recognisable to our regular readers and if you are anywhere near the vicinity would be great to see you all. Here's the info...
ELECTRIC SHEEP WEEKENDER Friday 27th - Sunday 29th May 2011 (Bank Holiday Weekend) Cardiff Arts Institute, 29 Park Place. CF10 3BA £4 per day (limited £6 passes for all 3 days)
The Welsh Electronic scene has truly coming into it’s own over the past few years. As musical genres overlap and intertwine, particularly after the Bass music scene in general’s mass migration from formulaic Dubstep, so Wales’ tight knit community of producers and DJs become ever closer, more open and undoubtedly stronger. As celebration of this fact we have brought some of the top artists from the scene together for a long Bank Holiday weekend of showcases, secret sets and a whole lot of drinking and dancing.
We have 3 Secret headliners, all well established acts at the top of their game, plus: Modeselektor’s label signings Doc Daneeka and Ben Damage showcase their new live set ahead of their Melt! Festival debut in Berlin; one of the city’s most forward thinking producers, Monky gets set to show why his future blend of bass heavy beats have been getting so much love across the electronic music world; Cardiff 2 Step tearaways Didz & Chico bring a little ‘something new’ to the table; Chrome Kids drop a rare appearance ahead of shows in Glastonbury and Bestival over the summer; experimental circuit benders Zwolf, STD and Mr Healan step out of the Hip-hop shadows into something altogether more interesting; former CRST member Ratcatcher (Rodski) and Owain K hold it down for the current generation of House producers; whilst Juvenile Scum head honchos and Dirty Sanchez DJs Telegram From The Queen, to quote Redman, ‘come to throw a little mud in this mother**ker’ and make sure proceedings don’t get too serious. With many more up and coming DJs and producers, just starting to cement their reputations as ones to watch also on the bill, this is undoubtedly going to be a great marker on where the scene is now and where it’s heading. There’s plenty more information on each act, as well as free downloads, streaming tracks and videos over at the Cardiff Arts Institute blog http://cardiffartsinstitute.org
Unless specified, any mp3s linked to on this blog are purely for promotional trial purposes only and should be deleted from a computer within 24 hours. If you like what you hear show respect to the person who made it and go buy the album.
If an artist or label spots material of theirs on this blog and is not pleased by this, contact me and I will remove it immediately.
Chrome Kids - Knowledge Me
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