Puff It / I-Octane

Listened to I-Octane the other day when my boss played me some examples of his tunes after having seen him in concert.  I don't know a lot about reggae, but this tune really stood out from the rest.  The beat is super catchy and his voice is beautiful and something quite rare.

I-Octane is Byiome Muir, from Sandy Bay, Clarendon, Jamaica.  Muir entered the industry only five years ago and has been rising steadily to the top ever since, producing hit singles that have received international attention.

High Rankin

Shoot by Ben Gold - http://www.bengold.co.uk/

High Rankin is one of the most essecntric artists on the scene. Hailing from Brighton, UK, this wild man is producing absolutely off-the-wall remixes, causing a frenzy in clubs across Europe and Russia. Below are two of my picks of his top stuff, though there is much more where these came from!

Catch a video clip of "Drag On (High Rankin Remix)", where High Rankin proves his insanity in an upbeat, go-nuts blast of bass. Then, grab a free download of "As The Rush Comes (High Rankin Remix)". You've never heard it like this.  



Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes (High Rankin Remix)
Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes (High Rankin Remix) by High Rankin


Read article from LessThan3

Make sure to check out his NY debut Feb. 19th at Public Assembly! Check it out here and I'll see you there!

Luminescence (Kyohei Akagawa Remix) / Hiroyuki ODA

I enjoy trance from time to time but very rarely do I find a track I like to play over and over.  I usually have to be in just the right mood.  But "Luminescence (Kyohei Akagawa Remix)" is very different; the pacing is constantly, noticeably changing while remaining seamless and the overall design of the song is beautifully executed. Some main features are great use of panning, a really catchy main melody and an awesome placement of a gate effect around a minute from the end.

Hiroyuki ODA is a Japanese, progressive trance producer, working for the label SevenSenses.  Thirty, however was realeased on Otographic Music and this mix by Kyohei Akagaw is from its remix album, Thirty (Remixes).

Buy the track on Beatport.

All Is Forgiven feat. Kate Havnevik (Charlie Cooper Of Telefon Tel Aviv Remix) / Carmen Rizzo

My nightly anthem from this past term.  Kate Havnevik (pictured) is one of my absolute favorite singers.  If you haven't listened to the Noridic artist's album, Melankton, from 2006, I urge you go over to iTunes and check out the clips.  Although you do not get to hear the pure power of her voice in this remix, Charlie Cooper has chosen specific examples that have been manipulated to become even more hauntingly beautiful than the original, which features the more pop-y styles of both Havnevik and Rizzo.  Cooper also adds a deep bass line matched with a truly seductive beat.

Carmen Rizzo is a two-time grammy nominee producer whose personal specialties include mixing everything from pop to trance.  Charlie Cooper is the late member of Telefon Tel Aviv, a collective of producers of stunningly beautiful IDM music, based in Chicago.

Download All Is Forgiven feat. Kate Havnevik (Charlie Cooper Of Telefon Tel Aviv Remix) below for free! And spend time exploring RCRD LBL, you'll find something you like!

Preivew the original on iTunes from the album Ornament of an Imposter.

Hip Love (Jamie XX Remix) / FaltyDL

Really bumpin remix from Jamie XX (the beat-maker behind electronic-indie band, The XX).  Featuring an addictive beat, great placement of samples and wonky, warped bass.  Definitely give a listen to the original as well by New York based, electronic artist FaltyDL, Drew Lustman.  Future garage with a vibe reminiscent of Burial.


I can't remember where I first found out about the remix and I like to promote the sources where I find new tunes, so I apologize.


FaltyDL - Hip Love (Jamie xx Remix) by RAMP Recordings / PTN

Robyn live at Radio City Music Hall Feb. 5th 2011

Last night I was fortunate enough to see my idol at the legendary Radio City Music Hall and experience an absolutely amazing show!  This is the second time I've seen Robyn; the first time I saw her, I was awestruck by her performance.  I was curious to see how this past show would compare but, I was blown away by her energy and the over-all experience of her set.

I was not thrilled by the first act, Natalia Kills.  Her performance was forced and the songs were poor attempts to imitate Lady Gaga.  Diamond Rings, on the other hand, was a lot of fun.  He had decent tunes which included his gorgeous singing and performance on at least one instrument as samplers banged out his backing instrumentation.  Sure it was a little awkward but one-person sampler based acts tend to be.  His set reminded me of another opening act, Dan Black, from the first concert of Robyn's that I saw this past July.

Robyn's set, of course, rocked and got the entire hall up and out of their seats, dancing the rest of the night.  Robyn delivers the best live, electronic performance that I've ever experienced.  Two live drummers with real drums and midi pads and two synth masters, each with their own cage, complete with multiple synths and a laptop.  My favorite songs from the night were "Dancing on My Own", "Girl and the Robot" and "Cobrastyle".  The place went wild for "Cobrastyle", especially at the end which included a crazy synth solo.  The song even got a mini encore with more drums and energy than I've ever seen from Robyn and her band!  From 90's hit to current chart-topping tunes, Robyn delivered hardcore with two encores and finishing with her biggest hit yet: "Show Me Love".  Can't wait for the next chance to see the most kilingest pop star on the planet!

The Whaler (813 Remix) / On-The-Go

Brand spanking new, unbelievable remix out of Russia.  Sweet vocals and amazing, quality mixing.  813 is Alexander Goryachev, a 23-year-old Moscow firefighter who is absolutely killing it on his down-time.  What an awesome dude!  Can't wait to hear more!  Also hailing from Moscow, On-The-Go is a live band putting out some really nice tunes as well.


ON-THE-GO - The Whaler ( 813 remix ) by Eight One Three


More by 813 on bandcamp.


Found via Single Serving here.