Quick Hits - Where You Should Be

Came across a little gem while doing something centered around dubstep.  I was looking up BPM (beat per minute) categories for different genres of music, and came across a Wikipedia article that mentioned this guy Skream so, I threw a couple jams up on Spotify.  Turns out, this dude has one jam that was pretty damn sweet (and I am sure many more).  Have a listen below, apparently Skream is a big deal in the dubstep world.. which shows how much I know about it all.  This IS a dupstep beat, but it doesn't really reflect where dupstep has evolved to in its current state.  It used to refer to a specific BPM, and the way the base/drum track worked together.  So this is kind of a hybrid really between dubstep and something a little more downtempo breakbeat.  Like, if you took Pendulum and slowed them down.

At any rate, if you turn the base up a bit, this one should have the desired affect.

SKREAM - WHERE YOU SHOULD BE feat. SAM FRANK




I know dupstep can be hit or miss, as it sometimes is a tad too glitchy for most people's taste.  However, dupstep live shows are a powerful thing.  It is instant dance-tron, take my word for it.

Some good news on the Cincinnati front, Lotus comes to town in February to the Madison Theater!  Be sure to check them out if you like jam-band/electronic type stuff.

In the mean time, I have been working diligently on creating new sounds.  As you may understand, sounds do not equal songs.  However, they do equal the seeds that create songs.  SO, with that said, I might share some things I created just tonight here soon, and see what you all think.

Cheers,

-CS

Quick Hits - Hawaiiiiiiii

Many thanks to my brother for this little gem... have a listen, as it goes down quite smooth.

BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD - HAWAII (NIVA REMIX)




There are some really awesome moments in there... definitely check it out!

-CS

M83 - Big Bang Make Big Sound

My very kind roommate was nice enough to share a group with me the other day that has been on repeat over the last few weeks.  M83 is an absolutely incredible act from France, and their big instrumental sounds, hushed lyrics and lovely reverb has been gracing my car speakers for a while now.  I remember asking him who was playing when he put them on while we were having a few drinks before hitting the town.  I had kind of forgotten about it, but then it randomly popped back in my head.  I listened to a whole host of their tunes, and was absolutely enthralled.

M83







These guys have been around since 2001, and named themselves after a large spiraling galaxy out in the middle of space called Messier 83.  They formed in Antibes, France and have had some strong success in Europe.  They were finally turned worldwide in 2005, and haven't looked back since.  They're latest album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" has had some significant success, and "Midnight City" has been receiving some significant air time in North America.

I was taken mostly by their dreamy sound, grainy drum tracks, and almost 80's style synth work.  They make a lot of incredible use of reverb and really some intense and beautiful tracks that you will no doubt hear below.  So without any further ado, take a listen, and let me know what you think.

-New Map-
This has a pretty heavy rock element to it, with some supporting electronic influences.  I think it is really paced well, and I love the vocals on this track.  It is a feel good song, and it sounds pretty sweet on some big expensive speakers.  Had to pull this in from Vimeo, as I couldn't find it on YouTube.




-OK Pal-
Another great track, and one that I think really has that 80s feel to it.  It is almost Tears for Fears-ish.  Love the synth work in here, and I think the chorus vocals are incredible.  Lots of great harmony.





-We Own The Sky-
Awesome track.  This is one of my favorites for sure.  The end is somewhat repetitive, but the harmonies continue to build, and they are great.




-Wait-
This is sort of a departure from the rest in that it is an acoustic work, and it has a very slow tempo.  There is no pretending it isn't a gorgeous track though.




-Reunion-
This is definitely one of my favorite tracks, and if you listen you will know why.  It is just an amazing song, and a feel good tune, with again some 80s-ish feel to it.  They really do a great job with harmonies...




-Midnight City-
This is my favorite of all of them I think.  I love the vocals, I think the overall soundscape is simply unique, and I again love the harmonies.  It just makes me want to party for some reason.. haha




Obviously there is more where that came from, as these guys are something else.  I am absolutely loving listening to them, and my hope is that it's new to some of you out there.

As always, let me know what you think, or throw me some suggestions on some groups that sound like M83, and I will of course check em out.

Thank you for stopping by.

-CS