Canadian singer/songwriter @TristanTmusic’s Diamond Cafe project continues with Prince-ly “It’s Been A Mess (Without You)”

DIAMOND CAFE, “It’s Been A Mess (Without You)”

Earlier this year, 19 year-old Tristan Thompson stepped aside from his solo pop records to venture into soulful Michael Jackson/Prince territory with his new project called Diamond Cafe and an initial EP “Breathe”, which I wrote about.  And a singer doesn’t step in the direction of the style of either two superstars unless he can cut it with his vocals.  Tristan more than succeeds with a follow up called “It’s Been A Mess (Without You)” from a new album also called Diamond Cafe.  Like songs from “Breathe”, “It’s Been A Mess” revisits the fading classic style of Prince between about 1988 and 1992, which only seems to surface lately in music by the likes of Pharrell, Miguel or Childish Gambino, with a slow but emotion-filled pace and some major WOW high notes.  Logically, the next step would be to get out there with shows to reinforce how Tristan can sing in concert (and he certainly can!).  But for now we may have to settle for recordings to continue to impress us.  Anyone interested in classic soul done right should check out Diamond Cafe’s “It’s Been A Mess (Without You)” and the new album at this Bandcamp link.

NYC duo @djSHADESmusic gives electronic inspiration for clubs to “Moonlight” by @GraceVanderWaal

GRACE VANDERWAAL, “Moonlight” (SHADES remix) (free DL)

After receiving praise for their remixes this year for the likes of Betty Who, SHADES are back with an unexpected electronic reinterpretation of “Moonlight” by Grace VanderWaal.  Grace, as you likely now, was last year’s winner of America’s Got Talent at age 12.  Her debut album for Sony “Just The Beginning” is coming this Fall and has been preceded by some singles such as “Moonlight”, which definitely recalls singer JoJo at around that age.  But with different current inspirations like Lorde, Grace’s style veers more towards alt.pop. SHADES definitely see the potential for clubs as they fill “Moonlight” awash with uplifting synths, transforming the alt.pop leanings for club goers in the process.  The song is more than suited for a deep house style, with fine drops and other moments that work completely well.  Download it for free at the link above.

San Sings! @SanHolobeats’ melodic “I Still See Your Face” is full of hooks and charm

https://soundcloud.com/bitbirdofficial/issyf

SAN HOLO, “I Still See Your Face”

It’s been a bit of a wait for the official follow up to last year’s glorious “Light”, which broke wide open internationally last year in the dance and electronic genres for The Netherlands’ San Holo (aka Sander van Dijck).  After some collaborations, notably the recent “The Future” with James Vincent McMorrow, and with fellow countrymen DROELOE, San Holo returns with “I Still See Your Face”.  It’s a logical successor to “Light”, emphasizing a melodic structure over big beats, though that doesn’t mean the song doesn’t kick into high gear for the dance floor.  San takes the vocal reigns this time though, isolating them with an acoustic backdrop that go a long way on raw charm.  What I like best about “I Still See Your Face” is how it segues from hook to hook layered on top of the melody to make it a breezy three and a half minutes.  It features on the upcoming Bitbird compilation “Gouldian Finch 2”.  Check out the audio above and the official video below.

“Murder” by @LadyBeeofficial is a trap dance floor sizzler featuring @Tropkillaz and vocals by @Oktavianmusic

LADY BEE featuring TROPKILLAZ and OKTAVIAN, “Murder”

The rhythm’s gonna getcha on “Murder”, the latest by rising Dutch producer Lady Bee.  The collaboration with Brazil’s own Tropkillaz arose at last year’s ADE, and they took it to L.A.-based Dutchman Oktavian for his own special vocal vibes, which you’ll recall well from last year’s “Balance” by The Him.  So the results are nothing short of terrific – Oktavian takes command over a super tight Lady Bee and Tropkillaz creation, and if the melodic hook sounds a tad familiar, then think Katy Perry’s “Swish Swish” slowed down a couple of notches.  Brought to you by Trap City and Spinnin’, “Murder” is a compelling dance floor filler that sizzles.

Don’t stop, won’t stop: “Ghetto” is trademark trippy ‘future jack’ by @dj_DOD

D.O.D., “Ghetto”

“Ghetto” is fast and furious fun in the big room sub-genre, from Wall Recordings courtesy of the U.K.’s D.O.D. (aka Dan O’Donnell), whose music is being supported by a who’s who of contemporary dance music – Calvin Harris, A-Trak, Sander van Doorn, among others.  While “Ghetto” doesn’t sound entirely new to me – think back to the late 90’s and annoyingly infectious club hits like “Up To No Good” by The Porn Kings – it follows in the series of D.O.D. releases labelled as ‘future jack’.  However you want to call it, “Ghetto” is two and a half minutes of crazy fun that will endeavour to enlist club goers to show off a bit.  You’ll have to keep your ears peeled as to why it’s called “Ghetto” though!  Listen at the link above.

UK singer/songwriter @JamesPoole_ continues to carve a new path with seething synths of “I Am Lion”

JAMES POOLE, “I Am Lion”

After returning to music after a hiatus and a bit of a rethink this Spring with the fun but blunt “I’ve Started Fuckin’ Someone Else”, UK singer/songwriter James Poole has unleashed the potent “I Am Lion”.  It envisions Lion as the ultimate warrior with the chorus finale of the five ferocious words “I am lion, fear me“, screamed/sung by James in a holy fuuuckkk moment like no one outside of the metal genre.  It’s followed by a daunting blaze of celebratory synths that make the song seethe even more with indelible power.  Aside from this “I Am Lion” plays out like a medieval short story in a unique production.  Check it out at the link above and support your Lion king by picking it up at your favourite local digital store.

Australia-based Brit @Latchmeresound works the dancefloor goods with promising EP “Lovedrunk”

https://soundcloud.com/latchmeresound/sets/lovedrunk

LATCHMERE, Lovedrunk (EP)

Talk about packing an unassuming dance floor wallop!  I’ve been writing about the songs of dance music scene relative newcomer Latchmere over the last year or so, and upon the release of his excellent debut 5 song EP Lovedrunk this week, I got to find out more about this Brit who relocated to Australia a few years back.  

Latchmere is musician Shaun Galvin, whose influences are more contemporary such as Calvin Harris, Snakehips, Flume, and Kaytranada, yet some of the love songs in Lovedrunk bask in beats and rhythms that I would associate with old school Chicago deep house, such as in the brilliant, club-worthy opener “Need Your Heart” with a super uncredited female vocal.  The vibe throughout the EP is definitely summery, with the mysterious melody and house rhythm of “Monster”, featuring the fine voice of a woman named Dylan, and brighter, tropical flavour in “Deep End” with vocals by Chariots.  “Got Me” features another uncredited vocalist (this time male) with underlying soulful melody and hip hop rhythm surrounded by contemporary electronics.  Latchmere uses acousting-sounding drums, percussion, and piano to enhance the synths at the root of the music.  The last song on the EP is the title track, an instrumental, which seems somewhat out of place and without the infectiousness of the preceding songs.

Do go and lend your support to Latchmere’s Lovedrunk!  “Need Your Heart” and “Monster” are definite house-bangers in-waiting, and you can hear the entire EP at the link above.  Pick up Lovedrunk at your favourite digital music store.

 

Chicago duo @MilknCooks deliver chilled out ‘n jazzy “Joy District”

milkncooks

MILK ‘N COOKS, “Joy District”

Chicago’s Milk ‘n Cooks have been on the dance music scene long enough to know how to mix it up with their releases.  “Joy District” is a chilled out and jazzy alternative late night track that steps away from big beats in favour of a melody for a cruise down the highway, accompanied by standout guitar work by Andrew Slutsky.  The guys altered their vocals for this song which definitely adds to its sublime intrigue.  Be sure to lend your ears for a listen to “Joy District” at the link below.  Milk ‘n Cooks are on tour in various US cities throughout September and October, so watch for them near you!

Nightlife’s swingin’ with “Rocola De Verano” by #OttoBotte featuring #Rochee

OTTO BOTTÉ featuring ROCHEE, “Rocola De Verano”

I’m not sure what the title of “Rocola De Verano” is supposed to reference, but the debut single by Grammy-nominated Colombia-bred NYC-based producer Otto Botté just sings NYC swingin’ nightlife.  It’s a jazzy, effortless slice of Latin-spiced electronica featuring charming and easy-going vocals by NYC-based singer Rochee that totally fits the groove.  Otto has had a varied history of both Latin and EDM productions, even working with the likes of Robin Schulz recently, and the influences all come to fruition in “Rocola”.  It’s one sophisticated party unto itself, recalling to me the slick and fun of fellow NYC-er August Darnell’s 70’s and 80’s acts Dr. Buzzard’s Original “Savannah” Band and Kid Creole & The Coconuts.  “Rocola” nails that vibe – also featuring Grammy-winning trombonist Frank Cohen – and wins big time!

Get to know the melodic and reflective “Driveway” by new duo @thisisculpriit

culpriit

culpriit, “Driveway”

culpriit is a new project brought to you by American singer Colin Dieden (also of The Mowglis) and British producer/songwriter Rob Ellmore.  Their debut single “Driveway” is essentially about kicking back and with nothing to do and nowhere to go on a lazy weekend, except perhaps reflecting on some good times which might just involve making out in a cool car.  Ahhh the stories of our youth… and “Driveway” is set to a carefree rhythm that goes for a killer bounce just before the 1:30 mark that reels you in, and is carried by a familiar, melodic vocal chorus.  Ready-set-go: “Driveway” will get stuck in your head for days and make you revel in the art of doing nothing.  With quality like this, we’ll be hearing more from culpriit soon.  Check out “Driveway” at the link below.