@Bannersmusic’s “Start A Riot” gets fresh EDM makeovers by @itsDaveEdwards and @Thundatraxx

BANNΞRS, “Start A Riot” (Dave Edwards and Thundatraxx remixes)

It’s rare when two remixes of a song that’s been long on the bubble come along, and you can’t really decide which one you like best.  The good news is that both are official remixes of Banners’ “Start A Riot”.  UK singer/songwriter Banners (aka Michael Nelson) has been touring North America recently promoting his highly touted EP released late last year.  And while the original of “Start A Riot” comes off as an enjoyable song that’s the next best thing to acoustic Coldplay, the remixes beg to offer up their own variations.  

NYC native Dave Edwards keeps his remix closer to the original melody as well as the pace of the song, as it gradually segues into charming futuristic deep house that allows a beautiful focus on Banners’ voice at the 2 minute mark.  

Thundatraxx is the (shhh) pseudonym for noted US producer/songwriter Eric Sanicola, who revs up the tempo a tad allowing him to incorporate an anthemic tropical vibe which serves the song nicely, keeping the song’s intention and vocal qualities intact.

So you can’t go wrong with either remix and it will be special indeed if club DJ’s can find a place for them in their playlists, which will help grow Banners’ music to an entirely different crowd.  Listen to both remixes via Spotify below.

 

 

Listen and groove to @JuliaMarielive’s impressive “Just A Moment” (@Descentmusic remix)

JULIA MARIE, “Just A Moment”

While there are many fabulous vocalists in the dance music scene, there are very few that infiltrate EDM with pristine power.  L.A.’s Julia Marie is one such singer with what really should be an auspicious release called “Just A Moment”.  Parts of the melody remind me of another song which I can’t think of, though it recalls The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” briefly.  But that aside it has potent retro moments recalling Sarah McLachlan’s earlier work as it rises up against Jessie Ware’s songs and performance as well.  The Descent remix gives the song that EDM rush that will make it stand out on the dance floor.  All in all this is a real treat from a promising talent, so do give it a strong listen above.

A chill grower: “Vague” by @FabianLuttenb in a @Stan_Sax edit

https://soundcloud.com/stan_sax/vague

FABIAN LUTTENBERGER, “Vague” (Stan Sax edit)

I often underestimate the power of EDM releases that are much more chilled out than what I usually listen to, and then before you know it I simply want to hear more.  Such is the case with Fabian Luttenberger’s “Vague”, an impressive tune that’s essentially an instrumental with female vocal effects.  It’s been given added perspective and a light house feel thanks to the edit by Stan Sax (aka one half of producers/performers Saxity) which adds that gloriously rich instrument which you’re hearing a lot in EDM these days – the saxophone!   And it all meshes and endures nicely through its five minute length.  “Vague” is perfect for early evenings in a club or when you want to start drawing club goers back out onto the dance floor with some ease and care.  Download it for free at the above link.

@TwoFriendsmusic ignite the power in @MAXgschneider’s “Lights Down Low”

MAX, “Lights Down Low” (Two Friends remix)

MAX and Two Friends were simply destined to work together.  The LA-based duo of Matt and Eli have given Max Schneider’s “Lights Down Low” (originally from MAX’s Hell’s Kitchen Angel album) an official remix that is totally unlike the ballad original.  But they’ve taken MAX’s splendid vocal in all of its subtle and powerful moments and have built a rollicking club anthem that will lead to those quieter parts of the evening.  Over the last year or so Two Friends have had such a variety of remixes and originals, yet in most of them there are a recognizable few moments that (like The Chainsmokers and a few others) have helped define them as world class producers and performers who are getting those deserved big gigs in Las Vegas, as well as major label releases like this one.  “Lights Down Low” is one of their best yet and MAX’s own fans will be delighted with this one.  Pick it up or hear it on most major platforms.

Fun, fun, fun: @iamPeterSax with “Sun Dance”

PETER SAX, “Sun Dance”

“Sun Dance” is a great song for summer or that winter vacation to a hotter place.  It’s all about the good times outdoors when the music is up loud and we have Austria’s Peter Sax to blast his saxophone to be heard miles away.  The video is perfectly suited to the festive nature of the song, which seems to draw a lot from Caribbean-tinged songs from about 10 years ago.  But with tropical EDM flavours being enjoyed worldwide there’s no reason for Peter Sax’s “Sun Dance” to be overlooked.  Hunt down the extended version for an even better time 🙂

Portugal’s @Olibemusic finds the dance club vibe in @KingDeco’s “Castaway”

KING DECO, “Castaway” (Olibe remix)

After acquiring some notice with his remix of Matoma’s “Running Out” a while back, Portugal’s Olibe returns with his club take on “Castaway” by King Deco.  What makes this song convincing as a pop record are King Deco’s vocal, which is totally in-the-moment of the song.  Olibe recognizes this by building his dance rhythms around the vocal, creating some well placed pauses as well as a borderline dirty drop that provides a clubby anthemic effect.  Give a listen above and I’m sure you’ll find your head bobbing and your body swaying to this one!

@TrevorGuthrie changes it up on the #EDM tip with “Wanted”

TREVOR GUTHRIE, “Wanted”

Canadian singer/songwriter and former soulDecision frontman Trevor Guthrie has found a great home in the EDM world post-“This Is What It Feels Like”, and continues to release wonderful positive and summery songs like “Wanted”.  It’s probably his best solo single yet, with great hooks both musically and lyrically that give it a double whammy effect for both radio and clubs.  Sony Canada is on board with this one and I hope it sees release in the rest of the world.  I’ll be interested in seeing what remixes surface which might take it to another level.  In the meantime listen above and pick it up on iTunes where available.

@BrandynBurnette continues to dive into #EDM with @SeanTurkmusic progressive remix of “Closer”

BRANDYN BURNETTE, “Closer” (Sean Turk remix) (free download)

I was not expecting Brandyn Burnette’s music to expand into EDM and embrace it, but once you get started with experimenting then it’s hard to stop.  So following remixes of songs like “Made Of Dreams”, Brandyn lets Sean Turk take the reigns for the alternately progressive and futuristic “Closer”, which in original version appears on the State I’m In EP as a collaboration with John Lock.  I think I like this version of “Closer” better!  It seems to be a little more vibrant and the EDM crunch that arrives quickly at the 40 second mark set the pace for the rest of the remix and doesn’t let up. It’s no wonder that this one is already getting early DJ support, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it pop up in charts nationally.  It’s also a fine companion piece to Elephante’s “Closer” with a different perspective.  Download “Closer” for free above and let it sweep you away!

@ChrisMalinchak is back on the R&B tip with “Please You”

https://soundcloud.com/chrismalinchak/please-you

CHRIS MALINCHAK, “Please You” (free download)

Chris Malinchak likes his EDM with a strong dose of classic R&B/soul and returns with “Please You”.  The NYC producer carries on the success which started with the #2 UK posting of “So Good To Me” in 2013, as well as pairings with the likes of Mikky Ekko and MAX (Schneider).  For “Please You”, Chris borrows from the early 90’s song “Is It Good To You” by the great Teddy Riley (from the film “Juice”) to create the baseline for the song, which sounds fresh amid all of the great dance music out there.  “Please You” should get some positive early notice and we’ll be hearing more from Chris Malinchak soon.  Download “Please You” for free at the link above.

Old school becomes new school with “Tell Me” by @Nikomakesbeats and @Real_Halogen

NIKO THE KID & HALOGEN, “Tell Me”

If you’re hankering for a blast of early 90’s pop/house by the likes of Martha Wash or C+C Music Factory, then “Tell Me” by L.A.-based Niko The Kid – you’ll remember his collaboration with DATABOY, “When It Rains, It Pours” – and Atlanta duo Halogen is just for you!  The guys have lots of inspiring tricks up their sleeves to keep you entertained in its huge, spiffy mix, but you still won’t stop thinking of how well it would fit into a 90’s mix.  “Tell Me” is a real crowd-pleaser and I expect DJ’s looking to inflect 90’s house into their current mix will just love it.  Give it a listen above and be drawn into that groove 🙂