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.
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.
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.
“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 🙂
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 🙂
The increasingly fast pace of the online music community, especially those in EDM/dance, has created a shift on my bi-weekly chart, with five more debuts this week. My favourites up top are hard to dislodge right now but will soon have to make way for new ones 🙂
The Top 10
Newly signed to Warner Chappell/Justin Tranter publishing this week, Brandon Skeie retains the pole position with his delightful “So Bad”, either in original form or the splendid remix by EDWYNN x TIKAL and Spirix. It ties “Care For Me” by Dzeko & Torres and Hellberg (now #20) as the longest running #1 of 2016 so far.
Both the #3 and #4 songs have a funk undercurrent in common which makes them stand apart from other songs this year. Snøwmass’ crunchy remix of “Sound Of Home” by Canadians Sterling Grove and Ellyn Woods moves to #3, while the 80’s retro funk/R&B sound of Jenaux’s original “Get It On” climbs to #4.
For the second time, the fastest riser belongs to the glorious “So Happy” by Tony Moran and Jason Walker which rises 12-5 and has its sights on the top. Will it get there? It largely depends on other songs on the rise further down.
Making it two-for-two in the Top 10, L.A.-based producer/remixer/performer Spirix lands at #8 in partnership with LZRD and vocalist Remmi for the crazy/emotional “Take Me Apart”. One to watch 🙂
Michael Christofi gets his first Top Tenner with the slick classic house of “Don’t Need You”, featuring a marvelous vocal by J-VEN. It moves up 11-9.
Following 2013’s debut “The Way”, Ariana Grande is back in the Top 10 at #10 with the slick, R&B flavoured “Into You” from the Dangerous Woman album.
Movin’ On Up
Chicago’s Megaphonix continues to climb up the chart with the fun and positive deep house track “Open Your Mind”, rising 20-14. Spin this and watch your dance floor fill up!
L.A.-based singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette is really expanding his horizons with the diverse songs from his recent EP State I’m In. The title song (video coming soon!) climbs 26-22 while the hypnotic “Worship” jumps 21-17.
The songs from the mixtape NGHT LFE by Mi Disguise and Rouse have major growing power. The late night romance in “Her And Him” rises 23-18 but I wouldn’t second guess a future debut from another song on the mixtape sometime soon!
5 Debuts
One song I’ll be heaping praise over for the next few weeks is “Shy” by Belgium’s The Magician featuring NYC-based singer/songwriter Brayton Bowman. This old-style disco-flavoured track is one of the most powerful, ear-catching dance songs around thanks to a riveting vocal by Brayton. It plows onto the chart at #19!
Another song with a fantastic vocal but an emotional quality that will leave it stuck in your head is “Rest Of My Life” by NYC’s Electric Bodega. The vocalist is Matt Beilis and I could listen to him sing anything. “Rest Of My Life” bows at #23.
Following his success with “Get It On” (currently #4), Jenaux continues to funkify other songs through remixes, and one that works especially well is “Native Son Prequel” by Gramatik. But what also helps make this song special are the ultra cool lyrics and equally smooth vocals which are so into it all by Leo Napier. “Native Son Prequel” premieres at #25.
I’m not sure it will happen, since it was pretty well released simultaneously with “Don’t Let Me Down” (now #13), but to me “Inside Out” by The Chainsmokers featuring Charlee should be “Down”‘s follow up hit. So many remixes, including those by KLYMVX and Not Your Dope x Spirix, show the diversity and power in this particular song that worked so well with “Down” too. “Inside Out” debuts at #26.
A few weeks back I was pleased to write about “Rainbows” by new Atlanta singer/songwriter Victor Perry, which helped send it to #1 for a few days on the Hype Machine Twitter chart! It’s also got some positive vibes from other blogs since then too. It’s a beautiful classic ballad – “Rainbows” arrives at #27, from Victor’s EP 4 A.M. Nostalgia.
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch
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