Afro Monk

I’ve never done an event review and always said I most likely would never write one but this time I’ll make an exception. I had been planning on writing a review of The Glitch Mob’s latest album and their new live setup but never got around to it because I felt it would cause up only more of a stir. The reason why I always said I wouldn’t write a review of anything is because I’m one of the most critical humans I’ve come across. While this may seem like a great thing it can actually get me in a lot of trouble especially on a blog that has a decent following.

I’ve seen The Glitch Mob three times with two of those events being a few hours apart from each other (Lolla & Smart Bar in Chicago). This was after Kraddy departed and the boys were using the Lemur as their main setup. The occasionally used a drum pad with drum sticks but usually only to close their set. The sets at this time were very similar to their infamous Crush Mode mix. They were high energy and in complete slay mode the entire show. I’ll never forget seeing them rock out like that!

The third time I saw them was when I flew all the way to California for Lightning in a Bottle 2010. Their album Drink the Sea had recently come out and they were tweeting and announcing they had an entirely new setup. Many people had harsh feelings and were skeptical of all this because I feel that many thought that the Drink the Sea album was quite radical from their earlier works. I personally felt that the album was extremely well put together but yes lacking on slay juice. Drink the Sea is an album I cherish tremendously and play it on vinyl on certain nights where I have a smoke and just sit back and enjoy the music in quite environment.

This is the reason I felt a bit offish about their new set when I heard them at Lightning in a Bottle. However I had been warned that they played an extremely laid back set at Coachella and had truly changed their live show dynamics. I personally didn’t mind their set at Lightning in a Bottle but I felt like I was ready for what they were doing and had been given the heads up. I just felt like it was a whole new experience where they skidded away from the slay stuff. Let me not paint a picture that it was all new chill material because it wasn’t. They played some of the old favorite and created a mix of both new and old. The problem I had was that it was a bit too extreme when going to chill laid back beats to the heavy high energy bass.  I appreciated what was going on but couldn’t help but thing man what are they thinking?! How can you not notice that you use to have crowd going wild the whole set and now just sit back and watch crowd barely bounce on some of these tunes. I feel like theirs a time and place for those tunes and big environments like that are extremely risky. They pulled it off and feel like they impressed many yet of course disappointed others who might of heard how they were before.

One thing that is worth mentioned about the LIB set was how they incorporated so much more into the live set compared to when I saw them in Chicago. They had edIT rocking his SG guitar, Ooah having two synth keyboards, and Boreta with some more drum pads. They incorporated more instruments without using the Lemur as much as they are known too.  They almost felt like a live band but yet didn’t. I have to tip my hat off though because that must take tons of practice and tons of extra work to re-work their whole set to include additional gear on top of their lemurs.

This past Monday I saw The Glitch Mob for the fourth time. I had no idea what to expect. Their new Mixtape had just come out which added a bit more to the Drink the Sea album. It flowed more like a mash up album and totally added more energy to the overall feel of the new tracks. It seemed as if the mixtape could of stand more on its own as an album as well compared to just a mix. After hearing the mixtape and posting it on the blog I wrote how who know what they will do with this. I even suggested that they could even be working these versions of the songs into their live set. They opened up with epic lightning system that they seem to be traveling with. Their setup seemed to be stripped down a bit and they all have an electric drum kit. Drums is definitely a new concentration in this new over-haul again. At the LIB show I felt like they were doing a little less but presenting in a way they were doing more since they using instruments people are familiar with. This time they clearly are going back to the Lemur. edIT is on the top of his games running complex patterns on the Lemur. Boreta is running most of the synth lines and hold down a good amount of affects on board. Ooah is just keeping a clean layer over edIT and doing some fresh work in all aspects of their sound. The three of them are live the whole time and it’s amazing to see it all over again. Every drum pattern, synth line, and sample is being controlled by them. It brought a huge smile to my face when I realized that they really were re-working the new tracks with the mash up version. It’s as if they had completely revamped things to bring more energy using the vocals of familiar hip hop/crunk vocals. One of the highlights of the night which gave me goosebumps was hearing the La Roux mash up from the Mixtape.

Overall their performance was flawless. My only concern was the lack of power on the speaker system. The sound was extremely low. There was someone who literally told me at the start of the set how low it sounds in the back of the venue. I said really?! He replied with I’m using my regular voice and you understand what I’m saying (we were in the front area of the pit). I feel like there could of been a lot more energy put out if the sound was bumping. Another thing I felt like was a bit weak was the crowd. Granted it was a Monday night but I felt a bit ashamed for S.FL. The crowd seemed like they had never heard these tracks before. Honestly I felt like most people weren’t moving or dancing as much because the beats were different style than what they were use too. It’s me over thinking everything probably but felt like if we took photos of every event on the tour and compared them to the S.FL show it’d be a whole different picture. I’m glad that they did make a stop in FL and that I was here to see it.

I want to say thank you to edIT, Boreta, and Ooah for putting on such a show. It takes a lot of work and energy to do a live show like that. I appreciated it beyond belief. I’m totally loving what they are doing now and hands down much respect for evolving so much.

I didn’t get into MartyParty’s set but let me tell you this guy doesn’t disappoint. It was amazing to see him bouncing around and jamming out. He was straight killing it. My only complaint is that his setup was at an angle and not facing the crowd. This might of been the case because The Glitch Mob’s gear was all setup behind him. Hearing some of his unreleased stuff on a big system was fantastic to relive. His set at Lightning in a Bottle had a lot going for it compared to the FTL show but he still rocked out. There’s a ton of new stuff he’s playing out and can’t wait to hear on the new EP due out soon. MartyParty continues to be one of the performers that I look too as a role model. I’ll even admit that half of the tracks he played were tunes that I played at Get Low w/ Lazer Sword. His track selection to me was absolutely perfect. He even dropped the Roxanne remix he did with Love & Light and the Beatles remix by L&L as well. I’m not going to lie I was disappointed when he dropped a Borgore tune but ohh well people eat that stuff up.

Thank you good sir Marty! Thank you for tweeting my post about you as well.
Much love out to you guys! It was great meeting you guys and seeing you in my home state.
Best of luck on the rest of your tour!

Also a big thank you to Def Owl and Chad for everything. It’s risky business to bring acts like these into the South Florida market. Thank you!

-Afro Monk

This weeks Fire Friday Mix is actually a Brostep mix. As much as I don’t feel Brostep at all, I feel like it’s necessary to add some to the blog considering lots of traffic to the site comes from Dubstep queries. Chrispy has become one of the better known UK Brostep producers with heavy grime and filthy remixes. I feel that Chrispy deserves more attention as I rarely hear any of his tunes played out and does have some banging tunes that should be played out.

This mix isn’t comprised of all originals but he chooses tracks wisely and mixes so well together. Expect to hear tunes from the biggest names in this mix which include Nero, Bar9, Datsik, Excision, Caspa, & Subscape.

I will say this brostep mix has been great to raise my heart rate to get some work done early in the morning. Hope you enjoy. Just remember keep everything in moderation… Especially Brostep!

Tracklist:
Chrispy & Krypton – Doomsday
Torqux & Twist – Devils Tricks
Ivory – Hand Grenade (Datsik & Excision Remix)
Bare Noize – Plant Food
Chrispy – Badman Sound
Liquid Stranger – Alert
Caspe & Subscape – Geordie Racer
Drop Top – Machete (High Rankin Remix)
Chrispy – Dr Satan
Apex – Nowhere To Run (Datsik & Excision Remix)
Chrispy – Roll Out )VIP)
Quartus Saul – Mistrust
Bar 9 – Midnight
Vaski – Godzilla
Rihanna – Rude Boy (Chrispy Remix)
Nero – Innocence
Bar 9 – Murda Sound
Cyberoptix – Geisha
Chrispy – Find Your Zen

The Do Lab is one of the most recognized orginizations in the music scene on the West Coast and spreading around the world. The Do Lab’s headquarters is located in downtown Los Angeles and is comprised of some of the best event producers, artist, lighting designers, DJs, constructors, welders, costumers, and many musicians.

The Do Lab hit its 10 year mark in 2010 and has been part of some of the most memorable events on the West Coast. Their annual Lightning in a Bottle festival has become one of the largest festivals around. I had the pleasure of going for the first time this year and it’s completely changed my life.

Lightning in a Bottle isn’t the only event they are part of. The Do Lab also has ties with Coachella Music Festival, Ford, Audi, Red Bull, The Virgin Music Festival, Speakercraft, Esquire Magazine, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Stop Aids Organization, and more! Many of their events give back to the community and supply funds to charities such as CriticalBeats.

The Do Lab: Album Release – Lightning in Your Ear

I have just received word that The Do Lab will be putting together a collaboration album which features tons of artist highlighted at Lightning in a Bottle. All the proceeds from this album will be going to CritcalBeats which is a charity that is supporting the preservation of the rain forest and indigenous culture all around the world. Artists featured on the “Lightning in Your Ear” Compilation include: The Glitch Mob, Beats Antique, The Very Best, MartyParty, Nico Vega, Adam Freeland, and many more…! I’m proud to present a 100% exclusive track on the upcoming release from none other than Beat Antique!

Beat Antique – Les Enfants Perdus

Big Thank You to The Do Lab, all the artist who make this possible, and all those who help support the music and arts!

MartyParty is Marty Folb and is originally from South Africa. Marty came to the States 15 years ago and has been on a mission ever since then! The music that is produced by this man is breathe taking! The amount of rhythm and groove that is put into is stunning. His high synths are clearly recognizable and layered with the perfect amount of bass. I recently just played a show in NY and dropped 2-3 tunes of his and every single person in that room felt each one of them.

He has taken the west coast by storm with his electric energy live. This man truly is one of my biggest role models. Never have I seen anyone with such power play a crowd. Every single show I preform at I think of the videos of Marty at Cervantes in CO and the quick glances I got front center at Lightning in a Bottle 2010 with all the women dancing on top of the subs blocking the view. You can see on his face and his movements that he truly loves what he does and loves feeding from everyone around him as every engulfs every inch of the dancefloor.

I’m proud to announce MartyParty is due out with a release in the near future. The new release is called Skukuza EP being put out by The Confluence. Marty is about to start a tour around the States. He is about to go on tour all around the US with legends The Glitch Mob. The tour begins here in Fort Lauderdale on August 30th! I can’t wait to rage! South Florida has never experienced a sound like MartyParty before and I can’t wait to look back and be proud to know that this sound and energy is making its way to the East Coast.

Get Ready For MARTYPARTY!

Sugarpill releases his Flow Goggles EP today on Daly City records! I’m so proud to be posting this for a good friend. Sugarpill has been one of my mentors in the DJ and now he’s climbing to the top. This release is huge and if you’ve recently listened to me live you have probably been jamming out to some of these tunes.

Sugarpill aka Evan has a unique diverse sound. He brings such a groovy feel to his beats and stellar control of effects. This man truly goes wild during his live sets and these tracks are a great example of what the glitch elements are all about.

This isn’t the last you’ll hear of Sugarpill. Evan has been working on other big releases that are due out in the future. Be on the look out for all his remixes and collabs with some of the biggest names in the scene.

Congrats on this release my friend! It’s great to see a friend put out a big release like this!

Here is a small preview of two tracks off the EP:

You can purchase the full 5 track EP here: Sugarpill – Flow Goggle EP

Be sure to tune into his weekly radioshow Thursdays on Glitch.fm!

This week we are graced to have a new Fire Friday Mix! Ana Sia was in one of the Glitch.fm djs studio for a show! This past Sunday the Salvage Future show hosted by Thirsty and Bertzerker brought in the lovely Ana Sia and she totally rocked it!

Ana Sia has recently put out a new EP, International Profile,  on the infamous Muti Label. She has been working closely with the one and only phat conductor, ill gates! The first track caught my ear. Be sure to pick up the release!

Got to give tons of respect to Ana Sia for all she does. It can be tough in an industry where it’s mainly all male driven. I’ve personally met her but have only heard good things. She apparently had encouraged Epcot to come hang out during WMC when he recorded a show with us. Big thanks to her on that one considering Epcot had a lot of knowledge to drop on me about promoting and doing events.

Grab the free mix! Ana Sia Live Mix on Glitch.fm!

We all have heard and made our own feelings about Drink the Sea, The Glitch Mobs first debut full length album. Now after rinsing it out on vinyl the Mixtape is finally out! Мишка is who officially has released this Drink the Sea part 2! This mixtape is ultimately a hip-hop/pop mash up of the Drink the Sea album. Well known hip-hop/rap/pop artist featured in the mix include Nas, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, MIA, Dr. Dre, Daft Punk, Birdman, Drake, and La Roux.

This is the sound we’ve all come to love and recognize The Glitch Mob as one of the defining Glitch Hop artist out there. I don’t think anyone can complain about this one. Boreta, edIT, and Ooah are clearly on top of the game and no one can deny it. This possibly could become bigger than Drink the Sea.

I’m now beyond excited to be catching them LIVE August 30th here in Fort Lauderdale! I’m hoping they incorporate some of these mash ups into their live show. I personally love the energy that has been recreated with these tunes. Who knows maybe a special live performance with some of the featured mash up artist doing some of these tracks live would be INSANE.

Something tells me there might be some trouble getting this release so I’ve decided to host a copy on my server =)

Drink the Sea Mixtape – The Glitch Mob

1. Animus Vox vs Nas, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, & Dr Dre

2. Fortune Days vs Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, The Game, & Daft Punk

3. We Swarm vs MIA, Mobb Deep, & Daft Punk

4. How to be Eaten by a Woman vs The Game, Fabolous, Jay-Z, Page, Wale, & Drake

5. A Dream Within A Dream vs LFO, Freddie Gibbs, & Young Jeezy

6. Between Two Points ft Swan vs Lil Wayne

7. Bad Wings vs Lil Wayne & La Roux

8. Fistful of Silence vs Rapper Big Pooh, Jay-Z, & Black Rob

9. Starve the Ego Feed the Soul vs Paul Wall & Birdman

10. Drive it like you Stole it vs Birdman, Drake, Collie Buddz, The Game, Jay-Z, Dr Dre, & Jim Jones

They’ve decided to release the Bad Wings vs Lil Wayne & La Roux for FREE

I decided that there wasn’t a place where you could find lovestep or sexstep on soundcloud. Took the initiative and started a new group, Lovestep | Sexstep is a location where producers and the like can share their tracks or mixes. There can never be enough of this. Please share this with all your friends who into making deep sexy tunes that put you in that mood. Also any of your favorite mixes that you get down to =)

Hopefully this group will flourish <3

I’m proud to present to you ALL the first Afromonk.com exclusive! Stephan Jacobs asked me if I’d like to feature two of his new tunes on the blog! It is an honor to have one of my favorite producers ask me to exclusively host two of his new tunes.

Both of the tracks are remixes by Stephan. The first tune is a remix of Bluetech’s Leaving Babalon. This track creates such a vibe and adds such a deep element to the already hypnotic original. The second one on this release is a remix of James Zabiela’s Human. This is one sexy late night tune that can’t imagine anyone not loving it.

I’m telling you right now Stephan Jacobs is a rising star that you’ll all come to know. His up and coming releases are MASSIVE! Much love and respect goes out to him!

Download Stephan Jacobs Remixes – Afromonk.com Exclusives!

Mimosa just released a two track masterpiece, Love EP. He has just announced another release to be put out by Muti, Silver Lining LP! Two tracks have been put on his soundcloud to preview. The first done is absolutely stunning and has such a grooving sexy vibe that we’ve all come to love from Tigran. The second tune has a bit more aggresive style that we haven’t heard from him. These two tunes completely balance each other extremely well though. I can’t wait to see if another tracks will appear on his release. Enjoy the FREE Nelly Country Grammar remix as well from Tigran above!

Sexy new vibe!

Bringing the filfth!