Afro Monk

Pretty Lights has not released a full album for two years now. The renown sampled based artist has been hard at work on this new upcoming album, A Color Map of the Sun. Derek Vincent Smith released his documentary that explains how the album was put together. I just finished watching it and completely blown away by the extensive process that went into this album. I would say going forward it would be wrong to call Pretty Lights a sample based producer. Pretty Lights has transformed into a music composer with this album. Contrary to his original process of sampling vinyl records he gathered an orchestra of musicians to record what he had in his head and then pressed it all to vinyl. The complete album was recorded and done in analogue. The synthesis elements of the album were all done with modulators and analogue sounds, NOT digital. The recordings were done on tape and then pressed to vinyl. The end result was a custom crate of vinyl that was created for Derek to use while arranging and piecing together all the recordings into what is the final album.

This past week-end I spent it in Colorado for Sonic Bloom. I had the opportunity to talk to many predominate musicians and producers while at the festival. One of the main questions I asked many of them was where music is going next… Every musician I spoke to mentioned the hybridization of live instruments mixed with the electronic sound. The main artist that was mentioned in every conversation was Pretty Lights and what he was doing with this new album, A Color Map of the Sun.

I believe that if anyone ever doubted Pretty Lights and his future should really think about saying those words… Derek has created a master piece and we haven’t even heard the completed work yet. This album will set the bar for the future. Everyone speaks of this new era of revitalizing the old sounds of soul, jazz, funk, etc… with electronic production. Pretty Lights has done just that and has recorded everything from scratch to the vocals, instruments, and synthesis. We are now in 2013 and Pretty Lights A Color Map of the Sun will become a staple of electronic music for our generation.

Be sure to Pre-order A Color Map of the Sun.
One of the things I’m most excited about this album is the fact that he will be releasing all the live recordings.

Now take a look inside the making of the album below…

This years Sonic Bloom looks quite promising. Now that the schedule is out. I have decided to put together a list of recommendations and schedule for myself. There’s a lot of music to see and want to make my time there the most optimal. Every festival I have to decided what I want to see and get annoyed looking or finding the damn schedule. I usually make one for myself and take a picture of it or save the file to my phone so I can access it quickly and save battery life by putting my cell on airport mode. That way I can take photos, look at schedule, use flash light, and more while not draining my battery.

Here is the FULL Schedule as well as individual days:

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

I’ll be uploading my own personal schedule before the festival!
Be sure to be on the look out for it.

- Afro Monk

Wow… Emissions! I haven’t stopped beaming since I left Belden Town. Still vibing off of that incredible weekend! It was seriously soul melting, mind bending goodness…. the kind of soul melting wherein a massive pot of glistening liquid gold is created from radiant auras fusing together as one.  I could feel everyone’s true essences around me. Throughout the festival the stoke was so high everywhere you looked. Shenanigans, good cheer, and beauty were all breathed into Belden that weekend. Actually, I think our spirits still resonate in the woods there.

Since Emissions I still daydream of wandering aimlessly throughout the grounds… under lovely tree arches and into the camp of some gnomes or wood pixies or river goddesses, along the flowing water where lovers lie in hammocks, through galleries of awe-inspiring four-dimensional artwork, to a bumpin’ renegade cabin party, through the marketplace with masters of artisan craft, to the beautifully made stages laced with body thwomping bass, to the everclear river waters with friends galore on floaties. Never a dull moment in that place. One thing I really loved about Emissions was observing (well… partaking in rather) the juxtaposition of day and night. One moment it was pleasantly hot and we were all frolicking in the icy yet refreshing river… the next it was dark so the freaks and night wolves came out to play and howl at the moon. The collection of people was as amusing as it was inspiring. We’ve got grungy gremlin types who are looking for trouble, giggling day trippers sipping on mimosas, elder wanderers with wisdom etched into the wrinkles in their skin, straight ragers doing beer bongs on rafts, gorgeous wood nymph ladies dancing, artists seeking a canvas for their next masterpiece, and a plethora of other characters. And the beauty of it is that I never witnessed any sort of clash between these vastly different individuals; we came together as one in harmony and appreciation for life and bass. Weekend warriors unite.

The performers and PK Sound systems were ON PAR. I will admit that I can be picky with my music and am not one to hesitate to express when I’m not really digging something. I don’t think that happened once throughout Emissions… there wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t feeling the groove of the music and amazing people surrounding me! I guess that’s what happens when you bring the vital forces of the west coast bass music scene together as one in collaboration and manifestation. I know that I as well as every other participant wholeheartedly recognize and appreciate what went down that weekend!

Big ups to Camp Question Mark, PK Sound, all of those who worked hard to make the weekend what it was, and especially to the bass family for joining in for an unforgettable time. Oh, and also to the guy who acquired a loving pet squirrel while on acid during The Polish Ambassador’s set. Too good not to mention.

 Sonic Bloom is one of the greatest events that happens every year. I’ve attended a handful of times now and can say that statement with complete confidence.

This year I’ve scaled back on all the events that I could attend due to a new focus on my career. Last year I attended over 10 festivals and only making it to around 5 this year. Out of all the festivals that I attended last year, there are two wrist bands still on: Sonic Blooms and Symbiosis.

What sets Sonic Bloom apart from all the festivals is its location. Colorado is one of most beautiful states I’ve ever visited. It has everything a person like myself could want: mountains, water (rivers), epic trails, talented producers, legalization, active community, and affordable!

If it weren’t for my the recent job I recently acquired, I would have moved to Colorado. Sonic Bloom encompasses all the allure of Colorado in one giant event. It’s the time of year where the music community comes together in the central state of the US.

This years line up is one of the most impressive ones the year. The one thing that I have to address is the fact that the local talent that is located in Colorado is world class. If there was a mecca for bass music or any variation of it right now, it would be Colorado. If it wasn’t already so enticing to visit, they recently legalized herb.

Georgetown is outside of the Denver/Boulder area but the drive into the small town always leaves me breathless. The actual location of the venue is absolutely stunning if you’ve never been. The venue is divided into two areas separated by a river running in-between. There are two bridges that connect them and always leave you in awe as you see the water flowing. It is worth noting that this year they will be offering white water rafting! There will also be tons of yoga workshops as well as numerous talks and vendors.

If you were still debating on attending this year, I personally highly recommend it. There aren’t many gathers of this nature that happen every year. It’s one of the most well organized events I’ve ever attended. Just be sure to bring a smile and be ready to dance till sunrise!

Grab Tickets for Sonic Bloom 2013!

I hope that I’ll see many of you out there. Be sure to say hello if you see me!

Afro Monk’s Personal Recommendations:
Adham Shaikh, Andreilien, Bluetech, Desert Dwellers, Gaudi, Govinda, ill-esha, ill.Gates, kLL sMTH, Knowa Knowone, Lafa Taylor, Lotus Drops, Love & Light, Lucent Dossier Experience, LYNX, Minnesota, NastyNasty, Nico Luminous, OPIUO, Random Rab, Russ Liquid. sAuce, Temple Step Project, The Floozies, The Fungineers, The Human Experience, Thriftworks, Treavor Moontribe, TRUTH, Unlimited Aspect, Whitebear, YuYu

Dave Tipper recently announced over Facebook that he was taking a break from touring as much. The reason was to focus on his health. Apparently he needs surgery and needs help offsetting the cost. He has released a few VIP tracks to help him raise money. Any lover of electronic music should help one of the great producers of our time. I decided to make this post to help Tipper gain reach and help unite the music community together. Dave, is one of the most talented producers of our generation. He has pioneered the glitch-hop movement and helped set the bar for surround sound releases.

Below is the message he posted today (6/4/2013) on his Facebook page.

“In 17 hours from now i have to undergo open heart surgery. (I am very scared.)

In an attempt to lessen the blow of medical costs from this major procedure, i am releasing an EP of ‘VIP’ remixes that i’ve been playing in my live sets over the last couple of years. My good friends at Addictech are hosting the release and are forgoing their percentage, so that 100% of the money from your purchase goes towards helping me out. There is also a paypal donation address (openheartdave@gmail.com) if you feel like contributing more.

My intention is to bounce back from this stronger than ever, but regardless of what happens from here on out, i’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the years. It’s been a pleasure serving you all.

Cheers,
Dave.”

BUY: Tipper – Dusty Bubble Box EP!

Help Donating More Below!

The whole team at AfroMonk.com wishes you a speedy recovery!

- JM

Desto has been one of my favorite producers for quite awhile now. Whenever I get the chance I’ll sneak in No Sleep into my set. He has been releasing singles and EPs for around 5 years now. He hasn’t released a LP since his debut as Desto. June 10th 2013 is the official release date for Desto’s first LP, Emptier Streets, on Rwina Records. It makes a lot of sense that Rwina is the label of choice for this album. It totally has that unique style and sound that all their artist bring to the table.

The trap movement has taken over but their are still a grip of producers who are making this atmospheric space crunk sound and Desto is one of them. The sound design and spacey feel to his sound makes for quite an enjoyable auditory experience. I will say that Emptier Streets reminds me a lot of Eprom’s Metahuman. It’s the closest thing that sounds remotely close to this release. Considering that Metahuman is considered by many as one of the better albums of 2012, you could say this is one of the best of 2013.

Be sure to pre-order this one on vinyl! As a person who strictly only orders LP’s lately. This one is an instant buy. Big ups to Desto on this one and for Rwina for pushing the bar further and further!

Pre-order Desto – Emptier Streets

I have been spending a good amount of time revamping and tweaking my sound lately. There of tons of new producers I find on a daily basis that are inspiring greatly. I am really feeling this movement to slow jams 90s R&B mixed with sullen bass, it’s totally future. Even if it’s not, I love it.

I’ve been digging and finding gold. At first I wanted to release this as one giant 2+ hour mix. Now after some serious thought, I changed my mind. The logic was that many of the tracks will get lost if all put into large one play. Each individual track means a bit more in this format, which is what I’d like to convey.

The past month I’ve been working with a close friend, Warp9, on production. The vibe and feeling that I’ve been trying to create in my own music is very much on this tip. One of my goals would be to create mixes similar to this one made up of my own production.

Now sit back, relax, and turn the lights down and enjoy <3

It has been awhile since I’ve made a post but Molly and Tara have been holding it down =)

Alright, now to business. Adam aka Ahab is someone I had to bring your attention too again. It has been awhile since I’ve moved back from Texas and Adam is one of those producers I got to connect with while there. People ask me all the time who I’ve been jamming too and figured that the next few post should be about those up and coming producers that I see a bright future ahead of them.

Ahab has had a few releases on his own and with Black Market Pharmacy.
I got a small taste of some freshies directly from him the other day. Now as I’m going through some music for some upcoming shows I’m playing, I thought to myself. Man, I need to make sure to hype this guys name out there because it’s only going to get better. If there’s a young new producer that is really standing out but making music that reminds me of the past lazer bass stuff, it’s Ahab.

I think we’ll be hearing the name Ahab a lot more as time progresses. He’s young and developing into an extremely talented producer. It’s always great to see a friend mature and develop their sound. Not to mention there’s the whole Black Market Pharmacy project that he is part of which consist of some other close friends.

Be sure to check out his Soundcloud to keep up with all his upcoming music! =D

With the exception of the lucky people who attended Lucidity, most of us are anxiously awaiting the beginning of everyone’s favorite time of year, FESTIVAL SEASON!!! I know I for one am super ready to bust out my (playa) dusty tent, LED’s , unicorn swag, and of course my best dancing shoes. As of now, I’ve got my season’s plans pretty much all lined up and the first official stop of my 2013 Bass Summer is in Black River Falls, Wisconsin at the Infrasound Music Festival. 

Twin Cities Dubstep joined forces with the Untz.com to bring this young festival back bigger and better for it’s second year. Twin Cities Dubstep is a major player in the midwest electronic music scene, booking everyone from massive headliners to up and coming locals to classic favorites of every genre. Needless to say, the festival has stirred up a lot of excitement in that and surrounding areas and is proving to be actual competition against some of the bigger festivals, such as Wakarusa, that happen to be sharing the same date. The location is looking absolutely lovely and thanks to the late May date, the weather should fall at that really nice level right before the wretched midwest summer humidity (not my steez!). The festival grounds are nestled among a surrounding forest and includes a small lake whose shores will be home to a daytime beach stage.  One of the best aspects of this festival is definitely it’s price. I was shocked to see the earliest early bird tickets at only $50 and even now the current price is at a mere $95 and will raise to a still-relatively-cheap-for-the-lineup $120 at the door. Plus a portion of the profits are going towards a Minneapolis non-profit, Save Our Schools, and their goal to save an inner city music program. Awesome! Located about 2.5 hours from Minneapolis, 3 from Milwaukee, and 4 from Chicago, it’s a super mellow trek from many of the major music hubs of that region. So basically if you’re around, there aren’t too many good excuses not to come out and play Ok enough shit about logistics, let’s talk music!

For many of you, you’ll be so sold at the next word that you might as well stop reading this now and go ahead and purchase your ticket : TIPPER. Although this fact might change with the new announcement of the Symbiosis lineup, Infrasound is the ONLY festival this summer that will be hosting this musical mad man/genius/higher being as their headliner and not only that, booked him to play TWICE on Saturday. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about the promised twilight downtempo set ( I’m pretty convinced a fairy is born every time he plays a song from Broken Soul Jamboree live) and I’m making a solid and public warning right now to gtfo out of my way during the second set cause this girl + outdoor sound systems + Tipper = elbow poppin, hip displacing, melted minded, third eye to toe dance floor ridiculousness. To complete the sensory experience, the legendary digital artist Android Jones will be supplying the visuals.

Another performance I’m really looking forward to is Liquid Stranger’s downtempo set. Known mainly for his masterfully produced and absolutely crushing Dubstep, Drumstep, and DnB, Liquid Stranger has toured all over the world playing bass music but Infrasound will be his first ever Downtempo/IDM set. Anyone familiar with his album “Cryogenic Encounters” or his pre Rottun work knows how magical this is going to be.  Some more artists I’m personally excited to see are Haywyre, Billy Blacklight, Thriftworks, Grimblee, Mumukshu, Megalodon, Shwex, Bogtrotter, Smilodon, Loom In Essence, and Spankalicious! You can also catch some bigger name festival favorites : Gramatik, HeRobust, MartyParty, Luminox, and the beautiful Emancipator. Best part of all? Main stage is going to be on a gorgeous Funktion One rig.

The festivities begin May 31st, which is a little over three weeks away, so there is still plenty of time to get your ticket, your crew, your whiskey to share with me, and your beautiful selves ready for what’s sure to be an amazing weekend. I will see you on the dancefloor!

Buy your tickets here

Recently I’ve been obsessed with the cheesiest music.  Think super colorful and vibrant and bright, or as me and my best friend call it, “Azn Baby Music” because of it’s total absolute freshness and cuteness. But when listening to Mumukshu’s music, which fits into none of the above, I find myself back in the grimey swamps of bass I once knew very well.  And I could not be happier to be here.  His deep and textural sound exudes a heavy, dark, and alien flavor. There’s some excellent appropriately murky sound design in there with some very well done and interesting tribal vibed melodies. I’m sure it will really speak to some of you cosmic drifters, whether your journey be internal, external, or somewhere in between. I especially love his collaboration work with Shwex, whom you should all be expecting a post on quite soon. Associated with the mighty Enig’matik Records, he fits in well with the atmospheric, cutting edge, and indefinable work we’ve all come to know and love from the label.

Mumukshu, pictured above with Plantrae on the violin in Tahoe, is Jake Penn from Minneapolis, who’s currently studying Music and Technology at CalArts in LA and is starting to pop up more and more on lineups in the area. He’s young, inspired, and has a ton of potential, so start following him now, because we’re expecting some really great work from him in the coming year!

Love and Low Frequencies,
Molly