Intelepaths is a collaboration of the talented woman, ill-esha, and the homie, Unlimited Gravity. The two of them have had their own success working on their solo projects but a handful of events unfolded to have them work together on this new union.
They’ve put together a few tracks together that I’ve heard and blessed to be sharing this debut track. They’ve chosen Adina Howard’s Freak Like Me. The vocals Elysha put down on this one are incredible. If you haven’t heard of ill-esha sing live yet you’re missing out. Now add Ronnie dropping some vocals in the background of the chorus. The vibe and energy is just a small tease to what they have in store. I had to pleasure of playing one of their new tunes at Emissions this past week-end and hope everyone who hasn’t left to Symbiosis could grab this one. Freak Like Me is the perfect tune for any set. Who doesn’t want to find a freak out there =D
One of the things that Intelepaths reminds me about is how there is no limit to what you can do music. The EDM scene consist of instrumentals for the most part. The two of them bring so many pieces of the puzzle together to create a new blend of EDM. The vibes aren’t as focused on the dancefloor as much and creating beautiful music with good energy. Ever since I’ve been talking to Elysha about this collab I find such positivity and love behind it. Don’t expect crushing bangers with insane drops. Intelepaths represents the art of playing live set with live vocals, beatboxing, looping, and free styling organic sounds. The true experience is seeing to joining forces of both of them in a live set environment.
There is a small EP that is in the works but there are no official dates as of now. What I’ve heard so far is fantastic and always get excited to share the music they’ve both created together. It’s great to hear tracks that include original vocals from both a man and woman.
There’s much more ahead for these two. Elysha relocation to the States has opened the door to a lot more shows and availability to work with other artist. Ronnie is finishing up school and ready to show everyone what he has been working on and accomplished with his MHSM family. Expect a lot of new things from both of them working together and on their own. This isn’t the last you’ll hear of this.
Enjoy the first official Intelepaths tracks here from AfroMonk.com <3
Aussie Mr. Bill’s latest album “Focus” pretty much knocks my socks off. It is so masterfully thought out and crafted. This album embraces a variety of deep yet glitchy, swaggy yet moving, complex yet simple, and aesthetically-pleasing yet entirely unique sounds. I always had Mr. Bill on my radar to an extent, but since hearing this album I am without a doubt interested in what else he has to express through his production.
On a Monday back at work after a raging weekend in the sun, I can definitely say that I could use some cheering up, and this album did it for me. Focus is elaborate and beautiful and allowed me to clear my mind. The album guides listeners through sundry soundscapes with marvelous blips and tasty melodies; it truly pushes the envelope.
I am now kicking myself for passing up the chance to see Mr. Bill live in Nevada City last month where he also hosted an Ableton Live workshop. No doubt that both events would have been inspirational. I’m not sure how many other times I’ll have the opportunity to catch Mr. Bill, but if I do I will not surpass it!
Also, there will be [Re-Focused Part 1] & [Re-Focused Part 2] coming soon – with remixes from Kalya Scintilla, Circuit Bent, Blatwax, Whitebear, Kursa, and more. Pretty psyched for that!
Michal Menert just released his new full length release, Even If It Isn’t Right, today on Pretty Lights Music for FREE. If you’re a fan of Michal Menert or the sound that Pretty Lights represents I highly recommend grabbing this right NOW!
I had the pleasure of meeting Michal over WMC this year and got to kick it with him and take a glimpse into what the future holds on his side of things. This album defies a lot of the norm for most releases and tells his story in this long composition. Spending a few days with him and his manager I knew that I had to help them out. It’s not very often you come across such a talented artist with the ideals and vision that Michal has.
He’s your regular guy who likes to play video games, chill, make music, and eat tons of sushi. His story is quite a unique one and he’s the only person who could say that early Pretty Lights music was composed of Derek and Michal. It’s something that I believe isn’t noted enough.
I had the pleasure of being in Denver for Menert’s debut of his new fancy projection mapped stage. The moment I walked into Cervantes I was totally blown away. The team that put together is the same team that has put together Pretty Lights past stages but this one has been taken to a whole new level. The dedication and effort put behind Michal Menert is second to none. It’s a honor to have been brought in to take part of it. There’s much ahead and can’t even describe to you how incredible the experience was that night except by showing you a video of how wild it all came out below. The video was done by the Swaager team/website and is only a small glimpse into this magical stage represented by mountain like structures with a sun/moon center where Michal performs in front of. The lasers, video clips, and seamless combination of music and visuals are some of the best I’ve ever seen in my life.
Dear promoters of all locations. This show and stage will be touring in the Fall. I HIGHLY recommend picking this up. It’s one of the most amazing stages I’ve seen. The production levels is on par if not higher than Pretty Lights and other projection mapping stages out there. Cervantes was completely slammed and no one had any idea that the stage was being showcased for the most part.
Passionate producer/DJ and homie The Digital Connection (Ricky Shine) is doin’ big things. I kid you not when I say that every time I listen to Ricky’s newest tracks on SoundCloud, I am even more impressed than the last. His latest and greatest all-original Lazer Party Mixtape certainly reflects this sentiment. And he has spoiled us with a free download! With a nice gradual yet enticing build including sparkly notes and deep stunning melody, the principal development of the mix is on point. Then it transitions into a killer beat with ___ samples from Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer for You”. I really can’t wait for that track’s release. The remainder of the mix continues to satisfy my constant craving for mellow yet vibrant electronic frequencies. At a little over halfway through we get some of that nice blappy lazerbass Ricky loves. We later get hints of gangsta bass at around 30:00 which is personally my favorite segment. The bass gets deeper while retaining the unique multidimensional structure of the rest of the mix. Then we get an absolutely beautiful poignant section that makes me want to call my friends and tell them how much I love them J. His remix of Kaskade & Deadmau5’s “I Remember” (while admittedly I dislike most that I hear from both) is a fun way to start the wind-down. The mix ends on a high note with a fun upbeat tempo. Listening to Lazer Party Mixtape all the way through is such a treat and it takes you on a pleasant roller coaster ride; just when I feel a slight lull the next moment I feel myself grooving to the beat. It’s so clean and thought-out. I can tell that Ricky devoted his soul to this music, revealing to each listener a part of it. This is more expressive and sincere than anything I’ve heard from him yet.
Indulge yourself and take a listen to The Digital Connection’s Lazer Party Mixtape! I know you won’t resist downloading.I can’t wait for his upcoming release as well as to hear more of his collaboration with friend One4All (named Connect4)! Those two are crushing it across state lines.
Just under their new alias for about a month, Crushendo (formerly Slim Thugz) is already crushing it! They’ve brought their sound to a whole new level with the Drop Logic EP. I have heard multiple listeners express how impressed they are with the EP, and producers tell me that they love playing out some of the tracks to get a crowd moving. It’s impossible not to move while listening in to this rhythmic, booty shakin’ bass. My favorite off the EP is “Nickel$ and Dimes”; it has a catchy harmony along with a vivacious bassline – sounds just right!
While I loved the gentle pleasing melodies that Slim Thugz produced, I might even prefer the direction that Crushendo is going in thus far. I feel more bounciness, depth, and thought put into their tunes. Having followed Cody and Julian’s music from the start, I’m stoked to watch their evolution; there is notable improvement and enthusiasm coming from the two. They self-proclaim their music as “jazz-step”. I love it!
When I first heard that pioneer of bass Stephan Jacobs was putting together a remix album of Mad Era and In the Vortex I was beyond stoked; those two EPs bring back some of my favorite music memories of 2011. Then when I saw the list of producers behind the remixes I became even more pumped! The compilation includes banger tracks from the likes of Mr. Bill, jOBOT, Freddy Todd, Psymbionic, Ruff Hauser, Jupit3r, Knowa Knowone, and more. The album did not disappoint – these remixes are hot and I will definitely be bangin’ them in my headphones for quite a while. I have been following Stephan Jacobs’ music for years and it is a pleasure to hear some of my other favorites throw a spin on his already excellent tunes. The 12-track album starts off with a bang with One4All’s remix of Tatter which is also my favorite of the release. It’s upbeat, catchy, and melodious with just the right amount of bass, providing every component necessary for a memorable track. Another favorite is ChrisB.’s remix of Izzo feat. Smash LeFunk… it has some very nice brass instrumentals paired with crunk samples and a nice steady beat. Although I haven’t heard much about Dubvirus, I also found his remix to pop out to me; it’s beautiful in an odd and heavy way. Stephan Jacobs certainly provided an expressive and agreeable canvas for the remixers to work with!
Seeing Stephan live is an awe-inspiring experience that I recommend to all. His set at Lightning in a Bottle 2011 was legendary and I would say one of the best of the entire weekend. He also crushed it at SnowGlobe 2011. He has never let me down during a live set; his contagious energy and sincere passion for bass music are undeniable and compelling. He will be playing at SnowBall in CO in the beginning of March so be sure to catch him play if you’re there! I know that he is a huge influence on many other electronic musicians as he is a master of his craft, and I’m always looking forward to hearing more from the man!
Thriftworks (Jake Atlas) may be the most underrated producer these days. Given the bona fide quality of his production, not enough people know who I am talking about when I bring his name up. His newest release, Rainmaker, encompasses the perfect combination of eclectic sounds with stunning harmony and satisfying bass. It is my, and a few others’ who I have discussed the matter with, favorite bass album of 2012 thus far. I have no qualms listening to it all the way through and soaking up every second of it; the name is fitting as the album is perfect for a chill rainy day. Infiltrated with gorgeous strings, swanky bass, and some peculiar sounds that I honestly can’t even identify, the 14-track album is thorough and gratifying. Just as I feel myself falling into a state of relaxation the next track will be a gentle pick-me-up. I especially dig Teach Me How To Camelot; it’s more on the glitchy side than the others and I love the assortment of pitches. I have yet to see Thriftworks live but would love to… I hope to catch him at the Naughty Yaught: Valentine’s Day Party in San Francisco that Afro Monk is playing at as well. That looks to be one rockin’ party!
Ever since I heard their pleasant sound on the Bass From Above Volume 1 compilation, I have been tuning into Colorado pair Slim Thugz, comprised of Cody Yozipovic (Frequent C) and Julian Garland (The Candyman). Well Slim Thugz are no more – welcome their new alias, Crushendo! Today they released a dazzling minimix that showcases their project under this new alias; it is a glimpse at their upcoming debut EP, Drop Logic, which will drop on February 15th. The mix, which is up for free download, incorporates a tasteful amalgamation of melodic strings, “intelligent bass”, fresh hip hop samples, and assorted tempos. It starts off with a bang with their collaboration with rhyme master Kruza Kid, who has been featured in a lot of the Mile High Sound Movement guys’ production. The whole mix masterfully blends playful audio delights with a touch of gangsta elements, which I find to be irresistible. I have always loved Frequent C and Candyman’s signature flowy yet upbeat synth patterns; I like that whenever a track of theirs comes on my iPod I know right away who it is and know that I will enjoy it.
Although I did love the old alias I can see why they wanted to change their name; whenever I talked about Slim Thugz, a lot of my friends would be like, “Oh Slim Thug is rapping on Friday?”. No people. Slim ThugZ is playing, who I would rather see live any day to be honest. And I was blessed to see them twice when they came out to the Tahoe area – they absolutely crushed it! I really love the new Crushendo alias and think it is very fitting. Catch them live if you get the chance; they will be playing at the upcoming SnowBall Music Festival in Colorado in March which is sure to be an epic weekend. Check out the minimix below and be sure to grab Crushendo’s Drop Logic EP on February 15th!
Along with the New Year, I wanted to bring somewhat of a twist into the standard electronic approach of the blog. I thus introduce to you Colorado duo Bedrockk, comprised of producer/guitarist/vocalist Dave Marquess and live drummer/percussionist Phil Swain. Dave proclaims their composition style to embrace “a blend of r&b, dubstep, electro blues, and chopped and screwed rap”, and all of the above can undeniably be heard in Bedrockk’s debut album release, Get Born. As a consequence of their wide range of influences, the 12-track album has a lot of unique sounds and moods including swooning vocals, plunging basslines, striking drumbeats, rock-influenced guitar, lounge vibes, and chopped and screwed bits (have you ever even imagined all of that in one album?). Me being me, I personally love the mainly electronic-based tracks such as Streets are Shinin’, in which guitar, soulful vocals, and alluring frequencies intermingle effortlessly. I am also a big fan of Fuzzy Things which has a provocative feel with its incorporation of that deeper-delving yet downtempo bass. I also really enjoy Future Child. Download Get Born for free, you won’t regret it!
Bedrockk’s 1/1/12 debut release also marks the commencement of their record label/artist collective based out of Denver called Dirty//Clean, through which Dave claims they are “striving to push the bar with experimental and yet sexual/danceable music.” They have started off well as the release seems to accomplish just that with its lush sounds to move and groove to! Keep an eye out for Bedrockk – I foresee even more big things coming from them.
It hasn’t been a secret on here that I’ve relocated back to my hometown Miami. Truth is I haven’t really made it a point to tell anyone except my close friends. The music community is so vastly different here and knew I was giving up a lot moving back to this market. It’s not meant to be taken in a negative sense. Unfortunately the music I’ve been playing/pushing doesn’t really have much presence here. We all know the meccas are Colorado & California.
I was lucky enough to discover a market in Texas that allowed me to do what I’ve always wanted to do… Play glitch-hop. I became extremely involved in Texas and turned my life focus on music for the most part. I’d go out every night and actually network/talk to people. I’ve always been shy and moved to Texas only knowing my roommate. Texas was a scary move but once I got there it took me for one of the best rides of my life. I was only in Texas for a year but it feels like I was there for over five years. The amount of talented artist is overwhelming! The festival crowd is full force and plenty of homegrown events.
Now that I’m back in Miami I’ve started an entirely new lifestyle. I know that bass music popularity has reached a new height but it has also left me much to be desired. I don’t want to become that bitter old man complaining non-stop. I’ve decided to put this mix out there to target the Miami audience and nightlife but at the same time tip my hat goodbye to this sort of style. It’s fun, party, dance, and rave out music but truth is I’m burnt out and have been for some time now I’m sure. If you follow me on FB and Twitter you’ll know what I’m talking about. I’m a mid range bass hater. Yes, I admit it.
It’s time to focus on a positive new attitude and something different that will brighten my spirits. 2012 will be the start of many new things. As I said my lifestyle is quite different now. I don’t go out anymore and I’m going back to my anti-social recluse ways. My nights consist of me laying around my dream apartment on the beach listening to chill out lounge music and playing video games. My roots are in trip-hop/downtempo/lounge. I’ve decided to focus on that for 2012 and create a sister site that will built around that vibe. Expect a soft beta launch around Feb 2012.
This doesn’t mean this site will be executed!!! Ed and Tara have been doing an incredible job and I’ll still be writing post but come to understand I won’t be as active. It’s time to expand the market. I’ll still be around at all the events but keep in mind Miami doesn’t offer acts that I’ve been spoiled with while living in Texas. The bass scene is very alive here but it’s very brostep/moombah oriented which truthfully I can’t vibe with. Along with the sister site launch there will be a new weekly event that will be created to support the new movement here. I’m super excited to see how this pans out.
Now about this mix. It was designed on the fly to get you moving and sing along. There are times where I need to get motivated to go out to the club or bar and these tunes get me all hyped. They are mostly top 40 remixes with me giving them an extra umphhh to them and adding my glitches live. It’s been over a month since I’ve played or even mixed since I’ve been so busy with the move. Not to mention like I said I’ve kept myself isolated in Miami so not looking actively to play out. It was fun to rock out in my new studio to this. Anxious to see what the reception of this mix will be.
Afro Monk
May 16th by Afro Monk 
Tags: freak like me cover, ill-esha, intelepaths, intelepaths freak like me, MHSM, Unlimited Gravity
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